Harsh reality on roster changes

[grizindabox]

1. NDSU's talent was better than UM at almost every position. They were bigger, faster and stronger. Having KVA would have helped a little, but wouldn't have changed the outcome. Looking back, I am not really sure how we beat them in August, except I think they are a tougher offense with Stick than with the other qb. And they were pretty sure they were going to come in here and simply roll us.

2. Where does it say that Stitt has to "answer a direct question" in a press conference? He said, I am not going to talk about that. He said the roster will be set in the spring. What is incorrect about either of those statements?

3. Did he use the words, "you are no longer with the Griz" or something similar to the players in question? Or did he simply say something like "I really don't think you are going to get any reps or playing time, so the choice is yours"? Were any of these people that are claiming Stitt lied actually there?

4. WTF entitles any of us, at boosters, taxpayers, fans or message board prognosticators to know everything that goes on with the Griz? I have seen UM coaches' contracts. We never have been. We never will be. Get over it.

It is unfortunate that some of the kids that were on the team will not be in the future, for whatever reason. Perhaps some of it was lack of talent. Perhaps some of it is their own doing. Perhaps some of it is chemistry with the team or the coaches. Perhaps some of it is the coaches wanting a different type of player. Whatever it is, I wish them the best.

But good Lord. A few the usually rational posters on this site suddenly sound like scorned high schoolers. Maybe they have a kid, or a friend's kid that is one of the unfortunate few. If they do, I sympathize with them. It is really hard to either be told, or find out that your kid is simply not good enough (and yes, I have been there). It forces some really tough decisions. Usually that means that the kid (and hopefully parents) realize that professional ball just isn't in the cards. But to claim that we somehow have the "right to know" is ridiculous.

These coaches have done NOTHING that every former group of coaches haven't done. Don Read did it. Dennehy did a little. Glenn did it. Hauck did a lot of it. Pflugrad did it. Even Delaney made roster changes, and he is one of the nicest guys you will ever know. We all need to take a step back. R E L A X.

Good luck to the kids who are moving on, by their choice or someone elses. Learn from it. Grow from it. If you want to play, go somewhere that you will get playing time, and prove to the world that the Griz really f#cked up!! I hope you all do. But above all, I wish you the best. I know a couple of you, and I know you will be fine, and do great things in life, after the football field.

GO GRIZ!!!

Such a great post that I'm sure will be picked apart. But I think it's perfect. Love #4.

I think he pretty much nailed it....

 

[Sam A. Blitz]

1. NDSU's talent was better than UM at almost every position. They were bigger, faster and stronger. Having KVA would have helped a little, but wouldn't have changed the outcome. Looking back, I am not really sure how we beat them in August, except I think they are a tougher offense with Stick than with the other qb. And they were pretty sure they were going to come in here and simply roll us.

2. Where does it say that Stitt has to "answer a direct question" in a press conference? He said, I am not going to talk about that. He said the roster will be set in the spring. What is incorrect about either of those statements?

3. Did he use the words, "you are no longer with the Griz" or something similar to the players in question? Or did he simply say something like "I really don't think you are going to get any reps or playing time, so the choice is yours"? Were any of these people that are claiming Stitt lied actually there?

4. WTF entitles any of us, at boosters, taxpayers, fans or message board prognosticators to know everything that goes on with the Griz? I have seen UM coaches' contracts. We never have been. We never will be. Get over it.

It is unfortunate that some of the kids that were on the team will not be in the future, for whatever reason. Perhaps some of it was lack of talent. Perhaps some of it is their own doing. Perhaps some of it is chemistry with the team or the coaches. Perhaps some of it is the coaches wanting a different type of player. Whatever it is, I wish them the best.

But good Lord. A few the usually rational posters on this site suddenly sound like scorned high schoolers. Maybe they have a kid, or a friend's kid that is one of the unfortunate few. If they do, I sympathize with them. It is really hard to either be told, or find out that your kid is simply not good enough (and yes, I have been there). It forces some really tough decisions. Usually that means that the kid (and hopefully parents) realize that professional ball just isn't in the cards. But to claim that we somehow have the "right to know" is ridiculous.

These coaches have done NOTHING that every former group of coaches haven't done. Don Read did it. Dennehy did a little. Glenn did it. Hauck did a lot of it. Pflugrad did it. Even Delaney made roster changes, and he is one of the nicest guys you will ever know. We all need to take a step back. R E L A X.

Good luck to the kids who are moving on, by their choice or someone elses. Learn from it. Grow from it. If you want to play, go somewhere that you will get playing time, and prove to the world that the Griz really f#cked up!! I hope you all do. But above all, I wish you the best. I know a couple of you, and I know you will be fine, and do great things in life, after the football field.

