Can anyone actually show that Bob Stitt is on the hot seat this season?

[George Ferguson]

Hey, I don't give two shits whether you believe me or not. I know what I was told, and I know who told me, and unless that person is bald-faced lying to me, I believe (and THEY believe) that at 6-5 he will no longer be the coach.

If our expectations are considered met at consecutive 6-5 seasons then we're screwed, that should not cut it with this program and their resources.

Fan expectations have zero influence on the 60 minutes that a college football game is played, zero influence on how practices are conducted, zero influence on how hard the scholarship players work, or don't work, zero influence on how coaches coach, or lack of coaching in some cases. You can have the highest or lowest expectations for the Griz on planet earth and whatever happens in between the white lines is gonna happen regardless. And no, I don't believe for one second Stitt, or Reese Phillips or anyone else that is either paid to be involved with UM football, or plays currently for UM football, gets complacent because a fan on a message board might be complacent.

If a fan actually believes his/herexpectations actually affect the fate of the 2017 Griz football season, or the outcome of a game this coming season, then I can say, it's that fan who is actually screwed cause you're living in an alternate universe.

There are fans and then there are fans that are serious booster/donors to the program. Their expectations very much get the attention of the AD, who just happens to be the HC's boss. So far Stitt has done little to be popular with this group, either socially or with results.

Not arguing that. But no matter the level of fandom/size of donation, ect, it has still has zero influence once the ball is kicked off. That was my point to the "we're screwed" statement. Now, if I took it wrong and he just meant the fanbase isscrewed, fine, I took it wrong. But, my point is, every fan in Griz Nation could have below average expectations and it won't screw the Griz once the ball is kicked off. They will win and lose games regardless of what the fans think or feel.

 

[Spanky]

George: are you saying fans/boosters have nothing to say about UM Football?

 

[Copper Griz]

hey if anyone who thinks with a 7-4 with this year's schedule that we will have a deep run in the playoffs against a team that will probably be 9-2 or 10-1 is.........well let's say.......has not played the game.
for stitts to redeem himself with the fans he would have to do just this, come in an beat a 9-2+ team and advance to the second round. then, maybe, most of us would say he does have a plan and is a good coach and knows the game and his players and has control over his destiny.

If the Griz go 7-4, beat the Cats and make the playoffs - Stitt will be back. It would be pure stupidity to get rid of him for 2018. The trajectory would be positive and "his recruits" would be hitting full stride in 2018. He would not be going anywhere and for good reason. 6-5, even beating the kittens, no playoffs and he will be shown the door. Justifiably so, I might add. The one major thing discussed in this thread earlier that has long been overlooked is the O line. Years and years of mediocrity cannot continue, regardless the coaching. DOLA = W's. The Griz just have not had it and this year will likely be more of the same. My greatest hope is the crop of young O linemen will come into their own in 2018. That is when things will really happen - regardless the coach or the offense.

 

[Spanky]

Copper: I agree about the OL. Without major improvement, we will be fortunate to be 5-6.

 

[brewskis]

Hey, I don't give two shits whether you believe me or not. I know what I was told, and I know who told me, and unless that person is bald-faced lying to me, I believe (and THEY believe) that at 6-5 he will no longer be the coach.

If our expectations are considered met at consecutive 6-5 seasons then we're screwed, that should not cut it with this program and their resources.

Fan expectations have zero influence on the 60 minutes that a college football game is played, zero influence on how practices are conducted, zero influence on how hard the scholarship players work, or don't work, zero influence on how coaches coach, or lack of coaching in some cases. You can have the highest or lowest expectations for the Griz on planet earth and whatever happens in between the white lines is gonna happen regardless. And no, I don't believe for one second Stitt, or Reese Phillips or anyone else that is either paid to be involved with UM football, or plays currently for UM football, gets complacent because a fan on a message board might be complacent.

If a fan actually believes his/herexpectations actually affect the fate of the 2017 Griz football season, or the outcome of a game this coming season, then I can say, it's that fan who is actually screwed cause you're living in an alternate universe.

There are fans and then there are fans that are serious booster/donors to the program. Their expectations very much get the attention of the AD, who just happens to be the HC's boss. So far Stitt has done little to be popular with this group, either socially or with results.

I love that he doesn't kiss ass with the local boys club. Makes me me like him even more. That isn't in the job description. As long as he and the staff get the team going the right direction, that's the only thing that matters.


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[kemajic]

If our expectations are considered met at consecutive 6-5 seasons then we're screwed, that should not cut it with this program and their resources.

