Ohio Football Topic
Topic: Coaches Gdowski(QB), Lightner(OL), and Grooms(Ops) to Vandy
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perimeterpost
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Posted: 1/17/2014 6:48 PM
per Twitter.

big loss for Solich and the Cats.
Mark Lembright '85
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Posted: 1/17/2014 6:57 PM
It might just be me, but I think losing Grooms could be the biggest loss.   The other two are good coaches but Grooms seems to have the highest ceiling and just seems to "get it."

I hope the best for the coaches leaving.  Seems to be a chance for Coach Solich to get some new blood on his staff.
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Posted: 1/17/2014 7:13 PM
The Grooms loss is huge and has me very very worried.  The guy is a big school caliber talent at a very young age.  You could see with some of his recent promotions to Assistant AD that we were trying to find ways to keep him.  I always thought he would stick around and morph into the role of like an NFL GM for our team....
greencat
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Posted: 1/17/2014 8:10 PM
Tell me about his role in the stadium renovation.

As far as the other two guys, what are their strong points.
Bcat2
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Posted: 1/17/2014 8:44 PM
Can we establish that Derek Mason is only going to hire top, really good, coaches for his staff at Vandy. He will be trusting them with his future as a head coach. This would validate their coaching. There might have been more offers, but, others have families with ties to Athens at this point.
L.C.
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Posted: 1/17/2014 9:51 PM
greencat wrote:expand_more
...As far as the other two guys, what are their strong points.
Gdowski is the co-offensive coordinator, and the QB coach. Under Gdowski, Ohio has has sound QBs every year. AE, Bower, Scott, Jackson, and TT have all been solid, Most of these had high passing efficiency, and made few mistakes, including throwing few picks.

Under Lightner, most years Ohio has had a solid offensive line, though last year was definitely off after all five upperclassmen got injured. His reputation is good, and the quality of Ohio's OL recruits has been steadily improving in recent years.

This is the biggest hit so far to the Solich staff. The fans that have been calling for some turnover in the staff will be happy, I presume, but I think it will set Ohio back a little for a year or two.
Last Edited: 1/17/2014 9:52:00 PM by L.C.
Diamond Cat
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Posted: 1/17/2014 10:08 PM
Why wouldn't you go to Vandy for the $$$? Just like Grobe to Wake. You may a ton of money for 3-5 years minimum before you finally wear out your welcome and on to the next gig. Vandy and Wake are never going to be football powerhouses but the fans and administration are as delusional as many other schools in thinking they actually could pull it off. This group will make nice money at Vandy until they don't get it done and then move on to the next paycheck.

Hey...the good news is we have Schaus to fix this and really keep the program going . Right?


 
colobobcat66
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Posted: 1/17/2014 10:22 PM
L.C. wrote:expand_more
...As far as the other two guys, what are their strong points.
Gdowski is the co-offensive coordinator, and the QB coach. Under Gdowski, Ohio has has sound QBs every year. AE, Bower, Scott, Jackson, and TT have all been solid, Most of these had high passing efficiency, and made few mistakes, including throwing few picks.

Under Lightner, most years Ohio has had a solid offensive line, though last year was definitely off after all five upperclassmen got injured. His reputation is good, and the quality of Ohio's OL recruits has been steadily improving in recent years.

This is the biggest hit so far to the Solich staff. The fans that have been calling for some turnover in the staff will be happy, I presume, but I think it will set Ohio back a little for a year or two.
as far as I an concerned, those are 3 of the best 4 coaches on the staff. We will see some if our recruits check out of this, I am guessing. By far the biggest shakeup in the staff in Franks 9 years. Some big losses.
When I think about this, I'm also guessing that the staff sees the end of Frank's time here drawing to a close and are happy to jump at a chance like this.
Last Edited: 1/17/2014 10:23:57 PM by colobobcat66
bobcat695
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Posted: 1/17/2014 10:48 PM
This feels like the beginning of the end.
Bcat2
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Posted: 1/18/2014 7:03 AM
bobcat695 wrote:expand_more
This feels like the beginning of the end.
Do not think so. Though Vick will lose his coach just as he is taking over there are others who will like the chance for a stable job at a winning program.

A logical replacement for Gdowski would be Joe Ganz. See the link.

