Some quick notes from the press conference: Athletic Director Rick Greenspan and the newly signed IU coach Bill Lynch were the ones taking questions. Some quick observations from what both had to say:
Greenspan: Greenspan went through the year and described the highs and lows, starting with the passing of Terry Hoeppner. Greenspan specifically talked about how down the team looked after the Northwestern lost, but how proud he was when they responded and beat Purdue the next week. Greenspan talked about how Lynch embraced Hoeppner's vision of the program, but still put his own stamp on the team. Namely moving Nick Polk from wide receiver to safety, changing the defense and their response in setting the school record for sacks. On offense, Greenspan mentioned how Lynch kept trying to establish a running game.
Lynch: In typical Lynch fashion, he dished off credit to anyone and everyone. He first thanked President Michael McRobbie and Greenspan, then adressed the Hoeppner family. He then went on to credit his coaching staff, who he said most of which were out recruting. Finally he thanked the players, namely the seniors for their support.
Without directly saying it, Greenspan implied the Purdue game was the difference. He even admitted that he looked into potential other head coaches before saying that Lynch had a 'nine month interview.'
Again, more quotes and information to come later today, be sure to check back. Do you think if IU lost to Purdue Lynch would have been re-hired? Again, feel free to sound off on whatever is on your minds with this hire.
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Just got word from IU media relations that there will be a press conference today at noon announcing that IU coach Bill Lynch will remain head coach and will be signed through 2012.
More details to come following the press conference, but for now here are some pro's and con's of Lynch and his first year at the helm
Pro's: The obvious one, IU is in all likelyhood going to a bowl game for the first time since 1993. The Hoosiers also beat rival Purdue in a must win game. Another positive this team displayed was they beat all non-conference opponents. There was no shocking upset for the Hoosiers this year. As for Lynch personally he was close friends with the late Terry Hoeppner and since taking over for the team has embraced the philosophy and startegies that Hoeppner had. Lynch also provides stability for a team that has had 3 head coaches in five years.
Con's: The Hoosiers still got rocked on the road at Wisconsin and Michigan State, as well as blew a two possesion lead to Northwestern, which at the time seemed like a must win. The Hoosiers also lost a winnable homecoming game to Penn State, but gave the game away because of turnovers. Turnovers - namely fumbles - have plagued the team all year and showed no signs of improvement as the year went on.
Is this a good move for the football program?
