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Topic: TOS to Ohio (Coaching Search Thread):
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BryanHall
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Posted: 12/18/2025 7:46 PM
Mike Coleman wrote:expand_more
- Hauser... would they ask him to coach on an interim basis for an entire season, while they await a bigger candidate pool? Can't say I'd be eager to sign on for that, though it sure beats unemployment.


- Bryant Haines, DC at Indiana - From right outside Columbus. All-MAC at Ball State. Put together a really impressive defense in Bloomington. Just named assistant of the year. A big swing, but he's available. And so are we.

- Spense, DC New Mexico - I'd kick the tires on Spense, for sure.

- TETTLETIME, WR Coach Jacksonville Jaguars - I'd bring in Tettleton as Offensive Coordinator. Maybe even see if he's ready to jump in with both feet as Head Coach. These days you gotta take a big swing and a young eager coach will fire up everyone. Also won't hurt with alumni relations.

- Dan Jackson, HC SDSU - I bet Lars wants to talk to Dan to gauge his interest. He also spent some time at NIU. (Vandy, Idaho as well)

- Mike Shananahan (not that one), OC at Indiana - Was brought up as a potential hire for Toledo. Has really done wonders with Cig at JMU and IU.

- Deland McCullough, RB Coach Las Vegas Raiders - Julie interviewed him the last cycle. Spent some time at Notre Dame. Won a ring as the RB coach with Kansas City.

- Mike Denbrock, OC Notre Dame - I believe Julie also interviewed him the last cycle. His name has been kicked around a few times regarding G5 jobs. Doesn't have one though, likely because of those beautiful golden handcuffs. A $2.1M coordinator role sounds like a dream.
Haines has just signed a new contract so he’s not available. Shanahan just signed a new deal today so he’s not available either. Truth is, almost every p-4 coordinator is making way more (1 1/2 to 4 times) what we were paying Smith. Why would they go to a G6 with as little money as we currently have?
Same reason Hartline would go to USF.

Some people, while making a lot of cash as a coordinator, are just waiting for their first offer to be the head coach somewhere. Can be seen as a strategic move, positioning them to build their own program for the very first time and potentially move up to bigger jobs in the future.

I certainly don’t think we’re high on a lot of lists, especially if you’re making $2M as a coordinator, but what we can offer is a path forward, with a historically strong G5 football program in a recruiting rich state. The hottest coordinater in the game is probably out of reach, but for others we can offer opportunity.

Hartline comparison is not exactly a good one. He’s going to make somewhere between 2.5 mil and 5 mil. That has nothing to do with our case. There’s no doubt some coaches would want to run their own show, but the pay they make to come here is not enough if it’s going to be less than 50% of what they’re making now.

While Ohio has done pretty well over the last 20 years or so, it’s hard to see how we’re going to be able to keep up, money wise, with many other G-6 schools that have more financial support. Maybe that will change, and I hope it will, but I’m sure how that would happen.
Did Cignetti take a paycut to go from Alabama to IUPUI? My guess is yes, and he would tell an assistant to do the same if it were necessary. Coaches who want to be head coaches will be head coaches.
Not to nitpick, but it was IUP where his dad coached for 20 years. It had fallen on hard times so sentimentality may have played some factor. However, I do agree with your point.
Mike Coleman
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Posted: 12/18/2025 8:02 PM
BryanHall wrote:expand_more
- Hauser... would they ask him to coach on an interim basis for an entire season, while they await a bigger candidate pool? Can't say I'd be eager to sign on for that, though it sure beats unemployment.


- Bryant Haines, DC at Indiana - From right outside Columbus. All-MAC at Ball State. Put together a really impressive defense in Bloomington. Just named assistant of the year. A big swing, but he's available. And so are we.

- Spense, DC New Mexico - I'd kick the tires on Spense, for sure.

- TETTLETIME, WR Coach Jacksonville Jaguars - I'd bring in Tettleton as Offensive Coordinator. Maybe even see if he's ready to jump in with both feet as Head Coach. These days you gotta take a big swing and a young eager coach will fire up everyone. Also won't hurt with alumni relations.

