Big South football 2017 offseason/preseason thread

[Bucs2016]

Well seems there's gonna be a LOT to talk about. Liberty just hired the Baylor rape scandal AD. CSU may lose its coach to a bigger job. PC just rehired the coach who made them a D2 top 10 power. Kennesaw St seems to be emerging as a top 25 caliber team.

And Campbell may or may not join.

May be a very very interesting offseason.

[Laker]

Could the Big South get another member in 2018 in North Alabama?

http://www.timesdaily.com/sports/una_sports/a-sun-on-the-horizon-for-una/article_ad59d0c6-25d8-5224-a052-e8e58c95796f.html

[Bucs2016]

Could the Big South get another member in 2018 in North Alabama?

http://www.timesdaily.com/sports/una_sports/a-sun-on-the-horizon-for-una/article_ad59d0c6-25d8-5224-a052-e8e58c95796f.html

It would be a GREAT addition so I hope so.

[JSUSoutherner]

I sure hope UNA moves up. They're one of those programs that would be competitive on day 1. They would defintely be a quality addition.

[walliver]

Could the Big South get another member in 2018 in North Alabama?

http://www.timesdaily.com/sports/una_sports/a-sun-on-the-horizon-for-una/article_ad59d0c6-25d8-5224-a052-e8e58c95796f.html

The A-Sun is in a precarious position and would likely take any willing move-up.
When the A-Sun and BS announced their partnership with great fanfare, it seemed obvious that they had something specific in mind. Although speculation centered around Stetson and Jacksonville, it seemed that a deal with either of those two could be easily negotiated with the Big South, and both would have been welcomed. The "mandatory" nature of the agreement suggests that it was designed to entice new members to the A-Sun.

[Bucs2016]

The A-Sun is in a precarious position and would likely take any willing move-up.
When the A-Sun and BS announced their partnership with great fanfare, it seemed obvious that they had something specific in mind. Although speculation centered around Stetson and Jacksonville, it seemed that a deal with either of those two could be easily negotiated with the Big South, and both would have been welcomed. The "mandatory" nature of the agreement suggests that it was designed to entice new members to the A-Sun.

This would be a big one. Adding a team like UNA would be big. JU needs to build a stadium first. ANY stadium

[JSUSoutherner]

This would be a big one. Adding a team like UNA would be big. JU needs to build a stadium first. ANY stadium
Same could be said of Chuck South. xcoffeex

[PantherRob82]

What is Charleston Southern non-conference schedule for next season?

[Bucs2016]

Same could be said of Chuck South. xcoffeex

No...dude...I mean ANY. Look it up. CSUs is huge in comparison.

[Bucs2016]

What is Charleston Southern non-conference schedule for next season?

Only thing I've seen is FBS vs Mississippi State. I'd imagine we might return the trip to Bucknell maybe. Other than that haven't heard. We pick Citadel back up starting in 2018 so for 2017 we have some open games to work with. Since we are obviously willing to do a one time road game with no return expected, we might end up with a Week 0 matchup with a big name FCS again. Hope so. We need to keep building our brand up. With Campbell likely coming in we may host them. We went there a couple years ago but they didn't come here.

[Bucs2016]

If I had to list the top 3 off season topics it would be:
1. Expansion. Who. When. Etc.
2. Does LU keep Turner Gill?
3. Does Chadwell leave CSU?

[JSUSoutherner]

If I had to list the top 3 off season topics it would be:
1. Expansion. Who. When. Etc.
2. Does LU keep Turner Gill?
3. Does Chadwell leave CSU?

1.) UNA. 2018.
2.) No. Art Briles.
3.) Does the Georgia Southern position open up?

[FlamingHot]

1.) UNA. 2018.
2.) No. Art Briles.
3.) Does the Georgia Southern position open up?
Liberty has too much money invested to let Gill go. We're already paying a basketball coach and AD who aren't at Liberty anymore.

[JSUSoutherner]

Liberty has too much money invested to let Gill go. We're already paying a basketball coach and AD who aren't at Liberty anymore.
I thought Liberty was rolling in cash?

[Bucs2016]

1.) UNA. 2018.
2.) No. Art Briles.
3.) Does the Georgia Southern position open up?

GSU just filled it a year ago right?

[JSUSoutherner]

GSU just filled it a year ago right?
Did they? Oh well. Idk then. I can't imagine Chadwell going anywhere that doesn't run the option.

[SuperJon]

Gill will be back for another year at the least. That's been determined already.

[Cocky]

I wished the OVC would take TUNA.

[Laker]

I wished the OVC would take TUNA.

That seems to be the opinion of the TUNA posters too. But they aren't getting an offer.

[JSUSoutherner]

That seems to be the opinion of the TUNA posters too. But they aren't getting an offer.
Probably because getting whipped by us year in and year out is bad enough for them. They don't want to have to deal with UNA whipping them every year as well. xcoffeex

[Bucs2016]

Did they? Oh well. Idk then. I can't imagine Chadwell going anywhere that doesn't run the option.

