Here's how I see the coaching decision playing out

[CougPatrol]

• If we beat Oregon in 2 weeks, I think Dickert will be hired immediately. I don't think Chun will wait.

• If we lose a competitive game vs Oregon and come back and beat Arizona, I think Chun will hire Dickert right afterwards to further spark the players for Apple Cup week.

• Where it gets dicey is if we lay an egg vs. Oregon and get blown out; then follow it up with a lack luster effort vs. Arizona. If that happens, I think it'll come down to Apple Cup, and even that might not be enough.

I'm not saying that I necessarily think we should or shouldn't go this route, but I do think that (for obvious reasons) Chun would love nothing more than for the team to continue performing at a high level so he doesn't have to make a tough decision.

 

[COUGinNCW]

Seems plausible.

one of my concerns with Dickert is his ability to put a staff together based on his experience and lack of P5 contacts. I believe the RnS guys they just added were Rolo contacts. Anyone think he’d be able to or want to bring John Richardson back if he got vaxxed? I think he’s a good CB coach and a damn good recruiter.

 

[taf88]

Seems plausible.

one of my concerns with Dickert is his ability to put a staff together based on his experience and lack of P5 contacts. I believe the RnS guys they just added were Rolo contacts. Anyone think he’d be able to or want to bring John Richardson back if he got vaxxed? I think he’s a good CB coach and a damn good recruiter.

Isn’t Richardson part of the lawsuit vs. WSU. Not sure that brings out the welcome mat.

 

[dgibbons]

Seems plausible.

one of my concerns with Dickert is his ability to put a staff together based on his experience and lack of P5 contacts. I believe the RnS guys they just added were Rolo contacts. Anyone think he’d be able to or want to bring John Richardson back if he got vaxxed? I think he’s a good CB coach and a damn good recruiter.

If Dickert is elevated, I assume Banker gets the DC job.

Positions to fill, I think- CB, DL, and if the new guys don't stick, QB and OL, and one other. And someone needs to take the recruiting coordinator title.

 

[COUGinNCW]

Isn’t Richardson part of the lawsuit vs. WSU. Not sure that brings out the welcome mat.

I dont think he’s said he’ll be during yet from what I’ve seen but could have missed it. He’s be wise not to. Too young in his career to sue over 5 months pay assuming his contract was up at the end of the season. I don’t think leaving his job “for his principles” would be held against him but suing his employer would not look favorable to future employers IMO.

 

[dgibbons]

Isn’t Richardson part of the lawsuit vs. WSU. Not sure that brings out the welcome mat.

No one has sued yet.

But I agree- highly unlikely. Like someone would need to be really high for that to occur.

 

[Observer11]

No one has sued yet.

But I agree- highly unlikely. Like someone would need to be really high for that to occur.

It is Washington and cannabis is legal so....

 

[CougPatrol]

Seems plausible.

one of my concerns with Dickert is his ability to put a staff together based on his experience and lack of P5 contacts. I believe the RnS guys they just added were Rolo contacts. Anyone think he’d be able to or want to bring John Richardson back if he got vaxxed? I think he’s a good CB coach and a damn good recruiter.

I think that's everyone's concern with Dickert. When we hired Rolo, we had no idea if he would be able to recruit to Pullman. We still don't.

If Chun has an in with a proven head coach who wants to take on the WSU job, I'm all ears, but that head coach (I think) would have to bring a stronger resume than Rolovich's 4-year run at Hawaii, a program that isn't relatable to any other program in college football.

I guess for me, if we replace Dickert, it has to be with someone with a fair amount of cachet. It seems way too risky to bring in a guy with limited G5 head coaching experience or a coordinator at P5 school. Would replacing Dickert with a guy with Rolo's experience make you feel any more confident in their ability to handle recruiting and grow the program?

 

[spongeandshoot]

I think that's everyone's concern with Dickert. When we hired Rolo, we had no idea if he would be able to recruit to Pullman. We still don't.

If Chun has an in with a proven head coach who wants to take on the WSU job, I'm all ears, but that head coach (I think) would have to bring a stronger resume than Rolovich's 4-year run at Hawaii, a program that isn't relatable to any other program in college football.

I guess for me, if we replace Dickert, it has to be with someone with a fair amount of cachet. It seems way too risky to bring in a guy with limited G5 head coaching experience or a coordinator at P5 school. Would replacing Dickert with a guy with Rolo's experience make you feel any more confident in their ability to handle recruiting and grow the program?