- Dan Jackson, HC SDSU - I bet Lars wants to talk to Dan to gauge his interest. He also spent some time at NIU. (Vandy, Idaho as well)

- Mike Shananahan (not that one), OC at Indiana - Was brought up as a potential hire for Toledo. Has really done wonders with Cig at JMU and IU.

- Deland McCullough, RB Coach Las Vegas Raiders - Julie interviewed him the last cycle. Spent some time at Notre Dame. Won a ring as the RB coach with Kansas City.

- Mike Denbrock, OC Notre Dame - I believe Julie also interviewed him the last cycle. His name has been kicked around a few times regarding G5 jobs. Doesn't have one though, likely because of those beautiful golden handcuffs. A $2.1M coordinator role sounds like a dream.
Haines has just signed a new contract so he’s not available. Shanahan just signed a new deal today so he’s not available either. Truth is, almost every p-4 coordinator is making way more (1 1/2 to 4 times) what we were paying Smith. Why would they go to a G6 with as little money as we currently have?
Same reason Hartline would go to USF.

Some people, while making a lot of cash as a coordinator, are just waiting for their first offer to be the head coach somewhere. Can be seen as a strategic move, positioning them to build their own program for the very first time and potentially move up to bigger jobs in the future.

I certainly don’t think we’re high on a lot of lists, especially if you’re making $2M as a coordinator, but what we can offer is a path forward, with a historically strong G5 football program in a recruiting rich state. The hottest coordinater in the game is probably out of reach, but for others we can offer opportunity.

Hartline comparison is not exactly a good one. He’s going to make somewhere between 2.5 mil and 5 mil. That has nothing to do with our case. There’s no doubt some coaches would want to run their own show, but the pay they make to come here is not enough if it’s going to be less than 50% of what they’re making now.

While Ohio has done pretty well over the last 20 years or so, it’s hard to see how we’re going to be able to keep up, money wise, with many other G-6 schools that have more financial support. Maybe that will change, and I hope it will, but I’m sure how that would happen.
Did Cignetti take a paycut to go from Alabama to IUPUI? My guess is yes, and he would tell an assistant to do the same if it were necessary. Coaches who want to be head coaches will be head coaches.
Not to nitpick, but it was IUP where his dad coached for 20 years. It had fallen on hard times so sentimentality may have played some factor. However, I do agree with your point.
Haha no worries. Have Purdue on my brain for non-Bobcat reasons.
colobobcat66
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Posted: 12/18/2025 8:40 PM
Mike Coleman wrote:expand_more
- Hauser... would they ask him to coach on an interim basis for an entire season, while they await a bigger candidate pool? Can't say I'd be eager to sign on for that, though it sure beats unemployment.


- Bryant Haines, DC at Indiana - From right outside Columbus. All-MAC at Ball State. Put together a really impressive defense in Bloomington. Just named assistant of the year. A big swing, but he's available. And so are we.

- Spense, DC New Mexico - I'd kick the tires on Spense, for sure.

- TETTLETIME, WR Coach Jacksonville Jaguars - I'd bring in Tettleton as Offensive Coordinator. Maybe even see if he's ready to jump in with both feet as Head Coach. These days you gotta take a big swing and a young eager coach will fire up everyone. Also won't hurt with alumni relations.

- Dan Jackson, HC SDSU - I bet Lars wants to talk to Dan to gauge his interest. He also spent some time at NIU. (Vandy, Idaho as well)

- Mike Shananahan (not that one), OC at Indiana - Was brought up as a potential hire for Toledo. Has really done wonders with Cig at JMU and IU.

- Deland McCullough, RB Coach Las Vegas Raiders - Julie interviewed him the last cycle. Spent some time at Notre Dame. Won a ring as the RB coach with Kansas City.

- Mike Denbrock, OC Notre Dame - I believe Julie also interviewed him the last cycle. His name has been kicked around a few times regarding G5 jobs. Doesn't have one though, likely because of those beautiful golden handcuffs. A $2.1M coordinator role sounds like a dream.
Haines has just signed a new contract so he’s not available. Shanahan just signed a new deal today so he’s not available either. Truth is, almost every p-4 coordinator is making way more (1 1/2 to 4 times) what we were paying Smith. Why would they go to a G6 with as little money as we currently have?
Same reason Hartline would go to USF.