GO GRIZ!!!

Spot on, especially 2 & 4

 

[MiningCityGrizFan]

Changing up my tone here a bit as the resident sugarcoater.

I've been reflecting on the rumors of impending roster changes. While no names were mentioned in Stitt's end of season press conference yesterday it seems that at the very least there's a few upcoming changes - if not more to be seen later. And while I'm going to bet that there's chances for redemption in the winter and spring workouts and camp - this coaching staff is recognizing something with the current Grizzly roster. It's not good enough for deep playoff runs. And in the broader picture we're seeing that most Big Sky rosters aren't equipped for that either.

This last weekend we met the current pinnacle of championship rosters and were dominated. Yes we caught this same team on it's heels in week 1 - but this time, when the matchup carried more weight, NDSU rolled. They're the benchmark. Other teams as well have shown regular playoff success of late, teams like UNI, SHSU, and Illinois State. I'd argue recently Coastal Carolina as well, although they got bounced in week 1 this year.

These are the types of rosters to aspire to for more playoff success than we've seen in the last 3 years. And my hope is that some upcoming changes, the new recruits, and a full off-season with this staff is going to focus on that.

One could probably argue the current roster is built for what it's done. A regular season mixed with some good wins, some frustrating losses, generally lower performance on the road, limited depth, and quick exits from the playoffs.

Stitt and company presumably see this too and are making plans to improve this team. It's going to be messy, it's going to piss some people off, but in the end Griz fans may really like the result.

Go Griz!

For those of us who did not catch the press conference, care to speculate on roster changes? The NDSU game reminded me that some things (tiny running backs, athletic but relatively light LBs and DEs) that have practically been Griz traditions sometimes leave us looking pretty puny when we get out of conference.

The problem wasn't the defense at NDSU - Correct me if wrong, but I believe they held the Bison to 17 offensive points.

Hell the Griz defense could have completely shutout the Bison on offense and the Griz still would have lost 21-6...

Defense will definitely need to be addressed in 2016 though simply because graduation will cost UM 8 starters on defense.

The area I hope to see addressed with the roster changes is the offensive line.

 

[grizatwork]

He could have prevented it by doing the right and rational thing, issue the press release Monday morning.

another question for you 75....how many previous Griz coaches have issued press releases right after they yanked scholarships during player exit interviews.....you make it sound like the way Stitt handled it is an outlier....and I am afraid to tell you it is not.....almost every program waits until Spring and then addresses the roster changes that have occurred.....

"Previous Griz coaches" lived in a different era. Social media didn't exist. You have to be proactive or throw temper tantrums. It looks "better" to be proactive.

Think his point was that what Stitt is doing, not commenting on roster turnover until Spring Ball, is pretty standard at almost all college football programs.

Except Alabama where Saban tells reporters to ask a Coke bottle the question because he has nothing else to say. AKA, F#CK OFF MEDIA! I DON'T OWE YOU SH!T.

Who are we to think that the coach owes us a public explanation on internal team matters, especially those involving cutting a couple players. I am sure it was hare for him and the players, and he is respecting the players pride and privacy by not saying anymore. It is not his story to tell. It is the players. They did it. Story over. Unless you have decided after one year that you don't like the coach and you are going to parse everything he does and say to paint him in a negative light.

 

[buckingthesun]

Hey...get over it!

Rosters change every year. The coach is charged with the responsibility of evaluating the current players talent level. He owes it to those athletes to have the tough talk. Hey son we like you but you just can't compete at the level of our expectations. How can we help you achieve your athletic dream outside of this institution?

The bigger question is whether or not his recruits will be able to perform at the level necessary to achieve the greatness Griz fans' expect.

Folks this recruiting season will determine whether or not Stitt can return Griz football to the standard everyone expects. Good is getting to a playoff game. Great is going for a national championship, unless of course you are a Bobcat. They define great as 7-4.

Go Griz.

 

[CDAGRIZ]

Hey...get over it!

Rosters change every year. The coach is charged with the responsibility of evaluating the current players talent level. He owes it to those athletes to have the tough talk. Hey son we like you but you just can't compete at the level of our expectations. How can we help you achieve your athletic dream outside of this institution?

The bigger question is whether or not his recruits will be able to perform at the level necessary to achieve the greatness Griz fans' expect.

Folks this recruiting season will determine whether or not Stitt can return Griz football to the standard everyone expects. Good is getting to a playoff game. Great is going for a national championship, unless of course you are a Bobcat. They define great as 7-4.

