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Discuss anything and everything relating to Bobcat Football here.
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kennethnoisewater
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by kennethnoisewater » Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:10 pm
nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:06 pm
Howe has the energy and relationships with the current team to probably transition best, but he's such a great DC I'd hate to lose him in that role.
I don't think you have to lose him in that role if he's elevated to HC. Sure he doesn't make all the calls on gameday, but it will be his defense if he wants it to be. He'd need to find a DC who's on the same page as him and let him take over the existing defense and scheme.
Howe is a relationship guy like Choate and Gregorak, and it would be huge if he could stay in some capacity, IMO. I don't think he'd stay as DC if offered the same position at OSU. He might stay to become a head coach if Leon and the committee feel like he's the right guy.
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Long Time Cat
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by Long Time Cat » Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:11 pm
What about Cody Hawkins? ISU wins their last 4 games to finish 4th in the conference. Played every body on their schedule close except for the Cats. I think he's done a remarkable rebuild at ISU in a tough place to win. I'd rather have Howe or Daly but think Hawkins would be worth an interview.
"Confidence is contagious. So is a lack of confidence." Vince Lombardi
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Utcatsfan
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by Utcatsfan » Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:16 pm
Probably a name alot won't like but I think Troy Taylor should be in consideration especially with what he accomplished at Sac State of all places. Some rumors of his behavior at Stanford but at the same time he is currently in a legal battle with them with him accusing them of defamation, also Andrew Luck coming in and cleaning the place out could mean Taylor was fired uaing that using that excuse so Luck could build his image for the program. Had an amazing offense here in Utah as well.
If not him I'd vote for Ed Lamb at Northern Colorado, he has the Bears looking more competitive which is an accomplishment in and of itself.
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kennethnoisewater
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by kennethnoisewater » Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:19 pm
Utcatsfan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:16 pm
Probably a name alot won't like but I think Troy Taylor should be in consideration especially with what he accomplished at Sac State of all places. Some rumors of his behavior at Stanford but at the same time he is currently in a legal battle with them with him accusing them of defamation, also Andrew Luck coming in and cleaning the place out could mean Taylor was fired uaing that using that excuse so Luck could build his image for the program. Had an amazing offense here in Utah as well.
If not him I'd vote for Ed Lamb at Northern Colorado, he has the Bears looking more competitive which is an accomplishment in and of itself.
I think there are a lot of guys who have had success at the BSC level like the ones you've mentioned, but it didn't work out for them at a higher level. I'd be intrigued by the idea of a guy who's been there and done that at the higher level and realizes how good it can be in the BSC, especially at MSU. And especially with the prospect of moving up WITH the team he's already coaching.

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wbtfg
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by wbtfg » Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:21 pm
kennethnoisewater wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:19 pm
Utcatsfan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:16 pm
Probably a name alot won't like but I think Troy Taylor should be in consideration especially with what he accomplished at Sac State of all places. Some rumors of his behavior at Stanford but at the same time he is currently in a legal battle with them with him accusing them of defamation, also Andrew Luck coming in and cleaning the place out could mean Taylor was fired uaing that using that excuse so Luck could build his image for the program. Had an amazing offense here in Utah as well.
If not him I'd vote for Ed Lamb at Northern Colorado, he has the Bears looking more competitive which is an accomplishment in and of itself.
I think there are a lot of guys who have had success at the BSC level like the ones you've mentioned, but it didn't work out for them at a higher level. I'd be intrigued by the idea of a guy who's been there and done that at the higher level and realizes how good it can be in the BSC, especially at MSU. And especially with the prospect of moving up WITH the team he's already coaching.
Beau Baldwin on that list for sure....
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94VegasCat
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by 94VegasCat » Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:22 pm
kennethnoisewater wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:10 pm
nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:06 pm
Howe has the energy and relationships with the current team to probably transition best, but he's such a great DC I'd hate to lose him in that role.
I don't think you have to lose him in that role if he's elevated to HC. Sure he doesn't make all the calls on gameday, but it will be his defense if he wants it to be. He'd need to find a DC who's on the same page as him and let him take over the existing defense and scheme.
Howe is a relationship guy like Choate and Gregorak, and it would be huge if he could stay in some capacity, IMO. I don't think he'd stay as DC if offered the same position at OSU. He might stay to become a head coach if Leon and the committee feel like he's the right guy.
I’d think Howe would keep Jody Owens as a DC.
