Vigen Oregon State rumors.

[GavinDonos]

It just sucks all around, with us doing NIL with the same demand on capital campaigns and auctions and everything else. (Sorry, I am a Billy Booster) I don’t have a billion dollar business, but I want us to achieve and keep pace.

[nanacat]

I know opportunity and cash speak volumes, large volumes, but as a family man, does that play a role ever? Vigen has two sons on the team, and sure, they could go with him wherever he goes, and likely would. But he also has a younger son, not sure his age, who has been here, made friends and connections, etc., let alone his wife being settled in here. It comes with the territory I suppose, being ready to move at any given time, but the vibe I got last year from some of the interviews and statements made by Molly in particular, made me think they really like Bozeman, it's home. Not to say the perfect opportunity couldn't come along and make them pack their bags, but I feel like it really needs to be the "perfect" opportunity. Vigen is building something in Bozeman, has been, and until all the boxes get checked, which they haven't yet, I think he sticks around.

[coloradocat]

I know opportunity and cash speak volumes, large volumes, but as a family man, does that play a role ever? Vigen has two sons on the team, and sure, they could go with him wherever he goes, and likely would. But he also has a younger son, not sure his age, who has been here, made friends and connections, etc., let alone his wife being settled in here. It comes with the territory I suppose, being ready to move at any given time, but the vibe I got last year from some of the interviews and statements made by Molly in particular, made me think they really like Bozeman, it's home. Not to say the perfect opportunity couldn't come along and make them pack their bags, but I feel like it really needs to be the "perfect" opportunity. Vigen is building something in Bozeman, has been, and until all the boxes get checked, which they haven't yet, I think he sticks around.

I hope you're right but this also isn't Vigen's first coaching job, he's moved twice already. The move up to Bozeman was much more disruptive than moving to Corvallis or Fort Collins would be. I'm sure he and Molly said all the right things when they lived in Laramie too.

[Bobcatsinmso]

I know opportunity and cash speak volumes, large volumes, but as a family man, does that play a role ever? Vigen has two sons on the team, and sure, they could go with him wherever he goes, and likely would. But he also has a younger son, not sure his age, who has been here, made friends and connections, etc., let alone his wife being settled in here. It comes with the territory I suppose, being ready to move at any given time, but the vibe I got last year from some of the interviews and statements made by Molly in particular, made me think they really like Bozeman, it's home. Not to say the perfect opportunity couldn't come along and make them pack their bags, but I feel like it really needs to be the "perfect" opportunity. Vigen is building something in Bozeman, has been, and until all the boxes get checked, which they haven't yet, I think he sticks around.

The almost exact same scenario existed with our last head coach. I was surprised and disappointed when JC jumped ship. I also hope coach Vigen sticks around, but the bottom line is Money talks, and I will not be surprised or disappointed again when he leaves.

[MSU01]

I know opportunity and cash speak volumes, large volumes, but as a family man, does that play a role ever? Vigen has two sons on the team, and sure, they could go with him wherever he goes, and likely would. But he also has a younger son, not sure his age, who has been here, made friends and connections, etc., let alone his wife being settled in here. It comes with the territory I suppose, being ready to move at any given time, but the vibe I got last year from some of the interviews and statements made by Molly in particular, made me think they really like Bozeman, it's home. Not to say the perfect opportunity couldn't come along and make them pack their bags, but I feel like it really needs to be the "perfect" opportunity. Vigen is building something in Bozeman, has been, and until all the boxes get checked, which they haven't yet, I think he sticks around.

I believe Vigen's youngest son is a high school freshman this year. But really, none of us know what's going on in his head or what his thought process would be about moving to another job. People here thought Jeff Choate wouldn't leave until Jory was done playing for MSU, but that obviously didn't end up being the case. It has been reported from reliable sources that Vigen has had interviews elsewhere in previous years, so that suggests that he's at least somewhat open to the idea of taking a new job at some point. The good news and the reason I won't be worrying about this in October is that MSU has an Athletic Director who has consistently made great hires and who I trust fully to bring in a new coach who can continue to bring a high level of success even if Vigen does move on.

