Coaching Carousel 2015

[Xavgrad08]

I figured we could have one thread to keep track of the open jobs and new hires. Alabama has fired Anthony Grant who only went to one NCAA tournament in 6 years. http://alabama.247sports.com/Bolt/BREAKING-Anthony-Grant-fired-at-Alabama-36204847

[Muskie]

Alabama: Anthony Grant (Out)
Arizona State: Herb Sendek (Out)
Bowling Green: Chris Jans (Out)
Bradley: Geno Ford (Out) Brian Wardle (In)
Bucknell: Dave Paulsen (Resigned)
Charlotte: Alan Major (Out) Mark Price (In)
Citadel: Chuck Driesell (Out) Duggar Baucom (In)
DePaul: Oliver Purnell (Resigned) Dave Leitao (In)
Eastern Kentucky: Jeff Neubauer (Resigned)
East Tenn St: Murray Bartow (Out) Steve Forbes (In)
Fordham: Tom Pecora (Out) Jeff Neubauer (In)
George Mason: Paul Hewitt (Out) Daivd Paulsen (In)
Liberty: Ritchie McKay (In)
Mississippi State: Rick Ray (Out) Ben Howland (In)
Northern Kentucky: Dave Bezold (Out)
San Diego: Bill Grier (Out) Lamont Smith (In)
St. John's: Steve Lavin (Out) Chris Mullin (In)
Tennessee: Donnie Tyndall (Out) Rick Barnes (In)
Texas: Rick Barnes (Out)
Utah Valley State: Dick Hunsaker (Out) Mark Pope (In)
Utah State: Stew Morill (Out) Tim Buryea (In)
VMI: Duggar Baucom (Resigned)
Wisconsin -GB: Brian Wardle (Resigned)

[BandAid]

I'm sure Grant could be successful again at a mid-major.

[Masterofreality]

I'm sure Grant could be successful again at a mid-major.

Like Paul Hewitt? :rolleyes:

[GoMuskies]

Who are the hot young guns? Prohm for Murray State will get a job if he wants one I suspect. How about Bryce Drew? He's done a nice job at Valpo. Will he follow Scott's example and leave home? Bobby Hurley? Dan Hurley? Archie Miller? Is a year enough time for Steve Massiello's shenanigans to be forgotten so that he is back on the hot list? Scott Padgett? Just kidding, but he's a high school classmate, so I have to give him a plug despite his 13-19 career record.

[Muskie]

I don't see Bryce leaving Valpo. He's much more like his Father (Homer) than his Brother (Scott). Family is a legend in the community and Bryce hit the biggest shot in school history. He can coach there as long as he wants.

[Xavgrad08]

Per Jeff Goodman Charlotte has fired Alan Major.

[nuts4xu]

Per Jeff Goodman Charlotte has fired Alan Major.

Fired him? I thought they parted ways, mainly due to his health problems and time away from the program.

[GoMuskies]

The fact that they suck (evidenced by losing to Middle Tennessee in the conference tournament early rounds) probably wasn't helping his cause, healthy or no.

[Xavgrad08]

Fired him? I thought they parted ways, mainly due to his health problems and time away from the program.

You are correct that fired him was not the correct terminology. According to the press release it was a mutual agreement between the two parties for Major not to coach next year.

[sirthought]

SB Nation has this covered pretty well. (Well, Major and Grant aren't on there, so maybe not.)

http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2015/3/14/8205371/2015-college-basketball-coaching-carousel-tracker

[Muskie]

Paul Hewitt is out at GMU (link (http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/16/paul-hewitt-has-been-fired-by-george-mason/))

[Juice]

NKU fired Dave Bezold

[GoMuskies]

NKU fired Dave Bezold

That's cruel. He was put in an impossible position and only did okay. Kinda screwy. I hope he's an asshole or something so I can avoid feeling bad for him.

[THRILLHOUSE]

That's cruel. He was put in an impossible position and only did okay. Kinda screwy. I hope he's an asshole or something so I can avoid feeling bad for him.

He just isn't a good enough coach for Division 1. He even kind of underachieved during his D2 days. If NKU wants to get serious about competing at basketball at the Divison 1 level, it's a move they had to make. Makes sense to do it now since they only have 1 year left before they can get into the tournament.

Goodman thinks Travis Steele will be a candidate for the job.

[BMoreX]

Bezold out at NKU.

@GoodmanESPN: Look for Xavier assistant Travis Steele to be in mix at Northern Kentucky, source told ESPN. Strong recruiting ties in area.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Paul Hewitt is out at GMU (link (http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/16/paul-hewitt-has-been-fired-by-george-mason/))

Will he be getting paid by two teams who he doesnt even coach for?

[XUPhilly04]

Bezold out at NKU.

@GoodmanESPN: Look for Xavier assistant Travis Steele to be in mix at Northern Kentucky, source told ESPN. Strong recruiting ties in area.