Last year Chadwell was apparently a finalist for the GA Southern job so I don't think it'll be open. However his name has been mentioned for the Georgia STATE job. From what I hear there aren't many FBS guys interested because it's a bit of a tough job. Commuter school. No history. Etc. But, it would be a big pay raise and a foot into FBS so Chadwell might be a guy to go after.

Part of me still thinks his dream is to end up at ETSU, where he played and coached from 1995-2003. He said in an interview that he "never would've left that place" and he has deep-rooted East Tennessee passion because he was born and raised on a farm there. They of course dropped football in 2003 which is why he had to leave.

But $$ talks and if a Sun Belt throws it at him he'd be crazy not to take it.

[Bucs2016]

Gill will be back for another year at the least. That's been determined already.

Well crap. Way to pee in my corn flakes.

OK top 3:
1. Expansion
2. Does Chadwell stay at CSU
3. Ummm.....any suggestions?

[FUBeAR]

No...dude...I mean ANY. Look it up. CSUs is huge in comparison.

Are you sure?

http://www.judolphins.com/sports/fball/2014-15/releases/20140812z25pbk
http://www.judolphins.com/sports/fball/2014-15/releases/IMG_2580.JPG

VS.

http://csusports.com/information/buccaneer_field
http://csusports.com/information/facilities/4.jpg?max_height=300&max_width=500

[JSUSoutherner]

Are you sure?

http://www.judolphins.com/sports/fball/2014-15/releases/20140812z25pbk
http://www.judolphins.com/sports/fball/2014-15/releases/IMG_2580.JPG

VS.

http://csusports.com/information/buccaneer_field
http://csusports.com/information/facilities/4.jpg?max_height=300&max_width=500

Appears to me that the only difference is someone parked a couple single-wides on top of Chuck South's stands

[Schism55]

Last year Chadwell was apparently a finalist for the GA Southern job so I don't think it'll be open. However his name has been mentioned for the Georgia STATE job. From what I hear there aren't many FBS guys interested because it's a bit of a tough job. Commuter school. No history. Etc. But, it would be a big pay raise and a foot into FBS so Chadwell might be a guy to go after.

Part of me still thinks his dream is to end up at ETSU, where he played and coached from 1995-2003. He said in an interview that he "never would've left that place" and he has deep-rooted East Tennessee passion because he was born and raised on a farm there. They of course dropped football in 2003 which is why he had to leave.

But $$ talks and if a Sun Belt throws it at him he'd be crazy not to take it.
Sorry, but that is not a dream of anyone in their right mind....

[JSUSoutherner]

Sorry, but that is not a dream of anyone in their right mind....
Why not?

Chadwell already built up Chuck South so he knows he can resurrect a program. ETSU is getting a new stadium of their own next year and it's his Alma Mater. I don't see why it would be such a bad gig if he can get it going.

[Bucs2016]

Are you sure?

http://www.judolphins.com/sports/fball/2014-15/releases/20140812z25pbk
http://www.judolphins.com/sports/fball/2014-15/releases/IMG_2580.JPG

VS.

http://csusports.com/information/buccaneer_field
http://csusports.com/information/facilities/4.jpg?max_height=300&max_width=500

OH NICE!!! I didn't know they were building a new one. Look up their old one. It literally had no bleachers. It was benches on a hill and some kind of duck hunting box for a "press box". It was like an intramural or city rec league setup. BY FAR THE worst in all of Division 1.

Check this interview out regarding it. That's the "stadium" in the background (grass hill with duck box on it). As I said....CSU certainly isn't in a place to brag about ours haha. But...damn...JUs are just atrocious.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q9aWsg7ddk

[Bucs2016]

So...just daydreaming a bit....what if Big South ended up:

Charleston Southern
Liberty
Presbyterian
Gardner Webb
Monmouth
Kennesaw State
North Alabama
Jacksonville
Campbell

I say that's a really solid lineup. North Alabama and Kennesaw would both have the potential to be major contenders very quickly.

[ex189]

I think the Georgia Southern job will soon be open again

[walliver]

I think the Georgia Southern job will soon be open again

Most GSU fans hate their current coach. GSU doesn't have much money to buy him out, but it wouldn't surprise me if some GSU fans try to make his life miserable enough that he voluntarily leaves at the end of this year. As for Chadwell, I suspect he would be a good fit for Georgia Southern, but a wonder if he would want to get into this *****-storm in Statesboro right now.

Chadwell is rumored for the Georgia State job (along with App DC Nate Woody), but I don't know if either has the personality to work well in downtown Atlanta.

After this year's issues: the suspensions and the 4-year deal to play at the Citadel (which he did not seem happy about), I suspect he feels that CSU has not treated him fairly, and would be anxious to leave. He might do well at ETSU, but I suspect he has higher ambitions.

[ex189]

The 2017 Edition of the CSU BUCS will have nearly their entire front 7 on Defense returning with a couple of secondary positions open. On Offense, nearly the entire front 5 are back with the exception of our All-American LT. The bright side is that the OL has seen a number of people having to play this year, so experience will be returning. We also will be returning our top WR with a couple of others that have played and have 3 QB's returning that have contributed this year. The BUCS will obviously be without their 3 top RB's and those guys will be hard to replace. On Special Teams, the BUCS will have to replace their 4 year starter at Punter and All-American Long Snapper but have their KO specialists and Placekickers coming back.

