I would like to see Dennis Erickson end up back at Washington State. What do you guys think about that possibility?
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I would like to see Dennis Erickson end up back at Washington State. What do you guys think about that possibility?
I'm not sure why in terms of a coaching capacity. He's spent a lot more time at other programs than at WSU. He was an important hire and I don't have any problem with him leaving but I'm not sure what purpose it would serve to have Erickson (Price, etc.) back other than to honor him for what he did for the program 'back in the day'.I would like to see Dennis Erickson end up back at Washington State. What do you guys think about that possibility?
I would like to see Dennis Erickson end up back at Washington State. What do you guys think about that possibility?
Why? I don't see that WSU benefits in any way from his return. He's 70, and past his prime. His offensive schemes are no longer innovative and new. He hasn't been a head coach in 6 years, hasn't been a successful head coach in 15. Frankly, it could be argued that he's a professional coattail rider - his best seasons have mostly come in year 1 or 2 after taking over from someone else, using the foundation that was already in place and then tailing off in year 3. The only exception was Miami, where he had a solid 6 seasons...although the first 3 were markedly better than the last 3. And, let's be honest - in the late 80s & early 90s, a monkey could have coached Miami to a bowl, especially after the move to the Big East.I would like to see Dennis Erickson end up back at Washington State. What do you guys think about that possibility?
But what about the job Erickson did at Utah as Offensive Coordinator?Why? I don't see that WSU benefits in any way from his return. He's 70, and past his prime. His offensive schemes are no longer innovative and new. He hasn't been a head coach in 6 years, hasn't been a successful head coach in 15. Frankly, it could be argued that he's a professional coattail rider - his best seasons have mostly come in year 1 or 2 after taking over from someone else, using the foundation that was already in place and then tailing off in year 3. The only exception was Miami, where he had a solid 6 seasons...although the first 3 were markedly better than the last 3. And, let's be honest - in the late 80s & early 90s, a monkey could have coached Miami to a bowl, especially after the move to the Big East.
The other concern is that Erickson's teams often had significant disciplinary issues. My recollection is that Akey booted 17 kids from Idaho's roster after only 1 year of Erickson, and I remember ASU having a roster of thugs and being a leader in personal fouls under him. And of course, none of the Miami teams were choir boys. I don't remember issues at OSU, but it's easier to hide in Corvallis, especially at the end of a 30-year losing streak.
I see no reason to bring him back. Honestly, I wouldn't even give him a halftime acknowledgement. Maybe he can raise the flag for a game, but I really don't see his tenure as that significant. He was only here 2 years, and capitalized on what was left from Walden. Sure, he won a bowl and arguably started the modest rise of the program into the 90s, but I'd say any positive mark he left was first exceeded by Price and then erased during the dark years of the late 2000s. Let him stay away, nobody misses him.
But what about the job Erickson did at Utah as Offensive Coordinator?
Uncle Denny was Co-offensive coordinator for only one year at Utah after which he was basically demoted to just working with RBs and given the face-saving title of Asst. head coach. Our RBs are just fine with Mastro in charge. He would not fit in.But what about the job Erickson did at Utah as Offensive Coordinator?
Dennis isn't a fit with the current regime at WSU. Leach has his own system and doesn't seem much to be into the give-aging-coaches-a-place-to-retire camp. Yost is about the only one fitting that bill and he was only in his 40's. Leach is about training up the next big thing - like Holgerson or Lincoln Riley or Kingbury or whowever.
That said, Dennis Erickson deserves every possible coaching accolade and respect possible. Two nattys at Miami, taking Oregon State to the verge of a national title, even building Idaho into a power in the Big Sky - the dude is by far the most successful football coach ever to come through the Palouse - and its not even close. Talk to his ex-players. They flat out love the guy beyond words. His downfall was his love affair with Mayflower Moving and Storage taking him places he never should have ventured (SF and SEA).
I can respect what Erickson has done in his career. No question. And getting WSU to a bowl in 2 years, basically... well that's a big deal.
But I also agree with others here when they say he worked at finding places where the table was already set for him. The "coat-tails" comment, in my opinion, is accurate. And he bounced around worse that a hooker.
But I guess I'm pretty ambivalent about him. The fact he was a part of our "legends" panel over the weekend... I was pretty non-plus'ed about him. He's a previous coach that didn't show much "loyalty", so I'm not sure I can show much, myself.
He's a person in this world... That's about it for me. He's a Coug so I'll always holler, "Go Cougs" but that's it. I do that to complete strangers in the airport, too.
Regarding the initial question about him coaching again. Please no. Nothing against him, just see him leaving in a year when he see's greener pastures somewhere else. And even in the best circumstance and he's building something pretty cool... Then he leaves in the middle of it? Nope. No thanks.
I'm not sure I see Leach and Erickson being pals.Leach needs to buy a place on Lake Cda. Then Erickson's role with WSU could be drinking buddy of Leach at the lake. Talk football and whatever else is on their minds until he retires from WSU.
But what about the job Erickson did at Utah as Offensive Coordinator?
Yeah, but if you see him at the Coug, stay off the streets after.We have an offensive coordinator. His name is Mike Leach.
I'd rather see Uncle Denny at The Coug than in the booth.
We have an offensive coordinator. His name is Mike Leach.
I'd rather see Uncle Denny at The Coug than in the booth.
Yep. Agree. I'm in my seventies and Erickson is older than I am. Give Dennis a can of worms, a fishing pole and a six pack and leave him to relax on the end of his pier at CDA.If he were really offering anything worthwhile at this point I think Utah would still have him on staff.
He's gotta be 70 years old. What 70 year old man gets up in the morning ready to be a running backs coach??? Not after being the head man or calling plays anyways.
Time to get the boat out and enjoy the summer on the lake.
Uncle Denny appeared at the Coug Legends Golf tourney at CDA last week, he was there with CMP, Doba, Leach, and bunch of the great former players from the last 20+ years and looks like he's happy and healthy in retirement.
I hope he comes down to Pullman more now that he has finished coaching.
Off topic, but since these guys (football coaches) get no state pension (right?), do they live off of their invested millions they earn while coaching, plus the small Social Security check?
Off topic, but since these guys (football coaches) get no state pension (right?), do they live off of their invested millions they earn while coaching, plus the small Social Security check?
As state employee's I imagine that they do get a check.
There are people in Oregon furious with the pension Bellotti is getting.
Thank you very much, that just made me gag and swallow in order to avoid keyboard damage.G
They are getting pensions. The formula is something like years of service and an average of top 3 years paid but in wa they have a cap on what your top wage can be. Paul Wulff will be getting a much bigger pension than Erickson,Price, Leach and Walden bc if all his years at EWU. How do you like that?!
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They are getting pensions. The formula is something like years of service and an average of top 3 years paid but in wa they have a cap on what your top wage can be. Paul Wulff will be getting a much bigger pension than Erickson,Price, Leach and Walden bc if all his years at EWU. How do you like that?!