Talk with Illinois football beat writer Bob Asmussen
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:53 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Welcome back to another chat. I couldn't wait until 1 because we've got so many questions. So let's get to them.
Tom from bloomington, IL — 12:54 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Who will start at QB? Do you think we'll see Charest?
We'll Ron Guenther be allowed to hire the new coach? Should he?
Dan from Urbana, IL — 12:54 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Bob,
especially if we lose on Saturday, dont you think that they have to give Charest a shot? I dont think you pull the redshirt off Nathan. But something has to change
Ken from Champaign, IL — 12:55 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Bob,
when will Zook announce who the starter at QB be?
I agree with you, that they need to give Charest a chance. Do you think that will happen?
Eric from Chicago, IL — 12:55 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Bob,
Thank you for your coverage of the team and for holding these chats.
What do you think the odds are that Zook will play Charest or Scheelhaase at Purdue this week?
I'd love to see Charest get a shot. Unfortunately, our offense is broken beyond repair under the Williams/McGee regime. What have we got to lose by throwing a true passer in to the mix to see if he can get the ball to our talented WR core? If we are so unwilling to give Charest a shot because he doesn't fit our current offensive scheme, why on Earth did we recruit him?
However, I really hope that Zook doesn't burn Scheelhaase's red-shirt. In my opinion this would be a desperate and selfish move on the part of Zook. Playing Scheelhaase this year probably isn't is Nathan's career best interests. I could see Zook throwing him in, however, in a desperate attempt to win a game, appease the fans/administration, and save his own job. On top of this, all reports indicate that Sheelhaase still has a long way to on his passing. While he has potential, I can't see him being any better than Juice/McGee this year. I hope this doesn't happen.
What are your thoughts, Bob? Thanks again.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:00 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Eric, Ken, Dan and Tom,
Sorry to group your questions, but they are all on the same track: who is the quarterback Saturday?
First, I don't Ron Zook will name the starter. I think he will let it go until gametime. And if I was the coach, I would do the same thing. Any tiny edge you can get against Purdue might make a difference. So, if the Boilermakers spend time preparing for everybody that has to be a good thing for Illinois.
I think it will come down to two guys: Juice Williams and Jacob Charest. Juice did not win any points with the coaches with his two late fumbles. But if he comes back and has a good week of practice, he will be given a chance. Charest is much more of an unknown. What if he goes in the game and hits his first 10 passes. Then, you are going to be wondering where he has been all season. I know he is talented and I think he will be good in a game-like situation. It will be interesting to watch him play.
I think the coaches will do the smart thing and save Nathan Scheelhaase's redshirt. Could he help this year? Definitely. But if that was the plan, they should have gotten him prepared and in the games earlier. With Charest, there is no loss of a redshirt. So, he should be considered.
Craig from Chambana, Il — 01:00 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Bob - Thanks for the chats
OK once this team loses its 7th game and won't be the last game of the season this year, at that point don
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:02 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Craig,
I think you keep the guys in who are playing hard, freshman to seniors. If older guys look like they have given up, you get the younger guys in. I don't think this staff has ever been shy about playing young guys.
I have no control over the fightingillini.com site. Here's a number to call 217-333-1390. That gets you to athletics.
Illini Jon from Bloomington, Illinois — 01:02 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
If (I think its actually when) we finish 1-11 this year, is there any way Ron Zook is around next season? With Chancellor Herman resigning, I am deeply concerned Coach Guenther will use the 'new president/chancellor/board of trustees' excuse to give him another year. Please calm my fears that this won't happen Bob! I shudder to think how empty Memorial Stadium will be next season if Ron Zook still roams the sidelines.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:03 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Illini Jon,
I don't think Ron Zook survives a 1-11 season. You answered the question with your point about the empty seats. I think the season ticket numbers would take a huge drop if the school brought back another coach off a 1-11 season.
