Choate 2.0

[Catsrgrood]

I honestly think he’ll stick around till he gets the all time wins record for a coach at MSU, which is 70 in 7 years and currently held by Rob Ash, of my memory serves.

It was 70 wins in 9 years

That’s not very far away.

He could get as high as 61 wins this year. Stick around another year and do what he’s been doing, he’ll have it.
2 more seasons and he’ll have it for sure. 70+ wins in 7 years.

Just pointing out that sticking around until he breaks that record would still only be two more years at most after this season.
I have no idea if that’s his motivation or goal, I doubt it is. I think winning the whole thing is 10x more important than being the all time wins leader.

[91catAlum]

Choate was phenomenal when he was here, really helped build the program back up…. But he would be a significant step backwards at this point.

I'm not sure about that. Different situations. Choate came to Bozeman and got a program basically in shambles, and in 4 years rebuilt it into MSU's first semi final team in 36 years. Vigen has taken it 1 step further and got us to Frisco. But Choate had a much, much heavier lift.

I'd hate to lose Vigen but if/when he moves on, I'd certainly put Choate in my list of candidates to interview, if he applied.

Choate is a good recruiter and a good hype man. Probably has some strong defensive principles. But he rode a generational player his final 2 years here, full stop. He's made Nevada a worse football program. I think he's a lousy head coach for the portal era, where you need a strong CEO type of head coach that trusts and empowers his assistant coaches and coordinators. No. Thank. You.

I always respect your opinions, but Choate did a heck of a lot more than just ride TA. He created a whole new culture at MSU from the ground up. He rebuilt our O line and our entire defense. He was a great recruiter and hired great staff for the most part. He also re-inspired the fan base to support the program again. The only thing he didn’t do is get a great QB to come, but still got us to the semi’s with Rovig at QB. We couldn’t have dreamt of a better hire than him back in 2015.

After 4 years of Vigen and more success than the program has seen in 40+ years, it’s easy to overlook how far the program came with Choate in charge.

[CelticCat]

Just like a lot of people were dismissive of Ash's results, so too are some of Choate's.

Like others have said, they were the right hires at the right time. The difference is Ash probably stayed too long for his mission, and Choate probably left too soon.

[RedClowder]

I honestly think he’ll stick around till he gets the all time wins record for a coach at MSU, which is 70 in 7 years and currently held by Rob Ash, of my memory serves.

It was 70 wins in 9 years

That’s not very far away.

He could get as high as 61 wins this year. Stick around another year and do what he’s been doing, he’ll have it.
2 more seasons and he’ll have it for sure. 70+ wins in 7 years.

Just pointing out that sticking around until he breaks that record would still only be two more years at most after this season.
I have no idea if that’s his motivation or goal, I doubt it is. I think winning the whole thing is 10x more important than being the all time wins leader.

I just knew the 70 in 7 was wrong. Rob was the coach when I was going to school and those teams were alot of fun but he didn’t average 10 wins a year for his whole stay. I knew that smh.

And I’m right there with you, the championship is THE goal. He’s built this program up that I think we have a real chance to win one of the next 3 if he stays. Which would push him past the all time wins record, all time playoff wins record and get us that elusive championship.

I also have a suspicion that losing to his Alma Mater not once but twice in the national championship and 3x total in the playoffs must chap his a$$. I know it pisses me off haha

[Montanabob]

I honestly think he’ll stick around till he gets the all time wins record for a coach at MSU, which is 70 in 7 years and currently held by Rob Ash, of my memory serves.

It was 70 wins in 9 years

That’s not very far away.

He could get as high as 61 wins this year. Stick around another year and do what he’s been doing, he’ll have it.
2 more seasons and he’ll have it for sure. 70+ wins in 7 years.

Just pointing out that sticking around until he breaks that record would still only be two more years at most after this season.
I have no idea if that’s his motivation or goal, I doubt it is. I think winning the whole thing is 10x more important than being the all time wins leader.

I just knew the 70 in 7 was wrong. Rob was the coach when I was going to school and those teams were alot of fun but he didn’t average 10 wins a year for his whole stay. I knew that smh.

