Hauck resigned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[PapaG]

Makes you wonder if something bigger is going on at um, with both the prez and hauck retiring pretty close together. Or it could just be coincidence.

Daddy Denny is sick of funding a sinking university with a football coach who is ancient and had no idea how to adapt to current recruits.

[Run-the-ball]

One thing I have to say about Robert, he sure was fun to dislike. Wish him the best in his forced retirement. (Kidding…well mostly)

[TIrwin24]

I still remember in 2003 that he walked out of Bobcat Stadium, (after losing 27-20) and flipped off the entire student section. That one action alone has fueled my disdain for the guy to this day.

[Joe Bobcat]

I've always thought and suspected that Bobby had a very distorted view and opinion of himself. If I had any small doubt about those thoughts he could hardly have put those small doubts to rest better than he did at about the 22 minute mark of his announcement today.

He said something like: As a public figure in this State I've always felt like to do my job right you had to embrace being a Montanan, be accessible, be available, be friendly, be one of them. Then he said, "I'm a small-town Montana guy, that was easy for me".

He's so far from embracing being a Montanan and is nothing like 99% of the Montanans that I know. He is truly that guy, that one guy that makes a person say man I'm glad there aren't more like him. Bobby being accessible and friendly always looks like a struggle rather than easy, and more like an act and schtick than something honest and genuine. Be a Montanan? Please, by refusing to so much as say "Montana State" he for all practical purposes said he doesn't acknowledge MSU and Bobcat fans as being Montanans. That's no way to be. Lots of people say that was just his schtick and act. Okay fine, being a Montanan should mean being genuine and honest especially for someone who claims to be a small-town Montana guy.

Glad I never bought what he was selling. If I want some B.S. I'll just ask my friend who runs a feedlot for some.
I don't know if the Grizzly football team got better today but the University of Montana got better today.

[MrGoodKat]

I have heard some pretty smart, objective Griz fans comment before that the biggest plus whenever Hauck left was that the school could cast a wide net and do a comprehensive coaching search. They were rightfully confident that a program like UM would draw some really high quality candidates. That's absolutely true. Say what you will about how much better the Bobcats are right now; UM's facilities, tradition, fan support, etc. would made the job widely coveted. And they have been winning a lot of games!

Well, the day has come. Hauck has resigned. And there's not going to be a search! The timing of his resignation makes that untenable. Doing a 3 week long coaching search risks all the new portal commits, who they absolutely NEED because their roster is so barren after all the graduations and departures. So Hauck is basically handing the baton off to the coach on his staff that he likes the best for the sake of continuity-- a 35 year vet who has only ever been a GA and position coach. Maybe Kennedy is an absolute stud, but I doubt it. There's a huge demand for coaching talent in college football; if you go 35 years and never rise to the level of coordinator, there's probably a reason.

And the move doesn't only prevent them from being able to cast a wide net for the best possible candidate, it also robs them of the opportunity to re-set the entire staff. UM's coaching staff is littered with guys near retirement: Pease, Tim Hauck, Phenicie, McCloud, Baer... Those guys have all forgotten more about football than I will ever know, but the collective impact of so many old coaches (6 if you include Kennedy) is probably a big piece of why the Griz have fallen so far behind in high school recruiting. They have very few young, hungry grinders who are ready and willing to hustle.

If I was a Griz fan, I wouldn't be sad to see Hauck hang it up, but I would be TICKED about the way it's happening. Essentially, they are losing the benefits of Hauck as an excellent gameday head coach and football strategist (I legitimately think he's great when it comes to that stuff), but without any of the added benefits of being able to start over.

Worst case scenario in my opinion.

[Montanabob]

Simply put.... 4 words bobby can never say:
National Champion
or
Montana State

[KIX]

I still remember in 2003 that he walked out of Bobcat Stadium, (after losing 27-20) and flipped off the entire student section. That one action alone has fueled my disdain for the guy to this day.

This!

[CalgaryCat]

I have heard some pretty smart, objective Griz fans comment before that the biggest plus whenever Hauck left was that the school could cast a wide net and do a comprehensive coaching search. They were rightfully confident that a program like UM would draw some really high quality candidates. That's absolutely true. Say what you will about how much better the Bobcats are right now; UM's facilities, tradition, fan support, etc. would made the job widely coveted. And they have been winning a lot of games!

Well, the day has come. Hauck has resigned. And there's not going to be a search! The timing of his resignation makes that untenable. Doing a 3 week long coaching search risks all the new portal commits, who they absolutely NEED because their roster is so barren after all the graduations and departures. So Hauck is basically handing the baton off to the coach on his staff that he likes the best for the sake of continuity-- a 35 year vet who has only ever been a GA and position coach. Maybe Kennedy is an absolute stud, but I doubt it. There's a huge demand for coaching talent in college football; if you go 35 years and never rise to the level of coordinator, there's probably a reason.

