Replace Porter! Replace Porter!

[akzipper]

I heard Jim Tressel was in the student union yesterday...maybe?

[fknbuflobo]

Who was Caleb's assistant who left for a head coaching position a couple of years ago (to VCU, I think?) What do you guys think of him?

I am only thinking of him because he is already a head coach and was trained by Caleb.

Dave Giffard

Virginia Commonwealth

[Zip_ME87]

I definitely hear you on this one.

You make a few assumptions which are probably true, but are assumptions nonetheless.

We assume that Jared Embick wants the job. Duh. We also assume that the others on Porter’s staff would stay should Embick take the job.

I still want to look around before pulling the trigger on Embick. For all we know, it is already a done deal.

Ps. Is it possible that Stuart Dobson has improved Meves’ punts? Can that really happen?

I'm confident that I'm not making assumptions. Also, I don't think we should wait too long. One thing that Caleb has given us is time. If a decision can be made soon that Akron is continuing our brand/style of soccer, then our coaches will be able to sell Akron to any new recruits to whom they are likely already talking. Remember, LOI day is in February. Those players aren't just recruited at the end of a season. If I remember correctly, we already have at least 1 verbal and perhaps more. I haven't looked for awhile. Those players need assurances that we're trying to remain with the same brand which is different (better) than others.

Giving Jared and the rest of the staff 1 year (interim) would be a win-win for all, in my opinion. If they do well, they will receive longer term contracts. If not, we can move on from there. It seems riskier to me to just up and make a complete change after this season.

[Zip_ME87]

Who was Caleb's assistant who left for a head coaching position a couple of years ago (to VCU, I think?) What do you guys think of him?

I am only thinking of him because he is already a head coach and was trained by Caleb.

As was already posted, Dave Giffard at VCU. However, I'll point out that Jared Embick has also already been a head coach (see GoZips.com bio excerpt below). He was also a coach with the Cleveland Internationals Soccer Club, but it's not mentioned in his GoZips.com bio.... http://www.internationalssoccer.com/boys/staff/coaches (scroll down the page)

Prior to joining the Zips, Embick spent four seasons as the head men’s soccer coach at Missouri Baptist University. There he oversaw operation of the entire soccer program, including practice planning, recruiting, scheduling, fundraising, budget planning and development and academic monitoring.

During his four seasons the men posted a record of 47-21-8, including the program’s first NAIA regional tournament berth in 2003. In 2006, the school achieved its highest-ever national ranking at No. 7.

In addition, Embick took over head coaching duties for the women’s program in 2006. In all he spent six years with the Spartans, including two seasons as a graduate assistant (2000-01) and one season as assistant coach (2002) with the men’s program.

While at Missouri Baptist, Embick also served as assistant coach for River Cities FC of the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). There he assisted with practice planning and recruiting, helping to lead the squad to a 13-2-1 record in its inaugural season and an appearance in the WPSL national final.

Embick has kept active at the club level, working as a part-time staff coach with Metro United (2000-06) and Marion Lightening (1999).

His experience at the collegiate level includes serving as a staff coach with the Indiana University Soccer Camp (2001-05) and the Duke University Soccer Camp (2003).

[Zip_ME87]

This year is essentially an audition year. I can see Porter handing off some responsibilities to the assistants and trying to groom them to take over.

I don't think so. As long as Caleb is the head coach, he'll continue coaching the same as he always has. I witnessed nothing different in Omaha other than perhaps a little more hands on direction than usual.

[Crew8]

I think a strong possibility for the new head coaching position next season could be Brian Maisonneuve.

Yeagley, Maisonneuve still feel at home in Columbus

Strong background and I'm sure he's looking for the right opportunity to land a head coaching position. Ties to Porter, Columbus, Indiana, and the National team as a coach and player.

[bobbyake]

I think a strong possibility for the new head coaching position next season could be Brian Maisonneuve.

Yeagley, Maisonneuve still feel at home in Columbus

Strong background and I'm sure he's looking for the right opportunity to land a head coaching position. Ties to Porter, Columbus, Indiana, and the National team as a coach and player.

I don't believe the job will go to an assistant unless it's Embick. There are going to be college head coaches around the nation gunning for this job.

[Crew8]

I don't believe the job will go to an assistant unless it's Embick. There are going to be college head coaches around the nation gunning for this job.

I don't believe it will necessarily be a head coach from another University.

As mentioned by Z.I.P. earlier in this thread.

IU #1 Ass't Coach Brian Maissoneuve is in similar position to where Caleb Porter occupied seven years ago, and should receive a long look.

[Valpo Zip]

I don't believe it will necessarily be a head coach from another University.

As mentioned by Z.I.P. earlier in this thread.

IU #1 Ass't Coach Brian Maissoneuve is in similar position to where Caleb Porter occupied seven years ago, and should receive a long look.

That's true but our program is in a much better position today compared to where we were seven years ago.

[bobbyake]

I don't believe it will necessarily be a head coach from another University.

As mentioned by Z.I.P. earlier in this thread.

