Brewster is different

[Doc1001]

I remember Tim Brewster as an outgoing kind of jovial-confident---spirited--happy---full of pep kind of guy. His recent press conferences shows him to be testy-impatient---feisty kind of personality. He sort of rolls his eyes and shakes his head with many questions. He has to know many of the questions he gets arent brilliant----but he needs to roll with the punches. Its not good to have the writers for the Pioneer Press and Strib on his bad side and thats where most of his recent impatience seem to be directed. I guess i think he is really feeling the pressure of his job. Maybe that will be helpful. Time will tell. But its a different Brewster I see out there lately. And thanks FBT for the great coverage.

[oleboy41]

I remember Tim Brewster as an outgoing kind of jovial-confident---spirited--happy---full of pep kind of guy. His recent press conferences shows him to be testy-impatient---feisty kind of personality. He sort of rolls his eyes and shakes his head with many questions. He has to know many of the questions he gets arent brilliant----but he needs to roll with the punches. Its not good to have the writers for the Pioneer Press and Strib on his bad side and thats where most of his recent impatience seem to be directed. I guess i think he is really feeling the pressure of his job. Maybe that will be helpful. Time will tell. But its a different Brewster I see out there lately. And thanks FBT for the great coverage.

I like it. Most good HCs are kind of testy

[Maximus]

All Fuller was asking yesterday was his expectations for Cooper (he phrased it extremely bad) but it was Brew who came off bad for it. Lighten up...he gave you a perfect opening to praise one of your guys.

[Great Plains Gopher]

He was wildly overconfident at first, then went 1-11; it's good if he's sobered up, but he can't be thin-skinned. He's got to win a few big games (Penn State or Iowa, Wisconsin, maybe USC), then he'll be getting more respect all around.

[EG#9]

I observed that Brewster looked very tired in a few videos prior to this rumored Marcus Fuller dust up. I know in the past Brewster has had a difficult relationship whith at least one other writer (not Reusse) as well.

I feel like Brewster was never given a chance by some in the media who mocked him from day one. You have Tom Powers calling him Brother Brewster, you have Pat Reusse making comments, you have Barriero on KFAN, etc,etc. I don't blame the guy if he's developed a distaste for the media he deals with on a daily basis. The only thing I will say is I wish the media would be angry about the state of Gopher football during many of our lifetimes instead of taking this sarcastic, mocking attitude toward the program that doesn't accomplish anything. Be angry or be supportive, but be serious one way or the other.

[Rickman55]

When you are tired and continually getting beaten up by the same people, I think a little impatience and fiestyness is to be expected. Give Brewster a break........

[DarrenTheGreek]

When you go to 2 bowl games in a row and the public says you are the trash of the Big Ten, I'd be pissed too.

[MBAGuy]

Or he's been sleeping for three hours a night in his office for the last six weeks and is tired and crabby.

[minngg]

I remember Tim Brewster as an outgoing kind of jovial-confident---spirited--happy---full of pep kind of guy. His recent press conferences shows him to be testy-impatient---feisty kind of personality. He sort of rolls his eyes and shakes his head with many questions. He has to know many of the questions he gets arent brilliant----but he needs to roll with the punches. Its not good to have the writers for the Pioneer Press and Strib on his bad side and thats where most of his recent impatience seem to be directed. I guess i think he is really feeling the pressure of his job. Maybe that will be helpful. Time will tell. But its a different Brewster I see out there lately. And thanks FBT for the great coverage.

Yeah because when Brewster was a fun, full of pep guy, the press was so nice to him.

[Gopher Bandanna Guy]

Brew seems to have had it with the media, and I can hardly blame him. The majority of the local writers pile on him and he can't seem to catch a break. Hell, when the local editorials try to downgrade a guy like Tubby after only 3 years and 2 NCAA tourney appearances (and beating Wisconsin 3 straight times), you know there is something inherently wrong with these guys.