It should be a very good team in 2017 imo

[Bucs2016]

Most GSU fans hate their current coach. GSU doesn't have much money to buy him out, but it wouldn't surprise me if some GSU fans try to make his life miserable enough that he voluntarily leaves at the end of this year. As for Chadwell, I suspect he would be a good fit for Georgia Southern, but a wonder if he would want to get into this *****-storm in Statesboro right now.

Chadwell is rumored for the Georgia State job (along with App DC Nate Woody), but I don't know if either has the personality to work well in downtown Atlanta.

After this year's issues: the suspensions and the 4-year deal to play at the Citadel (which he did not seem happy about), I suspect he feels that CSU has not treated him fairly, and would be anxious to leave. He might do well at ETSU, but I suspect he has higher ambitions.

Man you touched a sore topic for CSU alumni. The relationship that schools administration has with its football team. I played there. And almost EVERY player or coach you meet will confirm this. That schools administration does NOT want a championship football team. It DOES want a football team. And it DOES want it to be average, not abysmal. But EVERY time....EVERY time...in the history of that program when the team is getting over the next hump...the school tries to thwart it.

Late 90s it was just finish over .500.
Early 2000s it was try to beat big programs like Liberty.
Mid 2000s win a conference ring.
NOW it's be a playoff contender and WIN playoff games.

I have dozens of examples as does everyone else who played or coached there. As soon as the team starts to achieve something here comes that small 1% group of administrative and staff who DON'T want a championship football team (SAME with baskebtall) trying to get creative in ways to screw the team.

Heard in 2000 their team was first to beat Liberty, finished 6-6 I think, which was progress for CSU back then. Had some up and comers as assistant coaches and 2001 looked bright. CSU admin found out assistants attended a wedding...in CALIFORNIA...which served wine...and FIRED THEM because "we are a Christian college" and employees aren't allowed to drink alcohol.

Uuugggghhhh. Ever wonder why CSU won't build it's football and basketball teams better facilities? This is why. Yet both teams vastly overachieve anyway.

[Bucs2016]

The 2017 Edition of the CSU BUCS will have nearly their entire front 7 on Defense returning with a couple of secondary positions open. On Offense, nearly the entire front 5 are back with the exception of our All-American LT. The bright side is that the OL has seen a number of people having to play this year, so experience will be returning. We also will be returning our top WR with a couple of others that have played and have 3 QB's returning that have contributed this year. The BUCS will obviously be without their 3 top RB's and those guys will be hard to replace. On Special Teams, the BUCS will have to replace their 4 year starter at Punter and All-American Long Snapper but have their KO specialists and Placekickers coming back.

It should be a very good team in 2017 imo

Losing the RBs will hurt. But when Christian Reyes left we thought we'd hurt also and look what happened! I think we will find the next great RB on the depth chart. Chadwells system creates great backs.

The 2017 Bucs will be absolutely loaded on D.

I pray Chadwell sticks around 1 more year. However if he leaves....PLEASE give the HC to defensive coordinator Chad Staggs. He's as big a part of this CSU run as Chadwell. The CSU D has been one of the best in FCS.

[ex189]

This years senior class is a special group that has developed a winning culture, inside the locker room and onto the field. The Jr's. Soph's and Fresh have all been a part of this success and are hungry for another ring. I couldn't be happier that Coach Chadwell invited my son to be a part of the BUC Family and for those outside the program that like to take their shots at us, I really don't care.


Losing the RBs will hurt. But when Christian Reyes left we thought we'd hurt also and look what happened! I think we will find the next great RB on the depth chart. Chadwells system creates great backs.

The 2017 Bucs will be absolutely loaded on D.

I pray Chadwell sticks around 1 more year. However if he leaves....PLEASE give the HC to defensive coordinator Chad Staggs. He's as big a part of this CSU run as Chadwell. The CSU D has been one of the best in FCS.

[Bucs2016]

This years senior class is a special group that has developed a winning culture, inside the locker room and onto the field. The Jr's. Soph's and Fresh have all been a part of this success and are hungry for another ring. I couldn't be happier that Coach Chadwell invited my son to be a part of the BUC Family and for those outside the program that like to take their shots at us, I really don't care.

YES!!! That's wonderful. Exactly how I feel. Some people accuse CSU football at times of having a chip on its shoulder or always playing the disrespect card. Whatever. It's a family. It's been an uphill fight since Day 1 of that program and every 4 or 5 years that program has inched it's way one more step up that ladder. Despite the facilities. Despite the admin who is half heartedly "supporting" football. Despite the lack of national respect (which is understandable bc it's not like we have won national titles).

Go Bucs!! Raise that black flag!!!

