Coaching NEWS

[SDHornet]

What do Orr/Wood do at this juncture? Sac12 and PacX have gone silent and cold. They were pushing $75M in NIL not a month ago and now crickets. Jan BOT will show their hand as shovels gotta start digging to meet any chance of moving through the FBS reclassification in time for either MWC or PacX.

Wild hair, do they go FBS indy until an invite from these two? Kinda like a standoff, FBS conference wont take Sac because they are not FBS and Sac cant move to FBS because they are not in a conference. Something has to give.

Do they shoot for the stars and open the purse for a HC/staff that can make the move to FBS, if that is still happening or plug the gap with a short term transitional HC/staff?

Wonder if AT left because he knew he was in over his head as a HC, as a position coach/analyst at Stanford probably paid the same, or does he know the Sac to FBS is all hot air and lost faith?

Good post. Lots of speculation to be had on the Thompson/FBS news and I think your points are valid.

Last time the Sac12 went dormant, they returned with more NIL pledges. I wouldn't count out the Pac/MW effort until we get firm "no's" from both conferences. Agree with you on the BOT movement. Need to see something no later than spring or I think we can stick a fork in the stadium talk. Dr. Wood could be waiting for the final design package from the architect before going to the BOT for bonds and final approval of the plans.

FBS indy won't happen, but I wouldn't be opposed to that effort. However, if Dr. Wood delivers on a stadium then we'll get a seat at either the Pac or MW. Both conferences need bodies and neither will invite FCS programs until all the FBS candidates are settled (the pending Pac media deal will determine if they can poach an FBS member).

How Wood/Orr handle the HC vacancy will determine how realistic FBS aspirations actually are. The only qualified coach on staff to take over is Richardson, and he probably didn't want the duties of being an HC as the announcement indicated a national search would happen. My take is that a hire from the D2 ranks or below indicates we'll be in the FCS ranks for the foreseeable future. A hire from the D1 ranks (HC experience preferred) means the admin is still invested in this program, and if the hire has FBS HC experience then I think that is very telling. The good news is the timing of Thompson's move came when the coaching carousel is hot, so the Hornets will have plenty interested candidates to chose from.

Coach Thompson to Stanford probably doubles his salary, plus whatever perks Stanford offers. He's also going to work for a HC in Taylor that his already familiar with. I don't think the FBS aspirations had much to do with this move given the timing of gearing up for FBS would be another year or 2 away.

Also of note, hiring a new HC from the outside puts all the Taylor bounce back news to bed for good. I think Taylor is gone at Stanford if they can't get bowl eligible next season. The timing would have lined up with our situation had Coach Thompson had another subpar year so there was a decent chance at that happening. That talk is done if anyone other than Richardson is hired as HC.

 

[HeavyistheClown]

Brent Vigen is doing a great job! Team is disciplined and in synch.

His Salary:
Vigen's latest contract, which expires on January 31 of 2027, includes a base salary from $214,649.87 annually. Before signing the new four-year deal last April, Vigen was making $210,437 in annual salary.

$214,649 in Montucky COL.
$250,000 in Kalifornia COL.

 

[HeavyistheClown]

I mean, if he’s seriously interested in a collegiate gig — what poses a bigger challenge than transforming Sac State into a National name? Lol.

I’m still puzzled over Belichick’s “interview” with North Carolina. Why on earth does an 8x Super Bowl Champion need to interview? If he wants that job — you give it to him! Especially when you’re UNC!

Bellicheck is 72, Mack Brown is 73.
I guess the interview satisfies state hire requirements?

 

[SDHornet]

$214,649 in Montucky COL.
$250,000 in Kalifornia COL.

I heard Andy was pulling in around half a mil. So long as Hornet admin is still invested in taking this program to the next level, the salary won't be an issue in attracting qualified candidates.

 

[HeavyistheClown]

I was okay w AT 1 last season but I was expecting him to bounce OC BF.
As HC I guess he couldn’t dismiss him which means he isn’t HC material unfortunately.
This was better for AT career this way. Worked for us got a buyout. Worked for AT getting a Raise and FBS experience.
Hope they succeed. If they fail. This will probably get HC TT Fired at the end of the season?

Yeah, TT is hanging by a thread and he threw a FBS experience bone to his friend ‘the most brilliant defensive mind’ he has ever met.

