One other question comes to mind: After what looks like a stellar run at NDSU (D2 at the time), why did it take so long for him to get a look as a D1 head coach. He spent the years between Head Coach gigs bouncing around as a D1 assistant under some pretty good/great coaches, but never seemed to get a look as a D1 head coach.

Maybe I am being too critical, but that doesn't seem to fit the pattern of a guy that is an "up and comer". Usually these types of guys go from D1 assistant to Mid Major HC, not back down to D2 for more than a decade. What am I missing? (and I ask that question sincerely)