And I’m right there with you, the championship is THE goal. He’s built this program up that I think we have a real chance to win one of the next 3 if he stays. Which would push him past the all time wins record, all time playoff wins record and get us that elusive championship.

I also have a suspicion that losing to his Alma Mater not once but twice in the national championship and 3x total in the playoffs must chap his a$$. I know it pisses me off haha

hell no, I want him to stay long enough to take that gris coach out of first place in both wins and national titles.

[RedClowder]

I honestly think he’ll stick around till he gets the all time wins record for a coach at MSU, which is 70 in 7 years and currently held by Rob Ash, of my memory serves.

It was 70 wins in 9 years

That’s not very far away.

He could get as high as 61 wins this year. Stick around another year and do what he’s been doing, he’ll have it.
2 more seasons and he’ll have it for sure. 70+ wins in 7 years.

Just pointing out that sticking around until he breaks that record would still only be two more years at most after this season.
I have no idea if that’s his motivation or goal, I doubt it is. I think winning the whole thing is 10x more important than being the all time wins leader.

I just knew the 70 in 7 was wrong. Rob was the coach when I was going to school and those teams were alot of fun but he didn’t average 10 wins a year for his whole stay. I knew that smh.

And I’m right there with you, the championship is THE goal. He’s built this program up that I think we have a real chance to win one of the next 3 if he stays. Which would push him past the all time wins record, all time playoff wins record and get us that elusive championship.

I also have a suspicion that losing to his Alma Mater not once but twice in the national championship and 3x total in the playoffs must chap his a$$. I know it pisses me off haha

hell no, I want him to stay long enough to take that gris coach out of first place in both wins and national titles.

I meant the all time wins and playoff wins for Montana state specifically but hey you wouldn’t have to twist my arm to agree with you on that point.

[SACCAT]

I honestly think he’ll stick around till he gets the all time wins record for a coach at MSU, which is 70 in 7 years and currently held by Rob Ash, of my memory serves.

It was 70 wins in 9 years

That’s not very far away.

He could get as high as 61 wins this year. Stick around another year and do what he’s been doing, he’ll have it.
2 more seasons and he’ll have it for sure. 70+ wins in 7 years.

Just pointing out that sticking around until he breaks that record would still only be two more years at most after this season.
I have no idea if that’s his motivation or goal, I doubt it is. I think winning the whole thing is 10x more important than being the all time wins leader.

I just knew the 70 in 7 was wrong. Rob was the coach when I was going to school and those teams were alot of fun but he didn’t average 10 wins a year for his whole stay. I knew that smh.

And I’m right there with you, the championship is THE goal. He’s built this program up that I think we have a real chance to win one of the next 3 if he stays. Which would push him past the all time wins record, all time playoff wins record and get us that elusive championship.

I also have a suspicion that losing to his Alma Mater not once but twice in the national championship and 3x total in the playoffs must chap his a$$. I know it pisses me off haha

hell no, I want him to stay long enough to take that gris coach out of first place in both wins and national titles.

Well... that other coach doesn't have a national title, so he is tied with him now.

[Bobcatsinmso]

I honestly think he’ll stick around till he gets the all time wins record for a coach at MSU, which is 70 in 7 years and currently held by Rob Ash, of my memory serves.

It was 70 wins in 9 years

That’s not very far away.

He could get as high as 61 wins this year. Stick around another year and do what he’s been doing, he’ll have it.
2 more seasons and he’ll have it for sure. 70+ wins in 7 years.

Just pointing out that sticking around until he breaks that record would still only be two more years at most after this season.
I have no idea if that’s his motivation or goal, I doubt it is. I think winning the whole thing is 10x more important than being the all time wins leader.

I just knew the 70 in 7 was wrong. Rob was the coach when I was going to school and those teams were alot of fun but he didn’t average 10 wins a year for his whole stay. I knew that smh.

And I’m right there with you, the championship is THE goal. He’s built this program up that I think we have a real chance to win one of the next 3 if he stays. Which would push him past the all time wins record, all time playoff wins record and get us that elusive championship.