Danimal from Champaign, Il — 01:03 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Bob,
If there is to be a coaching change at the end of the year, do you think the BOT will allow Guenther to make another football coach hire when he has failed with Tepper, Turner and now Zook? I hope not. Is Shawn Wax being groomed for the AD? Didn't Craig Tiley express some interest in the position a few years ago?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:06 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Danimal,
First, Ron Guenther didn't hire Lou Tepper. That was done by Mort Weir after John Mackovic left for Texas.
I think Ron Guenther will be allowed to make the coaching hire if one is needed. The board just arrived, the chancellor is on his way out and so is the president. Who is going to tell him "No"?
I think Shawn Wax is the best in-house candidate to replace Ron Guenther as AD. A lot depends on who is doing the hiring. I don't see Craig Tiley leaving Australia to come back here to be AD. I would put that percentage at 0.
Gerry from Pekin, Illinois — 01:06 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Assuming we finish last in the Big Ten ( a strong likelihood), this will be the 7th time in the last 15 years!! All of this occurred during the Ron Guenther tenure, although one could give him a pass for 1996 and call it 6 in 13 on coaches he has hired. Will he possibly be allowed to select the next coach given his 2 incredibly inept hires.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:08 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Gerry,
Thanks for the research. And you are nice to forgive him the 1996 season.
I think in both the case of Lou Tepper and Ron Turner, Illinois waited one year to long to pull the trigger. I don't think that will happen again. So, if the team stays on its current path, I think Ron Guenther will do the hiring.
Erick from Champaign, illinois — 01:08 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
If Illinois decided to make a coaching change, which coach do you think can fit in Illini system.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:12 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Erick,
I think Illinois needs to think outside the box if it decides to change coaches. Hire somebody who would shake up the offense and defense. Hire someone with new areas to recruit (California perhaps). I think ADs want to hire people who they feel will bring the best of all worlds to the program. They don't tend to take chances. But when they do, they get Pete Carroll off the NFL scrap pile.
Buck from Chicago, Il — 01:12 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Do you think Charlie Strong is a realistic possibility?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:13 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Buck,
I don't. I've gotten to know quite a few people in Florida since Ron Zook arrived and they don't have a high opinion of Strong as a head coach.
Dan from Chatham, Illinois — 01:13 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
I know there has been some speculation, but do you really think Guenther will even consider firing Zook given the fact that Guenther is retiring soon? It seems the typical situation where the outgoing AD leaves the problem for the next AD so the new guy can hire his own coach.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:15 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Dan,
Don't assume Ron Guenther is retiring soon. He's got at least another full year on his deal. To make a new coach comfortable with coming, I think Guenther would agree to stay longer. Being an AD at a Big Ten school, though stressful, is a great job.
Chris from Avon, IN — 01:15 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
I have been one to defend Zook and I still think he can be a great recruiter, but we need a coach. What do you think about trying to go after a Mike Leach? The UofI would have to pony up some cash but it might be worth it. Your thoughts!
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:16 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Chris,
Mike Leach is one of those out-of-the-box kind of guys. He doesn't look like your perfect coach and he doesn't have the perfect background. But his teams are fun to watch and they win when they aren't supposed to. I've heard he isn't a great recruiter, but he got Michael Crabtree to come to Lubbock. I think Mike Leach would be a great choice for many schools in the country.
Mike from Champaign, IL — 01:16 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Bob -
What, if anything, does Chancellor Herman's resignation today mean for the state and future of UI athletics, notably Guenther and Zook?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:18 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Mike,
The most important thing is it gets the wheels moving toward another chancellor. I don't think the AD will move on until somebody is firmly in the chancellor's office. That will take some time. So, short term, it means Ron Guenther continues with business as usual. It's possible the next chancellor might want to go in a different direction at the top of the athletic department. I doubt that will happen, but you never know.
