Lennon Finalist for MSU Job

[Bison bison]

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn...c.php?t=216396

[lakesbison]

I DONT THINK WE GIVE A RATS POOP.

sorry mr 1st post.

[4mcruenomore]

I think it's funny. Most if not all UND fans think their football program is on par if not better than most FCS programs out there, yet their coach is willing to jump ship to a program in FCS that is in such turmoil. HMMM, maybe UND football isn't currently on the same level then now is it.

[KC_Hats]

Lennon would be a fool to turn the job down if offered. UND is 7 (maybe 6 year, they start the exploratory year next year wasting another year in division II falling further behind NDSU and SDSU) years away from being eligible for the playoffs and doesn't have a conference with an autobid. He does have good competition for the job and might lose out to the Carroll College coach.

[dmksioux]

Perhaps (hopefully) he's testing the market to "see what he's worth" when it's time for contract renewal. UND football may not be on Par with upper echelon FCS teams, but I don't see this job as being that much of a move up. Unfortunately there are some rumors (hopefully untrue) about some differences of opinions between Administration and coaching staff. I would agree a little with Playoff eligible reasoning but I would not go as far as saying he would be a fool to turn the job down.

[KC_Hats]

Unlike Sacremento State, Montana State funds its football program. Montana State has nice facilities and has recently been in the FCS playoffs. UND is a long ways from being playoff eligible and Lennon isn't getting any younger. Dale Lennon has to be a tad bit upset that Brian Kelly from Grand Valley State is already two notches above him and is now coaching at Cincinnatti an FBS school. I believe Lennon is jealous of the position NDSU is in and probably feels like UND would be right there if the administration hadn't rejected NDSU and SDSU's overatures at moving to division I. The only thing UND has over Montana State is Lennon is an alumnus. Playoff eligibility is a big deal and that opportunity allows coaches a better opportunity to move up to an FBS school. All good coaches want to coach at the highest level they can.

[Bison bison]

(there have also been very tight purse strings up at UND the past two years)

[NDSUstudent]

Would Lennon be a fool to say no to MSU? The MSU football program is in rough shape but it does still have its perks. Football is king there and he would be eligable for the playoffs right away. No waiting and he also would have that autobid that goes along with Big Sky membership. Lennon does have a good thing going at UND though and he also finally got his DI prayers answered. I am sure if offered the job Lennon will be facing a difficult decision.

[Bison bison]

I think Lennon will take the job if offered.

[dmksioux]

Unlike Sacremento State, Montana State funds its football program. Montana State has nice facilities and has recently been in the FCS playoffs. UND is a long ways from being playoff eligible and Lennon isn't getting any younger. Dale Lennon has to be a tad bit upset that Brian Kelly from Grand Valley State is already two notches above him and is now coaching at Cincinnatti an FBS school. I believe Lennon is jealous of the position NDSU is in and probably feels like UND would be right there if the administration hadn't rejected NDSU and SDSU's overatures at moving to division I. The only thing UND has over Montana State is Lennon is an alumnus. Playoff eligibility is a big deal and that opportunity allows coaches a better opportunity to move up to an FBS school. All good coaches want to coach at the highest level they can.

I agree with what you've posted. However, Lennon had the opportunity to coach at Sac. St (lower level FCS program, playoff eligible) and turned it down. Had he gone there, made his mark, and brought the program to the "next level" he possibly could have been a candidate for some open FBS coaching positions (ala Brian Kelley). His loyalty to UND played a big role in him staying. Fast forward a few years, I believe the only thing that has really changed is the relationship between administration and Coaches. Hopefully those things can/will be ironed out.