Durkac Fired

[Adunk33]

https://twitter.com/Pg_Reinhardt/status/1001496279589896192

 

[ChiRedbirdfan]

I hope this coach did not have a guaranteed multi-year contract that ISU has to pay to end.

 

[Reggie Redbird]

I'm guessing he had one year left on his deal. I heard nothing over the years about any extensions, and giving him one with downward progress would be a very bad decision that could lead to an AD or sport administrator being terminated. That would have been like giving Barb Smith an extension after year 2 or year 3.

The Valley is not better than before Bo took over. Some could argue without WSU and CU and with DBU and Valpo, the MVC is not as strong. DBU was a great addition and have produced some great results. We're probably lucky they're only D1 for baseball or another conference (C-USA? MW? AAC?) would probably try to scoop them up. However, we lost two programs who have some storied success, and Valpo is probably going to be at the bottom of the standings most years for now.

 

[MadBird]

As I sat watching the Big 10+ baseball tournament championship, I was looking at the Illinois and Purdue and Minnesota rosters to see if any of their assistants might be good candidates for our head job, wondering if Durkac might be let go. I don't know enough one way or the other, I know some of you don't like our AD, but he pulled the plug on Barb Smith and got some pretty decent early results from Coach Gillespie. Here's hoping he gets the same kind of promise after cutting our losses with Durkac. Kingston was a great get, from Tulane I think altho he had Purdue experience too, so whether we go to "traditional baseball territory" down south, or Big 10 or WSU or CU type assistants, hope we can "make a splash".

 

[Reggie Redbird]

This change was definitely needed.

I hope they look at Nate Metzger. Created the Heartland CC Baseball program. Had over 400 wins with a .800 win %, familiar with the recruiting trail, and several of his players went on to become Redbirds. He’s now an assistant coach/recruiting coordinator at Wright State.

I was hoping Nate would be able to work out being an asst here in the past but he may apply. If not as a HC, a new coach could bring him in to be recruiting coordinator.

Another Kingston asst is Mike Current. He started here as a volunteer asst and worked his way up. He’s now Kingston’s recruiting coordinator at South Carolina.

I’m sure there are plenty of guys with and without connections here who will be interested.

Anyone hired has to know he will get 4 years or more, unless the first 3 seasons are absolutely no progress is being made and the record is abysmal. We aren’t afraid to spend big $$$ to send the team on nice trips, especially this year’s to Hawaii.

 

[Birdswin]

I am glad Larry pulled the trigger. From what I have learned - the senior players unloaded in their exit interviews with an assistant AD, several of the underclassmen parents called and emailed to complain, and there were messages from concerned alums as well.

I wonder if consideration will be given to any of the former players who played in MLB?? I understand there may be interest there - how much, I do not know.

 

[Birdswin]

I have heard a rumor that Mike Current will become the new HC, once South Carolina is done with their season at the College World Series.

 

[Reggie Redbird]

I have heard a rumor that Mike Current will become the new HC, once South Carolina is done with their season at the College World Series.

He was connected here before Kingston but still worked his way up. He is tied to the area and has built up even more national credibility. He is in my top-3 for sure. As a person, this would be a great hire. As a Redbird, you wouldn't find anyone who has sacrificed more over the past 10 or so years.

 

[Birdswin]

I hear that Rodney Kellar is rather upset his son got fired. From everything I know, he was a terrible pitching coach. Did not know much about mechanics - would often just tell the pitchers to throw to certain spots - instead of providing instruction on what it takes to be able to pitch and hit those spots. I have several former roommates and friends who were pitchers, well on to be successful high school coaches, and have since retired from teaching, but continue to provide pitching lessons. All to a person have said, a change was needed with the pitching coach as well.

 

[isuquinndog]

I didn't know he was of that Kellar family. Michael didn't go to ISU, right?

 

[Reggie Redbird]

I hear that Rodney Kellar is rather upset his son got fired. From everything I know, he was a terrible pitching coach. Did not know much about mechanics - would often just tell the pitchers to throw to certain spots - instead of providing instruction on what it takes to be able to pitch and hit those spots. I have several former roommates and friends who were pitchers, well on to be successful high school coaches, and have since retired from teaching, but continue to provide pitching lessons. All to a person have said, a change was needed with the pitching coach as well.

I can understand being upset; however, assistants, just like any department staffer can get fired/contract not renewed as leadership changes. Not every assistant gets let go when a head coach changes (a la the White Sox with Don Cooper) but what new head coach wants his assistants assigned to him?

Whatever happened - our pitching, our defense, our hitting, our recruiting, etc - it led to 3 very poor seasons and a record over 50 games under .500. We were not competitive. A change of Captains of the ship was necessary.

 

[PurpleRedbird]

He's Rodney's only son. Played baseball at Niagra. Was a 3 sport athlete and played in all-star games this senior year in football (safety), basketball, and baseball.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[Redbird28]

I hear it will not be Drew Dickinson. I'm curious if it will be Greg Goff. He has the profile of a guy that has what it takes to turn a program around.

 

[isuquinndog]

Randy says he hears it will be a B10(how ever many they have) assistant.

https://twitter.com/Pg_Reinhardt/status/1008836827350958080

 

[RedbirdSoxFan]

Randy says he hears it will be a B10(how ever many they have) assistant.

https://twitter.com/Pg_Reinhardt/status/1008836827350958080

Patrick Casey?

 

[MadBird]

Okay, I'm getting restless. Isn't it time for at least an article from Reinhardt or someone telling us who the candidates are?? Please??

 

[cpacmel]

http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/steve_holm_1020269.html

 

[Redbird28]

Well, it's a Purdue assistant, but not the one I thought it might be. After reading about him, I still like Goff's profile better, but Holm comes with ML experience which could go a long way in recruiting.

 

[isuquinndog]

Here's the press release from Purdue.

http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/062218aab.html