I'm with you on this.

If we can't get a Chris Petersen caliber guy, its too risky imo.

In regard to your scenarios, I agree with them from the hiring perspective..but I don't think we'll come out lackluster or get blown out. This team just plays too hard

 

[kougkurt]

Dickert can be HC AND DC As long as he brings in a solid offensive mind.

 

[froropmkr72]

Dickert can be HC AND DC As long as he brings in a solid offensive mind.

What if the offense turns the corner? What if the play calling is really good and increasingly productive? That might make a good case for Smith staying the OC.

 

[95coug]

I think that's everyone's concern with Dickert. When we hired Rolo, we had no idea if he would be able to recruit to Pullman. We still don't.

If Chun has an in with a proven head coach who wants to take on the WSU job, I'm all ears, but that head coach (I think) would have to bring a stronger resume than Rolovich's 4-year run at Hawaii, a program that isn't relatable to any other program in college football.

I guess for me, if we replace Dickert, it has to be with someone with a fair amount of cachet. It seems way too risky to bring in a guy with limited G5 head coaching experience or a coordinator at P5 school. Would replacing Dickert with a guy with Rolo's experience make you feel any more confident in their ability to handle recruiting and grow the program?

That makes sense, I think. If we can't lure a name - and other than Peterson, I'm not sure what other names are out there right now - then most of the other candidates are also a serious roll of the dice. I've seen Jay Norvell mentioned a few times, along with Kalen DeBoer, Brent Brennan, etc. Sure, those guys are candidates, but I'm not sure they bring enough to the table to offset the question marks. They've been head coaches, but have relatively short histories. Are any of them relatively sure to be successful at WSU? Not really. Do any of them have a list of contacts that will increase their likelihood of success? Norvell might have the beginnings of one, but...not really.

IF Dickert can keep the team motivated, playing well, and most importantly, winning...I don't know that he's any less of a gamble than the commonly mentioned candidates. Again, that's contingent on bringing someone to run the O, and I'm not sure who that might be.

 

[anon_1nb5kgc7kwlls]

If Dickert and the Cougs win the AC I will get a Coug Boner the likes of which the world has never seen.

 

[froropmkr72]

That makes sense, I think. If we can't lure a name - and other than Peterson, I'm not sure what other names are out there right now - then most of the other candidates are also a serious roll of the dice. I've seen Jay Norvell mentioned a few times, along with Kalen DeBoer, Brent Brennan, etc. Sure, those guys are candidates, but I'm not sure they bring enough to the table to offset the question marks. They've been head coaches, but have relatively short histories. Are any of them relatively sure to be successful at WSU? Not really. Do any of them have a list of contacts that will increase their likelihood of success? Norvell might have the beginnings of one, but...not really.

IF Dickert can keep the team motivated, playing well, and most importantly, winning...I don't know that he's any less of a gamble than the commonly mentioned candidates. Again, that's contingent on bringing someone to run the O, and I'm not sure who that might be.

If they beat uw, Arizona and then play Oregon down to the wire it would require a very game plan on both sides of the ball. Dickert would probably be promoted and Smith might be considered for OC. There would be no denying they both did a really good job down the stretch.

 

[CougPatrol]

I'm with you on this.

If we can't get a Chris Petersen caliber guy, its too risky imo.

In regard to your scenarios, I agree with them from the hiring perspective..but I don't think we'll come out lackluster or get blown out. This team just plays too hard

Don't get me wrong, I'm not closed off to the idea of WSU going out and making a splash hire. If Chun can identify someone like a Leach, Peterson, etc., then I'm all ears. I've just been around the WSU campfire long enough to know that we rarely handle things like that.

Chun has some leverage with Dickert. He's a first time head coach, so his salary, and his buyout, will be program friendly. He'll be able to talk with Dickert about how he intends to staff the roster. With the money we'll be saving on Dickert's contract, perhaps Chun will encourage him to go after a bigger fish offensive coordinator?

Lots of subplots in play here.

 

[ttowncoug]

I think Dickert would get a WSU favorable contract. Pay him what Rolo was making, but make separation easier.

I think we have a good thing going with JDL. I'd stick with a hybrid run and shoot (RPO offense) that meshes well with our talent.

