Andre Bernardi to Western Michigan

[FUwolfpacker]

Haven’t seen it reported officially yet, but feels like a big loss for Furman. Have always loved Andre’s energy. Based on the number of upgraded titles he got over the last 5 years, I’m guessing it’s not the first time people have come looking to hire him. Losing Andre and his wife certainly leaves a big hole in the S&C program.

Doubt we could lure Tersoo Uhaa to come back as he’s the senior associate at UCLA now. Jaylen Reid could be a possibility at Boise State but doubtful.

[apaladin]

Edit

[apaladin]

Good luck to him but why would anyone move to a dead in job in Michigan regardless of the money. Get to play those cold Tuesday and Wednesday night games in empty stadiums. WMU’s top attendance last year was 23k against Bethune-Cookman. I’m sure BCU had a lot to do with that. Others were 19k, 18k, 11k and 10k.

[Roundball]

Good luck to him but why would anyone move to a dead in job in Michigan regardless of the money. Get to play those cold Tuesday and Wednesday night games in empty stadiums. WMU’s top attendance last year was 23k against Bethune-Cookman. I’m sure BCU had a lot to do with that. Others were 19k, 18k, 11k and 10k.

Resume building. It’s a move up to FBS. Probably doubled his salary. It’s a new challenge. He felt it was the best thing to do for his career. Then, there is the 2025 schedule. WMU opens its 2025 season at in-state foe and Big Ten resident Michigan State, hosts North Texas in non-conference action a week later and then faces another Big Ten road test at Illinois. I congratulate him and wish him nothing but the best.

[Sad Din]

wonder if his wife is going to? if not promote her

[FUATT]

Huge salary increase. Step up the ladder. FBS - MAC Conference. Big resume boost.

Very big presence on the team that will be missed.

This is also a little blasphemous, but man we had a lot of lower body injuries in the last couple of years and I hope whoever replaces him at least reexamines our philosophy in this space to make sure we are doing everything we can do from an injury prevention standpoint.

[DeepPurple]

Great Man and Coach with a fantastic family, congratulations and best wishes to them.

[Affirm]

Huge salary increase. Step up the ladder. FBS - MAC Conference. Big resume boost.

Very big presence on the team that will be missed.

This is also a little blasphemous, but man we had a lot of lower body injuries in the last couple of years and I hope whoever replaces him at least reexamines our philosophy in this space to make sure we are doing everything we can do from an injury prevention standpoint.

That truly is a very thoughtful post by FUATT, in my opinion.
Someone please answer the following:
What was Bernardo’s resume before FU?
When did he arrive at FU?
What generally is the salary level for his position at FU, at Western Michigan, at U of Michigan or CU?

[FUwolfpacker]

That truly is a very thoughtful post by FUATT, in my opinion.
Someone please answer the following:
What was Bernardo’s resume before FU?
When did he arrive at FU?
What generally is the salary level for his position at FU, at Western Michigan, at U of Michigan or CU?

Bernardi was at NGU before coming to Furman in 2018. He was the Director of Strength and Conditioning (or something like that) at NGU for 5 years. He also played football at NGU and was a graduate assistant there.

I'm not sure what the salary level is at each place, but I'm sure it's still substantially more at an FBS school. Even a place like WMU. In a 2022 survey I found, it listed FBS S&C coach salaries around 73,000 and FCS around 53-54,000. I'm sure it's more if you're a director of S&C or assistant AD.

[FUATT]

That truly is a very thoughtful post by FUATT, in my opinion.
Someone please answer the following:
What was Bernardo’s resume before FU?
When did he arrive at FU?
What generally is the salary level for his position at FU, at Western Michigan, at U of Michigan or CU?

Bernardi was at NGU before coming to Furman in 2018. He was the Director of Strength and Conditioning (or something like that) at NGU for 5 years. He also played football at NGU and was a graduate assistant there.

I'm not sure what the salary level is at each place, but I'm sure it's still substantially more at an FBS school. Even a place like WMU. In a 2022 survey I found, it listed FBS S&C coach salaries around 73,000 and FCS around 53-54,000. I'm sure it's more if you're a director of S&C or assistant AD.

Bernardi has been building his brand for a long time in anticipation of this. Example:

One of my kids is being recruited for a sport and we went on a tour of Central Michigan's (not Western) S&C facilities last summer. Met the head strength coach and had reason to strike up a conversation and somehow Furman came and immediately the dude goes "You know Andre Bernardi? Great guy." So, he's been busy.

It will be interesting to see how Furman approaches the Hire. Bernardi was very visible with FB but was over all of S&C for Furman Athletics and was an Asst. AD and Associate Head FB Coach. I'll be somewhat surprised if the Assoc. Head FB coach title carries over.

And while FB is important you can bet that Basketball will be a huge driver in the hire.

And yes, his wife going away creates a void in women's that has to be addressed.

Assume that Novo will be the interim and we will search.

[Affirm]

That truly is a very thoughtful post by FUATT, in my opinion.
Someone please answer the following:
What was Bernardo’s resume before FU?
When did he arrive at FU?
What generally is the salary level for his position at FU, at Western Michigan, at U of Michigan or CU?

Bernardi was at NGU before coming to Furman in 2018. He was the Director of Strength and Conditioning (or something like that) at NGU for 5 years. He also played football at NGU and was a graduate assistant there.

I'm not sure what the salary level is at each place, but I'm sure it's still substantially more at an FBS school. Even a place like WMU. In a 2022 survey I found, it listed FBS S&C coach salaries around 73,000 and FCS around 53-54,000. I'm sure it's more if you're a director of S&C or assistant AD.

Thanks for this good information.