[coloradocat]

I know opportunity and cash speak volumes, large volumes, but as a family man, does that play a role ever? Vigen has two sons on the team, and sure, they could go with him wherever he goes, and likely would. But he also has a younger son, not sure his age, who has been here, made friends and connections, etc., let alone his wife being settled in here. It comes with the territory I suppose, being ready to move at any given time, but the vibe I got last year from some of the interviews and statements made by Molly in particular, made me think they really like Bozeman, it's home. Not to say the perfect opportunity couldn't come along and make them pack their bags, but I feel like it really needs to be the "perfect" opportunity. Vigen is building something in Bozeman, has been, and until all the boxes get checked, which they haven't yet, I think he sticks around.

The almost exact same scenario existed with our last head coach. I was surprised and disappointed when JC jumped ship. I also hope coach Vigen sticks around, but the bottom line is Money talks, and I will not be surprised or disappointed again when he leaves.

And even more than the money, it's about career advancement. MSU is a great FCS job but it's still just an FCS job. Every head coach is very competitive and aspirational. MSU isn't the end goal and neither is OSU or CSU but they are solid steps along the way to whatever the end goal may be. A G6 job pays more than top tier FCS but isn't the equivalent of winning the lottery (P4 job).

[Prodigal Cat]

I know opportunity and cash speak volumes, large volumes, but as a family man, does that play a role ever? Vigen has two sons on the team, and sure, they could go with him wherever he goes, and likely would. But he also has a younger son, not sure his age, who has been here, made friends and connections, etc., let alone his wife being settled in here. It comes with the territory I suppose, being ready to move at any given time, but the vibe I got last year from some of the interviews and statements made by Molly in particular, made me think they really like Bozeman, it's home. Not to say the perfect opportunity couldn't come along and make them pack their bags, but I feel like it really needs to be the "perfect" opportunity. Vigen is building something in Bozeman, has been, and until all the boxes get checked, which they haven't yet, I think he sticks around.

I believe Vigen's youngest son is a high school freshman this year. But really, none of us know what's going on in his head or what his thought process would be about moving to another job. People here thought Jeff Choate wouldn't leave until Jory was done playing for MSU, but that obviously didn't end up being the case. It has been reported from reliable sources that Vigen has had interviews elsewhere in previous years, so that suggests that he's at least somewhat open to the idea of taking a new job at some point. The good news and the reason I won't be worrying about this in October is that MSU has an Athletic Director who has consistently made great hires and who I trust fully to bring in a new coach who can continue to bring a high level of success even if Vigen does move on.

While totally true and valid, I think comparing Choate to Vigen isn't fair. Choate has changed jobs in coaching every few seasons and this is only the third stop in what... 25 years for BV? Plus the way he changed, following his mentor to Wyoming really makes MSU his second job. To your other point though if we do lose Vigen, I would want it to happen with Leon making the decision on the next guy. His record is pretty damn good. Not that the next AD would be bad. I'm just pretty sure most of us here would have confidence that LC would get it right.

[nanacat]

I know opportunity and cash speak volumes, large volumes, but as a family man, does that play a role ever? Vigen has two sons on the team, and sure, they could go with him wherever he goes, and likely would. But he also has a younger son, not sure his age, who has been here, made friends and connections, etc., let alone his wife being settled in here. It comes with the territory I suppose, being ready to move at any given time, but the vibe I got last year from some of the interviews and statements made by Molly in particular, made me think they really like Bozeman, it's home. Not to say the perfect opportunity couldn't come along and make them pack their bags, but I feel like it really needs to be the "perfect" opportunity. Vigen is building something in Bozeman, has been, and until all the boxes get checked, which they haven't yet, I think he sticks around.