Some people, while making a lot of cash as a coordinator, are just waiting for their first offer to be the head coach somewhere. Can be seen as a strategic move, positioning them to build their own program for the very first time and potentially move up to bigger jobs in the future.

I certainly don’t think we’re high on a lot of lists, especially if you’re making $2M as a coordinator, but what we can offer is a path forward, with a historically strong G5 football program in a recruiting rich state. The hottest coordinater in the game is probably out of reach, but for others we can offer opportunity.

Hartline comparison is not exactly a good one. He’s going to make somewhere between 2.5 mil and 5 mil. That has nothing to do with our case. There’s no doubt some coaches would want to run their own show, but the pay they make to come here is not enough if it’s going to be less than 50% of what they’re making now.

While Ohio has done pretty well over the last 20 years or so, it’s hard to see how we’re going to be able to keep up, money wise, with many other G-6 schools that have more financial support. Maybe that will change, and I hope it will, but I’m sure how that would happen.
Did Cignetti take a paycut to go from Alabama to IUPUI? My guess is yes, and he would tell an assistant to do the same if it were necessary. Coaches who want to be head coaches will be head coaches.

That’s a great one. You got some more? Of course, that was when salaries weren’t millions.
Last Edited: 12/18/2025 8:41:41 PM by colobobcat66
DC_United47
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Posted: 12/18/2025 8:59 PM
spongeBOB CATpants wrote:expand_more
2 players have said “ hire Hauser” in the last 5 minutes on X. Let’s hope 50 more do quickly
DJ Walker and Michael Taylor are the two players I have seen post to hire Hauser
This is actually pretty interesting to see now that players actually have some leverage. I don't think the admin can just ignore these things now in the NIL/Portal age.
Totally agree. The players have the power. If the AD hires outside the program do you have any idea the cost of replacing an entire staff AND team?
Mike Coleman
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Posted: 12/18/2025 8:59 PM
colobobcat66 wrote:expand_more
- Hauser... would they ask him to coach on an interim basis for an entire season, while they await a bigger candidate pool? Can't say I'd be eager to sign on for that, though it sure beats unemployment.


- Bryant Haines, DC at Indiana - From right outside Columbus. All-MAC at Ball State. Put together a really impressive defense in Bloomington. Just named assistant of the year. A big swing, but he's available. And so are we.

- Spense, DC New Mexico - I'd kick the tires on Spense, for sure.

- TETTLETIME, WR Coach Jacksonville Jaguars - I'd bring in Tettleton as Offensive Coordinator. Maybe even see if he's ready to jump in with both feet as Head Coach. These days you gotta take a big swing and a young eager coach will fire up everyone. Also won't hurt with alumni relations.

- Dan Jackson, HC SDSU - I bet Lars wants to talk to Dan to gauge his interest. He also spent some time at NIU. (Vandy, Idaho as well)

- Mike Shananahan (not that one), OC at Indiana - Was brought up as a potential hire for Toledo. Has really done wonders with Cig at JMU and IU.

- Deland McCullough, RB Coach Las Vegas Raiders - Julie interviewed him the last cycle. Spent some time at Notre Dame. Won a ring as the RB coach with Kansas City.

- Mike Denbrock, OC Notre Dame - I believe Julie also interviewed him the last cycle. His name has been kicked around a few times regarding G5 jobs. Doesn't have one though, likely because of those beautiful golden handcuffs. A $2.1M coordinator role sounds like a dream.
Haines has just signed a new contract so he’s not available. Shanahan just signed a new deal today so he’s not available either. Truth is, almost every p-4 coordinator is making way more (1 1/2 to 4 times) what we were paying Smith. Why would they go to a G6 with as little money as we currently have?
Same reason Hartline would go to USF.

Some people, while making a lot of cash as a coordinator, are just waiting for their first offer to be the head coach somewhere. Can be seen as a strategic move, positioning them to build their own program for the very first time and potentially move up to bigger jobs in the future.

I certainly don’t think we’re high on a lot of lists, especially if you’re making $2M as a coordinator, but what we can offer is a path forward, with a historically strong G5 football program in a recruiting rich state. The hottest coordinater in the game is probably out of reach, but for others we can offer opportunity.

