I literally know nothing about the UIC situation, but I had a couple of ex-players who Coach(ed) at the DI level give me a call.
To give background, both these players were "name" players; Bandits/Lightning travel, All-State High School, had All in front of their names in college, 4-year starters in P4/Mid-Major schools, etd.
Both went into coaching immediately and built solid assistant resumes at the Division I level, leaving programs better than they found them. The next step for both is to become a Head Coach.
Both of them are getting completely out of college coaching. When you see an "unqualified" candidate getting these jobs, you need to understand that the applicant pools aren't as deep as they used to be. Being a College Head Coach isn't really about Coaching. It's about putting up with Administrative requirements and dealing with entitled families, who, if they're successful, want money, or if they're not successful, want you fired.
This isn't a blanket statement, but if we're driving away the Umps and potential coaches, maybe we need to look in the mirror.
Re: UIC Context
Posted by @X on June 4, 2025, 2:21 pm, in reply to "UIC Context"
Very interesting information. I'm sure that more than one dynamic is at play here, though I'm certainly not questioning the accuracy of the sentiments you've relayed...
Some of this reminds me of what has transpired in college sports, where several incumbent or longer tenured coaches have said "the hell with it" and moved into the broadcast booth. I get it - they don't want to debase themselves (think Les Miles in those dumb recruiting videos or Jim Harbaugh sleeping in recruit's rooms).
At the same time, the sports remain alluring - and the money is improving. Sadly, it may come down to a marketplace of umpires making $75K+ a year, and coaches making even more than they do now, to attract folks willing to put up with the junk that comes along with youth/collegiate sports.
But, the short and long term potential for sports entertainment is just too high for it to be derailed by a potential lack of umpires or coaches. It will just get more expensive... for all of us.
Re: UIC Context
Posted by @@X on June 6, 2025, 9:51 am, in reply to "Re: UIC Context"
When you look at the compensation for Assistant Coaches, there doesn't seem to be much thought about the cost of living. It appears that they all receive a salary ranging from $ 40,000 to $ 70,000, regardless of their location. Even with the camp money included, it would be tough to live in the Chicago area on $ 40,000.
Re: UIC Context
Posted by @X on June 4, 2025, 12:29 pm, in reply to "UIC Context"
Amen, just started lessons with an ex coach. Great knowlege and love for the game, but has no desire to coach at the college level.
