New Gardner-Webb Head Coach

[huthuthut]

I know little about Coach Lance Leipold. With a name like that he sounds like a coach. He's been hugely successful coaching in the frozen tundra. I give him an outside chance. With things dragging out this far after interviews it sounds like they offered and couldn't come to terms on the contract. In that case either they negotiate or they move on to the next guy.

[elcid83]

If something official doesn't break by Thursday afternoon, I'll be shocked. I'm pretty sure Dr. Bonner and Mr. Burch should have their minds made up by now.

94, Unfortunately they already made their mind up and Mr. Wachenheim said no thank you. It's hard to believe that it takes 48 hours to get a decision from #2 in line. I agree with proasu89 - there should be white smoke coming out of the chimney at the football center by now.

Go Runnin' Bulldogs!

[EagleDawg]

ElCid83 - I believe you're correct in your assessment about Wachenheim being offered the job but turning it down for what most likely is the amount of compensation but there may also be other institutional control issues concerning staff retention, etc. that is not known and may never be known. The tough thing now is that all of the other candidates that were interviewed have to be reading the "Tea Leaves" too and if offered will know that they were the #2 choice. That can't provide the utmost level of confidence for a new hire. I'm wondering have they expanded their search now or could they be encountering similar issues about contract, etc. even with their 2nd choice? White Smoke? After almost 8 weeks we should have seen hot flames, called 911 and had the fire put out by now. I know of no other institution in our part of the country at our level or higher who has taken this long in like circumstances. Let's get on with it G-Dubb!!!

[horseman23]

Yes I did correct myself after I went and read exactly what I wrote and how I meant for it to be was exactly what yall are talking about, experience. I apologize if I hurt anyones feelings by my earlier post but they lost some older guys from last year that were in the leadership role. Never intended to make it seem like I was bad mouthing the guys, even though it did come out that way. I went to GW but I also love South Carolina so thats why it says I am a SC fan if you must know.

I am just ready for the new HC to be decided so I can get ready for the next season. A lot of talented players are at GW and I really expect that with a new HC they can compete for the conference championship, the past few years they have had the talent to win it.

[coachonwheels]

still no anouncement?

[elcid83]

"I picked a bad week to stop sniffing glue."

Go Runnin' Bulldogs!

[G-Webb 90-92]

Hello All, I am new to the forum, so this is my first post.
Great site and forum!!

Been trying to follow the coaching search as best as possible. This is starting to drag out a little too much now.
I am sure they are working hard to get this done, and have to know that this will affect recruiting and such.
Hope they get this taken care of soon.

[horseman23]

Also I played O Line for GW so there are plenty of ties there for me bulldogdad seeing as it is my Alma Mater, so dont jump on someone until you know the situation yourself. So I also know what comes from playing O line, if your winning the O line is not mentioned and if your losing the O line just is not playing well. I know both sides, and I was worried about this past season because of the lack of experience at that position, did not mean to offend you but dont insult me because you think I know nothing of GW.

[g-webb1994]

"I picked a bad week to stop sniffing glue."

Go Runnin' Bulldogs!

"Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop drinking"

(don't start with Airplane!, one of my top five favorite movies ever)

G-W dragged out the basketball hire, so this isn't surprising, although I was expecting them to move a bit quicker this time with recruiting deadlines being so in play during the search.

If "choice number 2" is Reich or Leipold, I don't think they would lack confidence. Leipold actually coaching scholarship football would be interesting.

[elcid83]

Hello All, I am new to the forum, so this is my first post.
Great site and forum!!

Been trying to follow the coaching search as best as possible. This is starting to drag out a little too much now.
I am sure they are working hard to get this done, and have to know that this will affect recruiting and such.
Hope they get this taken care of soon.

Welcome Aboard G-Webb!

We continue to be amazed at the amount of interest that the coaching change has generated for GW football. Up until Coach P was let go, we had about 4 guys that showed any interest in GW on this site. Glad to have you aboard and hope you continue to contribute to our discussions and show up for football games and join us at our tailgate, etc...

This started to drag out a little too much about a month ago. If I had the time and the inclination to do so, I would like to prepare a chart that would show the number of coaches that have been replaced at the many other universities between the time that Coach Patton was fired and today. This process has been much too deliberate and needs to come to an end today.

Go Runnin' Bulldogs!

[horseman23]

Why do you think its taking so long to decide? I really thought it would have been done already

[g-webb1994]

Why do you think its taking so long to decide? I really thought it would have been done already

G-W has never been a place to fire coaches at a rapid pace. Thus, they were very deliberate in the mens hoops search, wanting to make sure they got the right person. I think they took the same strategery this time around with the football search, and didn't really care how it affected recruiting this year.

Just my theory.

[G-Webb 90-92]

Welcome Aboard G-Webb!

We continue to be amazed at the amount of interest that the coaching change has generated for GW football. Up until Coach P was let go, we had about 4 guys that showed any interest in GW on this site. Glad to have you aboard and hope you continue to contribute to our discussions and show up for football games and join us at our tailgate, etc...

This started to drag out a little too much about a month ago. If I had the time and the inclination to do so, I would like to prepare a chart that would show the number of coaches that have been replaced at the many other universities between the time that Coach Patton was fired and today. This process has been much too deliberate and needs to come to an end today.

Go Runnin' Bulldogs!

Thanks for the welcome elcid83. I played there from 90-92, under Woody, so have followed the program since. Just recently found this forum, checked it out this week and finally registered. I look forward to many discussions. I also plan to make a few games this year, haven't had the chance the last couple seasons as I have been deployed (U. S. Navy). So, I am looking forward to getting down and seeing in person all the rennovations at the stadium!!

