Replace Niekamp

[BWahlberg]

Anyone else wish that maybe the Griz kept transfer JUCO kicker Austin Carver? Definitely a better option than what we got. Maybe Stitt should give him a call and beg for his return.

Except Semenza out kicked him in spring camp. While the kicking options weren't the greatest Semenza and Purdy rose to the top while Carver didn't show any improvement. The coaches went with the guys they saw that we're playing the best.

Not sure how Semenza rose to the top after going 0-4 on FGs in the spring game

Dont think many of the others did much better. And spring ball was more than just 1 scrimmage. It was 4 weeks of practices too.

 

[Buttegrizzle]

We missed a 24 yard field goal and another extra point. Had we made kicks we woulda coulda kicked in place of the failed 2-point. That's 5 routine points lost and there goes the game and season. Also woulda beat Poly with routine kicking. Kicking recruiting has been poor. UM has never offered schollys to attract top kickers. Stupid since the kicker is a top career scorer usually. Lost this game in several ways but kicking was the totally inexcusable one. We need a new ST coach. At least.

 

[nzone]

Not to mention missed kicks of the nature discussed kills momentum.

 

[zengriz]

...only kick that mattered..first qt. punt...
...coach the kid a mental clock..3.5 seconds...
...clock runs off..roll out or get down..no kick...

... ...

 

[bgbigdog]

A few just general thoughts, mostly because I disagree with the calls to replace him.

- keep in mind he's also our LB's coach. Most fans seem to be overwhelmingly pleased with the general performance, depth, and talent of our LB corps. He's running that unit as well and is doing a good job.

- the special teams units are made up of a lot of guys playing their first major time as Griz this year. There's a ton of youth out there and it's showing at times. This could be more of an issue with all of the departures and lack of 2-deep depth with in game experience. I'm not saying this is just an excuse to ignore everything and say it's ok - but I think it lends to the discussion of what's going on with some aspects of ST.

Stitt has inside and outside receivers coaches, safety & corner coaches. So keep your linebacker guy & dump one of the redundant position coaches or find budget dollars for a full time special teams coach. With the exception of Stitt & Semore it can be easily argued that Niekamp has the next most difficult job given that he has oversight of five specialty groups and a pivotal role on the defensive staff.

The kickers, snappers, blockers, returners & coverage guys are veterans now. It was the redshirt kids like Buss, Strahm, Schye, etc. who were playing those roles last year with Semore coaching. The reality is that it's obvious to everyone watching that Stitt doesn't value the third of the game that likely cost his team a shot @ tournament play. Their poor play is on him.

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

or find budget dollars for a full time special teams coach.

you do realize it is less about $$$ and more about a rule that limits the number of coaches.

 

[SoldierGriz]

A few just general thoughts, mostly because I disagree with the calls to replace him.

- keep in mind he's also our LB's coach. Most fans seem to be overwhelmingly pleased with the general performance, depth, and talent of our LB corps. He's running that unit as well and is doing a good job.

- the special teams units are made up of a lot of guys playing their first major time as Griz this year. There's a ton of youth out there and it's showing at times. This could be more of an issue with all of the departures and lack of 2-deep depth with in game experience. I'm not saying this is just an excuse to ignore everything and say it's ok - but I think it lends to the discussion of what's going on with some aspects of ST.

Good Lord...I get the sugar runs deep with you. It also runs deep with me. But, as far as the special teams go...they are terrible Brint. They have been all season.

At some point there has to be accountability. Stitt needs to lead right now. Players need to see it unfold.

 

[BWahlberg]

A few just general thoughts, mostly because I disagree with the calls to replace him.

- keep in mind he's also our LB's coach. Most fans seem to be overwhelmingly pleased with the general performance, depth, and talent of our LB corps. He's running that unit as well and is doing a good job.

- the special teams units are made up of a lot of guys playing their first major time as Griz this year. There's a ton of youth out there and it's showing at times. This could be more of an issue with all of the departures and lack of 2-deep depth with in game experience. I'm not saying this is just an excuse to ignore everything and say it's ok - but I think it lends to the discussion of what's going on with some aspects of ST.