 

[HeavyistheClown]

I heard Andy was pulling in around half a mil. So long as Hornet admin is still invested in taking this program to the next level, the salary won't be an issue in attracting qualified candidates.

KC Keeler at Sam Houston was making $500,000 at a FBS move up. And a National Championship. You sure AT was at $500k?

 

[SDHornet]

KC Keeler at Sam Houston was making $500,000 at a FBS move up. And a National Championship. You sure AT was at $500k?

That's what I heard, someone has probably FOIA's his contract so that info is probably out there somewhere (looks at Kadeezy).

 

[HornetFootballFan]

Good post. Lots of speculation to be had on the Thompson/FBS news and I think your points are valid.

Last time the Sac12 went dormant, they returned with more NIL pledges. I wouldn't count out the Pac/MW effort until we get firm "no's" from both conferences. Agree with you on the BOT movement. Need to see something no later than spring or I think we can stick a fork in the stadium talk. Dr. Wood could be waiting for the final design package from the architect before going to the BOT for bonds and final approval of the plans.

FBS indy won't happen, but I wouldn't be opposed to that effort. However, if Dr. Wood delivers on a stadium then we'll get a seat at either the Pac or MW. Both conferences need bodies and neither will invite FCS programs until all the FBS candidates are settled (the pending Pac media deal will determine if they can poach an FBS member).

How Wood/Orr handle the HC vacancy will determine how realistic FBS aspirations actually are. The only qualified coach on staff to take over is Richardson, and he probably didn't want the duties of being an HC as the announcement indicated a national search would happen. My take is that a hire from the D2 ranks or below indicates we'll be in the FCS ranks for the foreseeable future. A hire from the D1 ranks (HC experience preferred) means the admin is still invested in this program, and if the hire has FBS HC experience then I think that is very telling. The good news is the timing of Thompson's move came when the coaching carousel is hot, so the Hornets will have plenty interested candidates to chose from.

Coach Thompson to Stanford probably doubles his salary, plus whatever perks Stanford offers. He's also going to work for a HC in Taylor that his already familiar with. I don't think the FBS aspirations had much to do with this move given the timing of gearing up for FBS would be another year or 2 away.

Also of note, hiring a new HC from the outside puts all the Taylor bounce back news to bed for good. I think Taylor is gone at Stanford if they can't get bowl eligible next season. The timing would have lined up with our situation had Coach Thompson had another subpar year so there was a decent chance at that happening. That talk is done if anyone other than Richardson is hired as HC.

Yes… great input. I see those same moves in motion. I’d prefer and FBS coach, Or an FCS HC like Brent Vigen example. I mentioned the only D2 coach that I’d consider to interview being the Ferris St team which gave Montana Griz previous season all they could handle even with being under manned.

Yes.. with Thompson going to Stanford most likely now TT won’t be back to SAC unless it’s in some future role in 5-7 yrs for a role such as GM or AD if AD ORR were to move on in future?

ORR has done an excellent job in my opinion. I am confident he will make a good choice.

 

[HeavyistheClown]

I was impressed w this Coach Ferris State when they almost beat UM Griz.

That caught my attention.

Overall, Annese posted a cumulative 225-45 (.833) overall record as a head coach at the prep and junior college levels. He was a National High School Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year finalist in 2009 and was tabbed as the MHSFCA Coach of the Year in 2004, 2006 and 2008.

Annese is a Michigan guy, his wife is a superintendent of a HS district, doubt he would uproot.
Currently in control versus Harding.

 

[HornetFootballFan]

I heard Andy was pulling in around half a mil. So long as Hornet admin is still invested in taking this program to the next level, the salary won't be an issue in attracting qualified candidates.

I read something awhile back that AT was being paid $250K Salary, Playoffs $ Bonus, Playoff Win Bonus more $ and it boosted him to $500K last season,
I can’t remember where I had seen that. But that might be ballpark?

 

[HornetFootballFan]

Thoughts on previous Hornet Assistant Tim Skipper? He wasn’t promoted from interim HC to HC status as FresNECK did make a great hire in previous USC Assistant as the NEW HC FSU.

 

[HeavyistheClown]

Thoughts on previous Hornet Assistant Tim Skipper? He wasn’t promoted from interim HC to HC status as FresNECK did make a great hire in previous USC Assistant as the NEW HC FSU.

