Jeff: In or Out?

After a 2nd round NIT loss to Cincinnati last night, word was Gopher head basketball coach Dan Monson is out at the U. This morning on WCCO radio, Monson said he's in. Monson told Sid Hartman he was assured by the AD Joel Maturi, that he wouldn't be fired, and said he plans on being on the Gopher sideline for next season. Sound familiar? Sound like the song and dance this school performed with another coach on their staff? Another coach who's only accomplishments has been consistent mediocrity? This is a topic I hope Jer comments on, because this is HIS school and his state, but as a Gopher fan, this drives me nuts! As much as I still want Gopher football coach Glen Mason out, the way the University dealt with his contract extension showed just how befuddled Maturi and the U are at making decisions. They're showing it again with Monson.

Here's a comparison of the two coaches:
Dan Monson
Seasons: 7
overall: 116-101
Big 10: 46-68
Big 10 Titles: 0
NCAA Tourney: 1(lost in 1st rd)
vs. "Big Boys": Illinois: 0-14
Michigan St: 3-8
vs. Rivals: Wisconsin: 2-11
Iowa: 4-7

Glen Mason
Seasons: 9
overall: 56-47
Big 10: 27-41
Big 10 Titles: 0
New Year's Day Bowl: 0
vs. "Big Boys": Michigan: 1-6
Ohio St.: 1-6
vs. Rivals: Wisconsin:3-6
Iowa: 2-7

(By the way, every other school in the Big 10 has almanacs, media guides and school sports history available right on their website. The U? Not so much. All the above stats were compiled by going to OTHER school's websites.)

Should Dan Monson be fired? The numbers say without a doubt. But then again, they say the same about Mason, and was retained. You have yet another program that's underachieving, but unlike the football program, it looks like fans have finally had enough. A paultry 2,643 showed up to watch yet another first round NIT game at The Barn, and because of Maturi handles, or doesn't handle, decisions like this, Gopher fans are going to need to avoid The Barn like it was a Packers Rally to get the message home that they expect more from their basketball program. First Mason, and now Monson, need to go. If only we could send Maturi and the administration with them.