I believe Vigen's youngest son is a high school freshman this year. But really, none of us know what's going on in his head or what his thought process would be about moving to another job. People here thought Jeff Choate wouldn't leave until Jory was done playing for MSU, but that obviously didn't end up being the case. It has been reported from reliable sources that Vigen has had interviews elsewhere in previous years, so that suggests that he's at least somewhat open to the idea of taking a new job at some point. The good news and the reason I won't be worrying about this in October is that MSU has an Athletic Director who has consistently made great hires and who I trust fully to bring in a new coach who can continue to bring a high level of success even if Vigen does move on.

While totally true and valid, I think comparing Choate to Vigen isn't fair. Choate has changed jobs in coaching every few seasons and this is only the third stop in what... 25 years for BV? Plus the way he changed, following his mentor to Wyoming really makes MSU his second job. To your other point though if we do lose Vigen, I would want it to happen with Leon making the decision on the next guy. His record is pretty damn good. Not that the next AD would be bad. I'm just pretty sure most of us here would have confidence that LC would get it right.

You made a point I intended to make but didn't do it as well as you did, regarding how many times Vigen has moved. He just seems to have had more stick than others, certainly more than Choate, who seems to be constantly searching for the next best thing. I'm not saying Vigen will stay forever, but I think there are still goals he has for this program that haven't been met yet. I'm hoping winning in Missoula is one of those! And, of course, a National Championship. Guess we'll see.

[AFCAT]

I know opportunity and cash speak volumes, large volumes, but as a family man, does that play a role ever? Vigen has two sons on the team, and sure, they could go with him wherever he goes, and likely would. But he also has a younger son, not sure his age, who has been here, made friends and connections, etc., let alone his wife being settled in here. It comes with the territory I suppose, being ready to move at any given time, but the vibe I got last year from some of the interviews and statements made by Molly in particular, made me think they really like Bozeman, it's home. Not to say the perfect opportunity couldn't come along and make them pack their bags, but I feel like it really needs to be the "perfect" opportunity. Vigen is building something in Bozeman, has been, and until all the boxes get checked, which they haven't yet, I think he sticks around.

I believe Vigen's youngest son is a high school freshman this year. But really, none of us know what's going on in his head or what his thought process would be about moving to another job. People here thought Jeff Choate wouldn't leave until Jory was done playing for MSU, but that obviously didn't end up being the case. It has been reported from reliable sources that Vigen has had interviews elsewhere in previous years, so that suggests that he's at least somewhat open to the idea of taking a new job at some point. The good news and the reason I won't be worrying about this in October is that MSU has an Athletic Director who has consistently made great hires and who I trust fully to bring in a new coach who can continue to bring a high level of success even if Vigen does move on.

While totally true and valid, I think comparing Choate to Vigen isn't fair. Choate has changed jobs in coaching every few seasons and this is only the third stop in what... 25 years for BV? Plus the way he changed, following his mentor to Wyoming really makes MSU his second job. To your other point though if we do lose Vigen, I would want it to happen with Leon making the decision on the next guy. His record is pretty damn good. Not that the next AD would be bad. I'm just pretty sure most of us here would have confidence that LC would get it right.

Now, think about how close we came to having Kyle Brennan as the Athletic Director instead of Leon.

[tetoncat]

I know opportunity and cash speak volumes, large volumes, but as a family man, does that play a role ever? Vigen has two sons on the team, and sure, they could go with him wherever he goes, and likely would. But he also has a younger son, not sure his age, who has been here, made friends and connections, etc., let alone his wife being settled in here. It comes with the territory I suppose, being ready to move at any given time, but the vibe I got last year from some of the interviews and statements made by Molly in particular, made me think they really like Bozeman, it's home. Not to say the perfect opportunity couldn't come along and make them pack their bags, but I feel like it really needs to be the "perfect" opportunity. Vigen is building something in Bozeman, has been, and until all the boxes get checked, which they haven't yet, I think he sticks around.

The almost exact same scenario existed with our last head coach. I was surprised and disappointed when JC jumped ship. I also hope coach Vigen sticks around, but the bottom line is Money talks, and I will not be surprised or disappointed again when he leaves.

