He’s not coaching, he’s not employed by Wisconsin, and there’s no indication he’s trying to jump back into the college scene. After everything that came with Oregon, it’s reasonable to think he simply wanted a change some distance, some quiet, and the chance to focus on life outside the sport
He's from the great/sane state of Wisconsin and is probably sick of the weirdos in Oregon. Back to what made him great with Wisconsin!
He's moving from the People's Republic of Eugene to the People's Republic of Madison, so probably not much difference in the number or type of "weirdos," but DAMN good runners in both places. I always admired Wisco's prowess in XC, mostly from homegrown talent, including Solinsky. He'll do great there.
That would be very surprising for a guy at his level to just bow out like this when he was on the path to being head coach at a major program. Either he was the fall guy for Jerry in Oregon's men's distance taking too much time to dominate (they are finally well on their way in track mid-distance at least), or he has a plan for Wisconsin after Mick.
Tradition and a really good typical Midwestern crop of distance runners would keep UW up even if they didn't have a stellar coach.
I can see how you would think that. But the last 12 years tell a different story; must mean Mick Byrne is a far less than stellar coach.
I'd imagine Solinsky's new job is a similar salary level to what he was making at Oregon, but probably way less travel/weekend work/recruiting. And getting to be closer to family. Makes sense, and wish him the best.
He’s not coaching, he’s not employed by Wisconsin, and there’s no indication he’s trying to jump back into the college scene. After everything that came with Oregon, it’s reasonable to think he simply wanted a change some distance, some quiet, and the chance to focus on life outside the sport
I’m probably out of the loop but what do you mean by everything that came with Oregon?
Coaching is really hard, especially on families. Plus the NCAA might collapse here in a few years anyway. I know a long of coaches in their 30-40s that are worried about the future.
Get to move close to home, gets to be home and work normal hours.