Peter from St .louis, MO — 01:18 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Bob,
I'm tired of the UI head coaching job being a stepping stone position or safe haven for coaches who haven't succeeded in their previous job. It's time for Illini to give the reins to one of its own, and hire some assistants with orange and blue in their blood too. Look at what Jerrance Howard has done for Bruce Weber's program. Who are some guys who might be legitimate candidates? Jeff George? Ken Dilger? Don Thorp? Scott Studwell? Kurt Kittner? Kevin Mitchell? Fred Wakefield? Howard Griffith? Dana Howard? Kevin Hardy? They can't be worse than Zook
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:20 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Peter,
I don't know about any of those guys as a head coach, but I think they would all be great assistants. A lot depends on where they are in life. I know Kurt Kittner likes his job in Chicago, so I don't see him working as an assistant. I do think he would be a great quarterback coach. But some of the others might work. I think Kevin Mitchell is going to be a quick riser in college football. He would be a great hire for Illinois. The former NFL guys are going to be tough to hire because they are set financially and enjoy their lives.
Jerry from San Antonio, Texas — 01:20 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Naturally, disappointed to see BT and Alamobowl end this year. Long time ticket holder,and ILLINI, apparently will never make it down. I do think the AlamoBowl being the only game on TV on a night, and its exposure/high ESPN ratings will be missed with the log jam of BT teams on New Year's. Agree or disagree?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:21 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Jerry,
I agree 1,000 percent. I've been to San Antonio one time (for the Illini Elite Eight basketball appearance) and think it is one of the great cities in our country. I was hoping to cover the Alamo Bowl at some point. All I've heard is that it's the best organized postseason game and a lot of fun for the fans, teams and media.
Ryan from Champaign, IL — 01:22 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Bob, are people so ignorant that they don't realize that football isn't the only sport that Ron Guenther oversees as the AD? I think the guy needs to get more credit for the great hires he has done with some of the other sports, namely men's basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and women's soccer.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:22 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Ryan,
That's a good point. And I'd throw in wrestling, where I think Jim Heffernan is the perfect replacement for Mark Johnson.
Dr. Phil from Orland Park, IL — 01:23 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Bob, it was bad enough to watch the Illini self-destruct on tv, but you and other fans must have had a sad drive home. I have a comment and a question. First, for all of those fans complaining about us complainers and saying the Illini have always had bad football. It was not like that in a 10-year span. White got the program up and going,and more importantly, Mackovic kept it going. Mackovic had four winning seasons, nothing spectacular, but it was exciting and consistent. I guess people have forgotten the excitment of destroying David Klinger's over-rated Houston team. So, yes, many of the Illini fans expect more than what we have been seeing in these last 15 years. My question is how come you, as well as me and other Illini fans, were sure than a 9-3 record was a reality? What went wrong? Half of the season is over, so what did we miss in reading this team? I never saw such an experienced offensive team take a tumble!
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:25 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Dr. Phil,
Your questions are always so well thought out.
I've tried to figure out what I was thinking. I thought the offense would be one of the best in school history. But I didn't take into account the possibility that the line wouldn't be as good as in the past, or that the quarterback/receiver combinations would mostly fail. I do think the backs are playing well without having a dominating guy.
On defense, Martez Wilson and Miami Thomas being out has hurt the team a lot.
WheatonIceman from Wheaton, IL — 01:25 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
How important do you think leadership is to winning football teams? The 2007 Rose Bowl team had key senior leaders. Leman, Harrison and O'Donnell leap to mind. They were the type of guys who could motivate others and make people around them better. Loren Tate shocked me yesterday on MMQB when he said he doesn't know what leadership is and doesn't think it makes much of a difference. Good players are all you need to win in his opinion. That couldn't be further from the truth in my opinion. What's your take on leadership as it relates to this year's Illini team vs. 2007.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:27 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Wheatoniceman,
It's obvious to me that the leadership isn't what it was. Those guys in 2007 wouldn't let the team stay down. They were emotional but also smart about it. They would get in your face when needed or pat you on the back.
And leadership is huge to a football team. I would disagree with Loren, like always, on that one.
Jay from Berwyn, IL — 01:27 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
If Scheelhaase is that good, why waist his talents and a year of eligibility for this monstrosity of a season? Yeah, we're desperate, but that would be a waist. Don't you think?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:27 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Jay,
I don't think they will waste his year. I think he will stay as a redshirt and should stay as a redshirt.