Hartline comparison is not exactly a good one. He’s going to make somewhere between 2.5 mil and 5 mil. That has nothing to do with our case. There’s no doubt some coaches would want to run their own show, but the pay they make to come here is not enough if it’s going to be less than 50% of what they’re making now.

While Ohio has done pretty well over the last 20 years or so, it’s hard to see how we’re going to be able to keep up, money wise, with many other G-6 schools that have more financial support. Maybe that will change, and I hope it will, but I’m sure how that would happen.
Did Cignetti take a paycut to go from Alabama to IUPUI? My guess is yes, and he would tell an assistant to do the same if it were necessary. Coaches who want to be head coaches will be head coaches.

That’s a great one. You got some more? Of course, that was when salaries weren’t millions.
Just last year:
Charles Kelly, Auburn DC,to Jacksonville State
Matt Entz, USC Asst HC, to Fresno St
Zach Kittley, Texas Tech OC, to FAU
Dowell Loggains, South Carolina OC, to Appalachian State
Phil Longo, Wisconsin OC, to Sam Houston
DC_United47
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Posted: 12/18/2025 9:03 PM
OhioBobcat wrote:expand_more
Go with Hauser.

Hire an offensive coordinator.

Promote an on staff person to defensive coordinator.
This is what I expect will eventually happen.
I think it’s 2/3 right. I don’t see anyone on staff being the next DC.
My prediction: Hauser HC
Hires new OC to run the Albin/Smith offense.
Hires a new DC to run the Spence/Hauser defense.
Keep this train rolling!
BryanHall
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Posted: 12/18/2025 9:30 PM
DC_United47 wrote:expand_more
Go with Hauser.

Hire an offensive coordinator.

Promote an on staff person to defensive coordinator.
This is what I expect will eventually happen.
I think it’s 2/3 right. I don’t see anyone on staff being the next DC.
My prediction: Hauser HC
Hires new OC to run the Albin/Smith offense.
Hires a new DC to run the Spence/Hauser defense.
Keep this train rolling!
Isphording gets demoted again?
Athens
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Posted: 12/18/2025 9:37 PM
10 highest G6 Salaries. This data is a couple months old without the latest hires but shows a general range.

Liberty 5.9 mill (Chadwell)
UNLV 3.5 mill (Mullen)
USF 2.5 mill (Golesh)
UTSA 2.5 mill (Traylor)
Army 2.5 mill (Monken)
Memphis 2.3 mill (Silverfield)
UConn 2.2 mill (Mora)
Boise State 2.0 mill (Danielson)
Oregon State 2.0 mill (Bray)
Utah State 2.0 mill (Mendenhall)

A splash hire then for the G6 is north of 2 million. That is likely the most in all reasonableness Ohio could pay for a football head coach.
Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Fiami @ Peden with 25,086 fans
2023 10-7 near shutout of Iowa State @ Solich Field
2025 17-10 defeat of WVU @ Peden in front of 26,740
colobobcat66
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Posted: 12/18/2025 10:01 PM
Mike Coleman wrote:expand_more
- Hauser... would they ask him to coach on an interim basis for an entire season, while they await a bigger candidate pool? Can't say I'd be eager to sign on for that, though it sure beats unemployment.


- Bryant Haines, DC at Indiana - From right outside Columbus. All-MAC at Ball State. Put together a really impressive defense in Bloomington. Just named assistant of the year. A big swing, but he's available. And so are we.

- Spense, DC New Mexico - I'd kick the tires on Spense, for sure.

- TETTLETIME, WR Coach Jacksonville Jaguars - I'd bring in Tettleton as Offensive Coordinator. Maybe even see if he's ready to jump in with both feet as Head Coach. These days you gotta take a big swing and a young eager coach will fire up everyone. Also won't hurt with alumni relations.

- Dan Jackson, HC SDSU - I bet Lars wants to talk to Dan to gauge his interest. He also spent some time at NIU. (Vandy, Idaho as well)

- Mike Shananahan (not that one), OC at Indiana - Was brought up as a potential hire for Toledo. Has really done wonders with Cig at JMU and IU.