Go Griz.

This is a great post. Thanks. :thumb:

 

[mikegriz]

Changing up my tone here a bit as the resident sugarcoater.

I've been reflecting on the rumors of impending roster changes. While no names were mentioned in Stitt's end of season press conference yesterday it seems that at the very least there's a few upcoming changes - if not more to be seen later. And while I'm going to bet that there's chances for redemption in the winter and spring workouts and camp - this coaching staff is recognizing something with the current Grizzly roster. It's not good enough for deep playoff runs. And in the broader picture we're seeing that most Big Sky rosters aren't equipped for that either.

This last weekend we met the current pinnacle of championship rosters and were dominated. Yes we caught this same team on it's heels in week 1 - but this time, when the matchup carried more weight, NDSU rolled. They're the benchmark. Other teams as well have shown regular playoff success of late, teams like UNI, SHSU, and Illinois State. I'd argue recently Coastal Carolina as well, although they got bounced in week 1 this year.

These are the types of rosters to aspire to for more playoff success than we've seen in the last 3 years. And my hope is that some upcoming changes, the new recruits, and a full off-season with this staff is going to focus on that.

One could probably argue the current roster is built for what it's done. A regular season mixed with some good wins, some frustrating losses, generally lower performance on the road, limited depth, and quick exits from the playoffs.

Stitt and company presumably see this too and are making plans to improve this team. It's going to be messy, it's going to piss some people off, but in the end Griz fans may really like the result.

Go Griz!

For those of us who did not catch the press conference, care to speculate on roster changes? The NDSU game reminded me that some things (tiny running backs, athletic but relatively light LBs and DEs) that have practically been Griz traditions sometimes leave us looking pretty puny when we get out of conference.

The problem wasn't the defense at NDSU - Correct me if wrong, but I believe they held the Bison to 17 offensive points.

Hell the Griz defense could have completely shutout the Bison on offense and the Griz still would have lost 21-6...

Defense will definitely need to be addressed in 2016 though simply because graduation will cost UM 8 starters on defense.

The area I hope to see addressed with the roster changes is the offensive line.

We agree. I wasn't suggesting the D cost us the game. The D was awesome and what the D needed was an O. Just observing that when we get out of conference, the difference in player size is noticeable. However (in addition to beefing up the O-line) I hope re-stocking the D will be a priority!

 

[UMGriz75]

The difference is, one is right and one is wrong. Stitt owes no fan or booster anything. Meanwhile, tax payers aren't entitled to anything as it relates to UM football. How do you even kno your state witheld is even funneled to the football team anyway? How do you know your state witheld doesn't end up in MSU'S athletic budget? Answer. You don't!

Are you suggesting that UM football become a separate entity? Or that it actually already is? That Stitt is somehow the actual unaccountable owner?

What I actually said was this:

On the other hand, we cut 15 players after spring camp. Nobody seemed to concerned about "harsh realities" then. Is cutting two now, pretending you didn't at an angry press conference, then announcing that there will be more later "something new?"

I think everyone expects cuts. Jack Welch cut the bottom 10% every year at GE. It's the only way to move forward.

What's your problem? As I noted, 15 were cut at spring camp, everybody was informed in a timely manner, and expected cuts. No social media meltdowns, no forum outrages, no rumors, no speculation. There's an explanation for that, you know. It was done right.

My problem here is with a petulant coach who could have done things right this time, and didn't and then publicly bitched that somebody else got it wrong. The reason for that is he didn't do it right, and didn't even have the courtesy to the kids involved to given them a warm send-off and a decent public explanation. It was an unnecessary controversy from the get-go. The program has better things to do than deal with coach PR screw ups and public tantrums. Sorry, it just does. Times change, the kids shouldn't be out there announcing roster changes when the coach is perfectly able to do so in a professional and timely manner. If you let a rumor mill exist, then you are going to get rumors. It's simply stupid to believe otherwise in this day and age.

If your claim is that "Stitt owes" nobody anything; this could be a short career. Even I give Stitt more credit that you do on that point because that attitude will not go far, I assure you.

Is your point really that no one knows what goes into MSU's athletic budget? That's really what this is all about?

Are you drinking?

 

[Grizbeer]

Hey...get over it!

Rosters change every year. The coach is charged with the responsibility of evaluating the current players talent level. He owes it to those athletes to have the tough talk. Hey son we like you but you just can't compete at the level of our expectations. How can we help you achieve your athletic dream outside of this institution?

The bigger question is whether or not his recruits will be able to perform at the level necessary to achieve the greatness Griz fans' expect.

