Walter Offutt

[AgGrad88]

Maybe this has been discussed elsewhere... But what on earth happened to Walter? He was hired in to be our head assistant... his wife had a baby and then he went MIA. I've heard employers giving paternity leave to employees... but there has to be more to the story.

 

[isuquinndog]

This was in the game notes for the UIC game:

Illinois State Assistant Basketball Coach, Walter Offutt, and his wife Nicole are the proud parents of a healthy baby boy. We wish Coach Offutt and his family the best. Current Men's Basketball Chief of Staff, Mike Mastroianni, will cover the assistant basketball coach role while Coach Offutt is on parental leave.

 

[isuquinndog]

Sounds like they just had the baby? I'm not sure how far along she was.

 

[Dmills]

It has seemed like a long time, especially since he hasn't been on the bench at all this season. I have started to wonder when he will be back. It will be interesting how it changes the dynamic of the team considering he also hasn't been at practices for the majority of the season. Props to Coach Pedon for seemingly allowing the Offutts to spend plenty of time with their son. I hope he is enjoying the family time and I hope to see him on the bench soon!

 

[Tpguy]

hope the family is healthy

 

[MadBird]

hope the family is healthy

That's what I was thinking, we have no idea if there are any issues.

 

[Birdswin]

Well, if everyone is doing well - then he needs to get back and start coaching. That is what he is getting paid to do. I had 4 kids - now ages 37, 27, 25, and 23. The second child has issues - took off a month. The other three were all fine - one week for each. Back to work.

 

[BirdGrad2011]

Well, if everyone is doing well - then he needs to get back and start coaching. That is what he is getting paid to do. I had 4 kids - now ages 37, 27, 25, and 23. The second child has issues - took off a month. The other three were all fine - one week for each. Back to work.

Nobody gives a **** what you did 30-40 years ago. Children need their parents and I fully support Offutt taking as much time as needed. This country is so ass backwards when it comes to parental leave and vacation time.

 

[Redbird222]

Illiniis State offers Paternity leave and he can get 8 weeks for Paternity Leave and 12 weeks for FMLA but Paternity Leave and FMLA are taken concurrently. I would suspect he would be back soon ... assuming everything is ok. I thought she was due shortly after Meet the Redbirds

3.2.20 Parental Leave | Policy | Illinois State University

policy.illinoisstate.edu

 

[Tpguy]

Well, if everyone is doing well - then he needs to get back and start coaching. That is what he is getting paid to do. I had 4 kids - now ages 37, 27, 25, and 23. The second child has issues - took off a month. The other three were all fine - one week for each. Back to work.

scrooge

 

[redbirdron1]

I believe some have misinterpreted Birdswin.. a great fan just saying we need Offutt back to add Value

 

[SgtHulka]

I think we sorely miss an extra mind on the bench for games and practice. Hope all is well with his nibblet!

 

[Reggie Redbird]

I wish Offutt would be back. I think we could really use him in helping developing players annd recruiting. Although, I am personally doubtful that occurs this season; I hope I’m wrong. If he does come back, great. If not, I wish him best in the future.

 

[BirdGrad2011]

It has been quite some time since we’ve had an update or even a mention on Walt. He’s still listed on the staff page and we know baby was born. We are not owed any explanation in his absence, but I do hope he, wife, and baby are healthy and happy. Just wish we had hard confirmation on his return or even a vague update. The silence is just weird.

 

[DougSutton]

It has been quite some time since we’ve had an update or even a mention on Walt. He’s still listed on the staff page and we know baby was born. We are not owed any explanation in his absence, but I do hope he, wife, and baby are healthy and happy. Just wish we had hard confirmation on his return or even a vague update. The silence is just weird.

Agreed on all of the above. It's strange to not hear anything. I know we live in a different age today where co-parents can choose to take extended family leave after a child is born but not hearing any type of official status update is concerning. I hope he and his family are healthy first and foremost.

 

[BirdGrad2011]

Agreed on all of the above. It's strange to not hear anything. I know we live in a different age today where co-parents can choose to take extended family leave after a child is born but not hearing any type of official status update is concerning. I hope he and his family are healthy first and foremost.

Exactly. Hope he just chose an extended leave and nothing negative.

 

[MadBird]

Question for the coaches show? Could be asked diplomatically enough - "Any update on when Coach Offut may return?" We don't need to know any of the "personal stuff" if there is any, just what up.

 

[BirdGrad2011]

Question for the coaches show? Could be asked diplomatically enough - "Any update on when Coach Offut may return?" We don't need to know any of the "personal stuff" if there is any, just what up.

This or Benson to ask. Even just a “we can’t wait for his return in the coming months.” Would be something.

 

[SlackBooDom]

It would seem with the working relationship between a beat writer and a coach that maybe Pedon or someone from ISU Admin has told Jim not to bring it up? It would likely be covered by now by someone if not for something they’d rather not say, for whatever reason.

 

[BirdGrad2011]

It would seem with the working relationship between a beat writer and a coach that maybe Pedon or someone from ISU Admin has told Jim not to bring it up? It would likely be covered by now by someone if not for something they’d rather not say, for whatever reason.

Probably but wish we had something and doesn’t need to be any real detail. Just something.