Jerry Schumacher, new Head Coach of Oregon XC/Track and Field

Well, you’re not.

Actual UofO runners won’t care about this because they will be focused on running fast, not on what other runners are doing.

I don't understand how it would be a violation? Doesn't Ben Thomas coach a bunch of pros? Same with Mike Smith?

You have no idea what you're talking about.

But I do like the idea that Salazar is watching his rival play out his dream role.

Those poor 800/1500 runners...

Because that is the reverse situation. Ben Thomas and Mike Smith are NCAA coaches first who work with pros on the side (and as long as they’ve gotten their USATF and World Athletics credentials and gone through that process -and the school allows it- they are free to coach pros). But if one of Tom Schwartz’s athletes went to CU and continued to be coached by him, I think that would be a violation. Weird rule, but it probably has something to do with athlete welfare. Mike Smith and Ben Thomas work in the NCAA and thus are subject to all its rules and regulations should any disciplinary/misconduct matters come up. An outside coach wouldn’t have any oversight with their collegiate athletes. I’m not super sure about it, just some of the issues the NOP whistleblowers brought up were NCAA violations with Alberto coaching Galen.

What I don't understand is how he'll handle doing two very involved full time jobs. You shouldn't half ass two things, you should whole ass one thing

I asked John McDonnell after he retired whom he would have recommended replacing him at Arkansas. He replied Jerry Schumacher. The idiot AD Jeff Long (since disgraced due to the KU Les Miles debacle) didn't even ask John.

Oregon's gonna start getting a lot of elite 2 milers. I liked them as a mid d program under Thomas so I would consider entering the portal if ur an 800-1500 guy

Salazar and to a lesser extent Rupp must be losing it. Hilarious.

Watching those painful interactions when they roll out the alumni from time to time will be worth every $11 beer you purchase at that terrible new stadium.

The Nike campus offers a lot, but the new Hayward Field offers even more.

Also, for those who claim that Schumacher is some strategic mastermind and is capable of orchestrating the UO track behemoth while coaching pros, bear in mind that he didn't think it would be a problem for any of his athletes when this announcement came down four days before World Champs.

Unlikely, but who says Ben even has to leave? Maybe there's enough $$$ in the program where Ben sticks around to coach the mid-distance guys while Jerry runs the 5/10 athletes.

I’d bet my life savings they’ve known about this for weeks if not months. I have friends in different brands who were talking about this a month ago, his athletes likely knew before USAs.

Does he want that though? Between OU and VT, Thomas has made the case he is the best middle distance coach in the country. Might be a hard pill to swallow to take a step back, but then again I do not know Ben Thomas or his thinking.

Entirely possible this is an ideal situation for him and he can put more focus on his pro runners as well.

Anyone notice that he was named as Head Coach, not Director?

goducks.com

Schumacher Named Head Coach of Oregon Cross Country, Track and Field - University of Oregon Athletics

@oregontf

Jerry Schumacher spent the past 15 years at the helm of the Nike Bowerman Track Club, establishing himself as one of the premier distance coaches in the world.

Open link

Also, the university’s official announcement didn’t explicitly state that he was leaving his post at BTC, but IMO it gives the impression that he’s taking the college job and leaving the pro job behind.

LOL - proud of Shelburrito's achievements, but too smart to mention her name:

The Bowerman Track Club has produced 10 current American records and nine top-10 performances in world history. Seven of the 10 American records have come over the past four years including three in 2022: men's indoor 5,000 meters (Fisher – 12:53.73), women's indoor 5,000 meters (Cranny – 14:33.17) and men's 10,000 meters (Fisher – 26:33.84).

Well, even tbough I would have gotten Coach's input to consider, I would still have approached the hire as an administrator who wanted to see the program continue the legendary success based on what got them there, balance. Distance and jumps were the bread and butter but they still had to balance the team with sprinters, hurdlers etc... Cant win a conference title with just a few horses and a bunch of dogs. The exception was that McDonnell's distance and jumps were downright elites and world class. The XC program was DEEP with guys that knew how to outwork and grind as a team better than most. A lot of points on the track at nats in those two event areas. There is nobody that can replace Coach McDonnell.

What the AD was able to do was bring in a coach and staff that could maintain a highly competitive, well rounded program that would continue to sustain for the long haul. No they arent winning everything but name 3 other more balanced programs that are consistently winning conference titles and challenging podium spots in all 3 seasons.

My point...Ill be interested in seeing if Schumacher can come even close to what Johnson achieved or Bucknam for that matter. Schumacher would not have been a good fit for Arkansas but maybe he can win a lot of titles with just distance runners in Oregon. Kiss the sprinters goodbye that they've had the past decade that brought home national title trophies as a balanced program.

We do agree that there will be no other to replace McDonnell. We were lucky to be alive and watch him work. Johnson had great results regardless of the reasons his contract was not extended. That by itself will be a great challenge for the new coach and his staff.

This seems like a match made in hell. 90/10 it proves to be a disaster for both parties. So many obvious conflicts of interest, baggage, deficiencies. I just don’t get it either way.