mtgrizrule
Well-known member
As much as I enjoy the hope, talk, and possibilities with the new hire of Stitt, let's talk about the impact this hire is for Kent Haslam.
I applaud Kent for the decision to go away from the same old same old, and go against the grain with this hire. Granted, the hiring of Stitt is a gamble. Kent has some serious balls to take this gamble this early in his AD career. In my opinion, Kent just made his make or break decision. Only time will tell which way this decision leads Kent?
Honestly, it is refreshing to know he went with professional advise and recommendations that are the who of who in college football circles. He stood his ground against some heavy handed Hauck backers. He chose to go away from safe and sound in favor of hitting the jackpot or nothing at all. Professionally, Kent went "all in" drawing on the river for a gut shot straight flush. This decision also defines Kent as is own person at Montana, and not an Engstrom puppet. I have no idea what role Engstrom had in this hire, but it makes a favorable impression in my mind for Haslam.
In 3 to 5 years from now, Kent very well could have put himself in the running for major AD jobs. What a time for anyone to be the AD here. 1st hire for women's softball, a difficult hire to replace an all time great GRIZ men's basketball coach, and finally the most difficult hire for GRIZ football. All these hires within a short time of one another. Every eye in GRIZ NATION and national college football and basketball are on him to see the results of these difficult hires. I cannot see him ever having to make this many critical AD decisions in this short of time again. Could these hires be what defines Haslam and his future? In the world of college athletics in a college athletic town, I definitely feel these hires are just that for him. I bet he is damn relieved to have all the hiring behind him. No wonder he wanted this hire to be done by Christmas. Sounds like he has earned the best Christmas and New Year anyone can have.
With that said, "Cheers to you Kent." This GRIZ fan feels you have done GRIZ NATION proud. I feel GRIZ NATION will be looking to find your replacement when you move on to better things as a result of what you just did for the GRIZ.
I applaud Kent for the decision to go away from the same old same old, and go against the grain with this hire. Granted, the hiring of Stitt is a gamble. Kent has some serious balls to take this gamble this early in his AD career. In my opinion, Kent just made his make or break decision. Only time will tell which way this decision leads Kent?
Honestly, it is refreshing to know he went with professional advise and recommendations that are the who of who in college football circles. He stood his ground against some heavy handed Hauck backers. He chose to go away from safe and sound in favor of hitting the jackpot or nothing at all. Professionally, Kent went "all in" drawing on the river for a gut shot straight flush. This decision also defines Kent as is own person at Montana, and not an Engstrom puppet. I have no idea what role Engstrom had in this hire, but it makes a favorable impression in my mind for Haslam.
In 3 to 5 years from now, Kent very well could have put himself in the running for major AD jobs. What a time for anyone to be the AD here. 1st hire for women's softball, a difficult hire to replace an all time great GRIZ men's basketball coach, and finally the most difficult hire for GRIZ football. All these hires within a short time of one another. Every eye in GRIZ NATION and national college football and basketball are on him to see the results of these difficult hires. I cannot see him ever having to make this many critical AD decisions in this short of time again. Could these hires be what defines Haslam and his future? In the world of college athletics in a college athletic town, I definitely feel these hires are just that for him. I bet he is damn relieved to have all the hiring behind him. No wonder he wanted this hire to be done by Christmas. Sounds like he has earned the best Christmas and New Year anyone can have.
With that said, "Cheers to you Kent." This GRIZ fan feels you have done GRIZ NATION proud. I feel GRIZ NATION will be looking to find your replacement when you move on to better things as a result of what you just did for the GRIZ.