Brewster knows this is the year that will probably make or break his future as a head coach, and that's gotta be stressful. I don't have a problem if that makes him a little snappy with the media, sadly it might be the only modicum of payback he gets.

[Formo]

Brew seems to have had it with the media, and I can hardly blame him. The majority of the local writers pile on him and he can't seem to catch a break. Hell, when the local editorials try to downgrade a guy like Tubby after only 3 years and 2 NCAA tourney appearances (and beating Wisconsin 3 straight times), you know there is something inherently wrong with these guys.

Brewster knows this is the year that will probably make or break his future as a head coach, and that's gotta be stressful. I don't have a problem if that makes him a little snappy with the media, sadly it might be the only modicum of payback he gets.

THIS.

I can't believe people are bashing Tubby already. And it always starts with the media. I've had other Gopher fans come to me saying how Tubby's gonna bail (only reason he'd do that is because of the 'stellar' media we have in MN) and blah blah blah. It's getting annoying.

I wanna see an Oklahoma State bit from Brewster before he's done here.

[CDH27]

I don't "blame" Brewster for being frustrated with the press, but taking the approach he took during the published interview isn't going to help the issue. Of course, the press issues will disappear if the Gophers can come up with a few surprise wins this year.

[Gopher Bandanna Guy]

Of course, the press issues will disappear if the Gophers can come up with a few surprise wins this year.

I'll take that bet.

Say the Gophers somehow manage to go 7-5 this year with a pair of big signature wins. I can almost write the Souhan/Reusse editorial for them now - it will follow the lines of "where was this play last year, with seemingly better personnel" and "Why didn't Brewster simplify the offense sooner" or "With this success, Cosgrove will be looking for greener pastures" (I'm looking at you Souhan).

[[censored]]

I don't "blame" Brewster for being frustrated with the press, but taking the approach he took during the published interview isn't going to help the issue. Of course, the press issues will disappear if the Gophers can come up with a few surprise wins this year.

Haha. No they won't. Win or lose, there's always some lousy writer, that has to be controversial to be noticed at all, trying to stir the pot.

I don't blame Brewster for being testy or whatever you want to call it. Why the hell he even owes some of them any answer or recognition whatsoever is beyond me.

What's worse about a majority of the media up there is what another poster mentioned about them being sarcastic and having a penchant for mocking the program. It's like the culture of losing has infected most of the media and they don't even think things can change in a positive manner. So they embrace the loser attitude and attempt to be witty while doing so. It's pathetic.

The media can be a powerful recruiting tool, and for Brewster, the incessant pissing and moaning has got to be tiresome. It's like he's trying to swim up stream and the rain just keeps coming.

[GO4INLALALAND]

I like that Brewster is testy. He gets sh!t on all the time by the media; give it back to them. Besides, if you watch media interviews of a lot of great head coaches, Bobby Knight comes to mind, you will see that they usually do not have a love affair with the media. The thing that Brewster has to do is win, then he can be the biggest d!ck to the media he wants and nothing they say or write will change the public's perception of Brewster.

[EG#9]

I'll take that bet.

Say the Gophers somehow manage to go 7-5 this year with a pair of big signature wins. I can almost write the Souhan/Reusse editorial for them now - it will follow the lines of "where was this play last year, with seemingly better personnel" and "Why didn't Brewster simplify the offense sooner" or "With this success, Cosgrove will be looking for greener pastures" (I'm looking at you Souhan).

7-5 is nothing to write home about, I would hope people don't expect the press to laud Brewster for going 7-5 in his 4th year on the job. Nobody would have defined that as acceptable, much less success, when he took the job 4 years ago. We certainly could see a typcially sarcastic article if/when the Gophers have a significant victory this year though.

