Idaho fires head coach Robb Akey

[griz4life]

"Won't" is the operative word, not can't.

That's right.

 

[EWURanger29]

Maybe Dennis Erickson would be willing to go back there and try to bring them back from the ashes.

They did that once, already, and he left after one season for the ASU gig IIRC. I doubt they go that route again.

 

[PTGrizzly]

If other schools can fire their head coach mid-season, why can't Montana? I'm not saying UM should fire Delaney, but why are some people saying he can't/won't be fired? Just askin'.

Because if we do then we'll be paying 3 coaches at the same time. We don't have the money for a waste like that.

 

[IdaGriz01]

Idaho is one of the worst HC jobs in the country in my opinion. It will be interesting to see what kind of interest they can get in the job. I like Akey. I don't think he is a genius on the Xs and Os, but he always seemed to make good adjustments and his players always play hard for him. My inlaws are big UI supporters and they were pretty grateful with how Akey has cleaned up that program after years of bringing in JC recruits with criminal records. Anyone that can lead UI to a victory in a bowl game has to be able to coach a little bit. I agree with griz4life, I think he will get some interest from some FBS coaches to be on their staffs.

Akey may not be a great Xs and Os guys (but who knows? ... you gotta have the players), but he was a great motivator. And I think that's what the Griz footballers need right now. (No disrespect to Delaney, who from all reports is a great guy, but he just doesn't seem to have the energy or the football smarts.) The UI position was an impossible job, given the overall situation (mainly, a crappy facility and lukewarm financial support). Still, he got the team off the police blotter, and did manage one bowl game.

So I think he should be high on the list of candidate to immediately (ASAP) fill the Griz job. And, given his UI base salary, the Griz might actually be able to compete on the $$$. I've heard him interviewed, and I also believe that the Griz football tradition and fan support would attract his interest.

Sadly, I do not see any way -- given the stink from the "make a change" firing of Pflu and O'Day -- that Akey could be attracted to UM. Plus, all indications -- actions speak louder than words -- are that Engstom (and/or those whoever manipulates his strings) wants Griz football to disappear as a focus of campus life. They are unlikely to welcome someone as charismatic and energetic as Akey.

 

[TxGriz]

There is a reason why guys like Akey take gigs at the Idahos of the world. It isn't like he has a lot of choices and I think the only HC positions open to him now may be in DII, or else he is looking at an assistant's position somewhere.

 

[kemajic]

Erickson...his teams lead the league in penalties and thuggery...pass on him.

What Erickson team hasn't?

His Oregon State team had no issues. The only place he had some issues were Miami. His Idaho teams were not bad if I recall.

He had his ususal band of thugs at ASU; Google Vontaze Burfict. You must not have watched OSU much in his days; they had the whole gang mantra gig big time. Fortunately, the game has passed him by; don't think we'll see any more of him. But he has pretty much drunk his way through the big SF dollars.

 

[IdaGriz01]

There is a reason why guys like Akey take gigs at the Idahos of the world. It isn't like he has a lot of choices and I think the only HC positions open to him now may be in DII, or else he is looking at an assistant's position somewhere.

But wait ... Engstrom made a great guy (from all accounts) with a losing record our current Head Coach. Why not a great guy from a pitiful D-I program as our next one? I, personally, think he would jump at the chance. (I have thoughts on why that would be a bad career move for him, but I'll keep those to myself.)

 

[Skookum-Jim]

Erickson...his teams lead the league in penalties and thuggery...pass on him.

What Erickson team hasn't?

His Oregon State team had no issues. The only place he had some issues were Miami. His Idaho teams were not bad if I recall.

He had his ususal band of thugs at ASU; Google Vontaze Burfict. You must not have watched OSU much in his days; they had the whole gang mantra gig big time. Fortunately, the game has passed him by; don't think we'll see any more of him. But he has pretty much drunk his way through the big SF dollars.

Compared to what we've had here in the last few years his teams look like choir boys.

 

[1Griz_Fan]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned the Vandals gave up 839 yards :shock: in their 28-70 loss to Louisiana Tech. At first thought it was LSU so it made sense, but Tech. We could use a defense like that in the BSC to erase some passing and receiving records from the books ASAP. Please come back soon Idaho, we miss the rivalry and would love to give you a chance to win the Brown Stein back.

 

[1Griz_Fan]

My bad, Tech can score and move the ball on anyone in the country. They lost to ranked A&M 57-59 and beat down UNLV 58-31, not like that is impressive since NAU and everyone else beat them too. They must have one of the highest ranked and scoring offenses with a lower ranked D though. Anyway, Tech's lowest scoring game was at Virginia which they won 44-38. This team sounds like they would be fun to watch so I'm looking forward to seeing who they play in a bowl game and what they can do in it.

Still want you back Vandals! You know there is more of this to come until you come back home where you belong. We'll leave the light on for ya...