[Bucs2016]

This years senior class is a special group that has developed a winning culture, inside the locker room and onto the field. The Jr's. Soph's and Fresh have all been a part of this success and are hungry for another ring. I couldn't be happier that Coach Chadwell invited my son to be a part of the BUC Family and for those outside the program that like to take their shots at us, I really don't care.

What's your son hearing about Chadwell and Staggs? Losing Chadwell is inevitable. Maybe not this year but soon. Staggs? 8d love him to get HC when the day comes.

[ex189]

I haven't spoken to him about it. I know he was hoping for that opportunity to kick the FG at the end. I know I was nervous wreck in the stands but I was watching him during that last drive and he was calm and getting prepared. Kickers are a different breed and you always are just focused on the next kick.


What's your son hearing about Chadwell and Staggs? Losing Chadwell is inevitable. Maybe not this year but soon. Staggs? 8d love him to get HC when the day comes.

[Bucs2016]

I haven't spoken to him about it. I know he was hoping for that opportunity to kick the FG at the end. I know I was nervous wreck in the stands but I was watching him during that last drive and he was calm and getting prepared. Kickers are a different breed and you always are just focused on the next kick.

He would've hit it too man. Oh well. Next year we hope he gets that chance!

Any word on 2017 schedule? I know Mississippi State but haven't heard the rest of their non conference.

[ex189]

I haven't heard a word on the 2017 schedule. I'm sure it won't be finalized for several months based on the past several years of trying to fill up spots.

[Bucs2016]

I haven't heard a word on the 2017 schedule. I'm sure it won't be finalized for several months based on the past several years of trying to fill up spots.

Yep probably so. I hate that it's like that. It's hard to get a home and home with the more established FCS teams just due to our stadium. God knows opposing fans would LOVE a weekend in Charleston. Top tourist city in America by several travel groups.

As much tourism as we get from Ohio and the Northeast I wish we'd play at Youngstown, Villanova, etc and try to get some recruiting roots laid down there. Lots of teenage players may be interested in 4 years in Charleston!

[ex189]

I was hoping for a Youngstown State possible matchup in the playoffs this year. My son was born in Youngstown and his godfather played for Tressel at Youngstown and it would have been awesome to get to watch him play at their facility. I played in the 2nd game every played at Stambaugh Stadium at YSU as a high school senior.
Yep probably so. I hate that it's like that. It's hard to get a home and home with the more established FCS teams just due to our stadium. God knows opposing fans would LOVE a weekend in Charleston. Top tourist city in America by several travel groups.

As much tourism as we get from Ohio and the Northeast I wish we'd play at Youngstown, Villanova, etc and try to get some recruiting roots laid down there. Lots of teenage players may be interested in 4 years in Charleston!

[CSU18]

I do know that we play @ Elon in 2017 (they come to CSU in 2018). Heard a rumor that both Wofford and Furman were supposed to be on the schedule (may be for the 2018 season though).

I've mentioned this before, but think it's worth saying it again - facilities need to improve at CSU without a doubt. But, a lot has changed for the better in the last 5-10 years. Spoke with the AD after the Wofford game and agree with him - why expand the stadium when you don't have a capacity issue now??? Yes, there was a capacity issue for 2 games last year. Until they are constantly filling the current stadium, how can you justify any expansion. Don't get me wrong - I'd love to see a nice state of the art stadium, but what good does a 10,000 seat stadium do when you have trouble getting 4,500 seats filled now????

[citdog]

I do know that we play @ Elon in 2017 (they come to CSU in 2018). Heard a rumor that both Wofford and Furman were supposed to be on the schedule (may be for the 2018 season though).

I've mentioned this before, but think it's worth saying it again - facilities need to improve at CSU without a doubt. But, a lot has changed for the better in the last 5-10 years. Spoke with the AD after the Wofford game and agree with him - why expand the stadium when you don't have a capacity issue now??? Yes, there was a capacity issue for 2 games last year. Until they are constantly filling the current stadium, how can you justify any expansion. Don't get me wrong - I'd love to see a nice state of the art stadium, but what good does a 10,000 seat stadium do when you have trouble getting 4,500 seats filled now????

Build a Richmond type stadium that seats about 8,000 or move off campus and share with Summerville High School. Do you really get more than 100 students over to the games from the dorms?

[CSU18]

Build a Richmond type stadium that seats about 8,000 or move off campus and share with Summerville High School. Do you really get more than 100 students over to the games from the dorms?

I don't know how many students show up at games. I do know that more students are at games now then in the early to mid 2000's. Campus was a ghost town on the weekends when I was there.

[Bucs2016]

I do know that we play @ Elon in 2017 (they come to CSU in 2018). Heard a rumor that both Wofford and Furman were supposed to be on the schedule (may be for the 2018 season though).

I've mentioned this before, but think it's worth saying it again - facilities need to improve at CSU without a doubt. But, a lot has changed for the better in the last 5-10 years. Spoke with the AD after the Wofford game and agree with him - why expand the stadium when you don't have a capacity issue now??? Yes, there was a capacity issue for 2 games last year. Until they are constantly filling the current stadium, how can you justify any expansion. Don't get me wrong - I'd love to see a nice state of the art stadium, but what good does a 10,000 seat stadium do when you have trouble getting 4,500 seats filled now????

