Big Ten Football Coach Rankings
The Minnesota Golden Gophers have played some good football over the last few years. It is sad what has happened with their coaching situation, though.
Tracy Claeys now has to step into some pretty big shoes. He is taking over for Jerry Kill who has Minnesota heading in the right direction.
More from Writing Illini
- Illinois Football: 5 Illini players who need more snaps against FAU
- Illinois football vs. Florida Atlantic first half and game betting lines
- Bret Bielema has made Illinois football a nationally competitive program
- Illinois Football: Predicting how the Illini will finish the 2023 season
- Illinois Football: Illini quarterback controversy is on the horizon
I am a skeptic when it comes to Claeys, though. I think he has a great knowledge on the defensive side of the ball but the offensive is what needs help.
Claeys also doesn’t have any head coaching experience except for the few games last year. In the span Claeys was the interim head coach, he had a record of 2-4.
The Golden Gophers are coming off a 6-7 season in which they won the Quick Lane Bowl versus Central Michigan.
While this was a bowl victory, it wasn’t exactly an impressive feat. I think we could see a decline in 2016 as well.
Claeys has to prove that he can win at the college level as a head coach. He didn’t have a good record in the six games he coached last season and he only had a recruiting class that ranked 46th in the nation in 2016.
There is a lot of work for Claeys ahead. With his inexperience at head coach and lack of focus on offense, I have him as the No. 11 head coach.
Next: No. 10