- Deland McCullough, RB Coach Las Vegas Raiders - Julie interviewed him the last cycle. Spent some time at Notre Dame. Won a ring as the RB coach with Kansas City.

- Mike Denbrock, OC Notre Dame - I believe Julie also interviewed him the last cycle. His name has been kicked around a few times regarding G5 jobs. Doesn't have one though, likely because of those beautiful golden handcuffs. A $2.1M coordinator role sounds like a dream.
Haines has just signed a new contract so he’s not available. Shanahan just signed a new deal today so he’s not available either. Truth is, almost every p-4 coordinator is making way more (1 1/2 to 4 times) what we were paying Smith. Why would they go to a G6 with as little money as we currently have?
Same reason Hartline would go to USF.

Some people, while making a lot of cash as a coordinator, are just waiting for their first offer to be the head coach somewhere. Can be seen as a strategic move, positioning them to build their own program for the very first time and potentially move up to bigger jobs in the future.

I certainly don’t think we’re high on a lot of lists, especially if you’re making $2M as a coordinator, but what we can offer is a path forward, with a historically strong G5 football program in a recruiting rich state. The hottest coordinater in the game is probably out of reach, but for others we can offer opportunity.

Hartline comparison is not exactly a good one. He’s going to make somewhere between 2.5 mil and 5 mil. That has nothing to do with our case. There’s no doubt some coaches would want to run their own show, but the pay they make to come here is not enough if it’s going to be less than 50% of what they’re making now.

While Ohio has done pretty well over the last 20 years or so, it’s hard to see how we’re going to be able to keep up, money wise, with many other G-6 schools that have more financial support. Maybe that will change, and I hope it will, but I’m sure how that would happen.
Did Cignetti take a paycut to go from Alabama to IUPUI? My guess is yes, and he would tell an assistant to do the same if it were necessary. Coaches who want to be head coaches will be head coaches.

That’s a great one. You got some more? Of course, that was when salaries weren’t millions.
Just last year:
Charles Kelly, Auburn DC,to Jacksonville State
Matt Entz, USC Asst HC, to Fresno St
Zach Kittley, Texas Tech OC, to FAU
Dowell Loggains, South Carolina OC, to Appalachian State
Phil Longo, Wisconsin OC, to Sam Houston
Not trying to be argumentative (really) but a quick search reveals that every one of the coaches listed are making more money at their new position ( except Longo who was fired at Wisconsin before accepting the Houston job and is due payout from Wisconsin . I’m not seeing any obvious coaches who are taking a cut to be a head coach somewhere else.
Mike Coleman
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Posted: 12/18/2025 10:07 PM
colobobcat66 wrote:expand_more
- Hauser... would they ask him to coach on an interim basis for an entire season, while they await a bigger candidate pool? Can't say I'd be eager to sign on for that, though it sure beats unemployment.


- Bryant Haines, DC at Indiana - From right outside Columbus. All-MAC at Ball State. Put together a really impressive defense in Bloomington. Just named assistant of the year. A big swing, but he's available. And so are we.

- Spense, DC New Mexico - I'd kick the tires on Spense, for sure.

- TETTLETIME, WR Coach Jacksonville Jaguars - I'd bring in Tettleton as Offensive Coordinator. Maybe even see if he's ready to jump in with both feet as Head Coach. These days you gotta take a big swing and a young eager coach will fire up everyone. Also won't hurt with alumni relations.

- Dan Jackson, HC SDSU - I bet Lars wants to talk to Dan to gauge his interest. He also spent some time at NIU. (Vandy, Idaho as well)

- Mike Shananahan (not that one), OC at Indiana - Was brought up as a potential hire for Toledo. Has really done wonders with Cig at JMU and IU.

- Deland McCullough, RB Coach Las Vegas Raiders - Julie interviewed him the last cycle. Spent some time at Notre Dame. Won a ring as the RB coach with Kansas City.

- Mike Denbrock, OC Notre Dame - I believe Julie also interviewed him the last cycle. His name has been kicked around a few times regarding G5 jobs. Doesn't have one though, likely because of those beautiful golden handcuffs. A $2.1M coordinator role sounds like a dream.
Haines has just signed a new contract so he’s not available. Shanahan just signed a new deal today so he’s not available either. Truth is, almost every p-4 coordinator is making way more (1 1/2 to 4 times) what we were paying Smith. Why would they go to a G6 with as little money as we currently have?
Same reason Hartline would go to USF.