Shamous from Waukegan, IL — 01:28 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Bob:
Call me crazy, but I feel like each week that Guenther keeps Zook and Co. on board he is telling the fans, media, players and recuits that this type of play is acceptable. I understand all of the turmoil that comes with a coaching change, but you can't tell me the players don't want a change. They're tired of losing too. Make Reggie Mitchell iterim head coach (he recruited half of these guys anyways) and send the message that going 1-5 (the only Big Ten team without a win) with 4 or 5 top 30 recruiting classes is entirely unacceptable.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:29 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Shamous,
There is also a message sent to prospective coaching candidates if you fire a guy halfway through the season, two years after he took you to the Rose Bowl. I don't see that happening at Illinois this year or ever. While I understand what you are saying, Ron Guenther needs to think about the program as a whole and not about the temporary appearances.
Jack from Sparta, NJ — 01:29 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Zook isn't making it till next year. Who do you consider realistic coaching hires? Do you think a second run at Larry Johnson of Penn State is possible?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:30 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Jack,
I think Larry Johnson is waiting for Penn State to open.
I would start any list for any BCS school with Cincinnati's Brian Kelly, Texas Tech's Mike Leach and Houston's Kevin Sumlin. But there are a bunch of guys who might make it work.
Tom from Winnetka, IL — 01:31 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Bob,
I recently read or heard, maybe in one of your columns, Gary Barnett say that he would like to get back to coaching providing he was working for the right university president and the right AD. Two questions: As the U of I is in the process of changing presidents, and maybe chancellors, and with RG's tenure uncertain, how much does that reduce the pool of potential quality candidates that would be willing to come into a situation like that, especially since we don't have a record of success? Also, what do you think of Gary Barnett as a candidate, disregarding his comment I mentioned above? I appreciate the quality of reporting you provide Illini fans.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:32 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Tom,
Gary Barnett will not be the coach at Illinois because of past problems/perceptions. I like him and I think he should be coaching somewhere. But it won't be Illinois.
I don't think Ron Guenther's tenure is uncertain. He will stay longer if that's what it takes to hire a football coach. If he has to hire a football coach.
Brad S. from Chicago, Illinois — 01:33 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Bob,
Sitting here today, with a 1-5 record, and not really having had a good chance to win any of our FBS games, what would you consider to be a successful completion to the season? Has the team talked about any revised goals from here on out that you are aware of? As a fan that still plans to attend 5 of the remaining 6 games, I'm worried about the team considering this to be a lost season.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:34 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Brad,
When the players and coaches are asked about goals, they talk about winning the next game. At this point, that's the smartest thing they could say. They can't think about five wins until they get to two.
They are going to want to be bowl eligible until that possibility is eliminated. That could be as early as Halloween.
I think four wins at this point would be a good finish after a 1-5 start.
Giovanni Dos Santos from London, UK — 01:34 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
I am getting tired of seeing Ron Zook described in the media as a good guy...he didn't go out on the field to check on Hardeman, who already had a major neck injury. he laughed when Juice fumbled near the Indiana goal line. and overall, he is in essence stealing 1.5 million dollars each year from the school for NOT doing his job.
Can the media, just once, call him out for being a complete sham?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:36 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Giovanni,
Ron Zook was on the field to check on Donsay. The reason I know that was because I kept my binoculars (what Loren calls field glasses) on him the entire time.
I think the laugh was in kind of mock disgust. That's what I read into it.
The media presents the information. It is up to you to decide what kind of a person he is.
Shamous from Waukegan, IL — 01:36 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Bob,
Rebuttal to your response that firing Zook now would turn away coaching candidates.
I don't want a coach who is worried about getting fired for going 5-7 and 1-5 with a program coming off a Rose Bowl.