I'm personally not sure if Brian Smith is THE GUY long-term or not, but at least giving this staff another year to sort this out and recruit seems like the low risk/high reward decision.

I'd personally consider brining in June Jones as offensive coordinator if he has any interest in coaching.

 

[95coug]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not closed off to the idea of WSU going out and making a splash hire. If Chun can identify someone like a Leach, Peterson, etc., then I'm all ears. I've just been around the WSU campfire long enough to know that we rarely handle things like that.

Chun has some leverage with Dickert. He's a first time head coach, so his salary, and his buyout, will be program friendly. He'll be able to talk with Dickert about how he intends to staff the roster. With the money we'll be saving on Dickert's contract, perhaps Chun will encourage him to go after a bigger fish offensive coordinator?

Lots of subplots in play here.

I think Dickert would get a WSU favorable contract. Pay him what Rolo was making, but make separation easier.

I think we have a good thing going with JDL. I'd stick with a hybrid run and shoot (RPO offense) that meshes well with our talent.

I'm personally not sure if Brian Smith is THE GUY long-term or not, but at least giving this staff another year to sort this out and recruit seems like the low risk/high reward decision.

I'd personally consider brining in June Jones as offensive coordinator if he has any interest in coaching.

I don't think we pay him what Rolo was making. Rolo had HC experience. Dickert probably isn't an HC candidate anywhere but here. I think we pay him a low base with lots of incentives:

3 years, $2M per year (still a pile of money in Pullman). Once you get to 6 wins, you get a $250K bonus, and that gets added to your base next year. At 7 wins, you get extended a year. At 8 wins, you get another $250K. At 10, $500K. $100K for winning Apple Cup. $100K for making the conference championship, $250K for winning it (not additive - one or the other), same for making/winning a bowl. $250K/$500K for making/winning a playoff game.

So, if 2022 duplicated the 2018 season:
$2M base
$250K for 6 wins
$250K for 8 wins
$500K for 10 wins
$250K for winning a bowl
$3.25M earned on the field.
That's about $300K less than we paid Leach in 2018...and the base salary for 2023 be $3M, with all the same incentives available again.


Then add:
$100K if named conference coach of the year. $250 for national COY. Additive.
$100K if team APR (single-year) exceeds 960. Additional $100K for each consecutive year it exceeds 960, up to $500K
$250K if team graduation rate exceeds the 4-year average for WSU athletes. Another $250 for single-year football graduation rate over 75%

 

[Coug90]

I’m curious for those who are still pissed off about Rolo not being here but hesitant about handing the reigns to Dickert-What’s your bar for making it a no brainer? I’d have to say if he beat AZ and lost to Oregon and UW. and finished 2-3 (with BYU on a chaotic week being a throwaway) he’d be about on par with Rolo’s performance over 11 games. If he beats AZ and UW in any way he pretty clearly outperformed Rolo in a short amount of time, and I would think you’d want Dickert to stay. Right now I think this is the most probable outcome for these last 3 games based on what I’ve seen this year. The team still has to go out and do it of course.

 

[Cougsocal]

Let's not forget that Chun already tried to hire "Dickert" before, and settled for looney tunes, his name was Alex Grinch. Young, energetic, knows the program, can related to the kids and had his unit playing above expectations. This job is Dickert's to lose. A couple wins and it is a done deal. Hell, after ASU, an Apple Cup win might be enough.

 

[Cougsocal]

I’m curious for those who are still pissed off about Rolo not being here but hesitant about handing the reigns to Dickert-What’s your bar for making it a no brainer? I’d have to say if he beat AZ and lost to Oregon and UW. and finished 2-3 (with BYU on a chaotic week being a throwaway) he’d be about on par with Rolo’s performance over 11 games. If he beats AZ and UW in any way he pretty clearly outperformed Rolo in a short amount of time, and I would think you’d want Dickert to stay. Right now I think this is the most probable outcome for these last 3 games based on what I’ve seen this year. The team still has to go out and do it of course.

Let me get this straight-- you are asking people, most of whom are on record as wanting the program/Chun/Schultz to crash and burn, to come up with an objective "hire" standard? I think I know what you are up to!

 

[CougEd]

Let's not forget that Chun already tried to hire "Dickert" before, and settled for looney tunes, his name was Alex Grinch. Young, energetic, knows the program, can related to the kids and had his unit playing above expectations. This job is Dickert's to lose. A couple wins and it is a done deal. Hell, after ASU, an Apple Cup win might be enough.

