Sean Pickett's BU Coaching Survey

Originally posted on USCHO's Fan Forum, the survey was made available to BU fans prior to the announcement that Coach O'Connell would not return.

Last week I created a survey asking if BU should keep Coach O'Connell or replace him. As BU has announced they are replacing him I have closed the survey. Before I closed it today (3/30) it had nearly 100 responses. Here are the results for the first six question:

1. Are you a Boston University alum?
Yes 74.1%
No 25.9%
2. Are you a season ticket holder?
Yes 55.3%
No 44.7%
3. Do you donate to the hockey program
Yes 50.6%
No 49.4%
4. Do you want BU to replace Head Coach Albie O'Connell?
Yes 89.4%
No 10.6%
5. If BU hires a new head coach should he be a former BU player?
Yes 11.8%
No 4.7%
Doesn't matter 83.5%
6. If BU hires a new head coach should be have head coaching experience?
Yes 57.6%
No 5.9%
Doesn't matter 36.5%

The majority of respondents were BU alumni, with a majority season ticket holders and evenly split between donors and non-donors. Of these an overwhelming majority wanted BU to replace Coach O'Connell. Likewise, just 11.8% wanted a new head coach to be a former BU player, while 4.7% didn't want a former BU player and the majority, 83.5% answered it didn't matter. When asked if a new head coach should have head coaching experience 57.6% said yes, just 5.9% said no and the remaining 36.5% said it didn't matter.

The final question was an essay question:

7. If you would like a new head coach who would you like BU to hire?

Seventy-three percent of the participants answered the question, some giving very serious and detailed replies, while others just gave a name or two or more. Here is everyone mentioned:

Jay Pandolfo	19
David Quinn	17
Shawn McEachern	5
Rand Pecknold	5
Greg Carvel	4
Eric Lang	4
best candidate	4
Tony Amonte	3
Joe Sacco	3
Albie O'Connell	3
Rick Bennett	3
don't know	3
Mike Sullivan	2
Michael Geary	2
Joe Pereira	1
John Hynes	1
Steve Greeley	1
Mike Cavanaugh	1
Norm Bazin	1
Myer*	1
Paul Pooley	1
Anthony Noreen	1
Brock Sheahan	1
Brendan Buckley	1
Mike Ayers	1

Despite the majority answering that it doesn't matter who BU hires, numerous former Terriers were mentioned, perhaps because of familiarity with them. The two most mentioned were former head coach David Quinn and current associate head coach Jay Pandolfo. Pandolfo has been seen by many as the heir apparent since he took the job last summer and those who mentioned him likely think BU's success this season was primarily due to him. I think those that mentioned Quinn are looking back and seeing how much better his five seasons were when compared to Coach O'Connell. I have stated my opinion here, but no matter who BU chooses I believe he needs to be someone who has had head coaching experience, so most likely not a former BU player.

Several of the answers were longer and I have included them below. I haven't changed what was written, but I have edited several for length.

"I don't study this enough to give a definitive answer. I do know I want someone who will serve as the face of the program."

"That's difficult to answer, because it presupposes that we are aware of many "viable" candidates. But of the frequent names that have been mentioned, I would tend to go for a younger, hungry, up and coming coach who is looking to establish a legacy. We shouldn't have to worry about him using BU as a "steppingstone job" if the program TRULY is as prestigious as we all think it "still" is, although that is starting to become doubtful. With the Western schools emerging as dominant, it might not be possible to duplicate a "tenure" such as those of Jack Kelley and Jack Parker. With that having been said, Eric Lang would seem to fit the profile described above, with the caveat that there may be many other capable candidates that may not currently be on the radar."

"Coach has to be a true leader, ideally with NHL experience. What matters is recruiting and team building. Xs and Os are important but secondary. Good assistant coaches can coach Xs and Os. That is what Pando is for. Has to be someone that kids want to play for and parents love. Can help kids get to the next level - because that is the only thing that really matters to kids these days. Drawing talent is the most important thing. Being a BU alum is ideal, but not required. Like all of the other big college sports, the head coach must make his school a real destination. I am not interested in any head coach from another program, unless he has real juice in this regard. Must be high profile."

"Someone who commands respect, will set standards, holds everyone accountable (including himself), and creates a culture where winning is important and every game matters."

One that is strong at player development while at school"

"We need someone who brings energy and spirit to the players that will continue to motivate them on and off the ice. Someone who will instill team pride in the program."

"I have no strong feelings as to a specific individual. It needs to be someone who is a good tactician and has a track record of developing players. If he has those traits, recruiting won’t be an issue."

"One who is professional, respected, strong communicator, energetic, appreciative, and recommended by coaches Parker and Quinn along with chosen others that know the game at every level."

I wish to thank everyone who took the time to take the survey. I also sent the results to both President Brown and Drew Marrochello Monday evening. I have no idea what either may have thought of the survey and results, or if it had any impact at all on the decision that was made. However, I didn't create the survey with the intent of sending it to them or trying to use it to influence them. I created the survey for myself and the readers of this forum.

Sean

*I assume that this is Freddy Meyer, but I'm not positive. Brock Sheahan and Anthony Noreen are head coaches in the USHL.