Fan expectations have zero influence on the 60 minutes that a college football game is played, zero influence on how practices are conducted, zero influence on how hard the scholarship players work, or don't work, zero influence on how coaches coach, or lack of coaching in some cases. You can have the highest or lowest expectations for the Griz on planet earth and whatever happens in between the white lines is gonna happen regardless. And no, I don't believe for one second Stitt, or Reese Phillips or anyone else that is either paid to be involved with UM football, or plays currently for UM football, gets complacent because a fan on a message board might be complacent.

If a fan actually believes his/herexpectations actually affect the fate of the 2017 Griz football season, or the outcome of a game this coming season, then I can say, it's that fan who is actually screwed cause you're living in an alternate universe.

There are fans and then there are fans that are serious booster/donors to the program. Their expectations very much get the attention of the AD, who just happens to be the HC's boss. So far Stitt has done little to be popular with this group, either socially or with results.

I love that he doesn't kiss ass with the local boys club. Makes me me like him even more. That isn't in the job description. As long as he and the staff get the team going the right direction, that's the only thing that matters.

Naïve. Not losing 5 games a year matters. He has to show when that stops. Last year's collapse is counterevidence of "the team going in the right direction." Hauck was no sweetheart to anyone, but his teams produced consistently on the field and improved as each year progressed, so only minor whining came from some who thought he didn't entertain enough with his style of football or that he lost NC games. That, rightfully so, had no impact.

 

[Copper Griz]

Fan expectations have zero influence on the 60 minutes that a college football game is played, zero influence on how practices are conducted, zero influence on how hard the scholarship players work, or don't work, zero influence on how coaches coach, or lack of coaching in some cases. You can have the highest or lowest expectations for the Griz on planet earth and whatever happens in between the white lines is gonna happen regardless. And no, I don't believe for one second Stitt, or Reese Phillips or anyone else that is either paid to be involved with UM football, or plays currently for UM football, gets complacent because a fan on a message board might be complacent.

If a fan actually believes his/herexpectations actually affect the fate of the 2017 Griz football season, or the outcome of a game this coming season, then I can say, it's that fan who is actually screwed cause you're living in an alternate universe.

There are fans and then there are fans that are serious booster/donors to the program. Their expectations very much get the attention of the AD, who just happens to be the HC's boss. So far Stitt has done little to be popular with this group, either socially or with results.

I love that he doesn't kiss ass with the local boys club. Makes me me like him even more. That isn't in the job description. As long as he and the staff get the team going the right direction, that's the only thing that matters.

Naïve. Not losing 5 games a year matters. He has to show when that stops. Last year's collapse is counterevidence of "the team going in the right direction." Hauck was no sweetheart to anyone, but his teams produced consistently on the field and improved as each year progressed, so only minor whining came from some who thought he didn't entertain enough with his style of football or that he lost NC games. That, rightfully so, had no impact.

You are correct. Losing will be tolerated for a short period of time, but it may have been built into the equation. Contrary to fans, the AD gets a solid evaluation of the program each and every day. Haslam would know exactly what the team atmosphere, recruiting and dynamics were when Stitt was hired. How many years did he factor into the equation? I suspect he is a lot more futuristic than many on this board give him credit for. Team GPA under Stitt = +. Off the field incidence = + Recruiting = +. The sky is not falling. This seasons schedule is easier than past years - including last years. I predict 7 wins minimum. I think Stitt made a mistake keeping Gregorak on board when he was hired. It did not help with the transition. I also think he was slightly hamstrung because none of the QB's were his guy. This year will be very telling and to make predictions on the future of Stitt (either way) is foolhardy. The damn season can't start soon enough!!

 

[PlayerRep]

If our expectations are considered met at consecutive 6-5 seasons then we're screwed, that should not cut it with this program and their resources.

Fan expectations have zero influence on the 60 minutes that a college football game is played, zero influence on how practices are conducted, zero influence on how hard the scholarship players work, or don't work, zero influence on how coaches coach, or lack of coaching in some cases. You can have the highest or lowest expectations for the Griz on planet earth and whatever happens in between the white lines is gonna happen regardless. And no, I don't believe for one second Stitt, or Reese Phillips or anyone else that is either paid to be involved with UM football, or plays currently for UM football, gets complacent because a fan on a message board might be complacent.

If a fan actually believes his/herexpectations actually affect the fate of the 2017 Griz football season, or the outcome of a game this coming season, then I can say, it's that fan who is actually screwed cause you're living in an alternate universe.