I also have a suspicion that losing to his Alma Mater not once but twice in the national championship and 3x total in the playoffs must chap his a$$. I know it pisses me off haha

hell no, I want him to stay long enough to take that gris coach out of first place in both wins and national titles.

Well... that other coach doesn't have a national title, so he is tied with him now.

JC had his time here and I am grateful for what he did. He will never ever have to pay for a meal or a few pints when in Bozeman.
That being said, I personally would love to have a certain D coordinator from Boise St. come back to run the show.... my nickel, as pennies are no longer minted.

[catscat]

I honestly think he’ll stick around till he gets the all time wins record for a coach at MSU, which is 70 in 7 years and currently held by Rob Ash, of my memory serves.

It was 70 wins in 9 years

That’s not very far away.

He could get as high as 61 wins this year. Stick around another year and do what he’s been doing, he’ll have it.
2 more seasons and he’ll have it for sure. 70+ wins in 7 years.

Just pointing out that sticking around until he breaks that record would still only be two more years at most after this season.
I have no idea if that’s his motivation or goal, I doubt it is. I think winning the whole thing is 10x more important than being the all time wins leader.

I just knew the 70 in 7 was wrong. Rob was the coach when I was going to school and those teams were alot of fun but he didn’t average 10 wins a year for his whole stay. I knew that smh.

And I’m right there with you, the championship is THE goal. He’s built this program up that I think we have a real chance to win one of the next 3 if he stays. Which would push him past the all time wins record, all time playoff wins record and get us that elusive championship.

I also have a suspicion that losing to his Alma Mater not once but twice in the national championship and 3x total in the playoffs must chap his a$$. I know it pisses me off haha

hell no, I want him to stay long enough to take that gris coach out of first place in both wins and national titles.

Well... that other coach doesn't have a national title, so he is tied with him now.

JC had his time here and I am grateful for what he did. He will never ever have to pay for a meal or a few pints when in Bozeman.
That being said, I personally would love to have a certain D coordinator from Boise St. come back to run the show.... my nickel, as pennies are no longer minted.

Used to be "putting in your 2 cents worth" but with no pennies,we are rounding up or down, so now you can express your opinion for free.

[MSU Doc]

I honestly think he’ll stick around till he gets the all time wins record for a coach at MSU, which is 70 in 7 years and currently held by Rob Ash, of my memory serves.

It was 70 wins in 9 years

That’s not very far away.

He could get as high as 61 wins this year. Stick around another year and do what he’s been doing, he’ll have it.
2 more seasons and he’ll have it for sure. 70+ wins in 7 years.

Just pointing out that sticking around until he breaks that record would still only be two more years at most after this season.
I have no idea if that’s his motivation or goal, I doubt it is. I think winning the whole thing is 10x more important than being the all time wins leader.

I just knew the 70 in 7 was wrong. Rob was the coach when I was going to school and those teams were alot of fun but he didn’t average 10 wins a year for his whole stay. I knew that smh.

And I’m right there with you, the championship is THE goal. He’s built this program up that I think we have a real chance to win one of the next 3 if he stays. Which would push him past the all time wins record, all time playoff wins record and get us that elusive championship.

I also have a suspicion that losing to his Alma Mater not once but twice in the national championship and 3x total in the playoffs must chap his a$$. I know it pisses me off haha

hell no, I want him to stay long enough to take that gris coach out of first place in both wins and national titles.

Well... that other coach doesn't have a national title, so he is tied with him now.

JC had his time here and I am grateful for what he did. He will never ever have to pay for a meal or a few pints when in Bozeman.
That being said, I personally would love to have a certain D coordinator from Boise St. come back to run the show.... my nickel, as pennies are no longer minted.

Used to be "putting in your 2 cents worth" but with no pennies,we are rounding up or down, so now you can express your opinion for free.

A penny for your thoughts.

[AFCAT]

I honestly think he’ll stick around till he gets the all time wins record for a coach at MSU, which is 70 in 7 years and currently held by Rob Ash, of my memory serves.

It was 70 wins in 9 years

That’s not very far away.

He could get as high as 61 wins this year. Stick around another year and do what he’s been doing, he’ll have it.
2 more seasons and he’ll have it for sure. 70+ wins in 7 years.