IU #1 Ass't Coach Brian Maissoneuve is in similar position to where Caleb Porter occupied seven years ago, and should receive a long look.

Seven years ago, we were replacing a successful coach that quit on our program because he didn't believe it could reach the top. Porter has proven to everyone that Akron can reach the top and was well compensated (highest paid college soccer coach) for doing so. Akron has a legacy that needs maintained (hire a proven head coach), not built (take a risk on an assistant coach).

[jem101]

Seven years ago, we were replacing a successful coach that quit on our program because he didn't believe it could reach the top. Porter has proven to everyone that Akron can reach the top and was well compensated (highest paid college soccer coach) for doing so. Akron has a legacy that needs maintained (hire a proven head coach), not built (take a risk on an assistant coach).

I completely agree. My only exception would be Embick. Personally, he's who I want from a coaching perspective. I'm sure he can continue the play of "sexy football." The only thing that concerns me is the recruiting aspect. I have no idea if he can be a good recruiter.

[Zip_ME87]

Seven years ago, we were replacing a successful coach that quit on our program because he didn't believe it could reach the top. Porter has proven to everyone that Akron can reach the top and was well compensated (highest paid college soccer coach) for doing so. Akron has a legacy that needs maintained (hire a proven head coach), not built (take a risk on an assistant coach).

The only known is that Caleb Porter will not be the Zips Head Coach next season. Hiring an existing head coach brings no more guarantees than hiring a well-qualified assistant.

[Zip_ME87]

I completely agree. My only exception would be Embick. Personally, he's who I want from a coaching perspective. I'm sure he can continue the play of "sexy football." The only thing that concerns me is the recruiting aspect. I have no idea if he can be a good recruiter.

If Embick were named head coach, Porter and he could continue to recruit for next season now. Also, thanks to Caleb, Akron recruits itself. With Embick named as the head coach, that may still continue because the system would not change even though Caleb is leaving. No guarantees, but this would be my preferred approach.

[schiri]

If Embick were named head coach, Porter and he could continue to recruit for next season now. Also, thanks to Caleb, Akron recruits itself. With Embick named as the head coach, that may still continue because the system would not change even though Caleb is leaving. No guarantees, but this would be my preferred approach.

Confucius say you are a wise man.

[bobbyake]

I completely agree. My only exception would be Embick. Personally, he's who I want from a coaching perspective. I'm sure he can continue the play of "sexy football." The only thing that concerns me is the recruiting aspect. I have no idea if he can be a good recruiter.

From what I've been told, Embick was the main recruiter for a lot of our top players.

[fknbuflobo]

Though it pains me to say it, Akron DOES NOT recruit itself! Please stop saying that.

Location recruits itself, and traditional success recruits itself. Neither of these exists in Akron, OH. Certainly, the first does not apply. Hawaii recruits itself. Furman recruits itself. New Mexico, UCSB, Indiana, UCLA, Maryland, and UNC recruit “itselves”. Akron does not recruit itself; people recruit for it.

Top recruits have come to Akron recently because of the charisma of one man. These recruits correctly identified Porter's program as a conduit to the professional ranks, because of the style, because of the linkage to the national teams. Porter is the type of tough leader that young men would follow into battle. He is a natural leader of men. Porter's star power must be replaced.

Can Embick do this? I am not so sure. Porter is naturally going to recommend his assistant; he is loyal to his man. This is commendable of Porter, but UA does not need to blindly take his recommendation. Understand that I am in no way sided against Jared Embick. Should he land the job, he will have my full support.

The question still remains: What was the process in 2006 that rendered the result of Caleb Porter. Whatever that was, we need to do that again.

Many of you youngsters out there do not fully realize how perilously close this program is to slipping from the elite, returning to the ranks of the very good also-rans, a position we have occupied for most of the program’s existence. This next hiring is monumentally important. I cannot over-emphasize that point.

[fknbuflobo]

From what I've been told, Embick was the main recruiter for a lot of our top players.

Yes, Embick did much of the ground work, but the blue-chippers did not come for Embick; they came for Porter. Ask them.

[bobbyake]

Though it pains me to say it, Akron DOES NOT recruit itself! Please stop saying that.

Location recruits itself, and traditional success recruits itself. Neither of these exists in Akron, OH. Certainly, the first does not apply. Hawaii recruits itself. Furman recruits itself. New Mexico, UCSB, Indiana, UCLA, Maryland, and UNC recruit “itselves”. Akron does not recruit itself; people recruit for it.

Top recruits have come to Akron recently because of the charisma of one man. These recruits correctly identified Porter's program as a conduit to the professional ranks, because of the style, because of the linkage to the national teams. Porter is the type of tough leader that young men would follow into battle. He is a natural leader of men. Porter's star power must be replaced.

Can Embick do this? I am not so sure. Porter is naturally going to recommend his assistant; he is loyal to his man. This is commendable of Porter, but UA does not need to blindly take his recommendation. Understand that I am in no way sided against Jared Embick. Should he land the job, he will have my full support.