[imthewalrus]

Yes, that is an understatement if I have ever heard one. "All Brewster has to do is win." Yes, that would mean that he could treat the press any way he wants to treat the press. All Brewster has to do is win a lot and he will totally be in control. Somebody had better let the media know that they are in big Trouble if Brewster ever starts to win a lot! "To the victor goes the spoils." And, that would really spoil it for the Minnesota Media Brewster Bad Mouthers.

[Gopher Bandanna Guy]

7-5 is nothing to write home about, I would hope people don't expect the press to laud Brewster for going 7-5 in his 4th year on the job. Nobody would have defined that as acceptable, much less success, when he took the job 4 years ago. We certainly could see a typcially sarcastic article if/when the Gophers have a significant victory this year though.

I'd have to disagree, based on national media expectations, our schedule difficulty (at least perceived for now), and the amount of turnover/new starters on this team. I believe a 7-5 season, would show the improvement Brewster needs to keep his job, since it would be accomplished largely by his own recruits. It wouldn't get the media off his back for even a second, since another low end bowl won't appease them in the interim.

[hyaluronic]

Even 6-6 would show definitive improvement. This year's schedule is harder when you take into account which games are home and away, IMO. MTSU is harder than Syracuse on the road. Any home win during the Big Ten will be an upset (save Northwestern perhaps), and all the easier home games we had last year are now on the road.

[Khaliq]

Somebody had better let the media know that they are in big Trouble if Brewster ever starts to win a lot!I am sure they are clutching their pearls at the likelihood of this scenario.
;246503']Why the hell he even owes some of them any answer or recognition whatsoever is beyond me.It is part of his job. For the next year anyways.

[Honyocker]

I am sure they are clutching their pearls at the likelihood of this scenario.It is part of his job. For the next year anyways.

I hope Brew rips the press a new Arse. At least he may get some kind of respect from those worthless Twin cities sports scribes. I don't respect them, so I don't expect him to respect them.

Let 'em have it with both barrels, Brew.:party:

[gold04]

I know Brewster probably feels like he's accomplished alot but so far we are stuck in medocrity like we were with Mase. In order for Brewster to get the respect that he wants for himself and the football program then he needs to start winning big games. He needs to win trophy games and games against teams like USC. This year we have five big games (OSU, PSU, IOWA, WISC, and USC). Four of those games are at home. Let's win at least two of those games. This is his fourth year and it's time we start winning some of those games. Look at coach Fitz in Northwestern. He is 3-0 as a coach against the Hawkeyes in Iowa. Purdue's coach in his first year beat OSU. These were guys that didn't inherit the greatest teams either. Brewster has got to start winning some of those games. Until he does that, he will get no respect from the media. I know that the media can be unfair and hard on the Gophers. The best way to shut up the media and get respect is to win.

[tjgopher]

The way the media covers the Gopher football program - and in turn how that creates the general perception of the program - can beat any good man down.

It is an interesting transition. If folks remember, Mason was fairly congenial and outgoing when he was first hired. The job in dealing with the media here slowly wore Mason down to the point where he just gave up dealing with them, and in turn with the fans. He went into hiding. He carried much of the same attitude some on this thread had..."well screw 'em. I can't win no matter what I do." Eventually it led to him being totally aloof, paranoid, not outgoing, standoffish with the fans, etc. At the end of his tenure he was criticized for not going out and selling the program, etc. Well, he had given up on it by then mostly due to this wearing down. His job transitioned from selling the program at the start of his tenure to simply trying to shield himself from all of the arrows and bullets being directed his way by the time he was let go.

I hope the same thing isn't happening to Brewster, who started on a higher level. But, I'm seeing it. His tone has almost completely changed from the day he was hired. He was hired as the "anti-Mason." He was going to go sell the program, do the lunches, connect with the fanbase, etc. He did it for a couple of years, but the job appears to be wearing him down, too. Brewster is much less available now. He isn't doing all of the Rotary lunches and guest appearances on the radio and social events, etc. He is absolutely crankier with the media and more paranoid now. Unfortunately, I see him slowly becoming a guy trying to shield himself from the arrows, too.

