"I hope we get a winning program from a new coach since we had so much talent on the team as it was. I'm glad to see him (John L. Smith) go.

I know a lot of people talk about (Steve) Mariucci. I like him and all, but I'm not sure if he's the right guy."

Matt Beabout
Applied engineering sciences junior

"I think we have some great players, we just need a good leader to lead them so hopefully next year it will be a better season.

Yes. With a new coach definitely (get back on the winning track)."

Nikki Bogen
Education senior

"My idea of John L. Smith was that he was kind of a lame duck. There were certain scenarios during key games where he needed to make an aggressive move and refrained from doing so. They need someone who's going to go in and get the job done. They need someone who's not afraid to step up to certain challenges … just someone who's got the cojones to take care of it."

Tyler Acree
Journalism junior

"We need to get a coach who can recruit players, who will actually do something for our team, who will motivate our team so it's not the players in the locker room, it's actually the coach talking."

Who do you want to be the next head coach?

"(Mike) Ditka."

Kristin Sutter
Education junior

"I liked (John L. Smith) personally, but he wasn't doing a good job. I think it was time to make the change.

I don't know if we can contend for a title right away — that would take a long time. But I think at least to the middle-second tier (of the Big Ten), I'd be very happy with that.

(We need) discipline. Someone defensive-minded. I'd like to see Butch Davis. I don't know how interested he'd be."

Scott Martin
Telecommunication, information studies and media junior