Ohio Football Topic
Topic: Coach Frank Solich & the OU Athletic Department
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Alaska Cat
1/3/2021 12:15 PM
Coach is getting older. What he has done for OU Football, is immeasurable. A building should be named after him.
However, now might be the time to move on from Frank.

Recruiting has been poor the last couple of years. It has been rated in the bottom half of the MAC.
Young players, don't want to play for a Coach that age.

No assistant coach on the staff, probably will take over for Frank.
Start to think of a replacement.

I want to throw out a name, that might work.
Joe Moorehead Offensive Coordinator at Oregon.
Although he did not do well as head coach at Mississippi State, he did extremely well as Fordham Head Coach.
Maybe a smaller school is a better fit for him.

Ball State, Buffalo, Akron all have coaches who are either proven winners or young and up and coming.

In my opinion, the Bobcats have to start looking for that diamond in the rough.
Frank gave OU success.
Somebody needs to continue that success.
Hopefully Ohio University Athletic Department won't be caught with their pants down.
Act now !!!
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Deciduous Forest Cat
1/3/2021 3:04 PM
Frank will name his own departure date and that's how it's going to be. Regardless of what anyone thinks of that, just get used to the idea. While there have been some letdowns and missed expectations, we're a pretty successful program running on a shoestring budget in a lousy stadium with fickle, at best, and quiet fan support.

I'm curious and anxious to know what the next era of Bobcat Football will be like, but Frank will retire on his own terms and I'm fine with that.
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cc-cat
1/3/2021 3:12 PM
Alaska Cat wrote:expand_more
Coach is getting older....
Act now !!!
Must be January
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BillyTheCat
1/3/2021 11:21 PM
Deciduous Forest Cat wrote:expand_more
Frank will name his own departure date and that's how it's going to be. Regardless of what anyone thinks of that, just get used to the idea. While there have been some letdowns and missed expectations, we're a pretty successful program running on a shoestring budget in a lousy stadium with fickle, at best, and quiet fan support.

I'm curious and anxious to know what the next era of Bobcat Football will be like, but Frank will retire on his own terms and I'm fine with that.
+1
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Pataskala
1/4/2021 12:20 AM
Maybe Urban Meyer will be available by then. ;)
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TWT
1/4/2021 1:52 AM
Alaska Cat wrote:expand_more
Coach is getting older. What he has done for OU Football, is immeasurable. A building should be named after him.
However, now might be the time to move on from Frank.

Recruiting has been poor the last couple of years. It has been rated in the bottom half of the MAC.
Young players, don't want to play for a Coach that age.

No assistant coach on the staff, probably will take over for Frank.
Start to think of a replacement.
My two cents on this is the strategic thing for the University to do at this point against the backdrop of a tough financial situation for the university is to keep the coaching staff intact as long as possible.

While fans on here might think of Solich & Co highly paid its going to cost at least 50% more to attract a new coaching staff to Athens. Some of the Bobcat assistants in particular are underpaid compared to G5 and even MAC standards.

When Frank does finally retire the fiscally prudent thing to do is give an assistant coach a shot as it will be less money than going outside for a name coach. I know what you're saying in that up to this moment recruiting hasn't been elite. But Ohio has ranked in the Top 25 each of the past 4 seasons in offensive ppg. I'll take it as it is good enough to get the job done.

Frank goes for 2 more years and then a successor from the staff comes in for a 5-8 year stretch. If they succeed they'll get raises. If not then the university will have to go out and sign a new staff, hopefully at a time during a better financial straits.

I don't expect a lot of facility spending in the foreseeable future either, partially because before Schaus exited the stage he delivered a round of improvements for the stadium. Videoboard while still tiny by NCAA standards is only a couple years old ect. Tough to attract new coaches in this climate so better to roll with who you have.
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TWT
1/4/2021 2:30 AM
Deciduous Forest Cat wrote:expand_more
Frank will name his own departure date and that's how it's going to be. Regardless of what anyone thinks of that, just get used to the idea. While there have been some letdowns and missed expectations, we're a pretty successful program running on a shoestring budget in a lousy stadium with fickle, at best, and quiet fan support.
His seat was sort of starting to get warm 2013-2014 after a multi-year drop off from the beginning of the 2012 season where he had Ohio in the Top 25 and record crowds. Warm in a sense that some fans wanted to see him hang it up.