Some people, while making a lot of cash as a coordinator, are just waiting for their first offer to be the head coach somewhere. Can be seen as a strategic move, positioning them to build their own program for the very first time and potentially move up to bigger jobs in the future.

I certainly don’t think we’re high on a lot of lists, especially if you’re making $2M as a coordinator, but what we can offer is a path forward, with a historically strong G5 football program in a recruiting rich state. The hottest coordinater in the game is probably out of reach, but for others we can offer opportunity.

Hartline comparison is not exactly a good one. He’s going to make somewhere between 2.5 mil and 5 mil. That has nothing to do with our case. There’s no doubt some coaches would want to run their own show, but the pay they make to come here is not enough if it’s going to be less than 50% of what they’re making now.

While Ohio has done pretty well over the last 20 years or so, it’s hard to see how we’re going to be able to keep up, money wise, with many other G-6 schools that have more financial support. Maybe that will change, and I hope it will, but I’m sure how that would happen.
Did Cignetti take a paycut to go from Alabama to IUPUI? My guess is yes, and he would tell an assistant to do the same if it were necessary. Coaches who want to be head coaches will be head coaches.

That’s a great one. You got some more? Of course, that was when salaries weren’t millions.
Just last year:
Charles Kelly, Auburn DC,to Jacksonville State
Matt Entz, USC Asst HC, to Fresno St
Zach Kittley, Texas Tech OC, to FAU
Dowell Loggains, South Carolina OC, to Appalachian State
Phil Longo, Wisconsin OC, to Sam Houston
Not trying to be argumentative (really) but a quick search reveals that every one of the coaches listed are making more money at their new position ( except Longo who was fired at Wisconsin before accepting the Houston job and is due payout from Wisconsin . I’m not seeing any obvious coaches who are taking a cut to be a head coach somewhere else.
No, valid point. Just taking P4 coordinators who went to G6 schools.

I think we can all agree that Longo was a very puzzling choice, ha.
GoCats105
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Posted: 12/19/2025 12:28 PM
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame wrote:expand_more
Heaven forbid we'd want to turn the Ohio football program into something even greater than it currently is (a very good football program).
Can somebody:

1) Articulate what the plan was to turn the program into something greater than it is

and

2) How the new AD's plan differs?
I don't know the answers to your questions at all. But for me as a fan, and for someone who still sees the giant gap between haves and have nots, I find myself incredibly jealous of a school like James Madison going from FCS to the College Football Playoff in less than five years. Whatever commitment they made, I'm jealous I can't see it at our university.
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
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Posted: 12/19/2025 1:47 PM
GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
Heaven forbid we'd want to turn the Ohio football program into something even greater than it currently is (a very good football program).
Can somebody:

1) Articulate what the plan was to turn the program into something greater than it is

and

2) How the new AD's plan differs?
I don't know the answers to your questions at all. But for me as a fan, and for someone who still sees the giant gap between haves and have nots, I find myself incredibly jealous of a school like James Madison going from FCS to the College Football Playoff in less than five years. Whatever commitment they made, I'm jealous I can't see it at our university.
They committed money. Their athletic budget is $76m. Ours is something like $33m.

That's why I'm so skeptical of the football alums who felt we were finally building something bigger. You need money to do that, and our investment hasn't changed.
greencat
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Posted: 12/19/2025 2:34 PM
greencat wrote:expand_more
Former Old Dominion HC Bobby Wilder.

Coach OD for ten years, took over a garbage Tn Tech program and went 18-7/13-2

And that was in Cookeville TN which is a real dud of a town. A real zero.

Total record as a head coach: 95-63

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JoQagg0XZA
Tennessee Tech's Bobby Wilder named Walter Camp FCS Coach of the Year
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tennessee-techs-bobby-w...
M.D.W.S.T
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Posted: 12/19/2025 3:29 PM
greencat wrote:expand_more
Former Old Dominion HC Bobby Wilder.

Coach OD for ten years, took over a garbage Tn Tech program and went 18-7/13-2

And that was in Cookeville TN which is a real dud of a town. A real zero.