As I said, this job will wear a man down.

[UpnorthGo4]

The way the media covers the Gopher football program can beat any good man down.

It is an interesting transition. If folks remember, Mason was fairly congenial and outgoing when he was first hired. The job in dealing with the media here slowly wore Mason down to the point where he just gave up dealing with them, and in turn with the fans. He went into hiding. He carried much of the same attitude some on this thread had..."well screw 'em. I can't win no matter what I do." Eventually it led to him being totally aloof, paranoid, not outgoing, standoffish with the fans, etc. At the end of his tenure he was criticized for not going out and selling the program, etc. Well, he had given up on it by then mostly due to this wearing down.

I hope the same thing isn't happening to Brewster, who started on a higher level. But, I'm seeing it. His tone has almost completely changed from the day he was hired. He was hired as the "anti-Mason." He was going to go sell the program, do the lunches, connect with the fanbase, etc. He did it for a couple of years, but the job appears to be wearing him down, too. Brewster is much less available now. He isn't doing all of the Rotary lunches and guest appearances on the radio and social events, etc. He is absolutely crankier and more paranoid now.

As I said, this job will wear a man down.

Other than among a few hardcore Gopher fans, Brewster has gotten zero appreciation for the extraordinary amount of time and effort that he has put into trying to rebuild the Gopher football program. It is entirely understandable that he might be a little bitter about it.

[c'monman]

Other than among a few hardcore Gopher fans, Brewster has gotten zero appreciation for the extraordinary amount of time and effort that he has put into trying to rebuild the program. It is entirely understandable that he might be a little bitter about it.

shouldn't he have know that this was going to be apart of his job when he was hired? Nobody said turning 40 years of national irrelevancy around was going to be easy.

[tjgopher]

Other than among a few hardcore Gopher fans, Brewster has gotten zero appreciation for the extraordinary amount of time and effort that he has put into trying to rebuild the Gopher football program. It is entirely understandable that he might be a little bitter about it.

That's my point. I'm not saying Brewster is wrong. I'm saying a good man can get beaten by this job. The Gopher head football job is a killer. The way the media covers the program and how that impacts the perception of the program will wear a man down. You begin to feel like all the hard work is being ignored and instead of getting credit all you get is criticism. Mason certainly felt this and Brew is beginning to feel it. Mase eventually gave up the "selling" part of the deal and went about his business. Brewster is starting to wear down, too. Hope he can fend them off with a nice year this season. That would help things.

[GopherGod]

Other than among a few hardcore Gopher fans, Brewster has gotten zero appreciation for the extraordinary amount of time and effort that he has put into trying to rebuild the Gopher football program. It is entirely understandable that he might be a little bitter about it.


He will get a greater level of appreciation when he finishes the job, don't expect him to get tons of pats on the back for trying hard but not achieving the goal. He also knew what he was getting into and is financially rewarded very well for the work he does. Does he put in a lot of hours, he probably does as does virtually every other Division 1 football coach.

[GopherGod]

That's my point. I'm not saying Brewster is wrong. I'm saying a good man can get beaten by this job. The Gopher head football job is a killer. The way the media covers the program and how that impacts the perception of the program will wear a man down. You begin to feel like all the hard work is being ignored and instead of getting credit all you get is criticism. Mason certainly felt this and Brew is beginning to feel it. Mase eventually gave up the "selling" part of the deal and went about his business. Brewster is starting to wear down, too. Hope he can fend them off with a nice year this season. That would help things.

Please the media pressure here is alot easier than at many other BCS jobs, most of the time the media just ignores the team and doesn't cover them at all. When the gophers are covered it is hardly front page news where every word of the coaches and players is dissected as it is at many other programs.