Then he rebuilt the program. Very competitive in bowls 2015, 2016. Then won three straight bowls 2017, 2018, 2019. No longer having performance drop offs in November mid week games. Team looked up to usual par this season though only 3 games were played.

For a brief moment around the time the IPF was done, crowds of 25,000 and record student enrollment Ohio could have thought to go bigger than Solich ball. At this point its seems crazy to pay out the wazoo for a new staff that would unlikely field a better team (e.g. a team that won the MAC most every year).
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SBH
1/4/2021 11:26 AM
There is already a plan. 2 more seasons then a handoff to a current staff member.

And the description of Akron's head coach as "up and coming" is the Four Seasons Total Landscaping of league analysis.
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GoCats105
1/4/2021 12:06 PM
SBH wrote:expand_more
There is already a plan. 2 more seasons then a handoff to a current staff member.
Of course, because why make a daring change when we could just keep doing the same thing over and over.
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GoCats105
1/4/2021 12:08 PM
Alaska Cat wrote:expand_more
Coach is getting older. What he has done for OU Football, is immeasurable. A building should be named after him.
However, now might be the time to move on from Frank.

Recruiting has been poor the last couple of years. It has been rated in the bottom half of the MAC.
Young players, don't want to play for a Coach that age.

No assistant coach on the staff, probably will take over for Frank.
Start to think of a replacement.

I want to throw out a name, that might work.
Joe Moorehead Offensive Coordinator at Oregon.
Although he did not do well as head coach at Mississippi State, he did extremely well as Fordham Head Coach.
Maybe a smaller school is a better fit for him.

Ball State, Buffalo, Akron all have coaches who are either proven winners or young and up and coming.

In my opinion, the Bobcats have to start looking for that diamond in the rough.
Frank gave OU success.
Somebody needs to continue that success.
Hopefully Ohio University Athletic Department won't be caught with their pants down.
Act now !!!
Love Moorehead, but Ohio isn't really in his pay grade.

I think you misspelled Akron...you were thinking Kent State.
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Jeff McKinney
1/4/2021 12:24 PM
Not quite fair on the criticism about low recruiting rating last couple
years...that has been primarily due to fewer scholarships available.
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TWT
1/4/2021 12:48 PM
GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
There is already a plan. 2 more seasons then a handoff to a current staff member.
Of course, because why make a daring change when we could just keep doing the same thing over and over.
Ohio's been a break or two away from a MAC Championship the last 4 seasons. A full level up coaching job would mean Ohio wins the MAC every other year as did NIU at its peak.

Its more realistic for Frank or a current assistant to break through with a MAC Championship.
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Deciduous Forest Cat
1/4/2021 1:43 PM
Jeff McKinney wrote:expand_more
Not quite fair on the criticism about low recruiting rating last couple
years...that has been primarily due to fewer scholarships available.

Yes, recruiting rankings have always been unfairly weighted towards quantity vs quality.
Last Edited: 1/4/2021 1:44:24 PM by Deciduous Forest Cat
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MonroeClassmate
1/4/2021 1:47 PM
BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
Frank will name his own departure date and that's how it's going to be. Regardless of what anyone thinks of that, just get used to the idea. While there have been some letdowns and missed expectations, we're a pretty successful program running on a shoestring budget in a lousy stadium with fickle, at best, and quiet fan support.

I'm curious and anxious to know what the next era of Bobcat Football will be like, but Frank will retire on his own terms and I'm fine with that.
+1
But if you were the AD, wouldn't a Babbers getting the axe in Syracuse be a John Groce like get for a MAC team? Why wait two years if an opportunity like that became available? Likely lots of quality coaches available from programs having financial difficulties during these unusual circumstances.
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TWT
1/4/2021 4:57 PM
MonroeClassmate wrote:expand_more
Frank will name his own departure date and that's how it's going to be. Regardless of what anyone thinks of that, just get used to the idea. While there have been some letdowns and missed expectations, we're a pretty successful program running on a shoestring budget in a lousy stadium with fickle, at best, and quiet fan support.

