Northern Michigan University Wildcats 2016-17 Season Thread: Gotta Get Up And Try

[davyd83]

I would be thrilled to see Jamie Russell as head coach with Oystrick as first assistant. Seeing as Russell sought out Oystrick and brought him in as a player-assistant for the Jackals last season it doesn't seem too far fetched. To be honest, I would even be ok with giving Oystrick a shot at head coach despite his limited coaching experience. NCAA football has provided a model for how mid major programs have to handle coaching, and what has worked is hiring young hungry coaching candidates with university connections and hoping they catch fire and you have the next great coach. Average salary for an ECHL head coach is $40,000 per season. I would hope that NMU could pony up that money to get Oystrick as an assistant

As someone who has many years of working in the ECHL, I can guarantee you ECHL head coaches make far more than $40,000. I've got one right here in the building that can verify that. Also, did you see Russell's record at Tech? And the fact that Jamie Russell is under contract for next year would render him unavailable.

 

[aparch]

Re: Northern Michigan University Wildcats 2016-17 Season Thread: Gotta Get Up And Try

As someone who has many years of working in the ECHL, I can guarantee you ECHL head coaches make far more than $40,000. I've got one right here in the building that can verify that. Also, did you see Russell's record at Tech? And the fact that Jamie Russell is under contract for next year would render him unavailable.

Jamie Russell isn't even with Elmira anymore either. He's building the Worcester ECHL team from scratch and is their inaugural head coach AND general manager. Worcester takes the ice for the 2017-18 season.

 

[davyd83]

Jamie Russell isn't even with Elmira anymore either. He's building the Worcester ECHL team from scratch and is their inaugural head coach AND general manager. Worcester takes the ice for the 2017-18 season.

I know that. You know that.

 

[aparch]

I know that. You know that.

Whoops. Right. Why let facts get in the way of his dream of tilting at windmills.

 

[RapidsCity]

As someone who has many years of working in the ECHL, I can guarantee you ECHL head coaches make far more than $40,000. I've got one right here in the building that can verify that. Also, did you see Russell's record at Tech? And the fact that Jamie Russell is under contract for next year would render him unavailable.

NMU winning percentage this year .296. Kyle career winning percentage.500. Jamie Russell 8 years .291, Shyiak .335. Russell lest than 10 wins in 6 of 8 seasons at Tech. Are you guys trying to improve the program or make this the norm.

 

[DonorRoomDrinker]

Re: Northern Michigan University Wildcats 2016-17 Season Thread: Gotta Get Up And Try

Walt Kyle is currently (258-258-68) overall at NMU and currently in his 15th season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DonorRoomDrinker]

Re: Northern Michigan University Wildcats 2016-17 Season Thread: Gotta Get Up And Try

NMU sweeps UAA (6-1) & (4-0) in Marquette this weekend and is now (7-17-4) with (8) games left in the 2016-17 regular season....

 

[noremorse1]

NMU sweeps UAA (6-1) & (4-0) in Marquette this weekend and is now (7-17-4) with (8) games left in the 2016-17 regular season....

Looks like winning the Cappo Cup gave them the bump they needed!

 

[DonorRoomDrinker]

Re: Northern Michigan University Wildcats 2016-17 Season Thread: Gotta Get Up And Try

If NMU can win out their last (8) games they would end up (15-17-4) going into the WCHA Playoffs and on a roll.... NMU is (3-0-2) in their last (5) games....

 

[boot_walt_kyle]

Re: Northern Michigan University Wildcats 2016-17 Season Thread: Gotta Get Up And Try

Jamie Russell isn't even with Elmira anymore either. He's building the Worcester ECHL team from scratch and is their inaugural head coach AND general manager. Worcester takes the ice for the 2017-18 season.

I never said Russell was with Elmira anymore. I just watched Elmira play in Norfolk earlier this month. I knew that he had some form of agreement with the Railers, but I didn't realize it was as GM and Head Coach; that likely makes him unattainable. On a serious note, I would like to know what some of the older posters such as you and Davy think about the idea of having someone younger with university connections such as Oystrick, Andy Contois, or Rich Metro as the next head coach. I would much honestly rather take that type of gamble than bring on a retread. The only reason I was enthused about Russell was that I used to love his Tech teams with John Scott. John Scott is my favorite hockey player.

 

[noremorse1]

I never said Russell was with Elmira anymore. I just watched Elmira play in Norfolk earlier this month. I knew that he had some form of agreement with the Railers, but I didn't realize it was as GM and Head Coach; that likely makes him unattainable. On a serious note, I would like to know what some of the older posters such as you and Davy think about the idea of having someone younger with university connections such as Oystrick, Andy Contois, or Rich Metro as the next head coach. I would much honestly rather take that type of gamble than bring on a retread. The only reason I was enthused about Russell was that I used to love his Tech teams with John Scott. John Scott is my favorite hockey player.