And even more than the money, it's about career advancement. MSU is a great FCS job but it's still just an FCS job. Every head coach is very competitive and aspirational. MSU isn't the end goal and neither is OSU or CSU but they are solid steps along the way to whatever the end goal may be. A G6 job pays more than top tier FCS but isn't the equivalent of winning the lottery (P4 job).

Not every coach. Some stay high school coaches forever. Montana NAIA have had some good ones stay a long time. Some are career assistant. There are definitely those who chase the profession, moving a lot and trying to reach the peak. Others may take opportunities but are happy where they are and doing what they do.

[Prodigal Cat]

I know opportunity and cash speak volumes, large volumes, but as a family man, does that play a role ever? Vigen has two sons on the team, and sure, they could go with him wherever he goes, and likely would. But he also has a younger son, not sure his age, who has been here, made friends and connections, etc., let alone his wife being settled in here. It comes with the territory I suppose, being ready to move at any given time, but the vibe I got last year from some of the interviews and statements made by Molly in particular, made me think they really like Bozeman, it's home. Not to say the perfect opportunity couldn't come along and make them pack their bags, but I feel like it really needs to be the "perfect" opportunity. Vigen is building something in Bozeman, has been, and until all the boxes get checked, which they haven't yet, I think he sticks around.

I believe Vigen's youngest son is a high school freshman this year. But really, none of us know what's going on in his head or what his thought process would be about moving to another job. People here thought Jeff Choate wouldn't leave until Jory was done playing for MSU, but that obviously didn't end up being the case. It has been reported from reliable sources that Vigen has had interviews elsewhere in previous years, so that suggests that he's at least somewhat open to the idea of taking a new job at some point. The good news and the reason I won't be worrying about this in October is that MSU has an Athletic Director who has consistently made great hires and who I trust fully to bring in a new coach who can continue to bring a high level of success even if Vigen does move on.

While totally true and valid, I think comparing Choate to Vigen isn't fair. Choate has changed jobs in coaching every few seasons and this is only the third stop in what... 25 years for BV? Plus the way he changed, following his mentor to Wyoming really makes MSU his second job. To your other point though if we do lose Vigen, I would want it to happen with Leon making the decision on the next guy. His record is pretty damn good. Not that the next AD would be bad. I'm just pretty sure most of us here would have confidence that LC would get it right.

Now, think about how close we came to having Kyle Brennan as the Athletic Director instead of Leon.

As bad as the rumors that Charlie Ragle was the leader to be the head coach after Choate left.

[catscat]

I know opportunity and cash speak volumes, large volumes, but as a family man, does that play a role ever? Vigen has two sons on the team, and sure, they could go with him wherever he goes, and likely would. But he also has a younger son, not sure his age, who has been here, made friends and connections, etc., let alone his wife being settled in here. It comes with the territory I suppose, being ready to move at any given time, but the vibe I got last year from some of the interviews and statements made by Molly in particular, made me think they really like Bozeman, it's home. Not to say the perfect opportunity couldn't come along and make them pack their bags, but I feel like it really needs to be the "perfect" opportunity. Vigen is building something in Bozeman, has been, and until all the boxes get checked, which they haven't yet, I think he sticks around.

The almost exact same scenario existed with our last head coach. I was surprised and disappointed when JC jumped ship. I also hope coach Vigen sticks around, but the bottom line is Money talks, and I will not be surprised or disappointed again when he leaves.

And even more than the money, it's about career advancement. MSU is a great FCS job but it's still just an FCS job. Every head coach is very competitive and aspirational. MSU isn't the end goal and neither is OSU or CSU but they are solid steps along the way to whatever the end goal may be. A G6 job pays more than top tier FCS but isn't the equivalent of winning the lottery (P4 job).

Not every coach. Some stay high school coaches forever. Montana NAIA have had some good ones stay a long time. Some are career assistant. There are definitely those who chase the profession, moving a lot and trying to reach the peak. Others may take opportunities but are happy where they are and doing what they do.