Good Lord...I get the sugar runs deep with you. It also runs deep with me. But, as far as the special teams go...they are terrible Brint. They have been all season.

At some point there has to be accountability. Stitt needs to lead right now. Players need to see it unfold.

Like I said, general thoughts as no one else was providing them. I think Niekamp needs more time. The guy has a big resumee, just my opinion but I say he needs another year to see how things go.

Special teams are a big issue, no doubt about it. Not denying it.

 

[bgbigdog]

or find budget dollars for a full time special teams coach.

you do realize it is less about $$$ and more about a rule that limits the number of coaches.

No, but the first scenario I suggest is totally bogus, so let's pick on the number of coaches thing, right? Is special teams play an issue @ all this year or am I just being too sensitive?

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

or find budget dollars for a full time special teams coach.

you do realize it is less about $$$ and more about a rule that limits the number of coaches.

No, but the first scenario I suggest is totally bogus, so let's pick on the number of coaches thing, right? Is special teams play an issue @ all this year or am I just being too sensitive?

Not sensitive, and was just pointing out your second option is not really an option.

 

[SoldierGriz]

A few just general thoughts, mostly because I disagree with the calls to replace him.

- keep in mind he's also our LB's coach. Most fans seem to be overwhelmingly pleased with the general performance, depth, and talent of our LB corps. He's running that unit as well and is doing a good job.

- the special teams units are made up of a lot of guys playing their first major time as Griz this year. There's a ton of youth out there and it's showing at times. This could be more of an issue with all of the departures and lack of 2-deep depth with in game experience. I'm not saying this is just an excuse to ignore everything and say it's ok - but I think it lends to the discussion of what's going on with some aspects of ST.

Good Lord...I get the sugar runs deep with you. It also runs deep with me. But, as far as the special teams go...they are terrible Brint. They have been all season.

At some point there has to be accountability. Stitt needs to lead right now. Players need to see it unfold.

Like I said, general thoughts as no one else was providing them. I think Niekamp needs more time. The guy has a big resumee, just my opinion but I say he needs another year to see how things go.

Special teams are a big issue, no doubt about it. Not denying it.

You and I have different definitions of "big." Looks like a journeyman to me, others can judge for themselves....his resume:

Travis Niekamp (pronounced: NEE-kamp) joined the staff at Montana in January of 2016, coming to Montana from the University of Louisiana-Monroe, and serves as the Grizzlies' special teams coordinator and linebackers coach.

Niekamp served as Louisiana-Monroe’s co-defensive coordinator in 2015, as well as the Warhawks’ special teams coordinator and linebackers coach from 2013-2015. In 2012, Niekamp served as ULM’s tight ends coach.

No stranger to the Northwest, Coach Niekamp served as linebackers coach at Washington State from 2007-2011 in addition to serving as the Cougars' director of football development. Prior to his time in Pullman, he was the linebackers coach/special teams coordinator at Eastern Washington from 2004-2007.

Before coaching at Eastern Washington, Niekamp served as tight ends coach at the United State Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., from 1999 - 2003, and outside linebacker coach, safeties coach and defensive tackles coach at his alma mater, Illinois State University in 1998 and 1999.

"Coach Niekamp came highly recommended by some very good friends of mine, and he also is a big-time special teams coach," said Coach Stitt.

 

[BWahlberg]

A few just general thoughts, mostly because I disagree with the calls to replace him.

- keep in mind he's also our LB's coach. Most fans seem to be overwhelmingly pleased with the general performance, depth, and talent of our LB corps. He's running that unit as well and is doing a good job.

- the special teams units are made up of a lot of guys playing their first major time as Griz this year. There's a ton of youth out there and it's showing at times. This could be more of an issue with all of the departures and lack of 2-deep depth with in game experience. I'm not saying this is just an excuse to ignore everything and say it's ok - but I think it lends to the discussion of what's going on with some aspects of ST.

Good Lord...I get the sugar runs deep with you. It also runs deep with me. But, as far as the special teams go...they are terrible Brint. They have been all season.

At some point there has to be accountability. Stitt needs to lead right now. Players need to see it unfold.

Like I said, general thoughts as no one else was providing them. I think Niekamp needs more time. The guy has a big resumee, just my opinion but I say he needs another year to see how things go.

