Worst FB coaching gig in the B1G?

[alenz95]

It's close between Purdue and Indiana, but it has to be Purdue. Neither of those schools have much in the way of history, but Indiana is at least technically the state flagship school. One of the biggest problems those two face is that they both play second fiddle within their own state to Notre Dame. Indiana isn't terrible at high school football, but a lot of the top kids are going to South Bend or out of State. At least the other schools on this list are, essentially, their state's only large school. or in Northwestern's case have something unique to sell in a word class education. There are just so many disadvantages built into each of those jobs, and they don't even get the benefit the other schools have in convincing top in state talent to stay home at their state's flagship.

 

[GoHawks]

They were better with Gary Barnett in the 90's. I think Northwestern has an underrated fanbase/student body. You can sell Northwestern as a life decision for a lot of decent athletes the same way Notre Dame does. A Northwestern degree is worth a lot when your NFL dreams get crushed like a tomato. Plus, all you have to do at Northwestern is get to .500 or a little better. Anything after that is gravy.

Barnett had 2 great years but never had the stability of Fitz when he left they were back in the cellar as well. In my opinion I think NW should ideally try to always have an alum coach the team. Somebody that has passion for the school that you mention because I think outsiders could be a bit of a fish out of water and their administration handles things a bit differently

 

[AuH2O]

Northwestern. Tougher academic standards than everybody else, close enough to a bunch of schools that raid your region, which despite its population isn’t great at turning out talent, and can hardly outnumber opposing fanbases at home games.

Then Indiana for reasons already raised. Purdue is there with them. Their coach is damn good, though.

Rutgers at least is the only team in a football talent rich state. Similar with Maryland.

Nebraska sucks because expectations are not realistic, but it’s not like they can’t get talent. Up until this year they have pretty consistently been in the 15-25 range recruiting wise going back to the Pelini days. They simply have a ****** coach.

Absolutely not Minn. big metro, no other D1 schools in your state. Only downside is fans are preoccupied with pro teams, but otherwise it’s a good job.

 

[AuH2O]

They were better with Gary Barnett in the 90's. I think Northwestern has an underrated fanbase/student body. You can sell Northwestern as a life decision for a lot of decent athletes the same way Notre Dame does. A Northwestern degree is worth a lot when your NFL dreams get crushed like a tomato. Plus, all you have to do at Northwestern is get to .500 or a little better. Anything after that is gravy.

Northwestern has a terrible fanbase. They almost never have a home field advantage. Despite being solid for 15 years they get like 35,000 and only because it’s relatively easy for visiting fans to show up.
And while for a few the academics are a good sell, I don’t think any coach wood say high academic standards are a net positive for recruiting.