There are fans and then there are fans that are serious booster/donors to the program. Their expectations very much get the attention of the AD, who just happens to be the HC's boss. So far Stitt has done little to be popular with this group, either socially or with results.

I love that he doesn't kiss ass with the local boys club. Makes me me like him even more. That isn't in the job description. As long as he and the staff get the team going the right direction, that's the only thing that matters.


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So, in your view, fundraising, attendance, general support for the program, the roadshows around the state, the qb club, the golf outings, the auction/silent auctions, new facilities, etc. don't matter. Just the wins?

How do you think the athletic department raises enough money for recruiting, coaches' salaries, charters for the team, uniforms, bringing in top non-conference teams, etc. without strong financial support?

 

[jodcon]

If our expectations are considered met at consecutive 6-5 seasons then we're screwed, that should not cut it with this program and their resources.

Fan expectations have zero influence on the 60 minutes that a college football game is played, zero influence on how practices are conducted, zero influence on how hard the scholarship players work, or don't work, zero influence on how coaches coach, or lack of coaching in some cases. You can have the highest or lowest expectations for the Griz on planet earth and whatever happens in between the white lines is gonna happen regardless. And no, I don't believe for one second Stitt, or Reese Phillips or anyone else that is either paid to be involved with UM football, or plays currently for UM football, gets complacent because a fan on a message board might be complacent.

If a fan actually believes his/herexpectations actually affect the fate of the 2017 Griz football season, or the outcome of a game this coming season, then I can say, it's that fan who is actually screwed cause you're living in an alternate universe.

There are fans and then there are fans that are serious booster/donors to the program. Their expectations very much get the attention of the AD, who just happens to be the HC's boss. So far Stitt has done little to be popular with this group, either socially or with results.

Not arguing that. But no matter the level of fandom/size of donation, ect, it has still has zero influence once the ball is kicked off. That was my point to the "we're screwed" statement. Now, if I took it wrong and he just meant the fanbase isscrewed, fine, I took it wrong. But, my point is, every fan in Griz Nation could have below average expectations and it won't screw the Griz once the ball is kicked off. They will win and lose games regardless of what the fans think or feel.

I'm not sure how you interpreted any of that from my statement, but let me elaborate so there's no misunderstanding.

If the expectations of Griz football, with their storied past, is considered met by posting multiple 6-5 seasons and the powers that be consider it "good enough" for the boosters, alumni, students, players, advertisers, and yes the fans...whether casual or rabid, than we are screwed because they've lost sight of what made this program great in the first place.

The golden goose has sat on this nest a long time, and I worry about the possible misconception by leadership that we're the Chicago Cubs who can keep filling the stadium through endless disappointing seasons. If we post a few disappointing years in a row and attendance starts dropping to 20,000...18,000...?...those lost 30,000+ people in the seats are going to translate to millions in lost revenue not only to the football program and the school, but to Missoula and all of Montana. People have unending options for entertainment in today's virtual world, and many fans are more fickle than they used to be, and spending a handful of Benjamins for the family to watch a .500 team might not be as high on the list as it used to be. That scares me.

The thought of this program being a middle-of-the-pack outfit and leadership being ok with that is not even feasible to me, so therefore another 6-5 season should be considered an abomination...if it isn't, then we might as well get ready to bend over on a regular basis and consider having PSU or Sac State tattooed on our foreheads because that's who we'll become soon.

 

[brewskis]

Haha I knew that would rile up some panties


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[griz5700]

If our expectations are considered met at consecutive 6-5 seasons then we're screwed, that should not cut it with this program and their resources.

Fan expectations have zero influence on the 60 minutes that a college football game is played, zero influence on how practices are conducted, zero influence on how hard the scholarship players work, or don't work, zero influence on how coaches coach, or lack of coaching in some cases. You can have the highest or lowest expectations for the Griz on planet earth and whatever happens in between the white lines is gonna happen regardless. And no, I don't believe for one second Stitt, or Reese Phillips or anyone else that is either paid to be involved with UM football, or plays currently for UM football, gets complacent because a fan on a message board might be complacent.

If a fan actually believes his/herexpectations actually affect the fate of the 2017 Griz football season, or the outcome of a game this coming season, then I can say, it's that fan who is actually screwed cause you're living in an alternate universe.

There are fans and then there are fans that are serious booster/donors to the program. Their expectations very much get the attention of the AD, who just happens to be the HC's boss. So far Stitt has done little to be popular with this group, either socially or with results.