Total record as a head coach: 95-63

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JoQagg0XZA
Tennessee Tech's Bobby Wilder named Walter Camp FCS Coach of the Year
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tennessee-techs-bobby-w...
Went 31-42 in CUSA. He's 61 and this is only his 2nd job outside of the state of Maine. OU would be his 2nd ever FBS experience.

TT did win 11 games (lost 1st round), but I think we can do better.

I dont have a lot on my wishlist, but MAC experience, perhaps some sort of experience in the state, or even the region... if not that, then someone not of retirement age would suffice. (sorry to all my oldtimers around here)
Athens
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Posted: 12/19/2025 4:05 PM
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame wrote:expand_more
Heaven forbid we'd want to turn the Ohio football program into something even greater than it currently is (a very good football program).
Can somebody:

1) Articulate what the plan was to turn the program into something greater than it is

and

2) How the new AD's plan differs?
I don't know the answers to your questions at all. But for me as a fan, and for someone who still sees the giant gap between haves and have nots, I find myself incredibly jealous of a school like James Madison going from FCS to the College Football Playoff in less than five years. Whatever commitment they made, I'm jealous I can't see it at our university.
They committed money. Their athletic budget is $76m. Ours is something like $33m.

That's why I'm so skeptical of the football alums who felt we were finally building something bigger. You need money to do that, and our investment hasn't changed.
Do you think because Ohio is not a big spender G6 program that it hurts perception? It appears to me there is more upside in the middle of strong recruiting states. Tulane is in Louisiana and adjacent to MS, TX, AR and TN. The only good football state surrounding Ohio is Michigan and the MAC already has 3 teams there. Athens is convenient within Ohio but not from Michigan or Illinois. Bowling Green and Toledo have advantages that way.

Ohio scores another 7 at Rutgers, Ball St and Western Michigan and team would have been looking at a 12-1 season right up there with James Madison. Bobcats have gone 12-0 the last two seasons with the most turnovers at home obviously they've shot themselves in the foot with turnovers and subpar special teams.
Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Fiami @ Peden with 25,086 fans
2023 10-7 near shutout of Iowa State @ Solich Field
2025 17-10 defeat of WVU @ Peden in front of 26,740
Doc Bobcat
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Posted: 12/19/2025 4:59 PM
M.D.W.S.T wrote:expand_more
I would entertain Nick Toth or Kevin Carberry. Hauser would be a great choice but I assume a building cleanse is coming. Doesn’t Nowinsky still have a residence I Athens? I think all four are capable and would be welcome.
His son still goes to Athens HS, so seems likely his family is still here.

That call might not be as difficult as I previously thought, but I very much want to hear from Bryant Haines.
Nowinsky might be available.

Hire him as defensive coordinator.

NC State has put 31 points on his D and it’s still the 3rd quarter.

Hire Hauser….soon.
Mike Coleman
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Posted: 12/19/2025 5:47 PM
Doc Bobcat wrote:expand_more
I would entertain Nick Toth or Kevin Carberry. Hauser would be a great choice but I assume a building cleanse is coming. Doesn’t Nowinsky still have a residence I Athens? I think all four are capable and would be welcome.
His son still goes to Athens HS, so seems likely his family is still here.

That call might not be as difficult as I previously thought, but I very much want to hear from Bryant Haines.
Nowinsky might be available.

Hire him as defensive coordinator.

NC State has put 31 points on his D and it’s still the 3rd quarter.

Hire Hauser….soon.
Nowinsky is at New Mexico.
Casper71
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Posted: 12/19/2025 7:07 PM
Since Solich was hired we have done very well naming current staff members HC. Until that is not effective, I would continue doing the same thing. Hire Hauser and keep it going. If he fails, then start anew!
Last Edited: 12/19/2025 7:11:16 PM by Casper71
Doc Bobcat
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Posted: 12/19/2025 7:22 PM
Mike Coleman wrote:expand_more
I would entertain Nick Toth or Kevin Carberry. Hauser would be a great choice but I assume a building cleanse is coming. Doesn’t Nowinsky still have a residence I Athens? I think all four are capable and would be welcome.
His son still goes to Athens HS, so seems likely his family is still here.