Just pointing out that sticking around until he breaks that record would still only be two more years at most after this season.
I have no idea if that’s his motivation or goal, I doubt it is. I think winning the whole thing is 10x more important than being the all time wins leader.

I just knew the 70 in 7 was wrong. Rob was the coach when I was going to school and those teams were alot of fun but he didn’t average 10 wins a year for his whole stay. I knew that smh.

And I’m right there with you, the championship is THE goal. He’s built this program up that I think we have a real chance to win one of the next 3 if he stays. Which would push him past the all time wins record, all time playoff wins record and get us that elusive championship.

I also have a suspicion that losing to his Alma Mater not once but twice in the national championship and 3x total in the playoffs must chap his a$$. I know it pisses me off haha

hell no, I want him to stay long enough to take that gris coach out of first place in both wins and national titles.

Well... that other coach doesn't have a national title, so he is tied with him now.

JC had his time here and I am grateful for what he did. He will never ever have to pay for a meal or a few pints when in Bozeman.
That being said, I personally would love to have a certain D coordinator from Boise St. come back to run the show.... my nickel, as pennies are no longer minted.

You want Erik Chinander to be the MSU head coach if Vigen leaves?

[Bocephus]

I honestly think he’ll stick around till he gets the all time wins record for a coach at MSU, which is 70 in 7 years and currently held by Rob Ash, of my memory serves.

It was 70 wins in 9 years

That’s not very far away.

He could get as high as 61 wins this year. Stick around another year and do what he’s been doing, he’ll have it.
2 more seasons and he’ll have it for sure. 70+ wins in 7 years.

Just pointing out that sticking around until he breaks that record would still only be two more years at most after this season.
I have no idea if that’s his motivation or goal, I doubt it is. I think winning the whole thing is 10x more important than being the all time wins leader.

I just knew the 70 in 7 was wrong. Rob was the coach when I was going to school and those teams were alot of fun but he didn’t average 10 wins a year for his whole stay. I knew that smh.

And I’m right there with you, the championship is THE goal. He’s built this program up that I think we have a real chance to win one of the next 3 if he stays. Which would push him past the all time wins record, all time playoff wins record and get us that elusive championship.

I also have a suspicion that losing to his Alma Mater not once but twice in the national championship and 3x total in the playoffs must chap his a$$. I know it pisses me off haha

hell no, I want him to stay long enough to take that gris coach out of first place in both wins and national titles.

Well... that other coach doesn't have a national title, so he is tied with him now.

JC had his time here and I am grateful for what he did. He will never ever have to pay for a meal or a few pints when in Bozeman.
That being said, I personally would love to have a certain D coordinator from Boise St. come back to run the show.... my nickel, as pennies are no longer minted.

You want Erik Chinander to be the MSU head coach if Vigen leaves?

I was thinking the same thing. Then I had the thought that Nate Potter might actually be on the list when Vigen decides to leave.

[AFCAT]

I honestly think he’ll stick around till he gets the all time wins record for a coach at MSU, which is 70 in 7 years and currently held by Rob Ash, of my memory serves.

It was 70 wins in 9 years

That’s not very far away.

He could get as high as 61 wins this year. Stick around another year and do what he’s been doing, he’ll have it.
2 more seasons and he’ll have it for sure. 70+ wins in 7 years.

Just pointing out that sticking around until he breaks that record would still only be two more years at most after this season.
I have no idea if that’s his motivation or goal, I doubt it is. I think winning the whole thing is 10x more important than being the all time wins leader.

I just knew the 70 in 7 was wrong. Rob was the coach when I was going to school and those teams were alot of fun but he didn’t average 10 wins a year for his whole stay. I knew that smh.

And I’m right there with you, the championship is THE goal. He’s built this program up that I think we have a real chance to win one of the next 3 if he stays. Which would push him past the all time wins record, all time playoff wins record and get us that elusive championship.

I also have a suspicion that losing to his Alma Mater not once but twice in the national championship and 3x total in the playoffs must chap his a$$. I know it pisses me off haha

hell no, I want him to stay long enough to take that gris coach out of first place in both wins and national titles.

Well... that other coach doesn't have a national title, so he is tied with him now.