I'm curious and anxious to know what the next era of Bobcat Football will be like, but Frank will retire on his own terms and I'm fine with that.
+1
But if you were the AD, wouldn't a Babbers getting the axe in Syracuse be a John Groce like get for a MAC team? Why wait two years if an opportunity like that became available? Likely lots of quality coaches available from programs having financial difficulties during these unusual circumstances.
Because its expensive and won't make enough of a difference.
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Rbrat10
1/4/2021 5:23 PM
Moorehead might be getting ready to be offered the Michigan OC job for 3 to 4 million a year.
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OakStreet
1/4/2021 5:26 PM
Club Hyatt wrote:expand_more
Frank will name his own departure date and that's how it's going to be. Regardless of what anyone thinks of that, just get used to the idea. While there have been some letdowns and missed expectations, we're a pretty successful program running on a shoestring budget in a lousy stadium with fickle, at best, and quiet fan support.

I'm curious and anxious to know what the next era of Bobcat Football will be like, but Frank will retire on his own terms and I'm fine with that.
+1
But if you were the AD, wouldn't a Babbers getting the axe in Syracuse be a John Groce like get for a MAC team? Why wait two years if an opportunity like that became available? Likely lots of quality coaches available from programs having financial difficulties during these unusual circumstances.
Because its expensive and won't make enough of a difference.
And I think a lot of long-time fans like me who experienced the really bad days pre-Frank would have a big problem with it if he is forced out before he chooses to retire given that the team is still going to bowl games. If you push Frank out, you'd better be just crazy successful in doing so.
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GoCats105
1/4/2021 5:31 PM
Club Hyatt wrote:expand_more
There is already a plan. 2 more seasons then a handoff to a current staff member.
Of course, because why make a daring change when we could just keep doing the same thing over and over.
Ohio's been a break or two away from a MAC Championship the last 4 seasons. A full level up coaching job would mean Ohio wins the MAC every other year as did NIU at its peak.

Its more realistic for Frank or a current assistant to break through with a MAC Championship.
I've been hearing this story since 2011. Ohio is just a break or two away.

You make your own breaks in this business.

What about the current assistants we currently have excites anyone to make them think they'll be able to deliver a championship? Are they going to change the recruiting philosophy and get more aggressive? Are they going to get more aggressive in play calling? Are they going to stop punting on 4th down inside the 50?

Consistency is fine until you travel down the path of mediocrity. Everyone preaches about the consistency of the Ohio football program. We are the outlier in that regard. NOBODY stays at programs of this size for this long. The bread is stale.

I do agree Frank has earned the right to call it how he wants it and retire on his own terms, but if the AD has mailed it in and just handed it to an assistant I have issues with that.
Last Edited: 1/4/2021 5:33:49 PM by GoCats105
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OakStreet
1/4/2021 5:38 PM
GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
There is already a plan. 2 more seasons then a handoff to a current staff member.
Of course, because why make a daring change when we could just keep doing the same thing over and over.
Ohio's been a break or two away from a MAC Championship the last 4 seasons. A full level up coaching job would mean Ohio wins the MAC every other year as did NIU at its peak.

Its more realistic for Frank or a current assistant to break through with a MAC Championship.
I've been hearing this story since 2011. Ohio is just a break or two away.

You make your own breaks in this business.

What about the current assistants we currently have excites anyone to make them think they'll be able to deliver a championship? Are they going to change the recruiting philosophy and get more aggressive? Are they going to get more aggressive in play calling? Are they going to stop punting on 4th down inside the 50?

Consistency is fine until you travel down the path of mediocrity. Everyone preaches about the consistency of the Ohio football program. We are the outlier in that regard. NOBODY stays at programs of this size for this long. The bread is stale.

I do agree Frank has earned the right to call it how he wants it and retire on his own terms, but if the AD has mailed it in and just handed it to an assistant I have issues with that.
What makes you think Ohio would attract a coach who would win a championship? Is it how much Ohio will pay them compared to other schools? Is it superior facilities? Is it the fertile recruiting area around Athens compared to other schools? Given the history of the Ohio football program, isn't it at least as likely they would end up hiring a new coach less successful than Frank Solich?
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Buckeye to Bobcat
1/4/2021 6:41 PM
MonroeClassmate wrote:expand_more
Frank will name his own departure date and that's how it's going to be. Regardless of what anyone thinks of that, just get used to the idea. While there have been some letdowns and missed expectations, we're a pretty successful program running on a shoestring budget in a lousy stadium with fickle, at best, and quiet fan support.

I'm curious and anxious to know what the next era of Bobcat Football will be like, but Frank will retire on his own terms and I'm fine with that.
+1
But if you were the AD, wouldn't a Babbers getting the axe in Syracuse be a John Groce like get for a MAC team? Why wait two years if an opportunity like that became available? Likely lots of quality coaches available from programs having financial difficulties during these unusual circumstances.