[Monty519]

In the media, Brewster has definitely changed. It doesn't appear that stretches to when he's out with the fanbase and with the players. This media has an ability to really be an irritant, and Brewster is just the latest "victim", for lack of better term, of that. It's not about the pressures to win, that's far greater in other places, it's just that you seem to get railed for poor things that occur, meanwhile, the positives you do are often swept under the rug and ignored by the press.

People seem to ignore things like the fact that last season, that team beat more quality opponents than a Gopher team had beaten in ages. I think it was we beat three BT teams that finished with .500 or better BT records in NU, Michigan St., and Purdue, and that it was a long time since we did that. But people completely ignore that fact and just throw out the easy criticism of bad offense, struggles against SDSU etc.. That's all valid, but let's throw out EVERYTHING on the table, not just the crap, and it just feels sometimes that the media only blows up the crap.

That said, it'll be much easier to handle that stuff when you win.

[[censored]]

It is part of his job. For the next year anyways.


Is it? Does he get paid by the answer? How does that work?

[positively4thstreet]

;246616']Is it? Does he get paid by the answer? How does that work?

Are you seriously arguing that interacting with the media is not part of his job?

[GopherGod]

;246616']Is it? Does he get paid by the answer? How does that work?

It is actually part of his contract to meet with the media.


http://i.usatoday.net/sports/graphics/2009/coaches-contracts/pdf/brewster_minnesota.pdf

[dpodoll68]

;246616']Is it? Does he get paid by the answer? How does that work?

Yes it is.

http://www.coacheshotseat.com/MinnesotaCoachesHotSeat.pdf

See item I.1.2.1.d. - "Representing the University's Team program, and cooperating with the Department in fulfilling contracts with or requests from, the news media, including appearances on radio and television".

One could also argue that item f. falls under this umbrella - "Representing in a positive fashion the University and its athletic programs in private and public forums".

Portion III explicitly states that he may be terminated for failing to "perform the duties required by Section 1.2", part of which is the "media clause" referenced above.

You will note under item II.2.4. that he gets paid $400,000 a year in "supplemental compensation" for "media, fundraising, community involvement, and endorsements of apparel and shoes".

"Media relations" clauses are pretty standard in virtually all NCAA coaching contracts, especially for DI-A football and D-I basketball.

[tjgopher]

Please the media pressure here is alot easier than at many other BCS jobs, most of the time the media just ignores the team and doesn't cover them at all. When the gophers are covered it is hardly front page news where every word of the coaches and players is dissected as it is at many other programs.

I'm not suggesting there is intense media pressure here. I'm suggesting the constant negative press whenever the football program is discussed and how that influences the general masses can beat a man down. It is not pressure. It is just a wearing down of a man's willingness to do things. On top of that, coaches live in their own worlds. They may perceive things to be far sharper than reality. Coaches often times don't live in reality. They live in perception and that perception can make your own little cacoon seem mighty small (and that holds true at tons of coaching jobs, not just MN).

Pressure is intense in places like Tennessee, Nebraska, and Florida, etc. No question. What separates MN is the lack of good reporting here. At college football hotbeds reporters do their job, are well-informed, and generally aren't trying to stir the pot, etc. They live it and breath it. Here, it can beat you down when you make efforts to change perception and those efforts (good, solid efforts) are met with snarky jokes, smart aleck comments, verbal jabs, pointed arrows, etc., from guys who rarely ever attend games, go to news conferences, or take any hard interest in the program and some of whom take downright glee in the Gopher misfortunes. It is an incredibly and embarrassingly uninformed media with regards to Gopher football here and that makes the job of selling the program very tough.

My suggestion is that when trying to build a program the environment at MN (as stated above) is far more toxic than an environment of high scrutiny and high expectations (like a Neb.). As I said, it can beat a good man down.

[Doogie]

He will get a greater level of appreciation when he finishes the job, don't expect him to get tons of pats on the back for trying hard but not achieving the goal. He also knew what he was getting into and is financially rewarded very well for the work he does. Does he put in a lot of hours, he probably does as does virtually every other Division 1 football coach.