I don't think at this point it is about wins or losses. I think he does need to give Chun a plan, what his vision is and how he intends to run that side of the ball.

Dickert has something that Grinch, Doba and Lake didn't have...he played college ball on the other side of the ball. He played offense in college.

 

[Coug90]

Let me get this straight-- you are asking people, most of whom are on record as wanting the program/Chun/Schultz to crash and burn, to come up with an objective "hire" standard? I think I know what you are up to!

I’m just trying to make sense of that reasoning. Because to me if you are mad that a 5-6 Rolo is let go you should be thrilled if a 3-2 Dickert is retained.

 

[Cougsocal]

I don't think at this point it is about wins or losses. I think he does need to give Chun a plan, what his vision is and how he intends to run that side of the ball.

Dickert has something that Grinch, Doba and Lake didn't have...he played college ball on the other side of the ball. He played offense in college.

Plan #1, do what it takes to sign Jim Michalczik, to put the "run" in run and shoot.

 

[425cougfan]

I think Dickert would get a WSU favorable contract. Pay him what Rolo was making, but make separation easier.

I think we have a good thing going with JDL. I'd stick with a hybrid run and shoot (RPO offense) that meshes well with our talent.

I'm personally not sure if Brian Smith is THE GUY long-term or not, but at least giving this staff another year to sort this out and recruit seems like the low risk/high reward decision.

I'd personally consider brining in June Jones as offensive coordinator if he has any interest in coaching.

I am not directing this to you, really, but to make the general point, I'll be pissed as a donor if Dickert is hired and gets paid $3m when WSU is bidding against itself and there is zero reason to pay him that much. I get that separation could be made easier, which is helpful in the event of a disaster, but even if it is "only" $500k they shave off that to reflect the lack of experience or competitive offers out there--and I think it could be much more (e.g., I believe both Wilcox and Smith started under $2m fairly recently)--that's pretty important, especially for WSU. We're not a "oh, what the hell, here's an extra million bucks so we can say we pay our coach $3m" kind of school. Pay him $2m and give him an extension with a nice raise if he does well.

 

[Coug90]

I am not directing this to you, really, but to make the general point, I'll be pissed as a donor if Dickert is hired and gets paid $3m when WSU is bidding against itself and there is zero reason to pay him that much. I get that separation could be made easier, which is helpful in the event of a disaster, but even if it is "only" $500k they shave off that to reflect the lack of experience or competitive offers out there--and I think it could be much more (e.g., I believe both Wilcox and Smith started under $2m fairly recently)--that's pretty important, especially for WSU. We're not a "oh, what the hell, here's an extra million bucks so we can say we pay our coach $3m" kind of school. Pay him $2m and give him an extension with a nice raise if he does well.

That would be a fair agreement for both sides. If he wins out and looks impressive doing it you may need to pay the man now though.

 

[Coug90]

Do we eliminate Banks from the mix or does this get him into our top 2? Discuss…

 

[BiggsCoug]

Do we eliminate Banks from the mix or does this get him into our top 2? Discuss…

View embedded media

Gotta get an interview right?

 

[ttowncoug]

Banks is out. I’ll make that clear from my perspective.

 

[spongeandshoot]

What if the offense turns the corner? What if the play calling is really good and increasingly productive? That might make a good case for Smith staying the OC.

That is where I am at on this.

This offense is becoming increasingly more dangerous.

Our downfield completion percentage on Saturday was excellent. Not sure the numbers...but seems like every time we went down field, it was a completion.

 

[spongeandshoot]

Do we eliminate Banks from the mix or does this get him into our top 2? Discuss…

View embedded media

I mean will Chun let him bring the monkey to the interview? And what about Ms. Pole?

 

[Coug90]

I mean will Chun let him bring the monkey to the interview? And what about Ms. Pole?

In some recent years the monkey would be an upgrade to special teams coaching. And strippers do a good job of keeping track of the clock so game management would be on point!

 

[CougEd]

If Dickert and the Cougs win the AC I will get a Coug Boner the likes of which the world has never seen.

I mean will Chun let him bring the monkey to the interview? And what about Ms. Pole?

I think he has shown he is shortsighted. Leaving his wife for someone on the Jerry Springer. Can’t he just get a stripper that has better pedigree.

