I had this thought years ago and then put it away after Tim Brewster was hired as the University of Minnesota’s head football coach and everyone was excited about Gopher Nation for about a minute.

The minute has come and gone and now the Gophers are no better off, if not worse, than during the final year that Glen Mason was head coach.

The Gophers simply need to look in-house, or more appropriately, north, to find its new coach. Bob Nielson, Hermantown resident and head football coach for the UMD Bulldogs, is the ideal replacement for Brewster. I am not saying today, but by the end of the college football season I assure you that UMD will be coming off another banner year and the Gophers will be at the bottom of the Big Ten.

I am not a close, personal friend of Nielson like so many sportswriters like to make mention of when having bold predictions. However, I have seen enough of Nielson to be comfortable with the idea he would bring class and respect to the Gopher program, along with some more victories and fewer humbling losses.

Nielson can recuite in a cold climinate, win at a place without a strong football tradition and pace the sidelines with the understanding of how to coach the game.

We would hate to lose him as part of the Hermantown community, but if the Gophers make a change for the 2011 season, Nielson is the right person for the job.

Thought of running for public office?

I am sure many of you have, at least for a moment or two. I know I have for the simple reason to see what it is like on the otherside. I have covered school boards and city councils for years. It would be interesting to have a different role.

For those considering running for school board, you are in luck.

Hermantown has three seats open this fall and only one person has filed. Pam Carlson and Jamie Jago are not seeking re-election. Only incumbent Greg Carlson filed before the Tuesday deadline.

At the Star we have to take at least part of the blame for not getting the word out about the filings for school board. With the earlier date of the primary we focuses on getting the word out that Aug. 10 was the date to vote. The school board filings fell in the middle of it all.

Being a school board member is a tough job and few in our community have wanted to do it in recent years. But having good community stewards on the board are important in making sure Hermantown has a first-class school system for years to come.

So think about putting your name out there for a write-in candidate. It just might be the toughest job you ever love.