Skipper would be a short stint. Need someone who stays 4-5yrs. Revolving door is never a good look.

 

[HornetFootballFan]

Maybe we look North.

Any assistant OC’s searched from Boise State, Oregon St or North or South Dakota St that might want to be a HC?

Very exciting time. Nervous too!!!!

 

[HornetFootballFan]

Skipper would be a short stint. Need someone who stays 4-5yrs. Revolving door is never a good look.

However.. if we really like Tim Skipper. Knowing he would bring quick Fresno St Portal talent is a nice quick rebuild.

Bonus if knowing he’s a guy wanting to bounce in 1-2 yrs if he turns us around like a Rockstar 10-2 example record then he gets a good offer would be a “Buyout” payback to us as bonus.

About 1-2 yrs TT / AT / KR might all say let’s finish what we started at SAC ST w new stadium!!

Never know how things happen but I still think skipper would be a good interview at a minimum.
He knows the region.

 

[Green Laser]

Skipper would be a short stint. Need someone who stays 4-5yrs. Revolving door is never a good look.

If he has potential why did Fresno pass on him? He is a Fresno Alum has a long history coaching there and they got a chance to see what he could do as interim head coach.

 

[Kadeezy]

If he has potential why did Fresno pass on him? He is a Fresno Alum has a long history coaching there and they got a chance to see what he could do as interim head coach.

We need dynamic, up and coming offensive mind. Someone that can keep Conklin and ETT in the fold, and bring in a gang of weapons.

 

[Green Laser]

We need dynamic, up and coming offensive mind. Someone that can keep Conklin and ETT in the fold, and bring in a gang of weapons.

I agree. Taylor's success proves the program's potential to recruit and win. It also showed that the community and administration will support a winning product on the field. With the new stadium project, FBS push etc. this is an excellent opportunity for a up an coming or proven head coach.
I just hope that we don't underestimate what is being offered and settle for another unproven experiment or an old retread. I trust in Mark Orr and President Wood to not let that happen.

 

[BuckeyeHornetFan]

Wasn't HC material? He held this program together following all the changes after '22 and went on to earn our 2nd ever D1 playoff win when lots of people were counting this program out. Every HS recruit from this current class is a 3 star recruit, not bad from a staff that "destroyed" this program.

Jeezus, IDK why you remain so stubborn in admitting the obvious!

Held the program together? What, you mean for ONE freaking season? What an accomplishment!

It’s been explained to you exhaustively so many times now how a single winning season and playoff win with largely the same roster and system his predecessor put in place is NOT an accomplishment to hang your hat on.

Countless examples can and have been provided to you of coaches taking over ready-made programs and having short term success only for it to wear out quickly. That is EXACTLY what happened here at Sac State.

Thompson was never HC material, which is why he was an assistant for so damned long before ever setting foot on campus. And he further proved his inability to be the head guy by destroying what Taylor built over 4 years by only his 2nd season as the HC.

Furthermore, you tout the recruiting classes but if they are as great as you believe — then it further demonstrates his lack of competency as the HC as all he could muster with that talent was 3-9!

How you can possibly defend that record, and losing to cellar dwelling conference foes, continues to escape me.

If any of the things you are throwing against the wall were true — 3-9 does not happen. Period.

The guy inherited a ready-made program and only managed ONE good season out of it. ONE.

And even that was a bit of a fortunate postseason birth as the Hornets were a controversial selection in 2023, largely getting in based upon their recent ascension and success.

You want to give Thompson all this undue credit for an 8-5 and 4-4 season, which was really a mediocre season compared to 2019-2022, yet give him no credit or grief for 3-9 and such an quick and epic collapse.

When North Dakota State transitioned their program from Craig Bohl to Chris Klieman to Matt Entz — did any of those coaches see a dramatic turnaround for the worse after their first season? The worst season any of those subsequent coaches had was 7-3. Because each of those coaches were HC material capable of continuing what was built up before them.

I can cite many examples just like the above. I can also cite many examples of unqualified coaches ruining what was built before them within a couple seasons. And I have already done so.

Facts are facts. Where this program has devolved from in only 18 months is a direct reflection of Thompson’s ineptitude and inability to be a head coach.

Arguing otherwise is an exercise in futility. The deck is completely stacked against you.

 

[HeavyistheClown]

Jeezus, IDK why you remain so stubborn in admitting the obvious!

