Author: David Shama

Was it really surprising?  Gophers football disappointed the masses again with the hiring last night of Northern Illinois’ Jerry Kill.

The program has tormented followers for 40 years and for a lot of fans the bad news just keeps coming.  A prominent former Gopher athlete called Sports Headliners to ask, “Is this the best we can do?”

Another fan who has been a big booster of TCF Bank Stadium emailed this: “My football season ticket partner already emailed me to say he is done.  We’re not renewing our tickets. This is a DISASTER!”

Kill has been a success coaching for three years at Northern Illinois and before that seven for Southern Illinois where his record was 55-32.  Maybe he can be the turnaround guy the program needs so badly, but the first reaction of many fans is why him and not a bigger name?

It’s obvious Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi couldn’t attract a marquee name… or could he?  No, the Dan Mullens, Chris Petersens and Jim Harbaughs didn’t come knocking on Maturi’s door.  But Mike Leach campaigned for the job and Lou Holtz reportedly did, too.

The opening created after Tim Brewster (another Maturi hire) was fired cried out for a name coach with a top resume.  Maturi said publicly in October he wanted a “Tubby Smith type hire.”

About that need Maturi was right.  The program needs credibility, excitement, and hope! The Kill appointment won’t immediately sell tickets, nor will it improve the Gophers image.

Kill has never been a head coach at a BCS school.  Leach was 84-43 at Texas Tech before being fired.  He battled the big boys of college football at a place that historically has been difficult to win at.

Apparently Maturi and school president Bob Bruininks considered Leach too controversial.  Fans and media thought he was just right for the Gophers.

A passionate fan who wanted Leach at Minnesota emailed the following last week:  “You don’t think all these guys (other successful coaches) are like him?  ….They should cancel football at the U.”

The December 6 issue of Sporting News Magazine includes a cover story on Leach who lives in Key West, Florida while contemplating coaching options.  The magazine lists Minnesota as No. 1 among schools that would be “perfect fits” for him.

SN’s comment: “Any state that elects Jesse ‘the Body’ Ventura as governor is a perfect fit for the quirky, outspoken Leach.  Hey, the Gophers have to fill that new stadium somehow.”

During WUCW’s Sports Show program last night Sid Hartman and Mike Max both said Holtz was interested in the Gophers job.  I have reason to believe that Holtz also would have considered the position after Maturi fired Glen Mason and before he hired Brewster.

Holtz, who has his own controversial career, won a national championship at Notre Dame after revitalizing the Gophers in 1984 and 1985. He had this town so fired up that when he left Minnesota, the Gophers were selling 56,000 season tickets.

There will be no proven BCS coach leading the Gophers in the near future and those who still care about Minnesota are left to wonder if a guy named Kill can bring life to this beaten down program that has not won a Big Ten title since 1967 and managed just a couple of third place finishes in 40 years.

Kill, who succeeds interim Gophers coach Jeff Horton, said the following in a news release:

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to be the head coach at the University of Minnesota.  It is a tremendous opportunity and — I think — great timing.  I can promise all the people at the University of Minnesota and throughout the entire state that I am going to give them every single ounce that I can give them. I have done that on every job that I have taken.

“I was raised the old-school way by my father and mother to do my job to the very best of my ability. You go full speed at it and you don’t let anyone out-work you. I have lived by that motto my entire life and that is what I intend to do at the University of Minnesota.”

If healthy enough to play, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre makes consecutive start No. 300 next Sunday against the Giants.

Bills owner Ralph Wilson, 92, arrived via limousine inside Mall of America Field yesterday about 30 minutes before kickoff.  It had to be a long airplane ride home for Wilson after his team was inept during a 38-14 loss to the Vikings.

Speculation continues about the coaching security of Wild coach Todd Richards whose team has been inconsistent and needs better players.

When the college basketball polls come out later today the Gophers figure to retain a top 25 ranking despite two disappointing performances last week, a loss to Virginia and win over Cornell.

Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards said his nephew, Dominique Edwards from Chaska High School, is going to start working out with the older Edwards’ trainer.  His nephew is a senior and likely headed to prep school.

A favorite catered lunch for Vikings players at Winter Park is provided by Popeyes.

Local writer and broadcaster Larry Fitzgerald continues his Monday night Vikings events at Outback Steakhouse in Inver Grove Heights when he hosts quarterback Tarvaris Jackson this evening.  More information on activities including Jackson’s appearance is available by calling 651-457-7688.

Offensive lineman Tommy Olson from Mahtomedi, and tight end/linebacker Peter Westerhaus from Holy Family Catholic, both Gophers recruits, were among 30 prep players recognized at yesterday’s Vikings game.  They are part of the Vikings’ ninth annual All-State team as selected by media, prep coaches and Vikings staff.  Rosemount’s Jeff Erdmann was selected High School Coach of the Year after his team advanced to the state title game in Class 5A.

Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and Corey Brewer of the Wolves are among 120 players on the ballot for the February 20 NBA All-Star game in Los Angeles.  Don’t bet your Christmas stocking on Beasley being voted an all-star.  If you can find anyone who will wager Brewer makes the Western Conference All-Stars, close the bet faster than you can say Corey.

Love is having a breakout season and could be All-Star bound.  He’s averaging 15.3 rebounds, best in the league.  Last year Orlando’s Dwight Howard led the NBA in rebounding at 13.2 per game.   Fans can vote for all-stars at Target Center and at www.nba.com.

The Twins have 37 players on their major league roster, 26 of whom aren’t signed but contracts have been tendered.  The 11 signed for the 2011 season are Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn, Michael Cuddyer, Eric Hacker, Jason Kubel, Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Joe Nathan, Pat Neshek, Jason Repko and Denard Span.

Bethel’s football program has participated in the Division III playoffs six times since 2000.  Bethel defeated St. Thomas on 12-7 Saturday to advance to the semifinals.      Coach Steve Johnson’s team will play in Alliance, Ohio next Saturday against Mount Union.

Two Concordia (St. Paul) players, Megan Carlson and Cassie Haag, were among  three voted first team All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.  Devin Diedrich, from Southwest Minnesota State, was the third player, giving the NSIC all three spots on the Division II All-American first team.  Concordia’s Amanda Konetchy was named Freshman of the Year and made second team All-American. Concordia’s Emily Pahlkert also made the second team and Kayla Koenecke, from Concordia, was named to the third team.  Concordia won its fourth consecutive national championship on Saturday by defeating Tampa.