He's right but it's not about expansion. It's about just making it look nicer. It just looks awful. If it was a much nicer facility maybe more fans attend? Depends on opponent also. For all the attention the Coastal and Citadel crowds got...the first true overflow crowd was 1998 when SC State came. 7000+ there. State was a good team, top 25. CSU gave me a game. Lost 17-7.

Anyway...point being...with nicer facility the fans will show up. Since a Citadel guy is on here....did yalls fans get more excited when the big upgrades were made to the current home side, scoreboard and the end zone facility? JHS doesn't hold all that many more people now but it's much nicer than before.

[JSUSoutherner]

I do know that we play @ Elon in 2017 (they come to CSU in 2018). Heard a rumor that both Wofford and Furman were supposed to be on the schedule (may be for the 2018 season though).

I've mentioned this before, but think it's worth saying it again - facilities need to improve at CSU without a doubt. But, a lot has changed for the better in the last 5-10 years. Spoke with the AD after the Wofford game and agree with him - why expand the stadium when you don't have a capacity issue now??? Yes, there was a capacity issue for 2 games last year. Until they are constantly filling the current stadium, how can you justify any expansion. Don't get me wrong - I'd love to see a nice state of the art stadium, but what good does a 10,000 seat stadium do when you have trouble getting 4,500 seats filled now????
Build it and they will come.

2009 our capacity was 14,000 and we averaged 11,000. We expanded to 24,000 and averaged 17,300 the next year. Chuck South plays some quality ball. They will come.

[SENOREIDA]

Looks like UNA will join the Big South Conference in the coming days. Transitioning to from DII to join the ASun.

https://twitter.com/kendallrogersd1/status/803751210352332805

https://twitter.com/picksixpreviews/status/803816037993107456

[Bucs2016]

Looks like UNA will join the Big South Conference in the coming days. Transitioning to from DII to join the ASun.

https://twitter.com/kendallrogersd1/status/803751210352332805

https://twitter.com/picksixpreviews/status/803816037993107456

Awesome! HUGE news for the Big South. North Alabama will quickly become a contender. Now I'd love to get Jacksonville in. That would put Big South football teams in AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, VA and NJ. It would give us 4 teams who I believe will all be playing top 40 caliber ball in Liberty, KSU, CSU and very quickly UNA.

[Bucs2016]

Build it and they will come.

2009 our capacity was 14,000 and we averaged 11,000. We expanded to 24,000 and averaged 17,300 the next year. Chuck South plays some quality ball. They will come.

Yep I agree. Just have to make it a more enjoyable GameDay experience. Having a nicer facility is part of that.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

With UNA joining the Big South, is that finally what pushes Monmouth to join either the CAA or the Patriot League? I can't imagine that trips to North Alabama were what the Hawks were signing up for when it comes to a football-only membership in a league.

[Bucs2016]

With UNA joining the Big South, is that finally what pushes Monmouth to join either the CAA or the Patriot League? I can't imagine that trips to North Alabama were what the Hawks were signing up for when it comes to a football-only membership in a league.

Maybe. I can't imagine this is working out how they hoped. Stoney Brook obviously didn't like all the long trips either. I'd imagine this pushes them to the edge of it. Jacksonville joining may be the end of Monmouth in the BSC if JU ends up making the move.

[seelarke]

PC fans are still wondering if lame duck OC Todd Varn will be back in 2017. We've avg'd abt 14 pppg over the last 3 years with him at the helm. We return most of our offense (not sure about OL). Our secondary was an issue this year, but those guys are coming back and 4 of our top 5 top leaders in tackles are back next year. We're optimistic that Tommy Spangler can get things turned around in Clinnon, but getting the offense fixed will be an uphill battle. We've cycled through 3 qbs over the last 2 years and 4 have left campus. But his record as HC and development on the defense at PC and La Tech speak for itsself. As far as our 2017 OOC goes we are @ Wake Forest and @ El Cid. I'd imagine Campbell is on the schedule again, but not sure about any other OOC.

[FUBeAR]

PC fans are still wondering if lame duck OC Todd Varn will be back in 2017. We've avg'd abt 14 pppg over the last 3 years with him at the helm. We return most of our offense (not sure about OL). Our secondary was an issue this year, but those guys are coming back and 4 of our top 5 top leaders in tackles are back next year. We're optimistic that Tommy Spangler can get things turned around in Clinnon, but getting the offense fixed will be an uphill battle. We've cycled through 3 qbs over the last 2 years and 4 have left campus. But his record as HC and development on the defense at PC and La Tech speak for itsself. As far as our 2017 OOC goes we are @ Wake Forest and @ El Cid. I'd imagine Campbell is on the schedule again, but not sure about any other OOC.

Grapevine is telling me that Coach Varn will return as OC in 2017 AND was, actually, recently promoted to Asst Head Coach. Also, no other staff changes planned. I'm not sure if that means they are not planning to backfill Coach Spangler with another DC or he's going to be his own DC and backfill with a position Coach or not backfill at all.

