Coaching Staff: Rutgers vs Maryland

[zazoo2002]

Given the parallels with Maryland, how would you compare our coaching hires? The HC's appear to be cut from the same cloth. However, UM seems to have separated themselves with a much more experienced support staff. I know the hiring process is still very fluid. That said, would u attribute the differences to budget (kevin plank :)) and/or philosophy?

 

[PaKnight]

We hired two coaches, hard to tell what our staff will look like.

 

[RUBlackout]

Much more experienced support staff?? We have 2 guy so far. I know the OC is young but has good experience. That said, our ST coach has a ton of experience. I would wait until after everyone is hired before we compare anything at all.

 

[zazoo2002]

Well, definite experience differential in OCs and it's looking like a young S&C coach will be taking over for Cole. That's all we have to go on so far.

 

[jellyman]

Well, definite experience differential in OCs and it's looking like a young S&C coach will be taking over for Cole. That's all we have to go on so far.

No ... Ash has also hired Vince Okruch as Special Teams Coordinator (and presumably "grey-hair" adviser). Okruch has decades of experience:

1) Last 3 years as "consultant" coach for "Quality Control" for Special Teams and Defense at Ohio State.

2) 3 Years previous as Special Teams Coordinator at Akron.

3) In the years previous to that had 8 years as a Defensive Coordinator: 1 year Defensive Coordinator at Illinois, 5 years Defensive Coordinator at Colorado (under Gary Barnett), 2 years Defensive Coordinator at Northwestern (under Barnett also).

4) Prior to his 8 years as a DC, Okruch was a defensive position assistant coach for 5 years at Northwestern under Barnett.

So ... at least 16 years experience as an assistant coach at colleges in major conferences (8 of which were as Defensive Coordinator), plus 3 years as Special Teams Coordinator at Akron.

 

[zappaa]

Given the parallels with Maryland, how would you compare our coaching hires? The HC's appear to be cut from the same cloth. However, UM seems to have separated themselves with a much more experienced support staff. I know the hiring process is still very fluid. That said, would u attribute the differences to budget (kevin plank :)) and/or philosophy?

Separated themselves from what? Until I see a product on the field that shows me they've separated themselves they haven't done squat

 

[RUMBA-JK]

Mike London - immediately available because he was just fired
Scott Shafer - immediately available because he was just fired
Aazaar Abdul-Rahim - was Alabama asst dir. of player personnel now a defensive backs coach
Rick Court - strength and conditioning coach comes from Mississippi State
notable vacancy = offensive coordinator

Where is this "separation" of which you speak? maybe these guys + the 'yet to be named ' will gel into a solid staff - but don't really see a compelling story so far.

Let Ash put his staff together & a comparison can start to be made

 

[rubaseball78]

Given the parallels with Maryland, how would you compare our coaching hires? The HC's appear to be cut from the same cloth. However, UM seems to have separated themselves with a much more experienced support staff. I know the hiring process is still very fluid. That said, would u attribute the differences to budget (kevin plank :)) and/or philosophy?

Or you can say Maryland is filling up with retreads.

 

[bryanjints]

No ... Ash has also hired Vince Okruch as Special Teams Coordinator (and presumably "grey-hair" adviser). Okruch has decades of experience:

1) Last 3 years as "consultant" coach for "Quality Control" for Special Teams and Defense at Ohio State.

2) 3 Years previous as Special Teams Coordinator at Akron.

3) In the years previous to that had 8 years as a Defensive Coordinator: 1 year Defensive Coordinator at Illinois, 5 years Defensive Coordinator at Colorado (under Gary Barnett), 2 years Defensive Coordinator at Northwestern (under Barnett also).

4) Prior to his 8 years as a DC, Okruch was a defensive position assistant coach for 5 years at Northwestern under Barnett.

So ... at least 16 years experience as an assistant coach at colleges in major conferences (8 of which were as Defensive Coordinator), plus 3 years as Special Teams Coordinator at Akron.

Let me summarize this. Our special teams coordinator has more experience than our previous head coach does.

Who cares about Maryland.

 

[zazoo2002]

Uh...our special teams coordinator has more experience than our CURRENT head coach does.

 

[RUBUTCH]

Were both of Maryland's coordinators not fired? Not sure that is the experience we are looking for. Ash is doing a fine job, taking his time and making sure he makes the correct hires.

 

[RU31trap]

Right now everything being equal there is no comparison. None! Maryland has a clear edge.

 

[Ole Cabbagehead]

Right now there is no conclusion to be drawn.

 

[knightfan7]

One thing Maryland currently has over RU is if Durkin is fired for any reason, they have a couple experienced coaches who could take over on an interim basis. Other than that who knows?

 

[Akron Buck]

Durkin is putting together a staff and team, Ash will build a program and culture.

 

[vascosg]

Our special teams coordinator has more experience than our previous head coach (insert ... and both of our previous coordinators combined) does.