It's funny to think of Oystrick as a head coach. I went to school with him at NMU and still remember him as he was then. However, he has done a ton since. Played in the NHL, KHL, AHL and ECHL. Coaching in the ECHL as well. I think he would bring a great deal. His presence alone would put a few more butts in the seats. However, I think Forest might be a bit more conservative and more likely consider him for an Assistant. Granted, he did bring in two new young coaches for W. Soccer and V. Ball.

 

[boot_walt_kyle]

Re: Northern Michigan University Wildcats 2016-17 Season Thread: Gotta Get Up And Try

It's funny to think of Oystrick as a head coach. I went to school with him at NMU and still remember him as he was then. However, he has done a ton since. Played in the NHL, KHL, AHL and ECHL. Coaching in the ECHL as well. I think he would bring a great deal. His presence alone would put a few more butts in the seats. However, I think Forest might be a bit more conservative and more likely consider him for an Assistant. Granted, he did bring in two new young coaches for W. Soccer and V. Ball.

The more I think about it, the more I like going with an aggressive young hire. I know its not apples to apples, but, mid major teams in football have presented a strategy that works very well in a sport that is split between the major players and smaller mid major conferences. Look at the top non-power football teams last year (WMU, Boise, WKU, South Florida, Tulsa, San Diego State, Temple) with the exception of San Diego State, none of those schools has a head coach over 45 years old. In the new NCAA world of the haves and the have nots, you either have to invest lots of money into your programs - its clear that NMU doesn't have the resources or the interest for this to be a reality - or take coaching gambles and hope they pay off. If it works, great, you have a few years of success before your coach gets poached away to a power school and restart the process slightly wealthier and well-thought of than before. If it doesn't, you cut bait and run after 4-5 years and restart the process again.

 

[davyd83]

I never said Russell was with Elmira anymore. I just watched Elmira play in Norfolk earlier this month. I knew that he had some form of agreement with the Railers, but I didn't realize it was as GM and Head Coach; that likely makes him unattainable. On a serious note, I would like to know what some of the older posters such as you and Davy think about the idea of having someone younger with university connections such as Oystrick, Andy Contois, or Rich Metro as the next head coach. I would much honestly rather take that type of gamble than bring on a retread. The only reason I was enthused about Russell was that I used to love his Tech teams with John Scott. John Scott is my favorite hockey player.

Neither Oystrick nor Contois has the experience to be a D-1 head coach at this point. Richie has been an assistant for several years at this level, but what level of success have his teams achieved? The soccer coach has head coaching experience at this level. The volleyball and football coaches bring D-1 assistant experience from successful programs. I do concur with Rapidscity, if you look at how schools like Tech, Omaha, Bowling Green, Western and Minnesota St came out of years of mediocrity or worse, the changes they made went far beyond bringing in a new coach.

 

[boot_walt_kyle]

Re: Northern Michigan University Wildcats 2016-17 Season Thread: Gotta Get Up And Try

Neither Oystrick nor Contois has the experience to be a D-1 head coach at this point. Richie has been an assistant for several years at this level, but what level of success have his teams achieved? The soccer coach has head coaching experience at this level. The volleyball and football coaches bring D-1 assistant experience from successful programs. I do concur with Rapidscity, if you look at how schools like Tech, Omaha, Bowling Green, Western and Minnesota St came out of years of mediocrity or worse, the changes they made went far beyond bringing in a new coach.

I feel that experience is highly overrated when looking for a head coach (or really any position at any job). When I'm looking to hire someone, I'm way more concerned with whether they are a strong organizational fit, have an unmatched passion for the job, and the basic competencies to succeed in the position. If someone with university ties like Oystrick met those criteria, it might be wise to overlook the lack of experience and just accept that there might be a bit of a learning curve. It would also be crucial to make budgetary room for an experienced assistant coach with solid knowledge on NCAA recruiting regulations, etc.

Out of curiosity, if you were on a search committee to find a replacement head coach for NMU, what types of qualifications and experience would you be looking for?

 

[aparch]

...When I'm looking to hire someone, I'm way more concerned with whether they are a strong organizational fit, have an unmatched passion for the job, and the basic competencies to succeed in the position. If someone with university ties like Oystrick met those criteria, it might be wise to overlook the lack of experience and just accept that there might be a bit of a learning curve. ...

I... I can't believe after all these years of just spouting off, you're actually making sense in the last two days and having civil conversations with productive ideas!

If only the AD had the same courtesy.

Of your three Oystrick is the top of them, IMO. Nothing against Andy though, as that is a good second.

But, I would hate to see anyone as a successor that isn't given the fullest opportunity. Mel only came back to MTU because there was guaranteed support from boosters (if I recall correctly) and with his pedigree as a long time assistant. Moving on from Walt to a new coach and keeping the status quo would be like giving any of us a set of car keys to an '83 AMC Eagle that is missing the spare tire, leaking oil, a weak battery, and God know what other mechanical issues, then be told "oh, you have to take this car on a six month road trip. Starting tonight. Good luck."