Based on the length of his tenure in past positions, I'm guessing that Vigen enjoys developing players and assistant coaches. Therefore, any job that looks like a whole new team every year may not be appealing. Either way, enjoying what you are doing vs more money has to be a consideration.

[MSU01]

I know opportunity and cash speak volumes, large volumes, but as a family man, does that play a role ever? Vigen has two sons on the team, and sure, they could go with him wherever he goes, and likely would. But he also has a younger son, not sure his age, who has been here, made friends and connections, etc., let alone his wife being settled in here. It comes with the territory I suppose, being ready to move at any given time, but the vibe I got last year from some of the interviews and statements made by Molly in particular, made me think they really like Bozeman, it's home. Not to say the perfect opportunity couldn't come along and make them pack their bags, but I feel like it really needs to be the "perfect" opportunity. Vigen is building something in Bozeman, has been, and until all the boxes get checked, which they haven't yet, I think he sticks around.

The almost exact same scenario existed with our last head coach. I was surprised and disappointed when JC jumped ship. I also hope coach Vigen sticks around, but the bottom line is Money talks, and I will not be surprised or disappointed again when he leaves.

And even more than the money, it's about career advancement. MSU is a great FCS job but it's still just an FCS job. Every head coach is very competitive and aspirational. MSU isn't the end goal and neither is OSU or CSU but they are solid steps along the way to whatever the end goal may be. A G6 job pays more than top tier FCS but isn't the equivalent of winning the lottery (P4 job).

Not every coach. Some stay high school coaches forever. Montana NAIA have had some good ones stay a long time. Some are career assistant. There are definitely those who chase the profession, moving a lot and trying to reach the peak. Others may take opportunities but are happy where they are and doing what they do.

Based on the length of his tenure in past positions, I'm guessing that Vigen enjoys developing players and assistant coaches. Therefore, any job that looks like a whole new team every year may not be appealing. Either way, enjoying what you are doing vs more money has to be a consideration.

Vigen also had a sweet deal when he came to MSU in that he inherited a team with a pretty stacked roster that had been to the FCS Semifinals in 2019, and while the Transfer Portal existed at that point it wasn't yet the total free-for-all it is today with unlimited transfers allowed. Going somewhere like Oregon State that would be a complete rebuild would certainly be a very different challenge than it was when he had players like Tommy Mellott, Lance McCutcheon, Daniel Hardy and Troy Andersen already on the roster to work with.

[onceacat]

I know opportunity and cash speak volumes, large volumes, but as a family man, does that play a role ever? Vigen has two sons on the team, and sure, they could go with him wherever he goes, and likely would. But he also has a younger son, not sure his age, who has been here, made friends and connections, etc., let alone his wife being settled in here. It comes with the territory I suppose, being ready to move at any given time, but the vibe I got last year from some of the interviews and statements made by Molly in particular, made me think they really like Bozeman, it's home. Not to say the perfect opportunity couldn't come along and make them pack their bags, but I feel like it really needs to be the "perfect" opportunity. Vigen is building something in Bozeman, has been, and until all the boxes get checked, which they haven't yet, I think he sticks around.

The almost exact same scenario existed with our last head coach. I was surprised and disappointed when JC jumped ship. I also hope coach Vigen sticks around, but the bottom line is Money talks, and I will not be surprised or disappointed again when he leaves.

What on earth are you talking about? Nobody was surprised when Choate jumped ship. He had a foot out the door they day he signed the contract.

[BelligerentBobcat]

I know opportunity and cash speak volumes, large volumes, but as a family man, does that play a role ever? Vigen has two sons on the team, and sure, they could go with him wherever he goes, and likely would. But he also has a younger son, not sure his age, who has been here, made friends and connections, etc., let alone his wife being settled in here. It comes with the territory I suppose, being ready to move at any given time, but the vibe I got last year from some of the interviews and statements made by Molly in particular, made me think they really like Bozeman, it's home. Not to say the perfect opportunity couldn't come along and make them pack their bags, but I feel like it really needs to be the "perfect" opportunity. Vigen is building something in Bozeman, has been, and until all the boxes get checked, which they haven't yet, I think he sticks around.

