Today it was announced that Michigan State and Danton Cole have reached a decision “together” to change the leadership of MSU hockey. Below is what Haller said in the official release:
Over the last month, I spent time evaluating where we currently stand as a hockey program. It's become clear to me that it's in the best interests of the program to make a change in leadership and begin a new era of Spartan hockey Haller. Danton Cole is a Spartan alum who put his heart into this job and we appreciate his efforts and dedication.
I believe a fresh start is what the program needs most. We have a proud championship history and a passionate alumni group. With a renovated Munn Ice Arena opening this fall and a renewed commitment to the success of the program, great things are on the horizon for Spartan hockey.
This timing is unexpected I would say to most. I never felt it was 100% sure Cole would be back next season, but this news breaking down was still something I thought was less likely to happen this summer, than not. I had heard Selection Sunday was a deadline to keep an eye on and that was a few weeks back. Joe Exter was fired seemingly as the sacrificial lamb, and even then as my headline said the autopsy was delayed, for now. We can get into a full autopsy at another point this summer but the time for change has arrived in East Lansing.
This news hit while I was in the middle of a crazy stretch of student appointments today so my brain really can only handle breaking this down as a stream of consciousness, and to keep myself on point lets hit it as a bullet list.
Why now? My gut feeling with no inside info is they now have a coach in place, who maybe turned them down before due to a lack of commitment from the athletic department. Maybe Haller has come back with commitment to that person and the time to move was now, as they are in the boat. Again pure gut.
The banquet is tomorrow, seriously now? Well, on this regard I can share one other bit I have learned. Players, both returning and exiting, each met with AD Alan Haller 1-on-1 to assess the program. They were brutally honest from what I have been able to source. That takes time (especially as the AD also was representing other sports at NCAA Regionals) and to me played a role in the timing of this decision being after an assistant was previously fired.
So Danton Cole? Just like Tom Anastos before him, Danton Cole goes down as a Spartan hockey player legend in my book. Sucks the coaching wins didn’t come, but it doesn’t change his status as a part of this program in my book. He was courteous to me with his time and I have no ill will towards him. Hope to see him again in Munn someday as a fan.
OK so the transfers and recruits? This is interesting. I know the recruits and transfers were talking to coach Cole, so this may take them off guard. I expect the transfers to each come in still with the opportunity for B1G hockey, however they can each explore options still as they have not enrolled in courses. The only commit not to sign yet is Laker Aldridge who recently committed last week. I’d expect him to still come to MSU, pending the new staff’s decision.
So about that new staff…any names? I can dive into this deeper when my brain isn’t mush and I can work the phones a little bit. I think we need to explore alums and non-alums here. Alums? Damon Whitten and Adam Nightingale jump out as the most ready. Whitten has done well at LSSU (got them to NCAA tournament) and Nightingale has risen from Shattuck St. Mary’s to the NTDP. They should only be chosen if they are the best, not because they are alums however. Non alums? This is a list I will make with no info at all, just guys I think would do a good job and could realistically take the call (no Bob Motzko at Minnesota for example); Eric Lang (AIC) built a program from the dead to a power in his conference, love to see him with a huge budget. Then we have Nate Leaman (Providence) personally my favorite coach last time around when Cole was hired but he was new to Providence and unlikely to leave. Brandon Naurato (Michigan Asst.) could be looking with Mel Pearson status unknown, leader in skill development, however he may also be the guy in Ann Arbor pending Mel Pearson status. Brock Sheahan (Chicago Steel) and Anthony Noreen (Tri-City Storm) should be considered as some of the best coaches around in junior hockey, but will have no experience at the NCAA leading a huge program.
Ok, that was word salad that I hope makes sense. Stay tuned here as I look to gather more from guys coming to campus and look at the search details I can find. Thanks for reading if you made it this far.