The question still remains: What was the process in 2006 that rendered the result of Caleb Porter. Whatever that was, we need to do that again.

Many of you youngsters out there do not fully realize how perilously close this program is to slipping from the elite, returning to the ranks of the very good also-rans, a position we have occupied for most of the program’s existence. This next hiring is monumentally important. I cannot over-emphasize that point.

We had a different AD then. The thought of Tom Wistrcill hiring a soccer coach scares me which is why I'm hoping Embick lands the job.

[schiri]

We had a different AD then. The thought of Tom Wistrcill hiring a soccer coach scares me which is why I'm hoping Embick lands the job.

Bingo!

This man gives me no confidence whatsoever that he will make the right selection.

[Zip_ME87]

Though it pains me to say it, Akron DOES NOT recruit itself! Please stop saying that.

Top recruits have come to Akron recently because of the charisma of one man. These recruits correctly identified Porter's program as a conduit to the professional ranks, because of the style, because of the linkage to the national teams. Porter is the type of tough leader that young men would follow into battle. He is a natural leader of men. Porter's star power must be replaced.

The question still remains: What was the process in 2006 that rendered the result of Caleb Porter. Whatever that was, we need to do that again.

Yes, Porter is the reason recruits come to Akron. What I mean is that currently Akron (with Porter) recruits itself. We can possibly continue that for 1 more year if Embick is selected by showing that the Akron system is not changing. That would change for the following season if Embick is given the chance, but is not successful. I still think that Embick is the best option at this time. Give him a year, if he would agree, to prove himself. Making a wholesale change, even for another successful head coach, seems like a bigger risk to me.

As far as the process in 2006, that AD IS GONE. THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN as much as you wish it could.

EDIT: By the way, I realize there is no perfect answer to replacing the best Head Coach that Akron has ever had. There is risk in any approach that is taken. Our Men's Soccer Program means a lot to me. My opinion is that what we have works, and we should try to continue it. Caleb Porter was relatively unknown when he came to Akron. I don't think we have to hire a "name" in order to continue our success. I think Jared has put in a lot of hard work helping to build what we have and should be at least given an opportunity to show that he can continue it if he wants it.

[jem101]

One other thing, everyone keeps saying we need to emulate the process we used when hiring Porter. While I agree with that, it makes me wonder... how much of the Porter signing was luck? I don't follow college soccer enough nationally, but you see assistants hired all the time in other sports that fail miserably. I'm sure they interview great and lay out a great vision for success, but when it comes to wins and losses they fail. To me, that's the biggest reason to be wary about going for an assistant. Too much uncertainty and chance are in the equation with hiring an assistant.

[Crew8]

One other thing, everyone keeps saying we need to emulate the process we used when hiring Porter. While I agree with that, it makes me wonder... how much of the Porter signing was luck? I don't follow college soccer enough nationally, but you see assistants hired all the time in other sports that fail miserably. I'm sure they interview great and lay out a great vision for success, but when it comes to wins and losses they fail. To me, that's the biggest reason to be wary about going for an assistant. Too much uncertainty and chance are in the equation with hiring an assistant.

You could say luck is involved in any situation hiring Embick or any other head/assistant coach in the country. If Embick is given the chance, I'd support it 100%, but it doesn't necessarily mean he's the correct man for the job. If Porter doesn't think Embick is ready for the head coaching position. I'm positive he'll be honest with the situation just like he is with his players in them having a starting role.

In my opinion, I do believe it will be someone else though.

[AkronZip54321]

One thing that any player or former college player would tell you is that you do not have the same relationship with an assistant as you do a head coach. It's VERY hard for an assistant at the same program to become a head coach after for this exact reason.

I'm really on board with Maissounauve. He is a name that will attract big name recruits to Akron like Porter did. He is a guy that knows what it takes to build national championship teams. He's even played at the highest levels professionally.

[RootforRoo44]

Check out an ASN reader/ZN.o member's letter to Tom Wistrcill regarding Porter's successor:

A Letter to the AD Regarding Porter's Successor

[Z.I.P.]

Check out an ASN reader/ZN.o member's letter to Tom Wistrcill regarding Porter's successor:

A Letter to the AD Regarding Porter's Successor

Ahem...aka fknbuflobo.

I share part of your concern, because I feel Embick lacks the national name recognition needed -- and the experience outside Caleb's cocoon to lead a national recruiting program. Because of that, I am surprised you fail to mention Kenny Arena. He's just about the same age Caleb was seven years ago (31 I believe, a year older, amazingly). For those who remember, the old AD regime brought "Old Man Arena" USMNT Coach Bruce onto the search committee at that time. What role he had time to play is a good question. The name cache' alone created a buzz of attention at the time. I like Maisonneuve also -- like Caleb in 2005, he should know his potential to replace his current boss anytime soon is very low. Take a look at Billy Thompson (Crew Academy Coaching Dir.), who I mentioned earlier. He's well known enough in the region, and is a former UCLA All-American.