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Topic: TOS to Ohio (Coaching Search Thread):
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Doc Bobcat
12/23/2025 10:51 AM
GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
I’d like to know the basis for firing everybody if they do. Too much bourbon?
They're not being fired. They just won't be retained. It's very rare that a new coach from outside the program would hang on to guys still in the program. He would want to assemble his own staff.

Now that being said, I wouldn't be surprised if this late in the cycle he did keep some folks around. Hell I wouldn't be surprised if Hauser was still on staff.
Retaining Hauser would be one saving grace but probably not enough to keep the program from heading for the toilet.
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stockercat
12/23/2025 10:52 AM
I will be highly disappointed if Slade and Lori gut the staff and start new.
Last Edited: 12/23/2025 10:52:13 AM by stockercat
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Cats5
12/23/2025 10:53 AM
Doc Bobcat wrote:expand_more
I’d like to know the basis for firing everybody if they do. Too much bourbon?
They're not being fired. They just won't be retained. It's very rare that a new coach from outside the program would hang on to guys still in the program. He would want to assemble his own staff.

Now that being said, I wouldn't be surprised if this late in the cycle he did keep some folks around. Hell I wouldn't be surprised if Hauser was still on staff.
Retaining Hauser would be one saving grace but probably not enough to keep the program from heading for the toilet.
If Hauser isn't named HC, I doubt he'll stay. This would be the second time he's been passed up on the job. I'd imagine he'd move on to somewhere else.
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Bobcat1996
12/23/2025 11:04 AM
SBH wrote:expand_more
This is no joke I’m hearing from sources that they are going to gut the entire staff after everything and announce it sometime after the bowl game. Probably are going to hire outside the program. Really gotta feel for guys like coach scott, Dlo, and Hausser who are either from the area or built their families there. Gotta hope a new guy can keep some players and build a similar culture because we have been rolling the past couple years.
I don't want to bash Kevin Johns - probably a good guy to hang out with and talk to - but I'm failing to see how he would be a good fit of any sort for us.

I will still trust Slade as our AD, but he will need to put in the work after he names the new HC to prove that he's everything as he was advertised to be back at South Dakota State and other places.
I also trust Slade, however it very well could be the President making this decision.
Once again you are out of your mind. Enjoy your time in Charlotte.
Nice of you to chime in SBH. Coming from the person who supported the former AD when she couldn’t close the deal 13 months ago with the two time Conference Coach of the year. A coach who won ten games three consecutive seasons, but your buddy the former AD refused to recognize that unprecedented accomplishment. Maybe you should enjoy your time in Baton Rouge?
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Bobcat1996
12/23/2025 11:05 AM
STVCastle wrote:expand_more
Let's not overthink this. Stick with continuity.

John Hauser.

I have a feeling the players are gonna play hard for him in the Frisco Bowl.
Agree 100 percent!
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Mike Coleman
12/23/2025 11:34 AM
Slade is quoted in the NYT saying the decision to fire Smith came from Cuter Hall, but that he supports the decision…and another article stated Dr. Gonzalez reviewed the lawyer’s rebuttal before firing Smith…so suggesting that she would have no input on the hiring process would be a stretch if you ask me. I doubt she's the one out hunting down the candidates either. Probably somewhere in the middle.
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Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
12/23/2025 11:39 AM
Mike Coleman wrote:expand_more
Slade is quoted in the NYT saying the decision to fire Smith came from Cuter Hall, but that he supports the decision…and another article stated Dr. Gonzalez reviewed the lawyer’s rebuttal before firing Smith…so suggesting that she would have no input on the hiring process would be a stretch if you ask me. I doubt she's the one out hunting down the candidates either. Probably somewhere in the middle.
The President should absolutely be involved in the hiring of one of the University's highest paid employees. It's how basically any company would run; you hire an executive level person, and the CEO is likely to sign-off and be part of the decision making team. I wouldn't expect anything different.