Special teams are a big issue, no doubt about it. Not denying it.

You and I have different definitions of "big." Looks like a journeyman to me, others can judge for themselves....his resume:

Travis Niekamp (pronounced: NEE-kamp) joined the staff at Montana in January of 2016, coming to Montana from the University of Louisiana-Monroe, and serves as the Grizzlies' special teams coordinator and linebackers coach.

Niekamp served as Louisiana-Monroe’s co-defensive coordinator in 2015, as well as the Warhawks’ special teams coordinator and linebackers coach from 2013-2015. In 2012, Niekamp served as ULM’s tight ends coach.

No stranger to the Northwest, Coach Niekamp served as linebackers coach at Washington State from 2007-2011 in addition to serving as the Cougars' director of football development. Prior to his time in Pullman, he was the linebackers coach/special teams coordinator at Eastern Washington from 2004-2007.

Before coaching at Eastern Washington, Niekamp served as tight ends coach at the United State Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., from 1999 - 2003, and outside linebacker coach, safeties coach and defensive tackles coach at his alma mater, Illinois State University in 1998 and 1999.

"Coach Niekamp came highly recommended by some very good friends of mine, and he also is a big-time special teams coach," said Coach Stitt.

So nearly 20 years of coaching experience.

14 years as a linebackers coach

7 years as an ST coach

Yeah with different teams but that's a lot of time in each job. Do you think the linebackers are having a bad year? Maybe just ST is the specific issue? I can't tell if it's a coaching or youth issue.

 

[PlayerRep]

A few just general thoughts, mostly because I disagree with the calls to replace him.

- keep in mind he's also our LB's coach. Most fans seem to be overwhelmingly pleased with the general performance, depth, and talent of our LB corps. He's running that unit as well and is doing a good job.

- the special teams units are made up of a lot of guys playing their first major time as Griz this year. There's a ton of youth out there and it's showing at times. This could be more of an issue with all of the departures and lack of 2-deep depth with in game experience. I'm not saying this is just an excuse to ignore everything and say it's ok - but I think it lends to the discussion of what's going on with some aspects of ST.

Good Lord...I get the sugar runs deep with you. It also runs deep with me. But, as far as the special teams go...they are terrible Brint. They have been all season.

At some point there has to be accountability. Stitt needs to lead right now. Players need to see it unfold.

ST weren't "terrible". Middle of pack. FG percentage was near the top. Extra points were terrible. Punter was consistent, but only at 41. KO and punt coverage should have been better. Punt returns were in the top 4 or 5. Would have been higher with JLM. KO returns were not great, but again would have been higher with JLM. Snapper had had a very good career at UM. Don't know what happened there. A few too many penalties in the return game. Seemed like some of the same guys.

 

[kemajic]

I agree the ST's haven't been great this year, but what do you think the coach did wrong today? The long snapper is a senior and has been a terrific player for years. The punter could have handled that first snap better. The kickers are redshirt frosh. The ST coach is new and didn't recruit them. Same with the punter. The punt/kickoff coverage was fine or better, except for 1 KO return. UM has used both kickers on extra points. Neither has been consistent.

So the coaching staff is not accountable for the performance of special teams. Gabe Peppenger, the good and consistent MSU kicker personally visited Stitt and wanted to kick for the Griz. Stitt told him he already had two excellent kickers and did not need another. I haven't seen these two excellent kickers. The bottom line is STs is not a priority for Stitt; it never has been. When STs has priority it performs; check out the ST performance during Hauck's tenure.

 

[brewskis]

But LB play is solid. Methinks Stitt isn't devoting much time in practice to ST.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kemajic]

KO returns were not great

Really? One KO return to the 9 yard line. A kick that should not have been caught. That's what you call "not great?" What do you call poor?

 

[Ursus1]

A few just general thoughts, mostly because I disagree with the calls to replace him.

- keep in mind he's also our LB's coach. Most fans seem to be overwhelmingly pleased with the general performance, depth, and talent of our LB corps. He's running that unit as well and is doing a good job.