All of that sounds really strange to me, but that's the story I'm hearing.

[seelarke]

Grapevine is telling me that Coach Varn will return as OC in 2017 AND was, actually, recently promoted to Asst Head Coach. Also, no other staff changes planned. I'm not sure if that means they are not planning to backfill Coach Spangler with another DC or he's going to be his own DC and backfill with a position Coach or not backfill at all.

All of that sounds really strange to me, but that's the story I'm hearing.




yeah we've been hearing the same re: varn. Only thing we can come up with is financial reasons not to buy him out of his contract because results on the field have been atrocious.

[PantherRob82]

Does Monmouth really have any options? Seems like if they did they wouldn't be in the Big South.

[walliver]

yeah we've been hearing the same re: varn. Only thing we can come up with is financial reasons not to buy him out of his contract because results on the field have been atrocious.

It would be rare at FCS level for any assistant coach to have more than a one year contract.

Unless there were personal issues between the old coach and the rest of the staff and players, the moves PC College has made make little sense.

I lived in Laurens County for 6 years, and nothing would irritate the PC President more than the habit of Clinnon natives calling the school "PC College".:D

[seelarke]

It would be rare at FCS level for any assistant coach to have more than a one year contract.

Unless there were personal issues between the old coach and the rest of the staff and players, the moves PC College has made make little sense.

I lived in Laurens County for 6 years, and nothing would irritate the PC President more than the habit of Clinnon natives calling the school "PC College".:D




I'd agree, only thing I can think of is after the 2014 season when Harold Nichols won BS COY then redid some contracts. Though any one with a brain would question why re-up him for 3 years after avg just 15.5 pts per game in 2014. In Varn's 8 seasons as OC at Presby (05, 06) and 11-16 we've avgd 18.25 per game and thats greatly helped by a 33ppg in 2005. Its been on a steady decline the last 4 years (23, 15, 12, 8). We avg'd 8pts a game this year. 8!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Does Monmouth really have any options? Seems like if they did they wouldn't be in the Big South.

The Patriot League would be perfect for them, however, I'm not sure if the League wants another football-only member. The reasoning has shifted on this over time.

[aceinthehole]

With UNA joining the Big South, is that finally what pushes Monmouth to join either the CAA or the Patriot League? I can't imagine that trips to North Alabama were what the Hawks were signing up for when it comes to a football-only membership in a league.

Nothing is pushing Monmouth - they need an invite and I don't see one coming.

[Libertine]

I can't imagine that trips to North Alabama were what the Hawks were signing up for when it comes to a football-only membership in a league.

Why? What's the difference between a 2-hour flight to Charleston, South Carolina or a 2-hour flight to Huntsville (presumably), Alabama?

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Why? What's the difference between a 2-hour flight to Charleston, South Carolina or a 2-hour flight to Huntsville (presumably), Alabama?

Nothing - however, the number of them seem to be increasing, and replacing a bus trip to (say) Lehigh with more flights to Huntsville might make some pause.

[seelarke]

Nothing - however, the number of them seem to be increasing, and replacing a bus trip to (say) Lehigh with more flights to Huntsville might make some pause.



They'll only be going to Huntsville every other year. UNA will be A-Sun for other sports.

[aceinthehole]

Does Monmouth really have any options? Seems like if they did they wouldn't be in the Big South.

Yep, I agree 100%.

First, Monmouth would have been very happy staying in the NEC with 45 schollys and an annual FBS game - but they weren't provided that opportunity by the remaining members.

Second, I'm sure they would prefer to join the Patriot League as a football-only member right now, but that offer hasn't (and likely won't) be sent to West Long Branch.

Lastly, I'm sure Monmouth would be very satisfied playing with road games in New England and the Mid-Atlantic rather than trips down South, but they can't choose to join CAA Football without an invite.

I don't see them leaving the Big South unless there is another shakeup in membership in the NEC, PL, or CAA that opens a door for them.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Yep, I agree 100%.

First, Monmouth would have been very happy staying in the NEC with 45 schollys and an annual FBS game - but they weren't provided that opportunity by the remaining members.

Second, I'm sure they would prefer to join the Patriot League as a football-only member right now, but that offer hasn't (and likely won't) be sent to West Long Branch.

Lastly, I'm sure Monmouth would be very satisfied playing with road games in New England and the Mid-Atlantic rather than trips down South, but they can't choose to join CAA Football without an invite.

I don't see them leaving the Big South unless there is another shakeup in membership in the NEC, PL, or CAA that opens a door for them.

I agree with this. I am not sure why the PL isn't more interested in having Monmouth as a football-only member, but among fans there is clearly some resistance. One thing for sure is that competitiveness isn't an issue, as the Hawks beat the 1st and 2nd placed teams in the PL last year. Facilities-wise, too, Monmouth has a pretty facility that is similar to (and more, ahem, modern than) most PL stadiums.