GO CATS GO. ESG! GO CATS GO
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94VegasCat
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by 94VegasCat » Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:23 pm
wbtfg wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:21 pm
kennethnoisewater wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:19 pm
Utcatsfan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:16 pm
Probably a name alot won't like but I think Troy Taylor should be in consideration especially with what he accomplished at Sac State of all places. Some rumors of his behavior at Stanford but at the same time he is currently in a legal battle with them with him accusing them of defamation, also Andrew Luck coming in and cleaning the place out could mean Taylor was fired uaing that using that excuse so Luck could build his image for the program. Had an amazing offense here in Utah as well.
If not him I'd vote for Ed Lamb at Northern Colorado, he has the Bears looking more competitive which is an accomplishment in and of itself.
I think there are a lot of guys who have had success at the BSC level like the ones you've mentioned, but it didn't work out for them at a higher level. I'd be intrigued by the idea of a guy who's been there and done that at the higher level and realizes how good it can be in the BSC, especially at MSU. And especially with the prospect of moving up WITH the team he's already coaching.
Beau Baldwin on that list for sure....
I wouldn’t want a former BSC retread. Just my two cents
GO CATS GO. ESG! GO CATS GO
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saintcat40
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by saintcat40 » Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:25 pm
BelligerentBobcat wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 11:29 am
wbtfg wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 10:33 am
coloradocat wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 10:21 am
I think Howe will get snapped up by someone before we can give him the job. Whether Vigen leaves this year or next year what do people think of Sterbick? He's got HC experience, MT experience and could open up Colorado recruiting if Vigen doesn't go to CSU.
This is all hypothetical at this point....as it's certainly possible none of this comes to fruition.
I don't know a lot about Sterbick, but in my mind, he'd be behind guys like Daly and Ioane.
I'm not sure Choate and crew have more than a year or two left before they are let go....this could be a great opportunity for Kane to leave a sinking ship.
I also wouldn't mind trying to poach Brian Wright from NAU....I really like him as a coach.
If a guy like Kane is hired, I'd love to Army come back as OL coach.
Army left Nevada for unspecified reasons. I suspect him and Choate didn’t part on good terms.
It seems like Choate often ends up “not on good terms” with some of his coaches. As much as I am grateful for all he did for MSU, I much prefer Vigen. He doesn’t seem to burn bridges.
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Utcatsfan
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by Utcatsfan » Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:32 pm
kennethnoisewater wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:19 pm
Utcatsfan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:16 pm
Probably a name alot won't like but I think Troy Taylor should be in consideration especially with what he accomplished at Sac State of all places. Some rumors of his behavior at Stanford but at the same time he is currently in a legal battle with them with him accusing them of defamation, also Andrew Luck coming in and cleaning the place out could mean Taylor was fired uaing that using that excuse so Luck could build his image for the program. Had an amazing offense here in Utah as well.
If not him I'd vote for Ed Lamb at Northern Colorado, he has the Bears looking more competitive which is an accomplishment in and of itself.
I think there are a lot of guys who have had success at the BSC level like the ones you've mentioned, but it didn't work out for them at a higher level. I'd be intrigued by the idea of a guy who's been there and done that at the higher level and realizes how good it can be in the BSC, especially at MSU.
And especially with the prospect of moving up WITH the team he's already coaching.
Both Montanas and Dakota States need to get with their respective State legislatures to work and try and get into the MWC. I wish we were more aggressive in trying to move up, especially with the new Stadium upgrades we have no business playing teams in 8,000 seat stadiums or worse (PSU).
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GoldstoneCat
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by GoldstoneCat » Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:34 pm
saintcat40 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:25 pm
BelligerentBobcat wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 11:29 am
wbtfg wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 10:33 am
coloradocat wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 10:21 am
I think Howe will get snapped up by someone before we can give him the job. Whether Vigen leaves this year or next year what do people think of Sterbick? He's got HC experience, MT experience and could open up Colorado recruiting if Vigen doesn't go to CSU.
This is all hypothetical at this point....as it's certainly possible none of this comes to fruition.
I don't know a lot about Sterbick, but in my mind, he'd be behind guys like Daly and Ioane.
I'm not sure Choate and crew have more than a year or two left before they are let go....this could be a great opportunity for Kane to leave a sinking ship.
I also wouldn't mind trying to poach Brian Wright from NAU....I really like him as a coach.
If a guy like Kane is hired, I'd love to Army come back as OL coach.
Army left Nevada for unspecified reasons. I suspect him and Choate didn’t part on good terms.
It seems like Choate often ends up “not on good terms” with some of his coaches. As much as I am grateful for all he did for MSU, I much prefer Vigen. He doesn’t seem to burn bridges.
This.
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GoldstoneCat
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by GoldstoneCat » Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:37 pm
Long Time Cat wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:11 pm
What about Cody Hawkins? ISU wins their last 4 games to finish 4th in the conference. Played every body on their schedule close except for the Cats. I think he's done a remarkable rebuild at ISU in a tough place to win. I'd rather have Howe or Daly but think Hawkins would be worth an interview.