I love that he doesn't kiss ass with the local boys club. Makes me me like him even more. That isn't in the job description. As long as he and the staff get the team going the right direction, that's the only thing that matters.


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Wrong. It is a HUGE part of the job.

 

[nzone]

One would assume that Stitt knows his job is on the hot seat. He came in here to win football games and restore the Griz to national contenders again. I would think if someone asked him about "things" he would admit that he has fallen a bit short. The guy wants to win. Not for just for himself but the University, and the kids as well. If he wants to get things rolling he will need to act like a head coach.
He will need to be able to fire coaches who don't add up and be able to make necessary adjustments during games. IMOP he has not shown either of these qualities. If he goes 6-5 this year then I'm sure Haslem will have a "pow wow" with him about his future. I personally am not a big fan of Bob Stitt but I surely don't want him to fail while he is our coach. I would love to see him turn things around and give the program a needed shot in the arm. Not holding my breathe but I would love to eat crow if I'm wrong.

For those who don't think he needs to "work the crowd" and be apart of the fan base even he would disagree. The only reason Montana Football is even still considered relevant is because of Griz Nation. We have weathered a lot of storms and are still standing.

Bottom line is yes Stitt's job is on the hot seat as well as it should be.
Go Griz!

 

[Grizzoola]

The real star of the Griz rise in the BSC is WaGriz Stadium. 1986, it was completed. Don Read arrived same year. Facilities are a major, if not THE major part of any collegiate football program, aside from the school's reputation as an academic institution. Facilities show a school's commitment to its football program, belatedly recognized by UNLV after firing Bobby Hauck. Now, both LV & UNLV have heavily invested in football, with the Raiders coming to LV in 2 or 3 years, and UNLV playing its games in the new Raiders stadium. You can't believe the lousy facilities Bobby had, there.

It's good for the program and UM that the Championship Center is being built. That and WaGriz will impress, like no other, young recruits and prospective coaches. If WaGriz were never built, and Dornblaser would still be at South Avenue, not even Don Read would have succeeded as he and the Griz did. (Let us not consider EWU's success despite its inferior facilities.)

I'm sure Bob Stitt came to UM with the desire to fulfill the expectations of UM, its fans, boosters, and the public. Stitt has better facilities and higher expectations than Read had in 1986. Stitt is well aware of this. But, in the end, WaGriz remains the star of the Griz program, IMO, because it's the main attraction to players, coaches, fans, boosters, and UM.

 

[go96griz]

You are correct. Losing will be tolerated for a short period of time, but it may have been built into the equation. Contrary to fans, the AD gets a solid evaluation of the program each and every day. Haslam would know exactly what the team atmosphere, recruiting and dynamics were when Stitt was hired. How many years did he factor into the equation? I suspect he is a lot more futuristic than many on this board give him credit for. Team GPA under Stitt = +. Off the field incidence = + Recruiting = +. The sky is not falling. This seasons schedule is easier than past years - including last years. I predict 7 wins minimum. I think Stitt made a mistake keeping Gregorak on board when he was hired. It did not help with the transition. I also think he was slightly hamstrung because none of the QB's were his guy. This year will be very telling and to make predictions on the future of Stitt (either way) is foolhardy. The damn season can't start soon enough!!

I was told that Stitt wasn't given an option on whether or not to retain Gregorak. The mistake may have been with Haslam to keep him.

 

[Spanky]

David: the facilities are important and help any football program. However, if the coach can't win games, eventually fans will stop supporting the program and the entire program suffers.
Maybe Stitt can win games and bring our program back to dominance again. In my view, changes will have to be made and Haslam will have to give direction before Stitt will make said changes.

 

[uofmman1122]

David: the facilities are important and help any football program. However, if the coach can't win games, eventually fans will stop supporting the program and the entire program suffers.
Maybe Stitt can win games and bring our program back to dominance again. In my view, changes will have to be made and Haslam will have to give direction before Stitt will make said changes.

See, I don't mind that you're criticizing the coach as much as you are. The thing that gets me is that you seem intent on ignoring developments to suit your narrative about Stitt. He's already made extensive changes since he first got here, especially since last season's end, and he publicly came out and admitted that changes needed to be made. Do you need him to log on here and list out every single change he has made or is planning on making to believe it's happening? The defense is revamped (which is probably why it was so successful in the spring), he fired one of his guys because he wasn't effective (and true, Troxel didn't work out, but that has nothing to do with Stitt), he's noted that his offense is trying to make the guys (especially the QB) do too much at once, and he needs to focus more on motivation, just to name a few. It's okay to argue whether or not this will make any difference come this fall, but saying he's still unwilling to make changes is just purposefully ignoring what's going on.