Held the program together? What, you mean for ONE freaking season? What an accomplishment!

It’s been explained to you exhaustively so many times now how a single winning season and playoff win with largely the same roster and system his predecessor put in place is NOT an accomplishment to hang your hat on.

Countless examples can and have been provided to you of coaches taking over ready-made programs and having short term success only for it to wear out quickly. That is EXACTLY what happened here at Sac State.

Thompson was never HC material, which is why he was an assistant for so damned long before ever setting foot on campus. And he further proved his inability to be the head guy by destroying what Taylor built over 4 years by only his 2nd season as the HC.

Furthermore, you tout the recruiting classes but if they are as great as you believe — then it further demonstrates his lack of competency as the HC as all he could muster with that talent was 3-9!

How you can possibly defend that record, and losing to cellar dwelling conference foes, continues to escape me.

If any of the things you are throwing against the wall were true — 3-9 does not happen. Period.

The guy inherited a ready-made program and only managed ONE good season out of it. ONE.

And even that was a bit of a fortunate postseason birth as the Hornets were a controversial selection in 2023, largely getting in based upon their recent ascension and success.

You want to give Thompson all this undue credit for an 8-5 and 4-4 season, which was really a mediocre season compared to 2019-2022, yet give him no credit or grief for 3-9 and such an quick and epic collapse.

When North Dakota State transitioned their program from Craig Bohl to Chris Klieman to Matt Entz — did any of those coaches see a dramatic turnaround for the worse after their first season? The worst season any of those subsequent coaches had was 7-3. Because each of those coaches were HC material capable of continuing what was built up before them.

I can cite many examples just like the above. I can also cite many examples of unqualified coaches ruining what was built before them within a couple seasons. And I have already done so.

Facts are facts. Where this program has devolved from in only 18 months is a direct reflection of Thompson’s ineptitude and inability to be a head coach.

Arguing otherwise is an exercise in futility. The deck is completely stacked against you.

Amen. Look at Incarnate Word, they keep plugging with a revolving door of HC’s and players. I say look closely at that HC.

 

[oldrunner]

Good post. Lots of speculation to be had on the Thompson/FBS news and I think your points are valid.

Last time the Sac12 went dormant, they returned with more NIL pledges. I wouldn't count out the Pac/MW effort until we get firm "no's" from both conferences. Agree with you on the BOT movement. Need to see something no later than spring or I think we can stick a fork in the stadium talk. Dr. Wood could be waiting for the final design package from the architect before going to the BOT for bonds and final approval of the plans.

FBS indy won't happen, but I wouldn't be opposed to that effort. However, if Dr. Wood delivers on a stadium then we'll get a seat at either the Pac or MW. Both conferences need bodies and neither will invite FCS programs until all the FBS candidates are settled (the pending Pac media deal will determine if they can poach an FBS member).

How Wood/Orr handle the HC vacancy will determine how realistic FBS aspirations actually are. The only qualified coach on staff to take over is Richardson, and he probably didn't want the duties of being an HC as the announcement indicated a national search would happen. My take is that a hire from the D2 ranks or below indicates we'll be in the FCS ranks for the foreseeable future. A hire from the D1 ranks (HC experience preferred) means the admin is still invested in this program, and if the hire has FBS HC experience then I think that is very telling. The good news is the timing of Thompson's move came when the coaching carousel is hot, so the Hornets will have plenty interested candidates to chose from.

Coach Thompson to Stanford probably doubles his salary, plus whatever perks Stanford offers. He's also going to work for a HC in Taylor that his already familiar with. I don't think the FBS aspirations had much to do with this move given the timing of gearing up for FBS would be another year or 2 away.

Also of note, hiring a new HC from the outside puts all the Taylor bounce back news to bed for good. I think Taylor is gone at Stanford if they can't get bowl eligible next season. The timing would have lined up with our situation had Coach Thompson had another subpar year so there was a decent chance at that happening. That talk is done if anyone other than Richardson is hired as HC.

I have a hard time seeing how the hiring of a new football coach has anything to do with Sac trying to move to the big time in athletics. I know that it got a lot of fans excited, but that movement was dead from the beggining. Looks to me like it is just a lot of egg on your face and it may actually have set you back even further. I like Sacramento and feel the city and school have great potential, but there are many smaller steps that must be taken before you get anywhere close to that potential. I'm sorry it that hurts your ears.