My comments don't fit the poll questions well, so I'll freelance in the interest of showing "the gonads to evaluate our coach."
First, Stitt won a playoff game in his first year. That makes him the first UM HC to do that since Glenn. Also dominated both EWU and MSU and managed to knock off the defending NC. Not insignificant.
Stitt is a smart man and while the jury is still out, his recruiting could hardly look more positive at this point. Obviously heavy on WRs, but I won't judge this early. Don't forget the schollie handicap he has worked under.
My biggest concern with Stitt so far are his priorities. I suspect he recognizes he can't fix everything at once and tends to do things in sequence, but the priorities he places on a running game and on special teams leaves me very cold. This has already cost us games and there can be no argument about that. But when you place so much emphasis on WRs, there isn't much room for emphasis elsewhere. I can't believe a TE that could help out with the running game and short yardage/red zone receiving would compromise his top priority. Kicking, kick coverage, returns? No better than a D-. Hauck showed how this is done; we're spoiled.
With TG gone, you will see a significant improvement in team unity. How that will translate to success remains to be seen, but I expect the D to be more aggressive and better. But without a punishing Griz running game they will be on the field a lot and opposing defenses will not be worn down, able to stay in the game to the end with a chance to win.
So far, his record outside of MT is 2-3. It does not look like the same team on the road. Not sure how he fixes that, but our tough games this year are on the road.
Unlike several predecessors, Stitt is a strong salesman and good with the press. I think he will be very effective with key donors. His communication skills will benefit the internal politics where his strong case for revenue generation will provide program protection during the current enrollment/budget crisis.
Gametime decisions remain questionable; I suspect that will remain the case; win some; lose some. He has a big ego and will not be predictable. Never indecisive; sometimes wrong.
Concerns aside, frankly, I'm enjoying the ride.
First, Stitt won a playoff game in his first year. That makes him the first UM HC to do that since Glenn. Also dominated both EWU and MSU and managed to knock off the defending NC. Not insignificant.
Stitt is a smart man and while the jury is still out, his recruiting could hardly look more positive at this point. Obviously heavy on WRs, but I won't judge this early. Don't forget the schollie handicap he has worked under.
My biggest concern with Stitt so far are his priorities. I suspect he recognizes he can't fix everything at once and tends to do things in sequence, but the priorities he places on a running game and on special teams leaves me very cold. This has already cost us games and there can be no argument about that. But when you place so much emphasis on WRs, there isn't much room for emphasis elsewhere. I can't believe a TE that could help out with the running game and short yardage/red zone receiving would compromise his top priority. Kicking, kick coverage, returns? No better than a D-. Hauck showed how this is done; we're spoiled.
With TG gone, you will see a significant improvement in team unity. How that will translate to success remains to be seen, but I expect the D to be more aggressive and better. But without a punishing Griz running game they will be on the field a lot and opposing defenses will not be worn down, able to stay in the game to the end with a chance to win.
So far, his record outside of MT is 2-3. It does not look like the same team on the road. Not sure how he fixes that, but our tough games this year are on the road.
Unlike several predecessors, Stitt is a strong salesman and good with the press. I think he will be very effective with key donors. His communication skills will benefit the internal politics where his strong case for revenue generation will provide program protection during the current enrollment/budget crisis.
Gametime decisions remain questionable; I suspect that will remain the case; win some; lose some. He has a big ego and will not be predictable. Never indecisive; sometimes wrong.
Concerns aside, frankly, I'm enjoying the ride.