Excellent take... also remember this: if not for this situation -- the struggles over the last 40+ years -- does Brewster even get to interview for this job? He knew what he was getting into.

[ruralgopher]

Excellent take... also remember this: if not for this situation -- the struggles over the last 40+ years -- does Brewster even get to interview for this job? He knew what he was getting into.

I doubt he knew how pathetic the media coverage is. He probably figured that a Big Ten team in a fairly affluent market (lots of college educated people, many from the U) would have football reporters who knew football. What a thought.

[Doogie]

He probably also thought that the collective media also cared a lot more... for the most part, many never show up at practice or games... although on practice, in his 1st year we had great access... now, we get to see them stretch and run a couple drills... we are kicked out after a few minutes, and don't see 80-90% of what they do. That though is not all that different from most BCS schools... just curious as to why it changed.

[Ole]

One thing that has struck me about Brewster is he does seem to be more worn out certain weeks in comparison to others, I take this from being at all of the radio shows the past few years.
I wouldn't go as far as to say the team's performance is predictable by his energy level and demeanor, but I will say that he was most run down looking before the Air Force game last year(big time pressure to win that one), and most energetic and upbeat before the MSU game(He called the opening TD to us on Thursday at our table, I think they knew they could pass on Sparty) .

I do think he runs himself ragged early in the season, and actually seemed to recharge as the season went on. No excuse for snapping on reporters, but maybe an explanation.

[ruralgopher]

He probably also thought that the collective media also cared a lot more... for the most part, many never show up at practice or games... although on practice, in his 1st year we had great access... now, we get to see them stretch and run a couple drills... we are kicked out after a few minutes, and don't see 80-90% of what they do. That though is not all that different from most BCS schools... just curious as to why it changed.

I think, with no inside information, that he opened it up to try to get more coverage and excitement and thought that the extra exposure would offset the potential downfall. Since there was virtually no extra exposure or interest it doesn't offset potential negatives.

[Iceland12]

I know Brewster probably feels like he's accomplished alot but so far we are stuck in medocrity like we were with Mase. In order for Brewster to get the respect that he wants for himself and the football program then he needs to start winning big games. He needs to win trophy games and games against teams like USC. This year we have five big games (OSU, PSU, IOWA, WISC, and USC). Four of those games are at home. Let's win at least two of those games. This is his fourth year and it's time we start winning some of those games. Look at coach Fitz in Northwestern. He is 3-0 as a coach against the Hawkeyes in Iowa. Purdue's coach in his first year beat OSU. These were guys that didn't inherit the greatest teams either. Brewster has got to start winning some of those games. Until he does that, he will get no respect from the media. I know that the media can be unfair and hard on the Gophers. The best way to shut up the media and get respect is to win.

All of that rings true except for this"I know Brewster probably feels like he's accomplished alot" no, you don't know that.

[GoAUpher]

I'm not suggesting there is intense media pressure here. I'm suggesting the constant negative press whenever the football program is discussed and how that influences the general masses can beat a man down. It is not pressure. It is just a wearing down of a man's willingness to do things. On top of that, coaches live in their own worlds. They may perceive things to be far sharper than reality. Coaches often times don't live in reality. They live in perception and that perception can make your own little cacoon seem mighty small (and that holds true at tons of coaching jobs, not just MN).

Pressure is intense in places like Tennessee, Nebraska, and Florida, etc. No question. What separates MN is the lack of good reporting here. At college football hotbeds reporters do their job, are well-informed, and generally aren't trying to stir the pot, etc. They live it and breath it. Here, it can beat you down when you make efforts to change perception and those efforts (good, solid efforts) are met with snarky jokes, smart aleck comments, verbal jabs, pointed arrows, etc., from guys who rarely ever attend games, go to news conferences, or take any hard interest in the program and some of whom take downright glee in the Gopher misfortunes. It is an incredibly and embarrassingly uninformed media with regards to Gopher football here and that makes the job of selling the program very tough.