A logical replacement for Grooms might be Austin Everson, see the link.

http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=2&SPID=22&D...

http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=204975389
Last Edited: 1/18/2014 7:34:18 AM by Bcat2
L.C.
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Posted: 1/18/2014 8:25 AM
colobobcat66 wrote:expand_more
...as far as I an concerned, those are 3 of the best 4 coaches on the staff. We will see some if our recruits check out of this, I am guessing. By far the biggest shakeup in the staff in Franks 9 years. Some big losses.
When I think about this, I'm also guessing that the staff sees the end of Frank's time here drawing to a close and are happy to jump at a chance like this.

i agree that these are three very good coaches, and I also agree that Frank's time is probably drawing to a close. I'm guessing that there are perhaps 3 Solich years left at Ohio (either with, or without a conference championship), and these coaches should be safe for at least 3 years at Vandy, so they won't have any less job security. 

To me the resignation of Grobe at Wake was an eye-opener. I have a hard time fathoming the coach with the most wins in school history under pressure by delusional fans. It shows that no coach is safe anymore. The way the world works now is "what have you done for me lately".  Grobe even won an ACC Championship, and went to a BCS bowl, but after all, that was a few years ago...

Is it the beginning of the end at Ohio? I still think that the next few years will be good, but after that, I kind of expect Ohio to be back on the treadmill, with new coaches every few years, like most MAC schools, with some good years, and some not so good. No reason there can't be 8 bowls in a row before that starts, though. Heck, maybe they can get Grobe back after Solich retires, and get him to coach till he's 70, too.
Last Edited: 1/18/2014 8:27:42 AM by L.C.
C Money
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Posted: 1/18/2014 8:51 AM
Congrats to the three coaches. Definitely a great opportunity for all.

Moving forward, getting AE back to OHIO would be fantastic. We need that toughness. But would it be a step down for him, career wise? I really have no idea what the salary difference would be between Asst. Director at Nebraska and Director at Ohio. On the other hand, Bo could be gone from Nebraska at any moment, and the staff with him. Frank probably has 3 more years here, so it would be at least a little more job security.
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Posted: 1/18/2014 8:54 AM
Bcat2 wrote:expand_more
This feels like the beginning of the end.


Do not think so. Though Vick will lose his coach just as he is taking over there are others who will like the chance for a stable job at a winning program.

A logical replacement for Gdowski would be Joe Ganz. See the link.

A logical replacement for Grooms might be Austin Everson, see the link.

http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=2&SPID=22&D...

http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=204975389



Ganz and AE.....excellent choices.

Anybody know any OL coaches out there ?
Last Edited: 1/18/2014 8:54:55 AM by Doc Bobcat
71 BOBCAT
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Posted: 1/18/2014 9:10 AM
While I agree with a lot that has been said concerning the 3 departures, I do believe that Frank has known that as the Ohio program has improved so too is the likelihood that he would loose some staff year after year.
I also believe that he has a replacement list.
Replacing these 3 should also be easier with the programs success and the fact that Frank has been able to increase the coaches compensation, not to mention the upgraded facilities, indoor practice field.
I also think that there can be advantages with new blood i.e. new ideas, new techniques, etc brought into the program.
Let's not forget that the 2 stalwarts to the assistant coaching ranks are still intact.
I like the idea expressed in an earlier post around AE returning. I firmly believe that having past players on staff adds a plus in the recruiting process.
Frank is a man that likes challenges and this situation is one more.
I honestly believe that Frank is enjoying his time here at Ohio, for many reasons, and his fondness to the university will translate into his leaving the program in it's best possible position. He might truly believe that this is a dream job for him, working for a great president & AD while rebuilding a program into a consistent winner and raising the bar on GPA's and graduation rates.
Ohio is truly a special place and will continue to be a special place.