But that does not mean she's making the decision. Almost certainly up to Slade to determine the candidates, run the process, and bring the proposal to the President.
Last Edited: 12/23/2025 11:41:36 AM by Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
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Mike Coleman
12/23/2025 11:41 AM
I find it interesting that both Johns and last year’s finalist Deland McCullough were on the same staff at Indiana for multiple years and both are offshoots from the Randy Walker coaching tree.
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Mike Coleman
12/23/2025 11:48 AM
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame wrote:expand_more
Slade is quoted in the NYT saying the decision to fire Smith came from Cuter Hall, but that he supports the decision…and another article stated Dr. Gonzalez reviewed the lawyer’s rebuttal before firing Smith…so suggesting that she would have no input on the hiring process would be a stretch if you ask me. I doubt she's the one out hunting down the candidates either. Probably somewhere in the middle.
The President should absolutely be involved in the hiring of one of the University's highest paid employees. It's how basically any company would run; you hire an executive level person, and the CEO is likely to sign-off and be part of the decision making team. I wouldn't expect anything different.

But that does not mean she's making the decision. Almost certainly up to Slade to determine the candidates, run the process, and bring the proposal to the President.
Hits imaginary thumbs up button.
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BillyTheCat
12/23/2025 12:22 PM
colobobcat66 wrote:expand_more
I’d like to know the basis for firing everybody if they do. Too much bourbon?
When a head coach comes in from the outside it’s traditionally given that they bring their own staff and retain maybe one or two at most. That’s just what happens (unless Tom Boeh is the AD then he hires the staff).
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GoCats105
12/23/2025 12:32 PM
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame wrote:expand_more
Slade is quoted in the NYT saying the decision to fire Smith came from Cuter Hall, but that he supports the decision…and another article stated Dr. Gonzalez reviewed the lawyer’s rebuttal before firing Smith…so suggesting that she would have no input on the hiring process would be a stretch if you ask me. I doubt she's the one out hunting down the candidates either. Probably somewhere in the middle.
The President should absolutely be involved in the hiring of one of the University's highest paid employees. It's how basically any company would run; you hire an executive level person, and the CEO is likely to sign-off and be part of the decision making team. I wouldn't expect anything different.

But that does not mean she's making the decision. Almost certainly up to Slade to determine the candidates, run the process, and bring the proposal to the President.
In most cases the AD isn't even running the process. The school works with a search firm to find the candidates.
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BillyTheCat
12/23/2025 12:37 PM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
This is no joke I’m hearing from sources that they are going to gut the entire staff after everything and announce it sometime after the bowl game. Probably are going to hire outside the program. Really gotta feel for guys like coach scott, Dlo, and Hausser who are either from the area or built their families there. Gotta hope a new guy can keep some players and build a similar culture because we have been rolling the past couple years.
I don't want to bash Kevin Johns - probably a good guy to hang out with and talk to - but I'm failing to see how he would be a good fit of any sort for us.

I will still trust Slade as our AD, but he will need to put in the work after he names the new HC to prove that he's everything as he was advertised to be back at South Dakota State and other places.
I also trust Slade, however it very well could be the President making this decision.
Once again you are out of your mind. Enjoy your time in Charlotte.
I know of two situations in OHIO football history where the president overruled the AD's coaching preference. One work out very well -- Frank; the other was a disaster -- Cleve. [In the former case the AD in question spent the rest of his time here claiming he was on board with the Frank hire from the beginning.]
That guy hated Frank for the same reason he hated Grobe. He couldn’t control them and the President made sure they had the tools they said they needed.
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Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
12/23/2025 12:40 PM
GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
Slade is quoted in the NYT saying the decision to fire Smith came from Cuter Hall, but that he supports the decision…and another article stated Dr. Gonzalez reviewed the lawyer’s rebuttal before firing Smith…so suggesting that she would have no input on the hiring process would be a stretch if you ask me. I doubt she's the one out hunting down the candidates either. Probably somewhere in the middle.
The President should absolutely be involved in the hiring of one of the University's highest paid employees. It's how basically any company would run; you hire an executive level person, and the CEO is likely to sign-off and be part of the decision making team. I wouldn't expect anything different.