And the move doesn't only prevent them from being able to cast a wide net for the best possible candidate, it also robs them of the opportunity to re-set the entire staff. UM's coaching staff is littered with guys near retirement: Pease, Tim Hauck, Phenicie, McCloud, Baer... Those guys have all forgotten more about football than I will ever know, but the collective impact of so many old coaches (6 if you include Kennedy) is probably a big piece of why the Griz have fallen so far behind in high school recruiting. They have very few young, hungry grinders who are ready and willing to hustle.

If I was a Griz fan, I wouldn't be sad to see Hauck hang it up, but I would be TICKED about the way it's happening. Essentially, they are losing the benefits of Hauck as an excellent gameday head coach and football strategist (I legitimately think he's great when it comes to that stuff), but without any of the added benefits of being able to start over.

Worst case scenario in my opinion.

Making Kennedy the HC is only going to postpone a major exodus by a year

[MrGoodKat]

I have heard some pretty smart, objective Griz fans comment before that the biggest plus whenever Hauck left was that the school could cast a wide net and do a comprehensive coaching search. They were rightfully confident that a program like UM would draw some really high quality candidates. That's absolutely true. Say what you will about how much better the Bobcats are right now; UM's facilities, tradition, fan support, etc. would made the job widely coveted. And they have been winning a lot of games!

Well, the day has come. Hauck has resigned. And there's not going to be a search! The timing of his resignation makes that untenable. Doing a 3 week long coaching search risks all the new portal commits, who they absolutely NEED because their roster is so barren after all the graduations and departures. So Hauck is basically handing the baton off to the coach on his staff that he likes the best for the sake of continuity-- a 35 year vet who has only ever been a GA and position coach. Maybe Kennedy is an absolute stud, but I doubt it. There's a huge demand for coaching talent in college football; if you go 35 years and never rise to the level of coordinator, there's probably a reason.

And the move doesn't only prevent them from being able to cast a wide net for the best possible candidate, it also robs them of the opportunity to re-set the entire staff. UM's coaching staff is littered with guys near retirement: Pease, Tim Hauck, Phenicie, McCloud, Baer... Those guys have all forgotten more about football than I will ever know, but the collective impact of so many old coaches (6 if you include Kennedy) is probably a big piece of why the Griz have fallen so far behind in high school recruiting. They have very few young, hungry grinders who are ready and willing to hustle.

If I was a Griz fan, I wouldn't be sad to see Hauck hang it up, but I would be TICKED about the way it's happening. Essentially, they are losing the benefits of Hauck as an excellent gameday head coach and football strategist (I legitimately think he's great when it comes to that stuff), but without any of the added benefits of being able to start over.

Worst case scenario in my opinion.

Making Kennedy the HC is only going to postpone a major exodus by a year

With the cycle they’re in, it’s going to be a major exodus every year no matter what.

[catgrad05]

One thing that stood out was he was proud of his teams 3.2 gpa. Seems low to me but I didn’t look up other big sky teams gpas and a reference.

The other part is the fact no interm tag, but only committing to one year. Unless they hire someone before the season is over how do you confidently recruit for 2027? This train wreck is just starting and I will be surprised if they field a competitive team this coming year.

Is it possible they don’t even make the playoffs?

[vike_king]

I still remember in 2003 that he walked out of Bobcat Stadium, (after losing 27-20) and flipped off the entire student section. That one action alone has fueled my disdain for the guy to this day.

It may have been the same year, maybe not, the visiting team busses used to come right through the tailgate area. He reacted to many 1-fingered salutes with one of his own. The crowd I was around actually seemed to like it.

[catatac]

@Colter_Nuanez

Will the press be more apt to ask the hard questions from people at UM now? I know you've always given great commentary. But you can hear the tremble in voices sometimes as they ask questions.

Lol. Ya, Frank should have said, yes - I have a question for you Bobby. You can suck it!

[Utcatsfan]

One thing that stood out was he was proud of his teams 3.2 gpa. Seems low to me but I didn’t look up other big sky teams gpas and a reference.

The other part is the fact no interm tag, but only committing to one year. Unless they hire someone before the season is over how do you confidently recruit for 2027? This train wreck is just starting and I will be surprised if they field a competitive team this coming year.

Is it possible they don’t even make the playoffs?

Coach K has a tough road schedule ahead of him this year:

Oregon State, Davis, EWU, NAU and US

You have an FBS, arguably the number 3 team in the Big Sky in Davis and 3 games at places the Griz have historically or recently struggled playing in. Bare minimum I think they're losing 3 games (one to us) and if they lose 5 or more Kennedy will not make it to year 2.

[catatac]

One thing that stood out was he was proud of his teams 3.2 gpa. Seems low to me but I didn’t look up other big sky teams gpas and a reference.

The other part is the fact no interm tag, but only committing to one year. Unless they hire someone before the season is over how do you confidently recruit for 2027? This train wreck is just starting and I will be surprised if they field a competitive team this coming year.

Is it possible they don’t even make the playoffs?

Coach K has a tough road schedule ahead of him this year:

Oregon State, Davis, EWU, NAU and US

You have an FBS, arguably the number 3 team in the Big Sky in Davis and 3 games at places the Griz have historically or recently struggled playing in. Bare minimum I think they're losing 3 games (one to us) and if they lose 5 or more Kennedy will not make it to year 2.

