Norm Parker and the Future

[SeattleHawkeye]

Re: I didn't say he would or should go outside, iahawk20.

But that doesn't change the fact that we only have one guy on the staff right now that wouyld make a top flight defensive coordinator and it also doesn't change the fact that Ron Aiken would be a great choice that fulfills the requirements some of you believe are in place regarding a guy from the current regime that KF could show loyalty to.

And by the way, it is not a shock to me if he stays within the current coaching staff. I am just pointing out that there is only one real choice if that is the way he goes.

I do get a kick out of how everyone "knows" that KF won't go outside of the staff or his "tree" to get someone.

Just to be argumentative, how do you know "we only have one guy on the staff right now that would make a top flight DC?" I am not sure that he's ready for the jump, but I love Coach Kac's intensity and enthusiasm, and as much as people talk up Soup re the development and progress of the WR's, I think it's arguable Kac has done the same for the DL. If you've caught some of the practice footage, you know what I'm talking about.

I don't "know" anything KF will definitively do, but from past experience and what seems to be his general nature, I have a hard time believing he'd look outside his current staff for a new DC. I'm more curious about who joins the staff if Parker gets the DC title.

 

[hawkeyemark]

Re: I didn't say he would or should go outside, iahawk20.

Just to be argumentative, how do you know "we only have one guy on the staff right now that would make a top flight DC?" I am not sure that he's ready for the jump, but I love Coach Kac's intensity and enthusiasm, and as much as people talk up Soup re the development and progress of the WR's, I think it's arguable Kac has done the same for the DL. If you've caught some of the practice footage, you know what I'm talking about.

I don't "know" anything KF will definitively do, but from past experience and what seems to be his general nature, I have a hard time believing he'd look outside his current staff for a new DC. I'm more curious about who joins the staff if Parker gets the DC title.

I agree with the comment that we know Kirk pretty well at this point and everything about the way he has run the program suggests that he will keep it in the family when Norm leaves. I'm Kirk's age and know full well that at this stage of life you have very established patterns that you generally stick to and you know who you are. That doesn't rule out the possibility that Kirk might surprise us but I think you can safely predict that hiring a coordinator from outside the program seems unlikely at best.

I too wonder what the new defensive staff might look like given that we would have at least one position to fill and maybe more if Wilson chooses to move on. I agree about with the comments about coach Kaz and think he seems destined to play a bigger role down the road. Kirk uncovered a real gem there and he appears to have a very bright future.

 

[hawkfan2679]

There is a guy on one of TOS who goes by the name "thawks" or something like that...he apparently has been reliable with information in the past, but that's only what I've been told. Interesting posts from him:

I firmly believe that Norm is in his last season with the Hawk's. I also believe this was decided prior to the season between Norm and KF. I think conversations were had at the Big10 media day and leaked out.

I posted in August that when Norm retires I think there will a major change to the defensive staff.

Popular opinion is Phil Parker has stayed hoping/expecting to get the DC job.

D. Wilson wants the DC job. He views it as a stepping stone to a HC job which he wants to be some day.

So if one of them get it will the other one leave?

As I said in August B. Spack was up a couple years ago and has a very good relationship with KF.

I think a list has been put together and we will see 2 or 3 new coaches on the D for next year.

I base my opinion on several things-

D Wilson has made it clear within the coaching staff he wants to be a head coach someday- next step is a DC job. He is at an age he needs to be a DC soon. Who knows what will happen when push comes to shove. He has a standing offer to coach at Rutgers as of 2 years ago.

P Parker has passed up at least 3-4 chances to be a MAC DC. Only reason I can see is to a DC at Iowa. Now his connection to Iowa is Norm- he played and coached with him since the 80's bascially. Why would he stay if Norm retires and he does not get promoted? He may- I have no real idea. But at his age he needs to be a DC soon or may never get the chance to be one.

I feel that if Wilson does not get the job he will look elsewhere. He may end up staying depending on what is available but tend to think he is gone if he does not get it.

The other thing is Kirk will be the first one to tell you he is not a D coach.

One last item. Hayden legacy was reduced when he lost coaches as the replacements never achieved what his stafff for most of the 80's did. Kirk is very aware of this. I think in the next 3-5 years we will start to look at the staff and wonder if the next head coach is going to come from within.

The situation with Norm's foot has been on going for several years until the current situation. It is well known that he does not do alot of the things that diabetics should do to maintain their ehalth. Generally it is downhill from here. I also firmly believe that Norm knows how his health effects the team and will not stay when he judges it to be a concern. Norm is straight shooter and calls a spade a spade.

I don't know if that guy posts here or if it is uncouth to post it on this board, but if it's inappropriate in any way, I will certainly delete the post.

 

[beaverdaleguy]

STOP with the McCarney talk. He won't be brought back...and he isn't as good as you make him out to be. PS - i also would be flabbergasted (just like that word) if it was anyone other than a current assistant who has worked in the system for over a decade.

 

[NewMexHawk]

Whoever we get, I hope he adjusts to an offense that passes instead of giving the receivers a 3 to 5 yard cushion the entire game and never changes.