JC had his time here and I am grateful for what he did. He will never ever have to pay for a meal or a few pints when in Bozeman.
That being said, I personally would love to have a certain D coordinator from Boise St. come back to run the show.... my nickel, as pennies are no longer minted.

You want Erik Chinander to be the MSU head coach if Vigen leaves?

I was thinking the same thing. Then I had the thought that Nate Potter might actually be on the list when Vigen decides to leave.

I’d be surprised if Potter left Boise. I know his wife stayed in Boise even after he came to MSU. I wonder what an OC in the MW, soon to be PAC12, makes for a salary.

[BelligerentBobcat]

I would love to get Gregorak in a bar and buy him a couple of drinks for stories about Choate and Hauck. He has a rare perspective of coaching for both of them. I am guessing he could provide a fascinating profile of the two guys.

If you read between the lines, he either has a really good poker face, or he's down on Choate and a little higher on Bobby bit still not buddies. He seems to think the most highly of Vigen. Again thats listening to podcasts and trying to gain insight through his tone of voice and inflection. Could totally be seeing something thats not there.

Disagree regarding Bobby. I think Ty likes and respects Hauck quite a bit.

Now Choate on the other hand…well, I wouldn’t expect Ty to have a lot of warm and fuzzy feelings for the guy who fired him.

[onceacat]

Choate was phenomenal when he was here, really helped build the program back up…. But he would be a significant step backwards at this point.

I'm not sure about that. Different situations. Choate came to Bozeman and got a program basically in shambles, and in 4 years rebuilt it into MSU's first semi final team in 36 years. Vigen has taken it 1 step further and got us to Frisco. But Choate had a much, much heavier lift.

I'd hate to lose Vigen but if/when he moves on, I'd certainly put Choate in my list of candidates to interview, if he applied.

That pretty badly oversells it. Cats made the playoffs (and lost embarrassingly) in 2014. In 2015, the Cats were 5-6.

Choate CREATED shambles his first year despite having an absolutely stacked offense and made a mediocre team worse...although he turned around the D in a big hurry.

The revisionist history here cracks me up. Choate is a GREAT Defensive coach. He (along with Gregorak) turned around one of the worst Bobcat Defesnses (2015) ever into a really solid unit.

He did an equally impressive job turning the offense around, only the offense didn't need it. He even said as much in his own press conferences...

Long story short? Id take Choate as a DC in a heartbeat. He brought a physicality and team cohesion that Ash had let go. But until he learns how to coach an offense, no way. He can learn to coach offense on someone else's dime.

[GoldstoneCat]

Choate was phenomenal when he was here, really helped build the program back up…. But he would be a significant step backwards at this point.

I'm not sure about that. Different situations. Choate came to Bozeman and got a program basically in shambles, and in 4 years rebuilt it into MSU's first semi final team in 36 years. Vigen has taken it 1 step further and got us to Frisco. But Choate had a much, much heavier lift.

I'd hate to lose Vigen but if/when he moves on, I'd certainly put Choate in my list of candidates to interview, if he applied.

Choate is a good recruiter and a good hype man. Probably has some strong defensive principles. But he rode a generational player his final 2 years here, full stop. He's made Nevada a worse football program. I think he's a lousy head coach for the portal era, where you need a strong CEO type of head coach that trusts and empowers his assistant coaches and coordinators. No. Thank. You.

I always respect your opinions, but Choate did a heck of a lot more than just ride TA. He created a whole new culture at MSU from the ground up. He rebuilt our O line and our entire defense. He was a great recruiter and hired great staff for the most part. He also re-inspired the fan base to support the program again. The only thing he didn’t do is get a great QB to come, but still got us to the semi’s with Rovig at QB. We couldn’t have dreamt of a better hire than him back in 2015.

After 4 years of Vigen and more success than the program has seen in 40+ years, it’s easy to overlook how far the program came with Choate in charge.

