New Coach?

[mbenecke]

ESPN's Pete Thamel is reporting that, "Bowling Green is targeting Southern Utah coach Todd Simon to be the school’s next basketball coach. A deal is expected to come together in the upcoming days. He's won 20 or more games three-straight seasons there."

Sounds like it's pretty much a done deal.

https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1 ... 4447947799

[Globetrotter]

https://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/southern-utah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOXZn5YWVrc

[Flipper]

Maybe a question mark is in order on that title...at least until it's official

[mbenecke]

Maybe a question mark is in order on that title...at least until it's official

Noted.

I do, however, take this as pretty official. Thamel is extremely trustworthy, and I believe he wouldn't report that without real confirmation that it's happening. Combining that with the smoke around the situation and I'm fairly confident we have our guy. Things could always change until he signs a contract, but I'm counting on it.

[mbenecke]

Another insider reports that we're hiring Todd Simon.

https://twitter.com/GoodmanHoops/status ... 14787?s=20

[BillyLP]

Another insider reports that we're hiring Todd Simon.

https://twitter.com/GoodmanHoops/status ... 14787?s=20

Was just coming here to say this. Jeff Goodman doesn't miss. Looks like Todd Simon is our new man.

[BillyLP]

Todd Simon - 42 years old from Fowler, Michigan

At Southern Utah since 2016 with a 118-106 record.

SUU in Big Sky
2016/17 - 6-27
2017/18 - 13-19
2018/19 - 17-17
2019/20 - 17-15
2020/21 - 20-4
2021/22 - 23-12

SUU in WAC
2022/23 - 22-12

Also went 9-8 as head coach of UNLV in 2016 as interim head coach and went 192-9 as head coach at Findlay Prep High School.

Not a ton of postseason experience, including no NIT or NCAA appearances. Seems to use the portal well. Had 7 transfers on his roster this past season from schools ranging from Illinois to Wyoming to Central Michigan.

[maskedopining]

I have to say that the more I look into this guy, the more I am excited with the fit and what he can bring to this program. Based on what so many of you posted on this board about what was needed, it seems this guy’s background fits those needs. We’ll see!

When Huger was hired, the more I looked into his coaching background, the more concerns I had. I remained hopeful because I loved him as a player here and because he is a great person.

[BillyLP]

The question mark can now be removed, by the way. SUU Associate Head Coach who is taking over in the interim retweeted the Goodman tweet confirming that Simon is headed to BG. Big props to guest44 for being the first person to identify this connection.

[factman]

From Michigan and currently only making about $150,000 at SUU..

[BillyLP]

Sounds like his Assoc. HC, Flynn Clayman, will be the leading candidate to replace him. Another of his assistant coaches is former Michigan State player, Lourawls Nairn. I'd expect him to be coming along to BG. Young coach (28) who knows the area is always good to have. Also has Prep School head coaching experience. The other assistant coach on staff is Bryce Martin, who is from Portland, Oregon and does not have any Midwest ties, so less likely to be joining.

[BillyLP]

From Michigan and currently only making about $150,000 at SUU..

I believe that must have been his first year salary. He made around $360,000 this past season. $280k base with 80k in incentives and benefits.

[Flipper]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=htt ... AdAAAAABAD

A New Era begins!!!

[factman]

From Michigan and currently only making about $150,000 at SUU..

I believe that must have been his first year salary. He made around $360,000 this past season. $280k base with 80k in incentives and benefits.

Also probably crossed paths with our AD at CMU.
Makes sense. I just googled it.

[hammb]

I have to say that the more I look into this guy, the more I am excited with the fit and what he can bring to this program. Based on what so many of you posted on this board about what was needed, it seems this guy’s background fits those needs. We’ll see!

When Huger was hired, the more I looked into his coaching background, the more concerns I had. I remained hopeful because I loved him as a player here and because he is a great person.

I'm with you. Listening to him on that podcast interview that Globe posted, the fact they kicked our ass last year, the fact that he built their program up and won 20+ games for 3 straight years. Top 3 in their conference (moved to WAC this year) each of the past 3 seasons. Coached at an elite HS level with future NBA guys. They had only 2 15 win seasons in the 2000s before his hiring (the most recent in '06-'07) and he's had them at 17+ wins for 5 straight years. That's a track record of turning things around, and he sustained it even through COVID and with the new transfer rules.

I was going to get excited about anybody, but honestly I like his resume moreso than any of the other names we saw mentioned.