Bigger Impact

[Winners Circle]

Figured this would be a fun 'dog days of summer' discussion.

In an offseason that I feel has seen more head coaching changes than normal, who do we think has a bigger impact on their respective program?

• Donny Pritzlaff - Columbia
• Donnie Vinson - Buffalo
• Ben Bennett - Central Michigan
• David Taylor - Okie State
• Adam Hall - Utah Valley

The question is not who will place higher at NCAA's, because obviously Taylor would be the frontrunner for that. But, who will have more success compared to where they finished last year. Who will see the most improvement in the first year, in 3 years, and in 5 years?

For me, I still think the answer is David Taylor to all three. But I see Vinson and Hall both doing great things. Both of those two were left with a relatively bare cupboard and it's only a matter of time before they start getting higher level recruits (UVU has already started with Bearclaw) and developing the under-the radar kids.

[Schuteandscore]

I think Pritzlaff makes a big impact at Columbia.  Has made big impacts every school he has been tied to and even though he has been out of competition for some time, is still a name that can pull in good recruiting classes, especially being a Jersey guy.  Wisconsin had several top 10 finishes while he was there.  Helped coach the first two national champions in Rutger's history.  I think he makes the biggest impact.

[Hillbilly Jim]

I agree with everything you said. 

[Winners Circle]

19 hours ago, Schuteandscore said:

I think Pritzlaff makes a big impact at Columbia.  Has made big impacts every school he has been tied to and even though he has been out of competition for some time, is still a name that can pull in good recruiting classes, especially being a Jersey guy.  Wisconsin had several top 10 finishes while he was there.  Helped coach the first two national champions in Rutger's history.  I think he makes the biggest impact.

I don't doubt Donnie as a coach in any way. I actually think he's one of, if not the, most qualified/credentialed coach on that list. I am just handicapping Columbia's top end success. I can't imagine recruiting there is very easy.

[AgaveMaria]

Adam Hall and Donnie, in that order.

UVU has potential but has been held back since Cody Sanderson left. I think Hall will right the ship and the program will improve.

[Schuteandscore]

2 hours ago, Winners Circle said:

I don't doubt Donnie as a coach in any way. I actually think he's one of, if not the, most qualified/credentialed coach on that list. I am just handicapping Columbia's top end success. I can't imagine recruiting there is very easy.

Agree that it will be a challenge.  I was just basing my response on his past proven success, and your question posed as not "who will place higher at NCAA's" but who will make the biggest impact.  I am hoping Pritzlaff does.

[nhs67]

(Un)fortunately for DT and OSU, they could improve eight spots and still finish 100 points behind Penn State and in 2nd place.

Last year's placements, for discussions sake from the OP:

Oklahoma State - 10th
Columbia - 30th
Central Michigan - 42nd
Buffalo - 53rd
Utah Valley - 56th

Seeing the placements, I think Central Michigan has the easier path.  Columbia is a borderline Top 25 squad as it is, so I think they aren't far from their peak.  Vinson likely has the most difficult job, being as the only talent that was in Buffalo left.  I believe in Hall, it is just more of a 5 year plan.  Since he is a west coast guy, that might be enough to keep him out there long-term.  If not, I expect a more prestigious school to swoop him up before the 10 year plan can take hold.  Pretty sure Oklahoma State will be competing for titles within the next 5 years, so that alone makes it so he wins, but he still might not gain the most places.