But that does not mean she's making the decision. Almost certainly up to Slade to determine the candidates, run the process, and bring the proposal to the President.
In most cases the AD isn't even running the process. The school works with a search firm to find the candidates.
Many industries use specialized search firms. But those search firms are still going through a manager internally running the process.
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BillyTheCat
12/23/2025 12:50 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.
Guaranteed he took a pay cut. DII coaches are approaching 100k on the average (hard to find figures because most are private schools), but when he came out it was very uncommon to hit 6 figures. Highest paid today is out of the PSAC at around $400k. UT-Permminian signed in 23 for 166k and will be close to $200k by 29’. DII schools get 7 paid coaches.
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colobobcat66
12/23/2025 1:01 PM
BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
I’d like to know the basis for firing everybody if they do. Too much bourbon?
When a head coach comes in from the outside it’s traditionally given that they bring their own staff and retain maybe one or two at most. That’s just what happens (unless Tom Boeh is the AD then he hires the staff).
Agree with all that. I was joking. Anyway is it possible that any coaches have multi year contracts? Not likely I know, does anybody know for sure?
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Mike Coleman
12/23/2025 2:03 PM
BillyTheCat 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.
Guaranteed he took a pay cut. DII coaches are approaching 100k on the average (hard to find figures because most are private schools), but when he came out it was very uncommon to hit 6 figures. Highest paid today is out of the PSAC at around $400k. UT-Permminian signed in 23 for 166k and will be close to $200k by 29’. DII schools get 7 paid coaches.
Permian-Basin’s coach just took off for Gardner-Webb, whose HC left to be OC at Toledo.
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DC_United47
12/23/2025 2:15 PM
Bobcat1996 wrote:expand_more
Let's not overthink this. Stick with continuity.

John Hauser.

I have a feeling the players are gonna play hard for him in the Frisco Bowl.
Agree 100 percent!
Agree, agree, agree!

Keep Hauser as HC. And it doesn’t have to be a one-game referendum tonight. My dad used to say “every day is an interview.” What could be a better example of what Hauser could do as the HC at Ohio than what he’s done as the DC the last two years? Win 19 games and a MAC championship. Recruit and sign some of the best recruiting classes in Ohio history. Not a single decommitment in the 2026 class as the interim HC!

The players will play hard tonight because that’s what Ohio football IS. It’s a culture that’s been on display since Frank got em rolling when I was (showing my age) in middle school!!!!

We are 12 months removed from a MAC championship. The school’s first one since my grandpa was in middle school!! LOL! Let’s not throw out the baby with the bath water just because one guy (ALLEGEDLY) did some stuff the president didn’t like. Hire Hauser, win games, repeat.
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Doc Bobcat
12/23/2025 2:28 PM
DC_United47 wrote:expand_more
Let's not overthink this. Stick with continuity.

John Hauser.

I have a feeling the players are gonna play hard for him in the Frisco Bowl.
Agree 100 percent!
Agree, agree, agree!

Keep Hauser as HC. And it doesn’t have to be a one-game referendum tonight. My dad used to say “every day is an interview.” What could be a better example of what Hauser could do as the HC at Ohio than what he’s done as the DC the last two years? Win 19 games and a MAC championship. Recruit and sign some of the best recruiting classes in Ohio history. Not a single decommitment in the 2026 class as the interim HC!

The players will play hard tonight because that’s what Ohio football IS. It’s a culture that’s been on display since Frank got em rolling when I was (showing my age) in middle school!!!!

We are 12 months removed from a MAC championship. The school’s first one since my grandpa was in middle school!! LOL! Let’s not throw out the baby with the bath water just because one guy (ALLEGEDLY) did some stuff the president didn’t like. Hire Hauser, win games, repeat.
Hear hear.

There there.


Well said.

+1
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GoCats105
12/23/2025 3:40 PM
Serious question and not trying to be contrarian, I'm just asking.