The almost exact same scenario existed with our last head coach. I was surprised and disappointed when JC jumped ship. I also hope coach Vigen sticks around, but the bottom line is Money talks, and I will not be surprised or disappointed again when he leaves.

What on earth are you talking about? Nobody was surprised when Choate jumped ship. He had a foot out the door they day he signed the contract.

I think we all knew that leaving for Boise was a real, legitimate, thing. That obviously didn’t happen. So with that saga all done, him leaving for Texas for a non HC job was very much a shock.

[AFCAT]

I know opportunity and cash speak volumes, large volumes, but as a family man, does that play a role ever? Vigen has two sons on the team, and sure, they could go with him wherever he goes, and likely would. But he also has a younger son, not sure his age, who has been here, made friends and connections, etc., let alone his wife being settled in here. It comes with the territory I suppose, being ready to move at any given time, but the vibe I got last year from some of the interviews and statements made by Molly in particular, made me think they really like Bozeman, it's home. Not to say the perfect opportunity couldn't come along and make them pack their bags, but I feel like it really needs to be the "perfect" opportunity. Vigen is building something in Bozeman, has been, and until all the boxes get checked, which they haven't yet, I think he sticks around.

The almost exact same scenario existed with our last head coach. I was surprised and disappointed when JC jumped ship. I also hope coach Vigen sticks around, but the bottom line is Money talks, and I will not be surprised or disappointed again when he leaves.

What on earth are you talking about? Nobody was surprised when Choate jumped ship. He had a foot out the door they day he signed the contract.

I think we all knew that leaving for Boise was a real, legitimate, thing. That obviously didn’t happen. So with that saga all done, him leaving for Texas for a non HC job was very much a shock.

Yup, especially when he posted this right after the Boise decision was made. #UnfinishedBusiness
He accepted the Texas position two weeks later.

...and I'm not criticizing his decision, just laying out the history.

[PapaG]

Is OSU really a better job than MSU in 4-5 years pending the continuous shuffling of FBS/FCS football and the potential rumors of stadium upgrades/more seating capacity (and thus increased revenue and raises for coaches)? Vigen certainly knows more behind the scenes discussing current affairs with Costello than anyone else. I won’t be surprised when he leaves, I will be surprised if he leaves for an opportunity that isn’t significantly better than what he has and continues to build here.

1. Todd Bray was making $2,000,000/year. Thats double what Jason Eck is making at UNM or triple what Jeff Choate is making at Nevada & 500k more than Jimmy Rogers is making at WSU. Not totally clear if keeping the salary is sustainable or not given the status of the Pac2 moving forward, but it's obviously one of the best gigs in G5.

2. Not a lot of competition for in-state talent. The Ducks only have 17 Oregon players on the roster...and no FCS teams to compete with. Should be easy to compete for regional talent with Boise St, WSU, the Nevadas, etc. They would have one of the biggest stadiums in G5/6, some of the best facilities in G5/6...and an inside track to an auto bid to the playoffs. MSU would need to almost double the size of the stadium to get to OSUs capacity, as an example...Beavs have similar attendance as Boise State as another example. And its not as though the rebuilt Pac whatever is stacked with monster football teams...Beavs should have a shot at playoffs pretty consistently.

3. MSU isn't getting reshuffled. If MSU (and UM and the DSUs) didn't have an offer from wither the MWC or the Pac X last year, theres never going to be an invite coming. So no meaningful new revenue streams.

There might be better opportunities out there (Stanford? Michigan State if Smith goes back to OSU,Florida, Penn St) but I don't think Vigen will ever be in consideration for those.

I’m sure there will be a significant salary gap regardless, but if he really did turn down Wazzu, he’s probably pretty happy with his current situation. Not to mention, a 6k seat increase in bobcat stadium capacity @ $25/ticket is over $1mil in additional revenue with 7 regular season home games a year. Obviously that is conservative and doesn’t include higher prices for additional box seating, etc. A lot of extra money to beef up his salary a little more, even if a lot of it is incentive pay, to compete with FBS poachers.