Let me illustrate. If you're writing bland, uninteresting (like our brand of football) stories for the News-Gazette, you're probably going to be fired. Are you worried about that? Are you going to refuse the job because the guy before you got fired? No, because you're confident that you're a good writer. Get a coach who knows he can win. A coach demands excellence from not just his players, but himself too. I'm a teacher. If I wasn't doing best by my kids, I'd resign. That's the kind of attitude we need.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:37 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Shamous,
Good points. And I apologize for any bland writing.
Matt from Troy, Illinois — 01:37 PM on Tue, 10/20/2009
Hi Bob, thanks for the chats. Is there any real shot for Jacob Charest to get a start this season? I've heard Zook say that the offense would have to be altered because Jacob isn't a runner. I don't understand why that is a problem. The offense isn't working now, why not get a true passer in there and utilize these recievers. I haven't seen Jacob practice, so maybe you have some insight as to if he just isn't ready yet. Thanks Bob!
Welcome back to another chat. I couldn't wait until 1 because we've got so many questions. So let's get to them.
Who will start at QB? Do you think we'll see Charest?
We'll Ron Guenther be allowed to hire the new coach? Should he?
Bob,
especially if we lose on Saturday, dont you think that they have to give Charest a shot? I dont think you pull the redshirt off Nathan. But something has to change
Bob,
when will Zook announce who the starter at QB be?
I agree with you, that they need to give Charest a chance. Do you think that will happen?
Bob,
Thank you for your coverage of the team and for holding these chats.
What do you think the odds are that Zook will play Charest or Scheelhaase at Purdue this week?
I'd love to see Charest get a shot. Unfortunately, our offense is broken beyond repair under the Williams/McGee regime. What have we got to lose by throwing a true passer in to the mix to see if he can get the ball to our talented WR core? If we are so unwilling to give Charest a shot because he doesn't fit our current offensive scheme, why on Earth did we recruit him?
However, I really hope that Zook doesn't burn Scheelhaase's red-shirt. In my opinion this would be a desperate and selfish move on the part of Zook. Playing Scheelhaase this year probably isn't is Nathan's career best interests. I could see Zook throwing him in, however, in a desperate attempt to win a game, appease the fans/administration, and save his own job. On top of this, all reports indicate that Sheelhaase still has a long way to on his passing. While he has potential, I can't see him being any better than Juice/McGee this year. I hope this doesn't happen.
What are your thoughts, Bob? Thanks again.
Eric, Ken, Dan and Tom,
Sorry to group your questions, but they are all on the same track: who is the quarterback Saturday?
First, I don't Ron Zook will name the starter. I think he will let it go until gametime. And if I was the coach, I would do the same thing. Any tiny edge you can get against Purdue might make a difference. So, if the Boilermakers spend time preparing for everybody that has to be a good thing for Illinois.
I think it will come down to two guys: Juice Williams and Jacob Charest. Juice did not win any points with the coaches with his two late fumbles. But if he comes back and has a good week of practice, he will be given a chance. Charest is much more of an unknown. What if he goes in the game and hits his first 10 passes. Then, you are going to be wondering where he has been all season. I know he is talented and I think he will be good in a game-like situation. It will be interesting to watch him play.
I think the coaches will do the smart thing and save Nathan Scheelhaase's redshirt. Could he help this year? Definitely. But if that was the plan, they should have gotten him prepared and in the games earlier. With Charest, there is no loss of a redshirt. So, he should be considered.
Bob - Thanks for the chats
OK once this team loses its 7th game and won't be the last game of the season this year, at that point don
Craig,
I think you keep the guys in who are playing hard, freshman to seniors. If older guys look like they have given up, you get the younger guys in. I don't think this staff has ever been shy about playing young guys.
I have no control over the fightingillini.com site. Here's a number to call 217-333-1390. That gets you to athletics.
If (I think its actually when) we finish 1-11 this year, is there any way Ron Zook is around next season? With Chancellor Herman resigning, I am deeply concerned Coach Guenther will use the 'new president/chancellor/board of trustees' excuse to give him another year. Please calm my fears that this won't happen Bob! I shudder to think how empty Memorial Stadium will be next season if Ron Zook still roams the sidelines.