My suggestion is that when trying to build a program the environment at MN (as stated above) is far more toxic than an environment of high scrutiny and high expectations (like a Neb.). As I said, it can beat a good man down.

The problem in this town isn't primarily with the sports reporters being glib or negative. Its with the opinion columnists or radio hosts. And this is something that is true in major football hotbeds too (see: Finebaum, Paul in Alabama). That's b/c those guys get paid for ratings and they'll stir the pot just b/c. That said, guys like Finebaum also know how to play to the homers too and they mix up their schtick. Here being relentlessly negative is the schtick.

[Maximus]

You have Tom Powers calling him Brother Brewster,

I wouldn't put Powers in that category. I always took it as a compliment....like when Powers listens to him, he's ready to suit up and run through a wall for him. He seems to be pretty objective...borderline positive the majority of the time.

[monk10]

He probably also thought that the collective media also cared a lot more... for the most part, many never show up at practice or games... although on practice, in his 1st year we had great access... now, we get to see them stretch and run a couple drills... we are kicked out after a few minutes, and don't see 80-90% of what they do. That though is not all that different from most BCS schools... just curious as to why it changed.

I'd have some guesses but I don't run in the same circles as you. Why do you think it changed?

[Doogie]

Were they the only Big Ten team that allowed reporters to watch the whole time? Was it a feel-good gesture in his first year? Not sure.

[monk10]

Do you feel that the quality of Gopher coverage was better back then, or since many didn't take advantage of it, it is really a wash?

[Gopherhurrin]

I remember very well many of the same posters said how the new coach would handle the press better and therefore get better press. Perhaps the coach is finding that this job is not as easy as he and others thought it was?

[Khaliq]

The problem in this town isn't primarily with the sports reporters being glib or negative. Its with the opinion columnists or radio hosts. And this is something that is true in major football hotbeds too (see: Finebaum, Paul in Alabama). That's b/c those guys get paid for ratings and they'll stir the pot just b/c. That said, guys like Finebaum also know how to play to the homers too and they mix up their schtick. Here being relentlessly negative is the schtick.This goes on in every city. I can't believe you guys are still talking about this year after year. Worry about the state of the football program and not what the big mean guys on the talk box say.

[monk10]

This goes on in every city. I can't believe you guys are still talking about this year after year. Worry about the state of the football program and not what the big mean guys on the talk box say.

One of the changes that is happening is the boys on the box are coming on to the site. I'm sure you can even agree that changes things.

[RodentRampage]

This goes on in every city. I can't believe you guys are still talking about this year after year. Worry about the state of the football program and not what the big mean guys on the talk box say.

How about if you stop worrying about what the big mean people on the Gopherhole say?

[Khaliq]

How about if you stop worrying about what the big mean people on the Gopherhole say?That would be milquetoast not mean.

[anonymous]

Brewster's media access is somewhere in the middle. Illinois has in the past had their entire practice open. Ohio State has had one day a week fully open to reporters.

People like to rip on the questions asked by reporters, but it is also difficult to ask completely intelligent questions when you can't see what is going on. Once they play some games, it gets better.

Also, the advent of streaming press opportunities is bad for both sides. Both sides have jobs to do and it isn't always what the other side wants. There are times when a coach doesn't like what a reporter is asking or doesn't like what a reporter recently wrote. Sometimes the coach is in a crabby mood because practice didn't go well and it gets taken out on the reporter. Most of the time things can be contentious for one day and they are back to normal.

Take a look at your job. Do you have conversations with people through the course of the day that aren't always super awesome. Say some tough negotiations over price. Or maybe a customer who is a PITA. Some days are probably good and others aren't as great. Would you want that broadcast on the internet every day?

Brewster isn't always sunshine and flowers, just like Mason wasn't always sunshine and flowers. I don't think things have changed that much.