 

[Shimmy24]

Durkin is putting together a staff and team, Ash will build a program and culture.

Right, cause I'm sure Durkin has no interest in doing that.

Think the staffs are going to be similar when it's all said and done. MD had a head start in hiring so more position coaches are locked in, but both MD and RU are missing either OC or DC. Like I said, I expect the staffs to have a similar look to them.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

I think in the latest article, re: Ash and putting his staff together, he gives Durkin a little "dig" when describing the 2 ways to put a staff together (and why he's doing it his way...).

 

[TheB1GTerp]

notable vacancy = offensive coordinator

You are really going to like who we have coming. He's still coaching now, it really will be something.

 

[TheB1GTerp]

Durkin is putting together a staff and team, Ash will build a program and culture.

You're a mental midget. I have no idea who is a better coach Durkin or Ash. I can say this, I have met both and Durkin has "it".

When I say "It" it is that charisma that wins everyone over in the room, and recruits love him. So I can tell you Durkin is looking to be at Maryland long term

 

[Shimmy24]

You are really going to like who we have coming. He's still coaching now, it really will be something.

The more time that passes with silence, the more I think you're right. Certainly would be a great recruiting asset to add.

 

[mildone]

You are really going to like who we have coming. He's still coaching now, it really will be something.

If he's still coaching now, I guess that rules out the Fridge. Admit it; you know you want him back. :D

 

[aged_wolverine]

Mike London - immediately available because he was just fired
Scott Shafer - immediately available because he was just fired
Aazaar Abdul-Rahim - was Alabama asst dir. of player personnel now a defensive backs coach
Rick Court - strength and conditioning coach comes from Mississippi State
notable vacancy = offensive coordinator

Where is this "separation" of which you speak? maybe these guys + the 'yet to be named ' will gel into a solid staff - but don't really see a compelling story so far.

Let Ash put his staff together & a comparison can start to be made

Shafer got a bad rap during his year at Michigan. Rich Rod pigeon holed him to run the 3-3-5, and B1G teams ate it up for lunch. God I hope we never have such a sad D again. It was bad enough at the end this year watching with 3 DLine men out for the season.


The thing with Ash coming from the Bucks gives him contacts via contacts to a huge network of other coaches. Depending on budget, you guys could get a really good staff. Harbaugh's staff this season was the first time we really ponied up. We should of been doing it all along.


Depending on amount spent, and results, you guys may be in for even bigger names when your full cut kicks in. Good Luck with it.

 

[koleszar]

You are really going to like who we have coming. He's still coaching now, it really will be something.

Cut the clued in part, you have no inside info. 1st you told us UA was going to backup the Brinks truck for Herman. Then at the end of Nov. you told us to expect the announcement of Dan Mullen that night as your next coach. How'd those two work out mister connected. Now we're supposed to believe you met both Ash and Durkin. Take what this guy says and flush it down the toilet, he just spouts stuff off to make himself seem important.

 

[Arizona Knight]

Cut the clued in part, you have no inside info. 1st you told us UA was going to backup the Brinks truck for Herman. Then at the end of Nov. you told us to expect the announcement of Dan Mullen that night as your next coach. How'd those two work out mister connected. Now we're supposed to believe you met both Ash and Durkin. Take what this guy says and flush it down the toilet, he just spouts stuff off to make himself seem important.

Oops.

 

[bingethinker]

TheB1GTerp making friends where ever he goes, I see. Lol.

 

[jakeknight]

Scott Shafer would seem to be a good choice as a defensive coordinator, but also at times comes across as a real wing nut, if his track record with the fruit is any indicator he is a below avg. recruiter. As indicated above until you have the coordinators and staffs in place their is no basis for comparison. The head coaches hilosophy will also dictate who gets hired at each school.

 

[ArminRU]

You're a mental midget. I have no idea who is a better coach Durkin or Ash. I can say this, I have met both and Durkin has "it".

When I say "It" it is that charisma that wins everyone over in the room, and recruits love him. So I can tell you Durkin is looking to be at Maryland long term

Yea and Ash doesn't have any of "it" either right? Go back to your tree stump.

 

[zazoo2002]

Good to see this thread has inspired some friendly banter. ;)

 

[rutgersdave]

Is Walt Bell the OC from Arkansas St. your new OC who you are alluding to that we're really going to like. It really is something that you snatch him from the jaws of UL-Lafayette. Another bad call by TheL1ttleTerp and you met Ash and Durkin too I bet.[roll]

They score big against easy team but score low with good team. I guess Penn State, Rutgers and Maryland with all new OC convert to the spread.

I think this hurts the Top 3 in the Big TEN East since they will face 3 teams with the spread which is hard to win consistently, see the Big 12.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

You're a mental midget. I have no idea who is a better coach Durkin or Ash. I can say this, I have met both and Durkin has "it".

