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https://wmubroncos.com/news/2022/1/18/fo...phfuyFV1Vg

I'm actually okay with this. I like that Bartholomae has laid down the line. If it isn't 8 wins a season at a minimum, you won't be here. When you consider that we've had 8 wins or more in a season less than 10 times in our history, it is a decent jumping off point.

Here’s a clear public metric that precludes 7-5 forever: “Western Michigan Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae announced the extension and added that for every eight-win season moving forward, Coach Lester's contract would be extended for an additional year.”

It’s actually an extremely high bar, basically, he gets four seasons over the rest of his career for less than 8 wins. Basically, he needs to be Frank Solich at a minimum.

Bar should be MAC West Champs at the least.

My question is, does the 8 wins mean regular season only, or include bowl game? Big difference

Congratulations to Coach Lester.

Time to win a MAC Championship now.

I wonder if Lester got a raise?

(01-18-2022 03:49 PM)AFLAGWA Wrote:  I'm actually okay with this. I like that Bartholomae has laid down the line. If it isn't 8 wins a season at a minimum, you won't be here. When you consider that we've had 8 wins or more in a season less than 10 times in our history, it is a decent jumping off point.

This was my take as well. Given the upcoming non-conference schedules, this sets the MAC bar at a minimum of 5-3 for keeping his job. That is an entirely reasonable baseline.

Also,

If we have a bad year next year, Lester won't be fired now. So we are locked in a minimum of Lester and his staff for the next two seasons.

(01-18-2022 04:06 PM)WMU2013 Wrote:  Also,

If we have a bad year next year, Lester won't be fired now. So we are locked in a minimum of Lester and his staff for the next two seasons.

I don't think that's necessarily true, assuming the buyout is reasonable.

1-4 vs. MAC West with only win against an NIU team phoning it in. I guess that's good enough for an extension.

I hope Lester is kept on a short leash and that it's made clear to him we need to be competing for championships moving forward.

Can't be going 1-4 against the West in year 5 with NFL caliber guys at QB, WR, and DE.

I like this. 2 years is about right at this point and the 8 win goal will not be easy, especially with the non-conference schedule.

(01-18-2022 04:08 PM)dunkface Wrote:  

(01-18-2022 04:06 PM)WMU2013 Wrote:  Also,

If we have a bad year next year, Lester won't be fired now. So we are locked in a minimum of Lester and his staff for the next two seasons.

I don't think that's necessarily true, assuming the buyout is reasonable.

5-7 or 6-6 Lester won't be fired.

2-10 or worse, you never know.

Not unreasonable but considering we're going to come out of most Septembers 2-2 due to scheduling P5s -

That means at least 6-2 in MAC (or 5-3 with bowl win).

Have to beat CMU and EMU regularly.

This will also help with recruiting next year.

Go Broncos.

(01-18-2022 04:03 PM)Cocksman Wrote:  My question is, does the 8 wins mean regular season only, or include bowl game? Big difference

True, but if it comes down to bowl wins for the 8th of the season, then we would be winning more bowl games.

(01-18-2022 04:12 PM)WMU2013 Wrote:  5-7 or 6-6 Lester won't be fired.

2-10 or worse, you never know.

But a 5-7 or 6-6 Lester also won't be extended.

Football Scoop said Lester turned down a Power 5 OC job last week. I would assume it was Miami's job with Cristobal.

(01-18-2022 04:06 PM)WMU2013 Wrote:  Also,

If we have a bad year next year, Lester won't be fired now. So we are locked in a minimum of Lester and his staff for the next two seasons.

I don't think, barring total collapse, that Lester would be gone after one "bad" season. He has never had a losing season and is coming of an 8-win season beating the ACC Champ, both the MAC East and West Champ, and the second bowl win in program history. I know context matters, but not a super strong rationale to let a mid-major HC go.

Nothing matters except if they lowered the buyout. We'll have to wait until that gets released.