And for those people who fall into the 'screw 'em' camp, I'll leave you this: I am of the belief that non-superstar coaches who have bad relationships with their beat writers will cost themselves about $1 million and maybe more. A good relationship with the press can get a coach one more year before being fired and that is worth at least $1 million.

[RodentRampage]

That would be milquetoast not mean.

Milquetoast would be rolling over to the media, which you seem to favor. Instead, we should all down to you. If we won't you'll call us milquetoasts. Gee, that really stings. :rolleyes:

[RodentRampage]

I don't think you can have a good relationship with this media. It is hilarious the media complaining about Brewster "mocking" the media. Oh, kettle, thou art black.

[ruralgopher]

It never fails to amaze me how much smarter everyone on this board is than me. I need some bigger words.

[monk10]

It never fails to amaze me how much smarter everyone on this board is than me. I need some bigger words.

Iceland does it better justice then me, so forgive my poor attempt. However ask and you shall receive.

[Goldy223123]

I just don't think it matters what kind of mood Brewster is in or what kind of relationship he has with the media. Who cares! He's a football coach. He is supposed to run a clean program for the "U" and to win football games. That's really all that matters. So far, relatively speaking, the clean program part looks good. The winning football games part is where he is still lacking.

[dpodoll68]

He is supposed to run a clean program for the "U" and to win football games. That's really all that matters.

No. As has been the entire point of this thread, there is a lot more nuance to it than that.

Your point was true 60 years ago, but not anymore. You can be successful and keep your job by doing just those those things, but the true greats do a lot more than that.

[Goldy223123]

You can be successful and keep your job by doing just those those things, but the true greats do a lot more than that.[/QUOTE]

I don't think we should be asking or expecting Brewster to do things that would make him a "true great" when he seems in over his head just trying to survive in the Big Ten!

[LC19]

Excellent take... also remember this: if not for this situation -- the struggles over the last 40+ years -- does Brewster even get to interview for this job? He knew what he was getting into.

This is the classic media attitude towards Brew. He's not good enough to get a "real" D-1 job, so let's rip on him at every moment. Nice justification.

Do you think that a great experienced coach would even think about stepping into this job? One that the media darlings will bow to?? Hell no. We need a green coach that will hopefully develop into a good coach. Brew fits that, but has received very little support from most of our lovely media. I know, the media's job isn't to be a cheerleader, but at least be fair on the situation. If you look at it, Brew has done ok. A great job would be beating a ranked team and win a few trophy games this year.

PS: I have been pleased with the recent Gopher fb coverage. It has been pretty good.

[GoAUpher]

This is the classic media attitude towards Brew. He's not good enough to get a "real" D-1 job, so let's rip on him at every moment. Nice justification.

Do you think that a great experienced coach would even think about stepping into this job? One that the media darlings will bow to?? Hell no. We need a green coach that will hopefully develop into a good coach. Brew fits that, but has received very little support from most of our lovely media. I know, the media's job isn't to be a cheerleader, but at least be fair on the situation. If you look at it, Brew has done ok. A great job would be beating a ranked team and win a few trophy games this year.

PS: I have been pleased with the recent Gopher fb coverage. It has been pretty good.

Sorry, but that's silly. This is a BCS job in the Big Ten. One that has its issues, but if the U had wanted they could have found an "experienced" coach who would have taken the job. Charlie Strong comes to mind.

Also, where do you get the whole "real" D-1 job thing? That's not what Doogie said. All he pointed out was if the Gophers had been more successful over the last 40 years the U wouldn't have even considered an inexperienced candidate. I think that is true. If you disagree, that's fine. But I fail to see how holding that opinion is some big slam on Brewster.

[[censored]]

Are you seriously arguing that interacting with the media is not part of his job?

Umm. No. I'm saying he doesn't owe every single member of the media an answer to stupid questions. He's not on the stand. If he wants to "interact" with them by saying "Next question" or "No comment" then that would suffice for "interacting with the media" no?