I had that same thought earlier, Cody Hawkins would be on a list, along with Ed Lamb, imo. The key for me would be continued emphasis on offensive and defensive line recruiting and development. It's the single biggest area Vigen improved when he got here, our dominance in the trenches, and it's leveled us up as a program.
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wbtfg
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by wbtfg » Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:43 pm
Trying to think of some other former Assistants who have risen through the ranks. Anyone remember Daniel Da Prato? He's currently the associate head coach for New Mexico. I have no idea how he'd be as a HC, but he's had some good experiences and is a great dude....players loved him.
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gtapp
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by gtapp » Mon Nov 24, 2025 3:26 pm
Bill Belichick
Gary Tapp
Graduated MSU 1981
Hamilton High School
Minneapolis, MN
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MrGoodKat
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by MrGoodKat » Mon Nov 24, 2025 3:38 pm
If your program stinks, you need an outside hire. But if you're a highly successful program, like the Cats are, I think there is a lot to be said for sticking with someone who is going to perpetuate the same culture and practices that are already working.
The Jackrabbits groomed Rogers under Stiegelmeier and he took over, maintaining success before leaving for Wazzu. Dan Jackson also worked under Stieg.
The Bison have kept things internal since Bohl was hired from Nebraska.
The Cats appeared to have a succession plan in place with Bobby Daly last year, but then the Wazzu job fell through for Vigen. I don't know why you wouldn't just go back to that. He's a bright young coach, he knows virtually all of the players, he recruits Montana like crazy, he worked under Vigen for four years... don't overthink this.
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exppi
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by exppi » Mon Nov 24, 2025 3:53 pm
wbtfg wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:43 pm
Trying to think of some other former Assistants who have risen through the ranks. Anyone remember Daniel Da Prato? He's currently the associate head coach for New Mexico. I have no idea how he'd be as a HC, but he's had some good experiences and is a great dude....players loved him.
I remember him and still see him pop up on my twitter feed from time to time. This is from when he left Texas State. Hard to compete with the non-monetary aspects he mentioned IMO.
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RyeCat
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by RyeCat » Tue Nov 25, 2025 5:45 am
I think Howe goes with Vigen and maybe Sterbick too. The assistant pool at OSU is significantly better.
I like Owens and Daly both a lot, but are they ready for HC positions and building a program?
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golden77
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by golden77 » Tue Nov 25, 2025 8:35 am
What does everyone think about Matt Miller? He is an up and coming young coach who is also a Montana Native so he gets all of the tradition and legacy stuff. He is currently the wide receivers coach at Boise State where he is making 250,000 a year. He was offensive coordinator here for a brief time where he did very well under coach Choate. One of the state of montana best high school players who had a stellar career at Helena Capitol and then set numerous receiving records at Boise State.
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MrGoodKat
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by MrGoodKat » Tue Nov 25, 2025 8:51 am
RyeCat wrote: ↑Tue Nov 25, 2025 5:45 am
I think Howe goes with Vigen and maybe Sterbick too. The assistant pool at OSU is significantly better.
I like Owens and Daly both a lot, but are they ready for HC positions and building a program?
If they hired Daly, promoted and kept them Owens, and kept Herrin, I would be a very jolly boy.
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BelligerentBobcat
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by BelligerentBobcat » Tue Nov 25, 2025 8:53 am
MrGoodKat wrote: ↑Tue Nov 25, 2025 8:51 am
RyeCat wrote: ↑Tue Nov 25, 2025 5:45 am
I think Howe goes with Vigen and maybe Sterbick too. The assistant pool at OSU is significantly better.
I like Owens and Daly both a lot, but are they ready for HC positions and building a program?
If they hired Daly, promoted and kept them Owens, and kept Herrin, I would be a very jolly boy.
Herrin is probably the most crucial one to retain, even more than Vigen.
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MrGoodKat
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by MrGoodKat » Tue Nov 25, 2025 8:57 am
BelligerentBobcat wrote: ↑Tue Nov 25, 2025 8:53 am
MrGoodKat wrote: ↑Tue Nov 25, 2025 8:51 am
RyeCat wrote: ↑Tue Nov 25, 2025 5:45 am
I think Howe goes with Vigen and maybe Sterbick too. The assistant pool at OSU is significantly better.
I like Owens and Daly both a lot, but are they ready for HC positions and building a program?
If they hired Daly, promoted and kept them Owens, and kept Herrin, I would be a very jolly boy.
Herrin is probably the most crucial one to retain, even more than Vigen.
Derek Jones has worked under him for 3 years now, so hopefully if Herrin leaves the Cats can maintain.