If the ducks have 17 of the best players from Oregon, I’m sure many of the top recruits are not only getting offers from UO and OSU, but also UW, USC, UCLA, Utah, Boise state, etc.. Then you add in the rest of the regional G5 and upper level FCS (MSU, UM, etc.), it’s not really a significant recruiting advantage. I mean we see MSU and the top of the FCS competing with these regional G5 schools for recruits right now as is. Reser stadium holds ~36k by all accounts I can find, and the past several home games they have had less than 30k people in attendance. MSU facilities are also top of the line and would still be excellent at the next level, and I hope to hear about the stadium expansion sooner rather than later as the University has done a great job knocking out the early stages of the facilities master plan as they said they would.

I don’t know that the Pac, with the teams they are bringing in, will have a seat at the table in the CFP for much longer. I totally agree that they won’t have many monster football teams. The power conferences see that too which is why the SEC commissioner wants to do their own thing haha.
I don’t agree with your 3rd point, there is still going to be more changes to the FBS & CFP whether that’s a separate P4 & G5 playoff, a new FBS conference (Sac St president mentioned this—though I think they are full of bs), other teams transitioning to FBS (Tarleton & other Texas schools?), etc. If the rumors were true this past offseason, that had Unlv left the MW for the Pac, the xDSU’s and the two MT schools would have received the funds to move up to the MW together, then there has to be significant interest across all parties. NDSU has been pretty vocal saying they’re just waiting for an invite. My personal preference is to watch MSU in a playoff format and not a bowl game, and I do think at some point, whether that’s 3 years or 10 years, there’s going to be the opportunity to do that as a new G5 division.

I’m sure Vigen knows if OSU would be a desirable situation for him or not, but I’d hate to see him leave with so much success and momentum at MSU to go have a Choate @ UNR like experience (so far) at OSU haha. But with success it certainly would be that stepping stone to one of those much better opportunities you mentioned above!

Yes, I think hes pretty happy with his current situation.

If theres a 6k expansion, with $1m gross revenues, thats maybe $500k in net for the athletic department, and Vigen at best is getting a $250k raise. Hes still a cool million annually behind Wazzu & $1.5-$2 behind what OSU is paying.

Offering in-state athletes saves the program boatloads of money (in-state vs out of state scholarships) and a lot of kids want to play close to home or have a backup plan if they get cut. In state is a REALLY big deal. (Also, Oregon is roughly the same population as Oklahoma...there are WAY more than 17 legit D1 athletes available)

MSU facilities are top notch for this level & they also don't remotely compare to anything at OSU. Thats just a simple fact. It's not even close.

Pac 2 doesnt need an autobid, the best G5/6 champion gets an auto bid. OSU should easily be able to compete with the likes of BSU or Coastal Carolina or JMU or Army for an auto bid.

Brent Vigen is 50. MSU isnt getting a G5 invite in the next 3 years...but in 10 years hes going to be 60. Dollars to donuts says hes not here in a decade waiting for that to happen. If NDSU didn't get an invite last year, why on earth do you think theres an invite coming anytime soon? Fargo is double the size of Bozeman with double the media market...if NDSU isn't getting an invite, why on earth do you think one is coming for UM and MSU (remember, the BOR has made it clear that any move up is a package deal).

OSU is light years ahead of UNR. Their coach was making $2m/year, Choate is making $700k. UNR head coach is basically moving laterally from MSU with a decent salary bump. OSU is in an entirely different category, and it's not even close.

All that said, I dont get the vibes from Vigen that he is ready to leave. It's just that hes not likely to get a better opportunity than OSU. More likely he gets an offer at a P4 as a DC or a lower tier G6 school HC like Choate did (like at Colorado State).

There are some clear demographic differences between Oregon and Oklahoma that play into available FBS in-state talent.