One thing I don't understand is this: People complain that they "don't match academically", whatever that means. However, as a member of the PL they would have to adhere to the Academic Index, which ostensibly is supposed to be in place so that the membership of the team is representative of the incoming class.

[Laker]

According to this article, the announcement of UNA to join the A-Sun could come next week.

[dgtw]

Nothing - however, the number of them seem to be increasing, and replacing a bus trip to (say) Lehigh with more flights to Huntsville might make some pause.

UNA is in Florence, not Huntsville. The teams might well fly into Huntsville, but there is also an airport in Muscle Shoals, which is closer to Florence.

[UNHWildcat18]

With UNA joining the Big South, is that finally what pushes Monmouth to join either the CAA or the Patriot League? I can't imagine that trips to North Alabama were what the Hawks were signing up for when it comes to a football-only membership in a league.

CAA will never take Monmouth, stadium too small. I don't even see the CAA adding anyone if JMU ditches for FBS. Would the Big South ever force them out though? I don't think so but who knows

[Libertine]

Nothing - however, the number of them seem to be increasing

Assuming that the conference membership stays static for an extended period of time, yes. However, since the Big South started sponsoring football in 2003, the longest period of time it's ever gone with the exact same football-playing members is four years (2003-2007) and (2008-2012). Adding Campbell into the Big South doesn't change anything until 2018 and simply put the plane trip numbers back to what they were prior to Coastal leaving and which Monmouth happily signed onto. Assuming UNA happens, the soonest Monmouth would have to travel to North Alabama would be 2019 and more likely 2020 or later. The conference landscape could look very different by then.

[Bucs2016]

Assuming that the conference membership stays static for an extended period of time, yes. However, since the Big South started sponsoring football in 2003, the longest period of time it's ever gone with the exact same football-playing members is four years (2003-2007) and (2008-2012). Adding Campbell into the Big South doesn't change anything until 2018 and simply put the plane trip numbers back to what they were prior to Coastal leaving and which Monmouth happily signed onto. Assuming UNA happens, the soonest Monmouth would have to travel to North Alabama would be 2019 and more likely 2020 or later. The conference landscape could look very different by then.

I think Monmouth would reconsider based more on the competitive aspect than travel. They simply aren't competitive right now and with Kennesaw and UNA inevitably strengthening to at least Liberty or CSU standards in the coming years I can't imagine that will change. Maybe I'm overstating it but i see nothing standing in the way of UNA and KSU becoming powerful FCS programs. Monmouth will be left fighting w PC for second to last place most years.

[dgtw]

Is Monmouth locked in as a football member or is the arrangement just for a certain period of time like the Sun Belt had with Idaho and NMSU?


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[MontanaVandal]

Look how that worked out for both.


Is Monmouth locked in as a football member or is the arrangement just for a certain period of time like the Sun Belt had with Idaho and NMSU?


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[Libertine]

Is Monmouth locked in as a football member or is the arrangement just for a certain period of time like the Sun Belt had with Idaho and NMSU?


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I believe they're on the same deal Stony Brook had which was a four-year contract. It would be up for renewal after 2017.

[dgtw]

I believe they're on the same deal Stony Brook had which was a four-year contract. It would be up for renewal after 2017.

Thanks. Have you heard anything about their chances of getting renewed? What would you choose if it were up to you?


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[Libertine]

Thanks. Have you heard anything about their chances of getting renewed? What would you choose if it were up to you?



The chances of renewal have to be very very good.

If I'm Monmouth, I re-up without hesitation because there are no desirable alternatives at this point. The Patriot and the CAA aren't really options and the NEC won't accept them at 41+ scholarships. MU isn't on the same scholarship addition track that Stony Brook was and the CAA is no longer in the membership crisis that helped precipitate the Seawolves' departure from the Big South. Monmouth also doesn't yet have the infrastructure or support in place to do much more than they're doing right now. That should improve but those improvements are going to be incremental improvements over time.

If I'm the Big South, I also re-up without hesitation. The additions of Campbell and, apparently, North Alabama won't go into effect until 2018 at the earliest. But, in order to retain the playoff autobid, a conference must have a minimum of the same six active members for at least two years. Liberty is obviously serious about jumping to FBS tout suite so the Big South has to hang on to as many members as they can, at least through 2019.

[aceinthehole]

If I'm Monmouth, I re-up without hesitation because there are no alternatives at this point. MU isn't on the same scholarship track that Stony Brook was and doesn't have the infrastructure or fan support in place to do more than they're doing right now. Those are things that should improve but those are going to be incremental improvements over time.

If I'm the Big South, I also re-up without hesitation. The additions of Campbell and, apparently, North Alabama won't go into effect until 2018 at the earliest. But, in order to retain the playoff autobid, a conference must have a minimum of the same six active members for at least two years. Liberty is obviously serious about jumping to FBS tout suite so the Big South has to hang on to as many members as they can, at least through 2019.

100% agree on this assessment from both sides.