Folks this recruiting season will determine whether or not Stitt can return Griz football to the standard everyone expects. Good is getting to a playoff game. Great is going for a national championship, unless of course you are a Bobcat. They define great as 7-4.

Go Griz.

I disagree with this part - I would write it like this : "Folks this recruiting season will be a large part in determining whether or not Stitt can return Griz football to the standard everyone expects". the other part is improving game planning and preparation so the Griz are not surprised by looks the other team is showing as often as they were this year, and so the the other team is surprised by looks the Griz show and don't know the play call or snap count next year. Without some improvements there the Griz won't reach the "standard".

Also I think Stitt had a very good recruiting season last year, and was able to redshirt most of those. 2016 should benefit from last years recruiting and redshirting to a larger degree than 2016 recruits, with the possible exception of a stud drop-down lineman or 2.

 

[CFallsGriz]

The difference is, one is right and one is wrong. Stitt owes no fan or booster anything. Meanwhile, tax payers aren't entitled to anything as it relates to UM football. How do you even kno your state witheld is even funneled to the football team anyway? How do you know your state witheld doesn't end up in MSU'S athletic budget? Answer. You don't!

Well, on average, a Montana taxpayer knows his/her tax dollars are allocated to MSU's athletic budget at a much higher clip than they are to UM's. :thumb:

Again, havgrizfan making zero sense.

 

[GRZFTBL]

Stitt couldn't get it done w/ Pflugrad's studs, perhaps the problem lies at the top?

 

[grizindabox]

Stitt couldn't get it done w/ Pflugrad's studs, perhaps the problem lies at the top?

seems to me that they stumbled to 8-5 with a majority of Mick's recruits.....

 

[PlayerRep]

Several comments.

Seems to me that the team didn't stumble at all. The team had a pretty good season overall, with ups and downs. Not unexpected with new coach, new offensive system, new qb, and injuries to first and second team QB's. It's too early to determine what Stitt can and can't do. For me, it's fine so far.

I don't agree that this year's recruiting and season will determine whether Stitt will be able to return UM to the top. It will take more time than that, more years of recruiting, and probably the full allocation of scholarships--especially given the large number of seniors, top players and holes to fill for next year.

UM football is self-supporting and throws off revenue for the rest of the athletic department and the school. This occurs even with the athletic dept loading extra costs into the football sub-budget and the school siphoning off revenue. That doesn't mean that football isn't or shouldn't be still accountable to the taxpayers. On the other hand, many taxpayers and fans often think they are entitled to way more than they really are or should be.

Except for last spring, I don't remember there being any announcements or confirmations that players were cut, or told they'd have to leave the program. Maybe there have been some that I just don't recall.

I don't see any need for coaches to announce or confirm cuts. I suppose if word gets out to reporters, and they ask, then the coach has to decide what, if anything, to say. I don't care if the coach says anything or not. I don't feel entitled to know this type of stuff, or to learn it officially. Information from egriz is good enough for me. And, taxpayers have no right to know whether cuts have been made or not, nor do fans, in my view.

The difference this time is that some players immediately went to social media, some reporters and others picked up on that, the reporters were fairly aggressive in obtaining information and reporting it on twitter, some of the information was not quite right, the coaches have been previously irked at some of these reporters, and the coaches told some reporters what they thought. Could Stitt have perhaps said things a bit differently? Probably yes. Is any of this a big deal? Probably not. Have some of these reporters further damaged their relationships with the coaches? Probably. Just a guess; I don't know.

 

[BadlandsGrizFan]

I trust Stitts moves more so than any coach we've had since Hauck thats for sure. I don't think there are many people in this world that UNDERSTAND football like Stitt. (well except PlayaRep)...and for that reason I have total confidence that he knows exactly what he needs to be succesful...and how to get there!

 

[SouthDakotaGrizzly]

Maybe not the best direct comparison, but I'll make it anyway...I'll liken what Stitt's doing to what Pete Carroll and John Schneider did when they took over the Seahawks. The first couple of years they were there they made a ridiculous number of roster moves including some that were none too popular (the easiest example is Matt Hasselbeck, who has shown this year that he can still play at the ripe old age of 40, and of course there was choosing to start the 3rd round draft pick at QB over the big money free agent). They totally overhauled the roster to bring in the exact type of guys they wanted and, obviously, it has worked. Now, Stitt isn't likely to make changes that extreme, nor does he really have the power to do so in a college environment, but he does run a VERY different offense than Delaney's and with a season under his belt to really evaluate the roster, especially on the offensive side, now is his chance to make the changes he sees as critical. This season was, in some ways, about making square pegs fit into round holes on offense. Now is his chance to bring in some round pegs.