I think I predicted they lose four regular season games. After today's news, I'm going to say five.

[PortlandCat90]

This is strange - I saw this early this morning on Indeed:

indeed

Head Football Coach – University of Montana – Missoula, MT
(Approximately 3 hours northwest of Bozeman, Montana)

Job Overview
We are seeking an energetic and dedicated Head Football Coach to lead our school's football program with passion, expertise, and a commitment to finishing no higher than second in the Big Sky Conference.

Job Requirements
• Must accept the job via text between midnight and 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning directly after the Head Coach is relieved of his duties.
• Never admit that you think "Mony, Mony" is actually quite a chipper song to shower to.
• Never discuss how well you interviewed against the other candidates in the University's coaching hall-wide, 38-minute coaching search.
• Approve of All-Time Big Sky tackle record adjustments via email within 2 hours of receipt.
• Lead a team which must be ranked higher than NDSU at the end of 2 of your last 3 seasons as Head Coach.
• Never log into www.egriz.com under the name "DidntLoseTwiceInTheSameYear".
• Be prepared to start a 6', 280-pound defensive tackle whose 2025 college team forfeited two games due to the inability to field enough players.
• Utilize the Portal and the State of College Football to maximum high school recruiting disadvantage while cursing at the Portal and State of College Football publicly.
• Be listed on the current staff at the University of Montana football team. With no head coaching experience. And without anybody from the University actually knowing who you are and why you got promoted at the 4 a.m. deadline
• Restrain from turning your head when somebody shouts, "Hey No Natty!!" from a crowded pizza joint.
• Operate the 3-3-5 defense to perfection against most of the University’s football schedule deemed 95th toughest in the FCS.
• Possess over one decade of position coaching experience with no head coaching experience.
• Use the term "Family" and "Tradition" at least 4 times each during your introductory press conference.
• Possess a remarkably familiar last name where people will believe you may have enjoyed a political career prior to your endless years as a position coach.
• Don't ask questions when you are hired and told by Kent Haslam, "You have a one-year contract, and you will be evaluated after the season, but you are not a Temporary Coach."

[CodyCat]

I’m sad to see him go. The longer they kept him the longer MSU’s run was going to be.

But, I’m also sad for the reasons he is leaving. He isn’t the only head coach to get out of the profession due to the portal.

Love him or hate him, his name will be synonymous with the rivalry for a long time. He is a huge huge reason for the vitriol. I’m kind of taken aback and very oddly have mixed emotions.

[tetoncat]

I have heard some pretty smart, objective Griz fans comment before that the biggest plus whenever Hauck left was that the school could cast a wide net and do a comprehensive coaching search. They were rightfully confident that a program like UM would draw some really high quality candidates. That's absolutely true. Say what you will about how much better the Bobcats are right now; UM's facilities, tradition, fan support, etc. would made the job widely coveted. And they have been winning a lot of games!

Well, the day has come. Hauck has resigned. And there's not going to be a search! The timing of his resignation makes that untenable. Doing a 3 week long coaching search risks all the new portal commits, who they absolutely NEED because their roster is so barren after all the graduations and departures. So Hauck is basically handing the baton off to the coach on his staff that he likes the best for the sake of continuity-- a 35 year vet who has only ever been a GA and position coach. Maybe Kennedy is an absolute stud, but I doubt it. There's a huge demand for coaching talent in college football; if you go 35 years and never rise to the level of coordinator, there's probably a reason.

And the move doesn't only prevent them from being able to cast a wide net for the best possible candidate, it also robs them of the opportunity to re-set the entire staff. UM's coaching staff is littered with guys near retirement: Pease, Tim Hauck, Phenicie, McCloud, Baer... Those guys have all forgotten more about football than I will ever know, but the collective impact of so many old coaches (6 if you include Kennedy) is probably a big piece of why the Griz have fallen so far behind in high school recruiting. They have very few young, hungry grinders who are ready and willing to hustle.

If I was a Griz fan, I wouldn't be sad to see Hauck hang it up, but I would be TICKED about the way it's happening. Essentially, they are losing the benefits of Hauck as an excellent gameday head coach and football strategist (I legitimately think he's great when it comes to that stuff), but without any of the added benefits of being able to start over.

Worst case scenario in my opinion.

Did he not want Green to take his spot so let him move other announced. Made a comment in presser about Kennedy to affect this is why he brought him in.

[BelligerentBobcat]

Griz are promoting Eric Price, who is ancient, to replace Bobby Kennedy as WR coach. Arguably hilarious. Has to be the oldest coaching staff in college football.

[bobcatozzy]

I still remember in 2003 that he walked out of Bobcat Stadium, (after losing 27-20) and flipped off the entire student section. That one action alone has fueled my disdain for the guy to this day.

He did that while he was on the bus going by the Cat Prowl.

[lutecat]

Is it possible they don’t even make the playoffs?

No chance they don't make the playoffs. They have too much talent.