What was Chris Rocks one stated goal as a new father … his only job was to keep his daughter off the pole. I guess Banks could have hooked up with Bernie Kosars daughter.

 

[SDCoug]

• If we beat Oregon in 2 weeks, I think Dickert will be hired immediately. I don't think Chun will wait.

• If we lose a competitive game vs Oregon and come back and beat Arizona, I think Chun will hire Dickert right afterwards to further spark the players for Apple Cup week.

• Where it gets dicey is if we lay an egg vs. Oregon and get blown out; then follow it up with a lack luster effort vs. Arizona. If that happens, I think it'll come down to Apple Cup, and even that might not be enough.

I'm not saying that I necessarily think we should or shouldn't go this route, but I do think that (for obvious reasons) Chun would love nothing more than for the team to continue performing at a high level so he doesn't have to make a tough decision.

I’m so conflicted on this one. My heart wants us to:

• Beat Oregon
• Hire Dickert immediately
• Go on a great recruiting run
• Win out
• Dickert retires as the greatest coach in WSU history

Of course, that is a no brainer if it were guaranteed to happen.

My head is telling me that, even if we were to beat Oregon and Chun decides to give him the job, it is likely better to let the process play out. It has the benefit of adding more legitimacy to the decision.

Ultimately, if the last bullet we’re to occur, I’ll die a happy and satisfied alum.

 

[BiggsCoug]

I think he has shown he is shortsighted. Leaving his wife for someone on the Jerry Springer. Can’t he just get a stripper that has better pedigree.

What was Chris Rocks one stated goal as a new father … his only job was to keep his daughter off the pole. I guess Banks could have hooked up with Bernie Kosars daughter.

Ive lived in Austin recently. There are tons of women. Why he chose this one??? When he could have chosen any of them at Lake Travis???? Why have one when you can have many???

 

[Coug90]

I’m so conflicted on this one. My heart wants us to:

• Beat Oregon
• Hire Dickert immediately
• Go on a great recruiting run
• Win out
• Dickert retires as the greatest coach in WSU history

Of course, that is a no brainer if it were guaranteed to happen.

My head is telling me that, even if we were to beat Oregon and Chun decides to give him the job, it is likely better to let the process play out. It has the benefit of adding more legitimacy to the decision.

Ultimately, if the last bullet we’re to occur, I’ll die a happy and satisfied alum.

Nothings a guarantee if we go the thorough search route. That’s how we got Rolo and he was gonna be mediocre at best. If you go that route Dickert Is gone…you don’t get both that’s the risk. You can probably promote Dickert on a prove it contract and extend him if he has quick success. If he ends up being mediocre you’ve lost nothing you were gonna be mediocre with Rolo the next couple of years anyways, and you are spending less on Dickert when revenues are squeezed right now. I think if you like what you see in the next few weeks you go all in on #BigDickertEnergy

 

[spongeandshoot]

In some recent years the monkey would be an upgrade to special teams coaching. And strippers do a good job of keeping track of the clock so game management would be on point!

I think you may have something here. Maybe Ms. Pole runs the ball when we have a lead because she is in a hurry to go shopping?

The monkey in charge of special teams in previous years is a no brainer.

 

[spongeandshoot]

I think he has shown he is shortsighted. Leaving his wife for someone on the Jerry Springer. Can’t he just get a stripper that has better pedigree.

What was Chris Rocks one stated goal as a new father … his only job was to keep his daughter off the pole. I guess Banks could have hooked up with Bernie Kosars daughter.

Ahh....Sara Kosar.

I wonder if she has a pet monkey too? I think it is pretty standard these days.

 

[Glad Cougar]

Do we eliminate Banks from the mix or does this get him into our top 2? Discuss…

View embedded media

Maybe getting an interview with WSU is his "Destiny." Banks played for Mike Price, right?

Glad Cougar

 

[FnuLnu]

Maybe getting an interview with WSU is his "Destiny." Banks played for Mike Price, right?

Glad Cougar

That monkey came from Poop Island

 

[FnuLnu]

Plan #1, do what it takes to sign Jim Michalczik, to put the "run" in run and shoot.

Both alum Run Game Coordinators that were recruited as players by Jim Walden ran the football less often in losses than Mike Leach did in a win over #12 Kentucky on Saturday.

This particular Run Game Coordinator recently seems to be on the losing side quite frequently while facing WSU.