Agree! A decision would be nice today!!

Thanks again for the welcome!

[horseman23]

Yea I remember the basketball decision, and I just hope its soon because they are losing time on recruiting and that could hurt us down the road.

The stadium is a really nice place to play, I was lucky enough to play there when it was all updated

[EagleDawg]

A hearty welcome to all of the recent new posters and a special thank you to GWebb 90-92 for your service to our country. I have a sinking feeling that dollars have gotten in the way of this process concluding and it's more than a bit surprising since all of those at G-Dubb who are part of the hiring search have to know what it takes to lure a coach with experience as a former HC, Coordinator or Assistant HC from a parallel FCS program or a BCS program. With that in mind, I now believe that either Reich (current Wingate HC DII) or Leipold (current Wisconsin-Whitewater HC DIII) will be our next guy. Reich is probably a better fit culturally and we all know that's important to the decision makers so he may be the favorite now. It's only those two who are likely to receive a pay increase by coming to G-Dubb from their current positions. It's not that money is everything but when you are trying to elevate a program from mediocrity in the Big South it speaks volumes about what the institution is prepared to do and not to do.

So much work to do over the next few weeks with the football program with recruiting, staffing and planning spring ball and as each day passes less time to do it. For an institution of higher learning it's time for some of these folks to well start learning, maybe even listening, dare I say acting. Come on make the decision!

[g-webb1994]

From what I have now heard, Sanders is the 'lead dog' (don't you love the play on words) in the chase....could have an announcement forthcoming in pretty short order....

Whether we agree with whatever choice is made or not, let's rally around the new coach.

[EagleDawg]

G-Webb 1994 - If Sanders is the guy, I know my Running Bulldog will be good with it. He brings the most overall and broad experience to the equation. There will be some who won't be happy about it since he has a son who is a walk-on DL at G-Dubb but I believe he would be committed to doing all the right things to make our Running Bulldogs a contender. I expect that if he is the guy that he may retain 1 to 3 of the current assistants which may make the transition a bit smoother and there are at least that many current assistants who are good men who our guys admire and respect. I really do want to hear something this afternoon, do you sense an announcement is imminent?

[g-webb1994]

G-Webb 1994 - If Sanders is the guy, I know my Running Bulldog will be good with it. He brings the most overall and broad experience to the equation. There will be some who won't be happy about it since he has a son who is a walk-on DL at G-Dubb but I believe he would be committed to doing all the right things to make our Running Bulldogs a contender. I expect that if he is the guy that he may retain 1 to 3 of the current assistants which may make the transition a bit smoother and there are at least that many current assistants who are good men who our guys admire and respect. I really do want to hear something this afternoon, do you sense an announcement is imminent?

Yes....check your PM Eagle....

Sanders did coach with Spurrier for quite a few years at Duke and UF, and as a Gator fan, adds some excitement to the equation even if his kid is on the team. He's got over 30+ years experience. Let's see what takes place.....

[horseman23]

I really do hope that he keeps some of the assistants because they are some really good coaches as well. Nothing against Patton but I felt the assistants were pretty good but he was lacking at the HC position.

I hope it is soon

[G-Webb 90-92]

A hearty welcome to all of the recent new posters and a special thank you to GWebb 90-92 for your service to our country. I have a sinking feeling that dollars have gotten in the way of this process concluding and it's more than a bit surprising since all of those at G-Dubb who are part of the hiring search have to know what it takes to lure a coach with experience as a former HC, Coordinator or Assistant HC from a parallel FCS program or a BCS program. With that in mind, I now believe that either Reich (current Wingate HC DII) or Leipold (current Wisconsin-Whitewater HC DIII) will be our next guy. Reich is probably a better fit culturally and we all know that's important to the decision makers so he may be the favorite now. It's only those two who are likely to receive a pay increase by coming to G-Dubb from their current positions. It's not that money is everything but when you are trying to elevate a program from mediocrity in the Big South it speaks volumes about what the institution is prepared to do and not to do.

So much work to do over the next few weeks with the football program with recruiting, staffing and planning spring ball and as each day passes less time to do it. For an institution of higher learning it's time for some of these folks to well start learning, maybe even listening, dare I say acting. Come on make the decision!

Thanks EagleDawg.

It would really be ashame to have spent all this money to upgrade the facilities over the last few years, only to come up short in acquiring a quality coach that the program deserves due to lack of an enticing salary. I understand that we can't spend a ton like bigger shcools, but at least make it a competitive offer.

Either way, announcement soon, please!!!

[g-webb1994]

Either way, announcement soon, please!!!

And tell the milkman no more cheese!

[G-Webb 90-92]

Either way, announcement soon, please!!!

And tell the milkman no more cheese!

--------------------------------------------------
Surely there should be an answer by now!!

There is not.... and don't call me "Shirley"

[huthuthut]

just put up on Scoop:
Gardner-Webb: We have learned that Marshall tight ends coach Phil Ratliff interviewed for the Gardner-Webb head coaching job.

So....

[dawgpound2012]

just put up on Scoop:
Gardner-Webb: We have learned that Marshall tight ends coach Phil Ratliff interviewed for the Gardner-Webb head coaching job.

So....

This is actually old news, I heard about this the other day.

[EagleDawg]

huthuthut - I believe that interview probably happened on Monday, just late reporting on the Scoops part. It's starting to look like no announcement today. This is taking the word stall to a new level. Maybe Friday will be the day that a new era can start at G-Dubb.