- the special teams units are made up of a lot of guys playing their first major time as Griz this year. There's a ton of youth out there and it's showing at times. This could be more of an issue with all of the departures and lack of 2-deep depth with in game experience. I'm not saying this is just an excuse to ignore everything and say it's ok - but I think it lends to the discussion of what's going on with some aspects of ST.

Good Lord...I get the sugar runs deep with you. It also runs deep with me. But, as far as the special teams go...they are terrible Brint. They have been all season.

At some point there has to be accountability. Stitt needs to lead right now. Players need to see it unfold.

ST weren't "terrible". Middle of pack. FG percentage was near the top. Extra points were terrible. Punter was consistent, but only at 41. KO and punt coverage should have been better. Punt returns were in the top 4 or 5. Would have been higher with JLM. KO returns were not great, but again would have been higher with JLM. Snapper had had a very good career at UM. Don't know what happened there. A few too many penalties in the return game. Seemed like some of the same guys.

Current Big Sky Stats....

UM ranks

Kickoff return 9th
Punting average 12th
Kickoff coverage 12th
PAT 13th

So much for middle of pack

 

[Gaeilge1]

Too many times we tend to blame either the long snapper or the kicker for a missed extra point or field goal. In a lot of cases however the holder is the one who screws up. I've seen that on more than one or two occasions this year. There are so many variables in the process of a field goal or an extra point that it should be more surprising that as many are successful as they are!

 

[SoldierGriz]

Good Lord...I get the sugar runs deep with you. It also runs deep with me. But, as far as the special teams go...they are terrible Brint. They have been all season.

At some point there has to be accountability. Stitt needs to lead right now. Players need to see it unfold.

Like I said, general thoughts as no one else was providing them. I think Niekamp needs more time. The guy has a big resumee, just my opinion but I say he needs another year to see how things go.

Special teams are a big issue, no doubt about it. Not denying it.

You and I have different definitions of "big." Looks like a journeyman to me, others can judge for themselves....his resume:

Travis Niekamp (pronounced: NEE-kamp) joined the staff at Montana in January of 2016, coming to Montana from the University of Louisiana-Monroe, and serves as the Grizzlies' special teams coordinator and linebackers coach.

Niekamp served as Louisiana-Monroe’s co-defensive coordinator in 2015, as well as the Warhawks’ special teams coordinator and linebackers coach from 2013-2015. In 2012, Niekamp served as ULM’s tight ends coach.

No stranger to the Northwest, Coach Niekamp served as linebackers coach at Washington State from 2007-2011 in addition to serving as the Cougars' director of football development. Prior to his time in Pullman, he was the linebackers coach/special teams coordinator at Eastern Washington from 2004-2007.

Before coaching at Eastern Washington, Niekamp served as tight ends coach at the United State Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., from 1999 - 2003, and outside linebacker coach, safeties coach and defensive tackles coach at his alma mater, Illinois State University in 1998 and 1999.

"Coach Niekamp came highly recommended by some very good friends of mine, and he also is a big-time special teams coach," said Coach Stitt.

So nearly 20 years of coaching experience.

14 years as a linebackers coach

7 years as an ST coach

Yeah with different teams but that's a lot of time in each job. Do you think the linebackers are having a bad year? Maybe just ST is the specific issue? I can't tell if it's a coaching or youth issue.

Most teams have bunches of "youth" on their special teams...most teams perform better than the Griz across the breadth of their special teams. Dots are not hard to connect on this one. Just my opinion...I have zero influence and I am good with that...Just think Stitt needs to do something bold. He will start next season wondering if he has a job the season after....

 

[kemajic]

Good Lord...I get the sugar runs deep with you. It also runs deep with me. But, as far as the special teams go...they are terrible Brint. They have been all season.

At some point there has to be accountability. Stitt needs to lead right now. Players need to see it unfold.

ST weren't "terrible". Middle of pack. FG percentage was near the top. Extra points were terrible. Punter was consistent, but only at 41. KO and punt coverage should have been better. Punt returns were in the top 4 or 5. Would have been higher with JLM. KO returns were not great, but again would have been higher with JLM. Snapper had had a very good career at UM. Don't know what happened there. A few too many penalties in the return game. Seemed like some of the same guys.

No mention of the muffed punt which luckily was kicked out of bounds. Oh, check that, Nguyens don't muff punts.