On the flip side, I would also hate to see Walt, treated like he has by the AD the last few years, let go only to have the new coach handed a set of keys to a 2018 Corvette Stingray.

*shrug* It's going to be an interesting summer.

 

[davyd83]

I feel that experience is highly overrated when looking for a head coach (or really any position at any job). When I'm looking to hire someone, I'm way more concerned with whether they are a strong organizational fit, have an unmatched passion for the job, and the basic competencies to succeed in the position. If someone with university ties like Oystrick met those criteria, it might be wise to overlook the lack of experience and just accept that there might be a bit of a learning curve. It would also be crucial to make budgetary room for an experienced assistant coach with solid knowledge on NCAA recruiting regulations, etc.

Out of curiosity, if you were on a search committee to find a replacement head coach for NMU, what types of qualifications and experience would you be looking for?

Minimum on the experience chart would be NCAA D-1 assistant experience. If you can find me a D-1 head coach with a track record of success without prior D-1 experience over the past 15 years, please point him out. I would also want someone who has helped build successful programs at a school that offers its program similar resources. A division 1 degree is also required at most schools.

 

[aparch]

Re: Northern Michigan University Wildcats 2016-17 Season Thread: Gotta Get Up And Try

Andy Murray (WMU) - He had a terrible season last year for WMU (.264), had zero Division 1 experience but he did have 16 years of NHL experience prior to accepting the WMU job.

Greg Powers (ASU) - Prior experience was only playing and coaching the ASU ACHA team prior to their move to D1. No minor pro experience.

Red Berenson (UM) - Only D1 experience was three years playing prior to accepting UM HC position in '84. Six years NHL coaching experience.

Mike Havilland (CC) - One year playing for a Div III school. 15 years pro coaching, four of those as NHL assistant. But he's had three very terrible years at CC (including this year).

Tony Granato (Wisc) - four years playing for the W, first year coaching at any college level.


So... From this I can assume coaching is just as hit and miss as scouting players can be.

 

[davyd83]

Andy Murray (WMU) - He had a terrible season last year for WMU (.264), had zero Division 1 experience but he did have 16 years of NHL experience prior to accepting the WMU job.

Greg Powers (ASU) - Prior experience was only playing and coaching the ASU ACHA team prior to their move to D1. No minor pro experience.

Red Berenson (UM) - Only D1 experience was three years playing prior to accepting UM HC position in '84. Six years NHL coaching experience.

Mike Havilland (CC) - One year playing for a Div III school. 15 years pro coaching, four of those as NHL assistant. But he's had three very terrible years at CC (including this year).

Tony Granato (Wisc) - four years playing for the W, first year coaching at any college level.


So... From this I can assume coaching is just as hit and miss as scouting players can be.

Minimum: D-1. NHL ranks above D-1 on the coaching scale. Now, look realistically at that list, which one do you think would be a candidate to come to NMU? Red's all but retired. Tony has the Wisconsin job. He and his staff are quite well compensated and I highly doubt either of his assistants would be interested. Andy isn't going to be interested in cutting his pay in half as well as his assistants having to do the same. Haviland, look at his record. Powers, still a club coach wearing an NCAA jacket.

 

[boot_walt_kyle]

Re: Northern Michigan University Wildcats 2016-17 Season Thread: Gotta Get Up And Try

Minimum on the experience chart would be NCAA D-1 assistant experience. If you can find me a D-1 head coach with a track record of success without prior D-1 experience over the past 15 years, please point him out. I would also want someone who has helped build successful programs at a school that offers its program similar resources. A division 1 degree is also required at most schools.

To add to the list that aparch has started:

Ted Donato - Harvard - Went straight from playing to head coach at Harvard
Greg Carvel - St. Lawrence - Several years as an NHL assistant but no college coaching experience
Rand Pecknold - Quinnipiac - Two years as a D2 assistant (huge asterisk here because he took over as head coach while Quinnipiac was still D2

 

[davyd83]

To add to the list that aparch has started:

Ted Donato - Harvard - Went straight from playing to head coach at Harvard
Greg Carvel - St. Lawrence - Several years as an NHL assistant but no college coaching experience
Rand Pecknold - Quinnipiac - Two years as a D2 assistant (huge asterisk here because he took over as head coach while Quinnipiac was still D2

Pecknold was hired as Head Coach when Quinnipiac was D-2, then remained with the program as it transitioned to D1. Carvel: NHL assistant, that's above the minimum of time as D-1 assistant. You're right on Donato. But call him up and see if he'd be interested. I am telling what NMU HR would likely put there if the job were to be posted. Very similar to the postings for the other sports.

There's a couple other qualifications: they would have to be ready to come here under the current financial and budgetary conditions. And be able to bring in and retain top notch assistants as well.