When I say "It" it is that charisma that wins everyone over in the room, and recruits love him. So I can tell you Durkin is looking to be at Maryland long term

I've never met either (just like you...) and I'm quite sure that Ash has as much "it" as Durkin, but hey, you're welcome to making this up to back your own opinion. All good! :boxing:

 

[TheB1GTerp]

Yea and Ash doesn't have any of "it" either right? Go back to your tree stump.

I think you missed the part where I said I do not know who would be a better coach. Ash may end up being the better hire. What I said was Durkin has the charisma that is charisma that is IT,

You know the kind that wins you recruiter of the year.

Franklin has IT. We think he is a scumbag, and he can not coach worth at darn. However, he has that IT ability to win people over.

 

[TheB1GTerp]

Cut the clued in part, you have no inside info. 1st you told us UA was going to backup the Brinks truck for Herman. Then at the end of Nov. you told us to expect the announcement of Dan Mullen that night as your next coach. How'd those two work out mister connected. Now we're supposed to believe you met both Ash and Durkin. Take what this guy says and flush it down the toilet, he just spouts stuff off to make himself seem important.

#1 We did, he turned us down because looks like Texas is gonna fire Strong after next year and hire Herman. Herman was interested but also felt bad leaving after one year. We offered him more than 4 million.

#2 We did have Mullen locked up, but that fell through when we went after Richt. Mullen didn't want to comepte with Richt, and we had no shot at Richt. Durkin was always a top candidate.

#3 I have met both of them as I have been up to Ohio State with friends who are big boosters who are MD graduate students but OSU undergrads last year and invited me saying we need to get rid of Edsall and said either of them (Herman or Ash) would be a great head coach. I don't know them on a first name basis. I am just saying the impression I got from them listening to them talk. Durkin I obviously met at UMD booster event. I did not mean to slander Ash at all, I said who knows who is going to be a better coach he or Durkin. What I said is Durkin has IT, likes James Franklin that charisma that wins people over. Its like Calapari, he has IT. Plenty of great coaches do not have it, Saban doesn't have it, but he is a incredible coach.

#4 I just like talking football, I have plenty of Rutger friends and we talk about what's going on here because i root for you guys when not playing UMD. Just like my friend roots for UMD when not playing OSU.

Check around you can verify the Mullen/Kiffin/Herman interest, we shot high but I think we made a great hire.

Rutgers was throwing around 5 million too just to let you know, couldn't make the deal either with the guys they wanted. It's not like you guys didnt talk to Schiano, and things were close just obviously you know where he wanted to go.

 

[zazoo2002]

Maryland putting together a name-brand staff. Maybe this is where the Under Armour $$ is making a difference. Should help them nicely with recruiting.

 

[jay_hq]

Rutgers was throwing around 5 million too just to let you know, couldn't make the deal either with the guys they wanted.

Hahaha, nice one! That statement made me realize the whole thing was one big joke.

There are only 7 coaches that make 5 million or more in the NCAA. Rutgers is not in any position to be paying that kind of money.

 

[rutgersguy1]

I see they hired Pete Lembo from Ball State as assistant HC/special teams coordinator. Durkin sure has a lot of experience he's added to his staff. 3 ex HCs, I wonder what they're paying him for him to resign from Ball State. Maybe he feels he needs to get onto a P5 staff and work up from there to finally get a shot since he's been passed over in the past.

 

[RU31trap]

I see they hired Pete Lembo from Ball State as assistant HC/special teams coordinator. Durkin sure has a lot of experience he's added to his staff. 3 ex HCs, I wonder what they're paying him for him to resign from Ball State. Maybe he feels he needs to get onto a P5 staff and work up from there to finally get a shot since he's been passed over in the past.

As I said, right now you can't compare our coaching staff to MD's. It seem to me that MD is investing heavy green in what I consider an experienced staff.

 

[jay_hq]

The Big Ten East is on its way (or already is?) to becoming the SEC West.

It looks like Indiana and Rutgers might be left out unless we decide to pump in a lot of cash too.

 

[knightfan7]

Maryland putting together a name-brand staff. Maybe this is where the Under Armour $$ is making a difference. Should help them nicely with recruiting.

Rutgers could do the same thing if they hired 2 fired head coaches and a 3rd who likely sees the hand writing on the wall after going 8-16 the past 2 years.

Sure they have experience but it's not all good.

 

[ck_ruiz]

Given the parallels with Maryland, how would you compare our coaching hires? The HC's appear to be cut from the same cloth. However, UM seems to have separated themselves with a much more experienced support staff. I know the hiring process is still very fluid. That said, would u attribute the differences to budget (kevin plank :)) and/or philosophy?

This is definitely not about money, this is about Ash wanting guys he can mold to his vision, not guys that come in with past experiences and are not flexible to doing things his way.
He wants hungry guys he can run into the ground and they keep coming back for more. Ash want to create a hard working hungry culture and he needs everyone to be on the same page.