He leveled us up in physicality and toughness, and understood the facilities arms race. I never felt like he understood offensive football very well but was not willing to just admit that about himself and let a good coordinator run it. I just feel like collectively we have this opinion of him as fans that those were the toughest, most physical teams ever at msu, and yet under Vigen we're light years ahead in physicality up front, we have an identity on both sides of the ball, and we're killing teams like we never have before. I would not go back because I think the program has outgrown Jeff Choate's style. The most charitable interpretation is he is a culture builder that can turn a program around, but this program needs to just stay the course it's on, Vigen has taken us to another level.

[onceacat]

I honestly think he’ll stick around till he gets the all time wins record for a coach at MSU, which is 70 in 7 years and currently held by Rob Ash, of my memory serves.

It was 70 wins in 9 years

That’s not very far away.

He could get as high as 61 wins this year. Stick around another year and do what he’s been doing, he’ll have it.
2 more seasons and he’ll have it for sure. 70+ wins in 7 years.

Just pointing out that sticking around until he breaks that record would still only be two more years at most after this season.
I have no idea if that’s his motivation or goal, I doubt it is. I think winning the whole thing is 10x more important than being the all time wins leader.

I just knew the 70 in 7 was wrong. Rob was the coach when I was going to school and those teams were alot of fun but he didn’t average 10 wins a year for his whole stay. I knew that smh.

And I’m right there with you, the championship is THE goal. He’s built this program up that I think we have a real chance to win one of the next 3 if he stays. Which would push him past the all time wins record, all time playoff wins record and get us that elusive championship.

I also have a suspicion that losing to his Alma Mater not once but twice in the national championship and 3x total in the playoffs must chap his a$$. I know it pisses me off haha

hell no, I want him to stay long enough to take that gris coach out of first place in both wins and national titles.

Well... that other coach doesn't have a national title, so he is tied with him now.

JC had his time here and I am grateful for what he did. He will never ever have to pay for a meal or a few pints when in Bozeman.
That being said, I personally would love to have a certain D coordinator from Boise St. come back to run the show.... my nickel, as pennies are no longer minted.

You want Erik Chinander to be the MSU head coach if Vigen leaves?

I was thinking the same thing. Then I had the thought that Nate Potter might actually be on the list when Vigen decides to leave.

I’d be surprised if Potter left Boise. I know his wife stayed in Boise even after he came to MSU. I wonder what an OC in the MW, soon to be PAC12, makes for a salary.

$220k

[onceacat]

Choate was phenomenal when he was here, really helped build the program back up…. But he would be a significant step backwards at this point.

I'm not sure about that. Different situations. Choate came to Bozeman and got a program basically in shambles, and in 4 years rebuilt it into MSU's first semi final team in 36 years. Vigen has taken it 1 step further and got us to Frisco. But Choate had a much, much heavier lift.

I'd hate to lose Vigen but if/when he moves on, I'd certainly put Choate in my list of candidates to interview, if he applied.

Choate is a good recruiter and a good hype man. Probably has some strong defensive principles. But he rode a generational player his final 2 years here, full stop. He's made Nevada a worse football program. I think he's a lousy head coach for the portal era, where you need a strong CEO type of head coach that trusts and empowers his assistant coaches and coordinators. No. Thank. You.

I always respect your opinions, but Choate did a heck of a lot more than just ride TA. He created a whole new culture at MSU from the ground up. He rebuilt our O line and our entire defense. He was a great recruiter and hired great staff for the most part. He also re-inspired the fan base to support the program again. The only thing he didn’t do is get a great QB to come, but still got us to the semi’s with Rovig at QB. We couldn’t have dreamt of a better hire than him back in 2015.

After 4 years of Vigen and more success than the program has seen in 40+ years, it’s easy to overlook how far the program came with Choate in charge.

He leveled us up in physicality and toughness, and understood the facilities arms race. I never felt like he understood offensive football very well but was not willing to just admit that about himself and let a good coordinator run it. I just feel like collectively we have this opinion of him as fans that those were the toughest, most physical teams ever at msu, and yet under Vigen we're light years ahead in physicality up front, we have an identity on both sides of the ball, and we're killing teams like we never have before. I would not go back because I think the program has outgrown Jeff Choate's style. The most charitable interpretation is he is a culture builder that can turn a program around, but this program needs to just stay the course it's on, Vigen has taken us to another level.

Spot on.

