I've finally qualified for some D1 jobs in the D- to D+ range in the low-mid conferences. My goal has always been to coach in D1. I don't necessarily care about making it to a big (Big 6) job. (Though that may change depending on my future success.) So, my questions are:

1. How big is the difference between D-, D, and D+ teams (recruiting, ability to move up, etc...)?

2. Would the number of "qualified" schools become substantially greater with a NT berth/run in D2 this coming season? Or is D+ probably the highest I can expect as an entry in to D1? Would I lose possibilities with a subpar D2 season?

Basically, I guess I'm asking...when it comes to moving to D1 is it best to just jump to the best available (D+)....or wait/try to improve that first D1 job (C-, C maybe?)

Thanks.

1) There is a BIG difference.

D- = 2-stars will not speak to you.

D+ = 2 stars will speak to you from the start.

2) It is possible to get to a C- team in a tiny conference. Not a big deal though, if you want to go, goto a D+ team.

That said, I also think it's very easy to move from a D or D- up to a D+ or C- (a winning season, regardless of rpi, will move you a 1/3 of a grade at that level, and a PI appearance will easily move you 2/3 of a grade).

So while I agree w. reinsel that, all else being equal, you should take the D+, I would say take a good look at the roster, location and conference as well. If the D or D- team has significant advantages in those areas and you feel pretty good about at least posting a winning record off the bat, that changes things quite a bit imo.

Some of the smaller conferences are quite active and populated, and others are ghost towns (really just varies by world). Personally, I wouldn't wanna be stuck in a conference with a bunch of sims.

Schedule to win 20 games your first few years, I have always found that out to help a lot in terms of helping develop players and increasing your prestige.

Quote: Originally Posted By dalter on 1/18/2010
That said, I also think it's very easy to move from a D or D- up to a D+ or C- (a winning season, regardless of rpi, will move you a 1/3 of a grade at that level, and a PI appearance will easily move you 2/3 of a grade).

So while I agree w. reinsel that, all else being equal, you should take the D+, I would say take a good look at the roster, location and conference as well. If the D or D- team has significant advantages in those areas and you feel pretty good about at least posting a winning record off the bat, that changes things quite a bit imo.

Some of the smaller conferences are quite active and populated, and others are ghost towns (really just varies by world). Personally, I wouldn't wanna be stuck in a conference with a bunch of sims.

I agree with that also.

Quote: Originally posted by reinsel on 1/18/20101) There is a BIG difference.D- = 2-stars will not speak to you.D+ = 2 stars will speak to you from the start.2)  It is possible to get to a C- team in a tiny conference.  Not a big deal though, if you want to go, goto a D+ team. 

SO if you get to a c- or c does that mean three stars will speak to you?

I moved to DI intent on getting into a Big 6 conference as soon as I could. I applied to Charleston Southern 4 seasons ago because the sim coached College of Charleston, Citadel, and SC State and Charleston Southern had 4 scholarships. There were also enough humans in the Big South that it was possible to have multiple post-season teams. I cut 2 returning players to create a 6-player class. The following season, I had 2 openings and cut 2 more to create a 4-player class. I targeted high potential locals (1 or no stars) and also got lucky with a couple of decent foreigners. I ended up making back-to-back NTs with those 2 classes. We went from D- to C+. After 4 seasons, I now have the opportunity to flame out as the coach of Rutgers.

Thanks for all the input. I've got a pretty good team returning in D2. How 'high' (prestige, conference,etc) might I be qualified for after another D2 season with a 1) NT berth, 2) PI berth? Would coming back to D2 for the opportunity to 'better' my D1 job be the right/legitimate reason to return? Or, if D1 is the goal am I likely 'maxed' on my entry possibilities? Does that make any sense?! ha I'm not sure it does.

Thanks again.