Outside of maintaining continuity and keeping a guy who's been in the program (in theory keeping the players happy also), why is Hauser the man for the job in everyone's eyes? Is he ready to be a head coach? Does anyone here think if Smith hadn't been fired that Hauser would really have been the next man up?
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MiamiBlowsChunks
12/23/2025 4:36 PM
cbarber357 wrote:expand_more
https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/2003175617957904388


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Johns


https://okstate.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/kevin-...
Not knowing anything about him, Johns doesn't look like he sticks around at one spot for very long and not a good history of being retained either. He was a Broyles award nominee at Duke in 2022. His offenses look to put up big numbers though.
If this is the best outside candidate they can find, I'm even less confident in Lori and Slade than I was before.
Slade's Northwestern teammate who happens to be from Ohio. End of Story. Not what you know but WHO you know.
This guy was not a teammate of Slade’s - he was an offensive assistant coach at Northwestern while Slade was a special teams player. Johns played QB at Dayton.

Looking into him, I am a bit confused how this guy went from being Riley Leonard’s OC and QB coach at Duke in 2022-23 to bouncing around Oklahoma and Oklahoma St as a lower assistant the past 2 years.
My bad but no other AD would like at Johns as the HC other than a former player. He's a vagabond who, in a quarter century, hits about .500 on winning seasons on whatever staff he's been on. He been named in any other HC searches?!

He'll certainly gut the offense and bring in a whole new staff. Probably Zane Flores is the new QB too.
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Ted Thompson
12/23/2025 5:26 PM
Stony Brook HC Billy Cosh just followed BobcatAttack Twitter account. Don't know if that means anything.
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Doc Bobcat
12/23/2025 5:53 PM
Ted Thompson wrote:expand_more
Stony Brook HC Billy Cosh just followed BobcatAttack Twitter account. Don't know if that means anything.
Decent resume.
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BryanHall
12/23/2025 6:33 PM
Doc Bobcat wrote:expand_more
Stony Brook HC Billy Cosh just followed BobcatAttack Twitter account. Don't know if that means anything.
Decent resume.
He's really young. I'm impressed enough by his rise to be interested. He's been a MAC coach recently (WMU), which doesn't hurt.
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mid70sbobcat
12/23/2025 6:55 PM
GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
Serious question and not trying to be contrarian, I'm just asking.

Outside of maintaining continuity and keeping a guy who's been in the program (in theory keeping the players happy also), why is Hauser the man for the job in everyone's eyes? Is he ready to be a head coach? Does anyone here think if Smith hadn't been fired that Hauser would really have been the next man up?
Perhaps not next man up but the reality is if an outsider is hired, we'll lose recruits and see plenty hit the portal and likely field a weaker team next fall. To keep Hauser at least a year continues continuity and a winning tradition.
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TWT
12/23/2025 7:05 PM
BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
This is no joke I’m hearing from sources that they are going to gut the entire staff after everything and announce it sometime after the bowl game. Probably are going to hire outside the program. Really gotta feel for guys like coach scott, Dlo, and Hausser who are either from the area or built their families there. Gotta hope a new guy can keep some players and build a similar culture because we have been rolling the past couple years.
I don't want to bash Kevin Johns - probably a good guy to hang out with and talk to - but I'm failing to see how he would be a good fit of any sort for us.

I will still trust Slade as our AD, but he will need to put in the work after he names the new HC to prove that he's everything as he was advertised to be back at South Dakota State and other places.
I also trust Slade, however it very well could be the President making this decision.
Once again you are out of your mind. Enjoy your time in Charlotte.
I know of two situations in OHIO football history where the president overruled the AD's coaching preference. One work out very well -- Frank; the other was a disaster -- Cleve. [In the former case the AD in question spent the rest of his time here claiming he was on board with the Frank hire from the beginning.]
That guy hated Frank for the same reason he hated Grobe. He couldn’t control them and the President made sure they had the tools they said they needed.
I thought he bragged about convincing Frank to become coach at Ohio. He was only AD for 1 year with Frank at the helm anyways.
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