Illini Jon,
I don't think Ron Zook survives a 1-11 season. You answered the question with your point about the empty seats. I think the season ticket numbers would take a huge drop if the school brought back another coach off a 1-11 season.
Bob,
If there is to be a coaching change at the end of the year, do you think the BOT will allow Guenther to make another football coach hire when he has failed with Tepper, Turner and now Zook? I hope not. Is Shawn Wax being groomed for the AD? Didn't Craig Tiley express some interest in the position a few years ago?
Danimal,
First, Ron Guenther didn't hire Lou Tepper. That was done by Mort Weir after John Mackovic left for Texas.
I think Ron Guenther will be allowed to make the coaching hire if one is needed. The board just arrived, the chancellor is on his way out and so is the president. Who is going to tell him "No"?
I think Shawn Wax is the best in-house candidate to replace Ron Guenther as AD. A lot depends on who is doing the hiring. I don't see Craig Tiley leaving Australia to come back here to be AD. I would put that percentage at 0.
Assuming we finish last in the Big Ten ( a strong likelihood), this will be the 7th time in the last 15 years!! All of this occurred during the Ron Guenther tenure, although one could give him a pass for 1996 and call it 6 in 13 on coaches he has hired. Will he possibly be allowed to select the next coach given his 2 incredibly inept hires.
Gerry,
Thanks for the research. And you are nice to forgive him the 1996 season.
I think in both the case of Lou Tepper and Ron Turner, Illinois waited one year to long to pull the trigger. I don't think that will happen again. So, if the team stays on its current path, I think Ron Guenther will do the hiring.
If Illinois decided to make a coaching change, which coach do you think can fit in Illini system.
Erick,
I think Illinois needs to think outside the box if it decides to change coaches. Hire somebody who would shake up the offense and defense. Hire someone with new areas to recruit (California perhaps). I think ADs want to hire people who they feel will bring the best of all worlds to the program. They don't tend to take chances. But when they do, they get Pete Carroll off the NFL scrap pile.
Do you think Charlie Strong is a realistic possibility?
Buck,
I don't. I've gotten to know quite a few people in Florida since Ron Zook arrived and they don't have a high opinion of Strong as a head coach.
I know there has been some speculation, but do you really think Guenther will even consider firing Zook given the fact that Guenther is retiring soon? It seems the typical situation where the outgoing AD leaves the problem for the next AD so the new guy can hire his own coach.
Dan,
Don't assume Ron Guenther is retiring soon. He's got at least another full year on his deal. To make a new coach comfortable with coming, I think Guenther would agree to stay longer. Being an AD at a Big Ten school, though stressful, is a great job.
I have been one to defend Zook and I still think he can be a great recruiter, but we need a coach. What do you think about trying to go after a Mike Leach? The UofI would have to pony up some cash but it might be worth it. Your thoughts!
Chris,
Mike Leach is one of those out-of-the-box kind of guys. He doesn't look like your perfect coach and he doesn't have the perfect background. But his teams are fun to watch and they win when they aren't supposed to. I've heard he isn't a great recruiter, but he got Michael Crabtree to come to Lubbock. I think Mike Leach would be a great choice for many schools in the country.
Bob -
What, if anything, does Chancellor Herman's resignation today mean for the state and future of UI athletics, notably Guenther and Zook?
Mike,
The most important thing is it gets the wheels moving toward another chancellor. I don't think the AD will move on until somebody is firmly in the chancellor's office. That will take some time. So, short term, it means Ron Guenther continues with business as usual. It's possible the next chancellor might want to go in a different direction at the top of the athletic department. I doubt that will happen, but you never know.