GO BOBCATS
Mark Lembright '85
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Posted: 1/18/2014 9:26 AM
71 BOBCAT wrote:expand_more
While I agree with a lot that has been said concerning the 3 departures, I do believe that Frank has known that as the Ohio program has improved so too is the likelihood that he would loose some staff year after year.
I also believe that he has a replacement list.
Replacing these 3 should also be easier with the programs success and the fact that Frank has been able to increase the coaches compensation, not to mention the upgraded facilities, indoor practice field.
I also think that there can be advantages with new blood i.e. new ideas, new techniques, etc brought into the program.
Let's not forget that the 2 stalwarts to the assistant coaching ranks are still intact.
I like the idea expressed in an earlier post around AE returning. I firmly believe that having past players on staff adds a plus in the recruiting process.
Frank is a man that likes challenges and this situation is one more.
I honestly believe that Frank is enjoying his time here at Ohio, for many reasons, and his fondness to the university will translate into his leaving the program in it's best possible position. He might truly believe that this is a dream job for him, working for a great president & AD while rebuilding a program into a consistent winner and raising the bar on GPA's and graduation rates.
Ohio is truly a special place and will continue to be a special place.



GO BOBCATS


Amen 71 Bobcat!  And even if this is "the beginning of the end", so what?   If BGSU, Northern Illinois and others can keep finding good coaches, why can't we?  Schaus knows what he's doing and all is not lost.
Pete Chouteau
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Posted: 1/18/2014 10:11 AM
Greg Studrawa was OL coach at LSU for last 7 years and has departed that staff.

It's a pipe dream, but he's a state of Ohio guy and would be a HC in waiting.
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Posted: 1/18/2014 10:33 AM
Pete Chouteau wrote:expand_more
Greg Studrawa was OL coach at LSU for last 7 years and has departed that staff.

It's a pipe dream, but he's a state of Ohio guy and would be a HC in waiting.


Studrawa would be great....here's another possibility:


http://www.ohiobobcats.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/andrew_moo...

Last Edited: 1/18/2014 10:34:18 AM by Doc Bobcat
Bobcat Grad 86
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Posted: 1/18/2014 10:40 AM
the123kid wrote:expand_more
The Grooms loss is huge and has me very very worried.  The guy is a big school caliber talent at a very young age.  You could see with some of his recent promotions to Assistant AD that we were trying to find ways to keep him.  I always thought he would stick around and morph into the role of like an NFL GM for our team....


I totally agree, Jason has been a source of continuity within the program and helped to inspire the players on and off the field.  He will really be missed to help with the transition whenever Franks retires.  I wish Jason and his family nothing but the best.
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Posted: 1/18/2014 11:44 AM
You have to keep in mind that while assistants in the MAC make ~$70k or so, assistants at some schools make over $200k, so it's certainly understandable why they would be interested.
Monroe Slavin
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Posted: 1/18/2014 12:24 PM
The analogy to BG and NIU is not apposite.

Did BUTM also depart with the three who departed?







 
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Posted: 1/18/2014 1:05 PM
The fact that all three left at the same time tells me something.  I'm sure these coaches have talked with FS on a daily basis and know FS's plans for the the long term.  Probably none of them will be the next HC ast OHIO so they are looking for a better opportunity now.  Good news or bad, looks like the OC and DC are here to stay and one of them may, some day, be the HC if there is an internal promotion.
Bcat2
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Posted: 1/18/2014 3:19 PM
Casper71 wrote:expand_more
The fact that all three left at the same time tells me something. I'm sure these coaches have talked with FS on a daily basis and know FS's plans for the the long term. Probably none of them will be the next HC ast OHIO so they are looking for a better opportunity now. Good news or bad, looks like the OC and DC are here to stay and one of them may, some day, be the HC if there is an internal promotion.
I have not seen the titles for Gdowski or Lightner or Grooms. However, MAC to the SEC with the $$$ that would mean would be an offer none of us should expext them to refuse. I still believe the raid could have gone deeper.
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Posted: 1/18/2014 3:51 PM
Deleted by request
Last Edited: 1/18/2014 4:43:24 PM by MonroeClassmate
greencat
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Posted: 1/18/2014 4:26 PM
Not to be too much of a pain here... but back to the stadium renovation. 

How much of that was on Grooms' plate?  Is it his greatest accomplishment or just another job well done?

What do you think his biggest contribution could be at Vandy with their current major upswing in football (back-to-back 9 win seasons, etc.) with the big $$$ donors there who can write big checks.
(See: new indoor practice facility recently opened)
Bcat2
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Posted: 1/18/2014 4:28 PM
Thanks
Last Edited: 1/18/2014 4:50:44 PM by Bcat2
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