[91catAlum]

Choate was phenomenal when he was here, really helped build the program back up…. But he would be a significant step backwards at this point.

I'm not sure about that. Different situations. Choate came to Bozeman and got a program basically in shambles, and in 4 years rebuilt it into MSU's first semi final team in 36 years. Vigen has taken it 1 step further and got us to Frisco. But Choate had a much, much heavier lift.

I'd hate to lose Vigen but if/when he moves on, I'd certainly put Choate in my list of candidates to interview, if he applied.

That pretty badly oversells it. Cats made the playoffs (and lost embarrassingly) in 2014. In 2015, the Cats were 5-6.

Choate CREATED shambles his first year despite having an absolutely stacked offense and made a mediocre team worse...although he turned around the D in a big hurry.

The revisionist history here cracks me up. Choate is a GREAT Defensive coach. He (along with Gregorak) turned around one of the worst Bobcat Defesnses (2015) ever into a really solid unit.

He did an equally impressive job turning the offense around, only the offense didn't need it. He even said as much in his own press conferences...

Long story short? Id take Choate as a DC in a heartbeat. He brought a physicality and team cohesion that Ash had let go. But until he learns how to coach an offense, no way. He can learn to coach offense on someone else's dime.

It's not over selling it. It's not revisionist.
Maybe the word shambles was too strong but the fact is, the program was in bad shape. I mean, we fired our friggin coach for Pete's sake! We missed the playoffs in DeNarius's senior season, then somehow managed to go 7-4 the next year and squeak into the first round of the playoffs and be 1 and done, then another year of missing the playoffs in 2015.

You saying the offense was stacked, is over selling it. Who was the QB?? Yes Newell, Herbert, and JP Flynn were great but its hard to do much with that when your senior QB transfers to Oregon.

I'm really surprised that so many in our fan base who loved Choate when he was here now think he sucks as a head coach. I guess we just remember that era differently.

[onceacat]

Choate was phenomenal when he was here, really helped build the program back up…. But he would be a significant step backwards at this point.

I'm not sure about that. Different situations. Choate came to Bozeman and got a program basically in shambles, and in 4 years rebuilt it into MSU's first semi final team in 36 years. Vigen has taken it 1 step further and got us to Frisco. But Choate had a much, much heavier lift.

I'd hate to lose Vigen but if/when he moves on, I'd certainly put Choate in my list of candidates to interview, if he applied.

That pretty badly oversells it. Cats made the playoffs (and lost embarrassingly) in 2014. In 2015, the Cats were 5-6.

Choate CREATED shambles his first year despite having an absolutely stacked offense and made a mediocre team worse...although he turned around the D in a big hurry.

The revisionist history here cracks me up. Choate is a GREAT Defensive coach. He (along with Gregorak) turned around one of the worst Bobcat Defesnses (2015) ever into a really solid unit.

He did an equally impressive job turning the offense around, only the offense didn't need it. He even said as much in his own press conferences...

Long story short? Id take Choate as a DC in a heartbeat. He brought a physicality and team cohesion that Ash had let go. But until he learns how to coach an offense, no way. He can learn to coach offense on someone else's dime.

It's not over selling it. It's not revisionist.
Maybe the word shambles was too strong but the fact is, the program was in bad shape. I mean, we fired our friggin coach for Pete's sake! We missed the playoffs in DeNarius's senior season, then somehow managed to go 7-4 the next year and squeak into the first round of the playoffs and be 1 and done, then another year of missing the playoffs in 2015.

You saying the offense was stacked, is over selling it. Who was the QB?? Yes Newell, Herbert, and JP Flynn were great but its hard to do much with that when your senior QB transfers to Oregon.

I'm really surprised that so many in our fan base who loved Choate when he was here now think he sucks as a head coach. I guess we just remember that era differently.

I always loved what Choate did on D. But for every good thing he did with the D, he did something equally bad with the offense.

In fairness, I was never able to get over when Choate put Bruggman back in the game to get booed by 15,000+ of his own fans. I never really forgave Choate for being such a dickhead.

Choate is an all universe defensive coach, but hes the second coming of Jamie Marshall when it comes to offense.