That call might not be as difficult as I previously thought, but I very much want to hear from Bryant Haines.
Nowinsky might be available.

Hire him as defensive coordinator.

NC State has put 31 points on his D and it’s still the 3rd quarter.

Hire Hauser….soon.
Nowinsky is at New Mexico.
My bad….but he still might be available.
bobcatgrad
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Posted: 12/19/2025 9:17 PM
STVCastle wrote:expand_more
I would entertain Nick Toth or Kevin Carberry. Hauser would be a great choice but I assume a building cleanse is coming. Doesn’t Nowinsky still have a residence I Athens? I think all four are capable and would be welcome.
I'd hate to see an entire building cleanse of the entire staff simply because of what resulted with Smith.

The only alternative choice I'd be okay with as new HC would be South Dakota State's Dan Jackson. I'd have to think Larscheid would be on the phone with him asap because of the Jackrabbit connection.
I totally agree that I would hate to see a cleanse of the coaching staff just because of letting Smith go and would like to maintain some level of continuity where possible. Here is a list of coaches with longevity with the program.

1. Scott Isphording, Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach, 12 seasons
2. De’Angelo Smith, Defensive Passing Game Coordinator / CB / Director of Player Dev, 9 seasons
3. Tremayne Scott, Running Game Coordinator / Defensive Line Coach, 8 seasons
4. John Hauser, Interim Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator, 4 seasons
Last Edited: 12/19/2025 9:18:20 PM by bobcatgrad
Mike Coleman
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Posted: 12/20/2025 7:21 PM
Brent Vigen, Montana State...offshoot of Solich coaching tree. Also coached with Albin and Burrow at NDSU. Base salary is currently $295,000.

60-12 career record.

Playing for FCS championship.
GoCats105
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Posted: 12/21/2025 12:52 AM
Mike Coleman wrote:expand_more
Brent Vigen, Montana State...offshoot of Solich coaching tree. Also coached with Albin and Burrow at NDSU. Base salary is currently $295,000.

60-12 career record.

Playing for FCS championship.
He interviewed for Washington State the last two years and it mostly came down to him not wanting to leave his team right in the middle of a championship run. If Ohio can wait a couple weeks, I think this would be an absolute home run hire.
bobcatsquared
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Posted: 12/21/2025 9:39 AM
Best of all, his three sons won't have to memorize a new mascot to cheer for.

When my son, Ohio Bobcat freshman, and daughter, OU class of 2021, were much younger, I'd take them to a Newark HS basketball game on a Friday night. Both of them, at the same stage in their lives, would cheer for the "Bobcats" until I conditioned them by halftime that Newark is the "Wildcats". I would then take them down to Athens the next day for a Saturday game in the Convo. They would start the game cheering for the "Wildcats", having been conditioned to do so the night before. I would then have to reprogram them into cheering for the "Bobcats".
Mike Coleman
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Posted: 12/21/2025 9:58 AM
GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
Brent Vigen, Montana State...offshoot of Solich coaching tree. Also coached with Albin and Burrow at NDSU. Base salary is currently $295,000.

60-12 career record.

Playing for FCS championship.
He interviewed for Washington State the last two years and it mostly came down to him not wanting to leave his team right in the middle of a championship run. If Ohio can wait a couple weeks, I think this would be an absolute home run hire.
Problem is FCS natty occurs after portal opens.

Also, not a single Ohioan on the roster.

Definitely worth a look though, checks a lot of boxes, and I'm sure Larschfeld is familiar with him.

Even if he doesn't end up here, I'm still a fan. Definitely has a lot of class.
StevenTimothyVitte
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Posted: 12/21/2025 12:22 PM
Mike Coleman wrote:expand_more
Brent Vigen, Montana State...offshoot of Solich coaching tree. Also coached with Albin and Burrow at NDSU. Base salary is currently $295,000.

60-12 career record.

Playing for FCS championship.
Had Montana State lost yesterday, I would've said "Absolutely interview this guy!"

But those Bobcats won and are playing for the FCS Natty. January 5 is out of our range. I think we really need to decide who our next HC will be by 12/31/2025. We need to give the HC enough time to evaluate the Transfer Portal.
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