Also, at this point the NEC could reconsider its opposition to Monmouth and inquire if they are interested in a football-only membership in the NEC. The Northeast Conference is now at 45 scholarships, and nearly half the league (Wagner, CCSU, Duquesne, and soon to be RMU) is scheduling FBS games on an annual basis. I think, if offered, this would satisfy the institutional needs of MU and provide them with a competitive opportunity to play scholarship football in a regional conference with AQ access and FBS games.

If the 2 sides can come to a mutual agreement before they have to renew with the Big South, it is certainly possible that Monmouth could return to the NEC for football. I do know that administration at Wagner is a very strong supporter of Monmouth and would very much like Hawks to return to for football. I'm not certain how the ADs/Presidents at Bryant, CCSU, RMU, SHU, and SFU feel about that - there is likely at lost trust and bruised professional relationships regarding their move to the MAAC - but Monmouth would likely only need to get at least 3 of those 5 remaining schools on board to get the votes needed.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Lacking in this assessment is the role of the Patriot League in all of this. How interested might they be in Monmouth joining in football only? It is too simplistic to simply say "the Patriot League presidents are snobs, so they won't invite them" and leave it at that.

Monmouth has played Lehigh, Colgate, Holy Cross and Fordham in the last five years and have not only been competitive, they've won a significant number of those games, so a majority of PL schools have been willing to schedule them out of conference. In fact, in the areas of competition Monmouth ticks off every single box: better-than-average PL member facilities, competitiveness, etc. Their current president, too, is a former Lehigh dean, and before that, a USNA person, so there are a lot of Patriot League ties to their power structure.

Where there might be problems is the Academic Index and/or redshirting. The good news is that scholarship aid could pretty much keep up as it has been for Monmouth, but the bad news is AI and redshirting could be deal-breakers. As a Patriot League fan, I wonder whether Monmouth might jump at a Patriot League invite that offers some limited number of non-medical redshirts a year.

[aceinthehole]

"the Patriot League presidents are snobs, so they won't invite them"

It is simplistic - but true. Colgate dropped Bryant from non-conference schedule and chose to play a 10-game schedule. I'm pretty sure Bryant's academic profiles are equal to or better than Monmouth.

So while you may wish for the PL Presidents to consider Monmouth, Bryant, Marist, etc. - as everyone knows, they have no interests in doing so.

Everyone appreciates you dragging the PL into yet another thread :) However, the majority of PL fans and most importantly, the administrations at PL schools don't share your view of PL football expansion.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

It is simplistic - but true. Colgate dropped Bryant from non-conference schedule and chose to play a 10-game schedule. I'm pretty sure Bryant's academic profiles are equal to or better than Monmouth.

So while you may wish for the PL Presidents to consider Monmouth, Bryant, Marist, etc. - as everyone knows, they have no interests in doing so.

Everyone appreciates you dragging the PL into yet another thread :) However, the majority of PL fans and most importantly, the administrations at PL schools don't share your view of PL football expansion.

Of course, the NEC presidents who were railroaded by Monmouth in the first place will now completely do a 180 and re-accept Monmouth into the NEC, after forcing them to reduce the number of scholarships.... xlolx

Here's the truth. If the NEC or the PL want Monmouth, they are likely to need to make a structural change to do so. If their structures stay they way they are (NEC at 41 schollies, PL with no redshirting), Monmouth will likely either remain in the Big South, or try to compete as an FCS independent.

[kdinva]

CAA will never take Monmouth, stadium too small.....

Didn't Monmouth want to have a larger stadium (7,000? seats), but some politics got in the way? Similar to Richmond's situation when they build on campus recently....

[aceinthehole]

Of course, the NEC presidents who were railroaded by Monmouth in the first place will now completely do a 180 and re-accept Monmouth into the NEC, after forcing them to reduce the number of scholarships.... xlolx

Here's the truth. If the NEC or the PL want Monmouth, they are likely to need to make a structural change to do so. If their structures stay they way they are (NEC at 41 schollies, PL with no redshirting), Monmouth will likely either remain in the Big South, or try to compete as an FCS independent.

Huh? The NEC didn't railroad anyone. I'm only suggesting there is a POSSIBILITY that the NEC could reengage Monmouth regarding affiliate status for football.

Monmouth made an institutional decision to withdraw from the NEC and join the MACC - that move had known risks and consequences for their football program. At the time, the remaining NEC ADs/Presidents felt it was important to stand unified and protect the integrity of the league and did not offer affiliate membership.

If, and only if, the NEC members feel like it is beneficial for the league will they consider offering Monmouth a deal. The NEC is under no obligation to give MU a lifeline or do what is in the interest of "regionalization." MU made a decision and it has worked out well for them, so if the NEC wants to do something now it will be to the collective members' benefit, not Monmouth.

In any case, if the NEC did enter discussions with Monmouth, the structure of NEC Football is not changing - it will remain at 45 scholarships + 18 Grants in Aid = 63 equivalencies. The NEC members have no need to alter their structure to appeal to or appease Monmouth.

[ex189]

Monmouth has broken ground already on their new football stadium.


Didn't Monmouth want to have a larger stadium (7,000? seats), but some politics got in the way? Similar to Richmond's situation when they build on campus recently....