 

[Jaredkuehn]

Several comments.

Seems to me that the team didn't stumble at all. The team had a pretty good season overall, with ups and downs. Not unexpected with new coach, new offensive system, new qb, and injuries to first and second team QB's. It's too early to determine what Stitt can and can't do. For me, it's fine so far.

I don't agree that this year's recruiting and season will determine whether Stitt will be able to return UM to the top. It will take more time than that, more years of recruiting, and probably the full allocation of scholarships--especially given the large number of seniors, top players and holes to fill for next year.

UM football is self-supporting and throws off revenue for the rest of the athletic department and the school. This occurs even with the athletic dept loading extra costs into the football sub-budget and the school siphoning off revenue. That doesn't mean that football isn't or shouldn't be still accountable to the taxpayers. On the other hand, many taxpayers and fans often think they are entitled to way more than they really are or should be.

Except for last spring, I don't remember there being any announcements or confirmations that players were cut, or told they'd have to leave the program. Maybe there have been some that I just don't recall.

I don't see any need for coaches to announce or confirm cuts. I suppose if word gets out to reporters, and they ask, then the coach has to decide what, if anything, to say. I don't care if the coach says anything or not. I don't feel entitled to know this type of stuff, or to learn it officially. Information from egriz is good enough for me. And, taxpayers have no right to know whether cuts have been made or not, nor do fans, in my view.

The difference this time is that some players immediately went to social media, some reporters and others picked up on that, the reporters were fairly aggressive in obtaining information and reporting it on twitter, some of the information was not quite right, the coaches have been previously irked at some of these reporters, and the coaches told some reporters what they thought. Could Stitt have perhaps said things a bit differently? Probably yes. Is any of this a big deal? Probably not. Have some of these reporters further damaged their relationships with the coaches? Probably. Just a guess; I don't know.

Couldn't agree more, on all of PR's points.

 

[BadlandsGrizFan]

Maybe not the best direct comparison, but I'll make it anyway...I'll liken what Stitt's doing to what Pete Carroll and John Schneider did when they took over the Seahawks. The first couple of years they were there they made a ridiculous number of roster moves including some that were none too popular (the easiest example is Matt Hasselbeck, who has shown this year that he can still play at the ripe old age of 40, and of course there was choosing to start the 3rd round draft pick at QB over the big money free agent). They totally overhauled the roster to bring in the exact type of guys they wanted and, obviously, it has worked. Now, Stitt isn't likely to make changes that extreme, nor does he really have the power to do so in a college environment, but he does run a VERY different offense than Delaney's and with a season under his belt to really evaluate the roster, especially on the offensive side, now is his chance to make the changes he sees as critical. This season was, in some ways, about making square pegs fit into round holes on offense. Now is his chance to bring in some round pegs.

This!!!! And the most obvious example of not having his guys I feel was demonstrated by O Line...those guys were so unsatisfactory the entire year....they looked the most like players out of their system!!!

 

[Umista]

Having talked with coach Stitt and noticing his very quick football mind I continue to like him as our coach. I see many things and I have not noted those on this board as it would not serve any purpose. The imediate thing I enjoyed was the many plays per game etc. Later we will be able to visit with more information on our new coach but for now I continue to like him and our future.

 

[Htowngriz]

Maybe not the best direct comparison, but I'll make it anyway...I'll liken what Stitt's doing to what Pete Carroll and John Schneider did when they took over the Seahawks. The first couple of years they were there they made a ridiculous number of roster moves including some that were none too popular (the easiest example is Matt Hasselbeck, who has shown this year that he can still play at the ripe old age of 40, and of course there was choosing to start the 3rd round draft pick at QB over the big money free agent). They totally overhauled the roster to bring in the exact type of guys they wanted and, obviously, it has worked. Now, Stitt isn't likely to make changes that extreme, nor does he really have the power to do so in a college environment, but he does run a VERY different offense than Delaney's and with a season under his belt to really evaluate the roster, especially on the offensive side, now is his chance to make the changes he sees as critical. This season was, in some ways, about making square pegs fit into round holes on offense. Now is his chance to bring in some round pegs.

And honestly, I think he did a pretty damn good job of that, especially considering the QB injury situation.

 

[UMGriz75]

Seems to me that the team didn't stumble at all. The team had a pretty good season overall, with ups and downs.

I thought the team did a great job, and particularly the defense. A bunch of great team players and some outstanding talents. The season did not do them a full justice.