Bob,
I'm tired of the UI head coaching job being a stepping stone position or safe haven for coaches who haven't succeeded in their previous job. It's time for Illini to give the reins to one of its own, and hire some assistants with orange and blue in their blood too. Look at what Jerrance Howard has done for Bruce Weber's program. Who are some guys who might be legitimate candidates? Jeff George? Ken Dilger? Don Thorp? Scott Studwell? Kurt Kittner? Kevin Mitchell? Fred Wakefield? Howard Griffith? Dana Howard? Kevin Hardy? They can't be worse than Zook
Peter,
I don't know about any of those guys as a head coach, but I think they would all be great assistants. A lot depends on where they are in life. I know Kurt Kittner likes his job in Chicago, so I don't see him working as an assistant. I do think he would be a great quarterback coach. But some of the others might work. I think Kevin Mitchell is going to be a quick riser in college football. He would be a great hire for Illinois. The former NFL guys are going to be tough to hire because they are set financially and enjoy their lives.
Naturally, disappointed to see BT and Alamobowl end this year. Long time ticket holder,and ILLINI, apparently will never make it down. I do think the AlamoBowl being the only game on TV on a night, and its exposure/high ESPN ratings will be missed with the log jam of BT teams on New Year's. Agree or disagree?
Jerry,
I agree 1,000 percent. I've been to San Antonio one time (for the Illini Elite Eight basketball appearance) and think it is one of the great cities in our country. I was hoping to cover the Alamo Bowl at some point. All I've heard is that it's the best organized postseason game and a lot of fun for the fans, teams and media.
Bob, are people so ignorant that they don't realize that football isn't the only sport that Ron Guenther oversees as the AD? I think the guy needs to get more credit for the great hires he has done with some of the other sports, namely men's basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and women's soccer.
Ryan,
That's a good point. And I'd throw in wrestling, where I think Jim Heffernan is the perfect replacement for Mark Johnson.
Bob, it was bad enough to watch the Illini self-destruct on tv, but you and other fans must have had a sad drive home. I have a comment and a question. First, for all of those fans complaining about us complainers and saying the Illini have always had bad football. It was not like that in a 10-year span. White got the program up and going,and more importantly, Mackovic kept it going. Mackovic had four winning seasons, nothing spectacular, but it was exciting and consistent. I guess people have forgotten the excitment of destroying David Klinger's over-rated Houston team. So, yes, many of the Illini fans expect more than what we have been seeing in these last 15 years. My question is how come you, as well as me and other Illini fans, were sure than a 9-3 record was a reality? What went wrong? Half of the season is over, so what did we miss in reading this team? I never saw such an experienced offensive team take a tumble!
Dr. Phil,
Your questions are always so well thought out.
I've tried to figure out what I was thinking. I thought the offense would be one of the best in school history. But I didn't take into account the possibility that the line wouldn't be as good as in the past, or that the quarterback/receiver combinations would mostly fail. I do think the backs are playing well without having a dominating guy.
On defense, Martez Wilson and Miami Thomas being out has hurt the team a lot.
How important do you think leadership is to winning football teams? The 2007 Rose Bowl team had key senior leaders. Leman, Harrison and O'Donnell leap to mind. They were the type of guys who could motivate others and make people around them better. Loren Tate shocked me yesterday on MMQB when he said he doesn't know what leadership is and doesn't think it makes much of a difference. Good players are all you need to win in his opinion. That couldn't be further from the truth in my opinion. What's your take on leadership as it relates to this year's Illini team vs. 2007.
Wheatoniceman,
It's obvious to me that the leadership isn't what it was. Those guys in 2007 wouldn't let the team stay down. They were emotional but also smart about it. They would get in your face when needed or pat you on the back.
And leadership is huge to a football team. I would disagree with Loren, like always, on that one.
If Scheelhaase is that good, why waist his talents and a year of eligibility for this monstrosity of a season? Yeah, we're desperate, but that would be a waist. Don't you think?
Jay,
I don't think they will waste his year. I think he will stay as a redshirt and should stay as a redshirt.