I'm also still perplexed as to why you think Haslam would micromanage the football program like you're suggesting he should. You hire the football coach to assemble his staff to do that for you. If Stitt and Co. can't deliver this season, he'll be gone, which is how that relationship should work, but I still don't see what good Haslam meddling in the day to day operations does. That sets an overbearing precedent that would make any coach wary of taking a job here where the AD gets in the way of the coach doing his job.

 

[AZGrizFan]

You are correct. Losing will be tolerated for a short period of time, but it may have been built into the equation. Contrary to fans, the AD gets a solid evaluation of the program each and every day. Haslam would know exactly what the team atmosphere, recruiting and dynamics were when Stitt was hired. How many years did he factor into the equation? I suspect he is a lot more futuristic than many on this board give him credit for. Team GPA under Stitt = +. Off the field incidence = + Recruiting = +. The sky is not falling. This seasons schedule is easier than past years - including last years. I predict 7 wins minimum. I think Stitt made a mistake keeping Gregorak on board when he was hired. It did not help with the transition. I also think he was slightly hamstrung because none of the QB's were his guy. This year will be very telling and to make predictions on the future of Stitt (either way) is foolhardy. The damn season can't start soon enough!!

I was told that Stitt wasn't given an option on whether or not to retain Gregorak. The mistake may have been with Haslam to keep him.

I was told the same thing. Was also told Haslam regretted the decision almost immediately. That alone may get Stitt an extra year.

 

[i_the_sky]

7-4 = no bar at all ? You got to be kidding me! What, has the bar been left on the ground! Win the BSC, beat the Kats and get two playoff wins or hire Hauck back! NUFF SAID!"

 

[Ursus1]

You are correct. Losing will be tolerated for a short period of time, but it may have been built into the equation. Contrary to fans, the AD gets a solid evaluation of the program each and every day. Haslam would know exactly what the team atmosphere, recruiting and dynamics were when Stitt was hired. How many years did he factor into the equation? I suspect he is a lot more futuristic than many on this board give him credit for. Team GPA under Stitt = +. Off the field incidence = + Recruiting = +. The sky is not falling. This seasons schedule is easier than past years - including last years. I predict 7 wins minimum. I think Stitt made a mistake keeping Gregorak on board when he was hired. It did not help with the transition. I also think he was slightly hamstrung because none of the QB's were his guy. This year will be very telling and to make predictions on the future of Stitt (either way) is foolhardy. The damn season can't start soon enough!!

I was told that Stitt wasn't given an option on whether or not to retain Gregorak. The mistake may have been with Haslam to keep him.

I was told the same thing. Was also told Haslam regretted the decision almost immediately. That alone may get Stitt an extra year.

If Stitt gets another year due to Haslam screw up and not earning it this fall it will infuriate many boosters, Haslam might be next to go. Haslam better not be too protective or stubborn with his Stitt hire, if enough boosters want him gone, it would be stupid to keep him. Let's hope it is a good fall and all concerns will go away, if not oh boy....

 

[AZGrizFan]

You are correct. Losing will be tolerated for a short period of time, but it may have been built into the equation. Contrary to fans, the AD gets a solid evaluation of the program each and every day. Haslam would know exactly what the team atmosphere, recruiting and dynamics were when Stitt was hired. How many years did he factor into the equation? I suspect he is a lot more futuristic than many on this board give him credit for. Team GPA under Stitt = +. Off the field incidence = + Recruiting = +. The sky is not falling. This seasons schedule is easier than past years - including last years. I predict 7 wins minimum. I think Stitt made a mistake keeping Gregorak on board when he was hired. It did not help with the transition. I also think he was slightly hamstrung because none of the QB's were his guy. This year will be very telling and to make predictions on the future of Stitt (either way) is foolhardy. The damn season can't start soon enough!!

I was told that Stitt wasn't given an option on whether or not to retain Gregorak. The mistake may have been with Haslam to keep him.

I was told the same thing. Was also told Haslam regretted the decision almost immediately. That alone may get Stitt an extra year.

If Stitt gets another year due to Haslam screw up and not earning it this fall it will infuriate many boosters, Haslam might be next to go. Haslam better not be too protective or stubborn with his Stitt hire, if enough boosters want him gone, it would be stupid to keep him. Let's hope it is a good fall and all concerns will go away, if not oh boy....

Point of clarification: THAT sentence was MY thought...I wasn't told that. But I could see it happening.