No because of what Babers did at BGSU recruiting the Pittsburgh area. I had forgotten the episode of BGSU recruiting there and it set them back a bit.
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Pataskala
1/5/2021 12:22 AM
Buckeye to Bobcat wrote:expand_more
Frank will name his own departure date and that's how it's going to be. Regardless of what anyone thinks of that, just get used to the idea. While there have been some letdowns and missed expectations, we're a pretty successful program running on a shoestring budget in a lousy stadium with fickle, at best, and quiet fan support.

I'm curious and anxious to know what the next era of Bobcat Football will be like, but Frank will retire on his own terms and I'm fine with that.
+1
But if you were the AD, wouldn't a Babbers getting the axe in Syracuse be a John Groce like get for a MAC team? Why wait two years if an opportunity like that became available? Likely lots of quality coaches available from programs having financial difficulties during these unusual circumstances.

No because of what Babers did at BGSU recruiting the Pittsburgh area. I had forgotten the episode of BGSU recruiting there and it set them back a bit.
Also because he has a lousy track record. He had two years of success at BG with Dave Clawson holdovers and has one winning season in five at Syracuse.
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Maddog13
1/5/2021 4:49 AM
Everyone seeking a change might want to see how the impact of the Pandemic plays out on the economy and make sure that there is still a University to play for, let alone having enough money to hire a promising candidate.
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Bobcat1996
1/5/2021 7:49 AM
Deciduous Forest Cat wrote:expand_more
Frank will name his own departure date and that's how it's going to be. Regardless of what anyone thinks of that, just get used to the idea. While there have been some letdowns and missed expectations, we're a pretty successful program running on a shoestring budget in a lousy stadium with fickle, at best, and quiet fan support.

I'm curious and anxious to know what the next era of Bobcat Football will be like, but Frank will retire on his own terms and I'm fine with that.
Agree 100%. Especially the part about the stadium, budget and quiet fan support.
Last Edited: 1/5/2021 7:51:11 AM by Bobcat1996
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GoCats105
1/5/2021 9:43 AM
OakStreet wrote:expand_more
There is already a plan. 2 more seasons then a handoff to a current staff member.
Of course, because why make a daring change when we could just keep doing the same thing over and over.
Ohio's been a break or two away from a MAC Championship the last 4 seasons. A full level up coaching job would mean Ohio wins the MAC every other year as did NIU at its peak.

Its more realistic for Frank or a current assistant to break through with a MAC Championship.
I've been hearing this story since 2011. Ohio is just a break or two away.

You make your own breaks in this business.

What about the current assistants we currently have excites anyone to make them think they'll be able to deliver a championship? Are they going to change the recruiting philosophy and get more aggressive? Are they going to get more aggressive in play calling? Are they going to stop punting on 4th down inside the 50?

Consistency is fine until you travel down the path of mediocrity. Everyone preaches about the consistency of the Ohio football program. We are the outlier in that regard. NOBODY stays at programs of this size for this long. The bread is stale.

I do agree Frank has earned the right to call it how he wants it and retire on his own terms, but if the AD has mailed it in and just handed it to an assistant I have issues with that.
What makes you think Ohio would attract a coach who would win a championship? Is it how much Ohio will pay them compared to other schools? Is it superior facilities? Is it the fertile recruiting area around Athens compared to other schools? Given the history of the Ohio football program, isn't it at least as likely they would end up hiring a new coach less successful than Frank Solich?
You're operating under the assumption that you think a Solich assistant is going to perform just as well as Solich has. What makes you think one of them will deliver a championship? I've seen enough complaining on this board about play calling, strength and conditioning and overall lack of discipline in key spots that it makes me have reservations. And the history of college football is littered with assistant coaches taking over for their predecessors and failing miserably.

All I'm saying is the AD needs to do their due diligence. Just handing it off because they think that will keep the program stable...STABLE...not winning, is silly.

There are plenty of coaches out there who would jump at this job. It's not what it once was. We have Frank to thank for that. Stop acting like this job wouldn't be attractive to outsiders.
Last Edited: 1/5/2021 9:44:53 AM by GoCats105
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bobcatsquared
1/5/2021 10:09 AM
GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
And the history of college football is littered with assistant coaches taking over for their predecessors and failing miserably.
Thanks, GoCats105, for bringing back long-suppressed memories of our own Brian Knorr.
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