Bob:
Call me crazy, but I feel like each week that Guenther keeps Zook and Co. on board he is telling the fans, media, players and recuits that this type of play is acceptable. I understand all of the turmoil that comes with a coaching change, but you can't tell me the players don't want a change. They're tired of losing too. Make Reggie Mitchell iterim head coach (he recruited half of these guys anyways) and send the message that going 1-5 (the only Big Ten team without a win) with 4 or 5 top 30 recruiting classes is entirely unacceptable.
Shamous,
There is also a message sent to prospective coaching candidates if you fire a guy halfway through the season, two years after he took you to the Rose Bowl. I don't see that happening at Illinois this year or ever. While I understand what you are saying, Ron Guenther needs to think about the program as a whole and not about the temporary appearances.
Zook isn't making it till next year. Who do you consider realistic coaching hires? Do you think a second run at Larry Johnson of Penn State is possible?
Jack,
I think Larry Johnson is waiting for Penn State to open.
I would start any list for any BCS school with Cincinnati's Brian Kelly, Texas Tech's Mike Leach and Houston's Kevin Sumlin. But there are a bunch of guys who might make it work.
Bob,
I recently read or heard, maybe in one of your columns, Gary Barnett say that he would like to get back to coaching providing he was working for the right university president and the right AD. Two questions: As the U of I is in the process of changing presidents, and maybe chancellors, and with RG's tenure uncertain, how much does that reduce the pool of potential quality candidates that would be willing to come into a situation like that, especially since we don't have a record of success? Also, what do you think of Gary Barnett as a candidate, disregarding his comment I mentioned above? I appreciate the quality of reporting you provide Illini fans.
Tom,
Gary Barnett will not be the coach at Illinois because of past problems/perceptions. I like him and I think he should be coaching somewhere. But it won't be Illinois.
I don't think Ron Guenther's tenure is uncertain. He will stay longer if that's what it takes to hire a football coach. If he has to hire a football coach.
Bob,
Sitting here today, with a 1-5 record, and not really having had a good chance to win any of our FBS games, what would you consider to be a successful completion to the season? Has the team talked about any revised goals from here on out that you are aware of? As a fan that still plans to attend 5 of the remaining 6 games, I'm worried about the team considering this to be a lost season.
Brad,
When the players and coaches are asked about goals, they talk about winning the next game. At this point, that's the smartest thing they could say. They can't think about five wins until they get to two.
They are going to want to be bowl eligible until that possibility is eliminated. That could be as early as Halloween.
I think four wins at this point would be a good finish after a 1-5 start.
I am getting tired of seeing Ron Zook described in the media as a good guy...he didn't go out on the field to check on Hardeman, who already had a major neck injury. he laughed when Juice fumbled near the Indiana goal line. and overall, he is in essence stealing 1.5 million dollars each year from the school for NOT doing his job.
Can the media, just once, call him out for being a complete sham?
Giovanni,
Ron Zook was on the field to check on Donsay. The reason I know that was because I kept my binoculars (what Loren calls field glasses) on him the entire time.
I think the laugh was in kind of mock disgust. That's what I read into it.
The media presents the information. It is up to you to decide what kind of a person he is.
Bob,
Rebuttal to your response that firing Zook now would turn away coaching candidates.
I don't want a coach who is worried about getting fired for going 5-7 and 1-5 with a program coming off a Rose Bowl.
Let me illustrate. If you're writing bland, uninteresting (like our brand of football) stories for the News-Gazette, you're probably going to be fired. Are you worried about that? Are you going to refuse the job because the guy before you got fired? No, because you're confident that you're a good writer. Get a coach who knows he can win. A coach demands excellence from not just his players, but himself too. I'm a teacher. If I wasn't doing best by my kids, I'd resign. That's the kind of attitude we need.
Shamous,
Good points. And I apologize for any bland writing.
Hi Bob, thanks for the chats. Is there any real shot for Jacob Charest to get a start this season? I've heard Zook say that the offense would have to be altered because Jacob isn't a runner. I don't understand why that is a problem. The offense isn't working now, why not get a true passer in there and utilize these recievers. I haven't seen Jacob practice, so maybe you have some insight as to if he just isn't ready yet. Thanks Bob!