Maybe Larry Davis?? Just being selfish, as I really want to keep Travis.

[LadyMuskie]

I would not want to have to recruit in this area against established teams in much bigger leagues. I know NKU is trying to make that leap, but to every one around here, it's still an afterthought after X, UC, Miami, OSU, UK, Reds, Bengals, etc.

[waggy]

The question you have to answer is how does it's potential stack up against the rest of its conference competition.

[THRILLHOUSE]

I would not want to have to recruit in this area against established teams in much bigger leagues. I know NKU is trying to make that leap, but to every one around here, it's still an afterthought after X, UC, Miami, OSU, UK, Reds, Bengals, etc.

Gotta start somewhere. For a young coach it would be a good starting point. Very good facilities. Finished 4th in the ASun this year, so they aren't too far off from competing in the A-Sun. No it will never be a marquee job, but has potential to be a very good low-to-mid major program. Certainly worse places to use as a stepping stone to launch your head coaching career.

[XUPhilly04]

I would not want to have to recruit in this area against established teams in much bigger leagues. I know NKU is trying to make that leap, but to every one around here, it's still an afterthought after X, UC, Miami, OSU, UK, Reds, Bengals, etc.

It will take a long time for NKU to become a part of the local college sports scene. At this time, NKU needs to target players that may go to MAC schools, EKU, WKU, etc. If NKU can get the right pieces in place, their ceiling would be an invite to the A-10, but thats years away.

[XUPhilly04]

Gotta start somewhere. For a young coach it would be a good starting point. Very good facilities. Finished 4th in the ASun this year, so they aren't too far off from competing in the A-Sun. No it will never be a marquee job, but has potential to be a very good low-to-mid major program. Certainly worse places to use as a stepping stone to launch your head coaching career.

A transfer from a high major could be a huge step in the right direction, like Georgia State this year, or the kid from Wake Forest on VCU's Final Four team.

[xubrew]

I would not want to have to recruit in this area against established teams in much bigger leagues. I know NKU is trying to make that leap, but to every one around here, it's still an afterthought after X, UC, Miami, OSU, UK, Reds, Bengals, etc.

NKU wouldn't be recruiting against any of those programs. They'd be recruiting against the likes of Wright State, Miami OH, Eastern Kentucky and Morehead State.

At the div2 level, the regions are strictly geographic. That means that Xavier, Cincinnati, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Ohio State, etc would all be in the same region, and only one of them would get to go to the Final Four ever year. The year Bellarmine won the national title, NKU had beaten them during the season, and almost beaten them again in the NCAA Tournament. They were both top five teams. It's easy to speculate that NKU would have gone on to win it all had they been able to knock off Bellarmine.

Most transitional teams will win as few as three or four games a year. When NJIT came up, I think they only won about eight games the entire four years. Savannah State only won seven. IUPUI won just four every year until the fourth year. For NKU to finish in the middle of their conference as a transitional team, even if it is just the ASun, is actually performing WAAY above average. It sure as hell doesn't warrant getting fired. How the hell are you supposed to recruit when you're on probation for four years and can't play in the postseason?? He was actually doing quite well, IMHO.

[X-Fan]

NKU fired Dave Bezold


That's cruel. He was put in an impossible position and only did okay. Kinda screwy. I hope he's an asshole or something so I can avoid feeling bad for him.

Oh man, PDoc is going to be pissed. I recall him praising Bezold for his work with the Norse and especially his daughter Jillian (who is a Team Manager). In case you don't know, Jillian Daugherty has Down Syndrome. Bezold went out of his way to accommodate Jillian's schedule, while also treating her like any other manager. Sorry, Go, he sounds like a good dude.

[xubrew]

NKU has had quite a journey. The previous AD gets fired for sleeping with students and pocketing money, which actually landed him in prison. Their replacement AD fires the basketball coach for reasons that on the surface don't seem to make a whole lot of sense. He came from Green Bay. Maybe he has someone in his back pocket, but even still it seems kind of crazy to get rid of Bezold. They're a transitional program. What the hell were they expecting him to do??

[THRILLHOUSE]

Oh man, PDoc is going to be pissed. I recall him praising Bezold for his work with the Norse and especially his daughter Jillian (who is a Team Manager). In case you don't know, Jillian Daugherty has Down Syndrome. Bezold went out of his way to accommodate Jillian's schedule, while also treating her like any other manager. Sorry, Go, he sounds like a good dude.

Bezold is a good guy. I used to help record his coaching show back in his first couple of years as NKU Head Coach. He was always friendly during the interactions I had with him.

[xubrew]

I think West Virginia had signed a four year home and home with NKU, and actually played there this year. Bezold and Huggins are really good friends. In fact, that may be where he lands next. I wonder if WVU will back out of that now.

[GoMuskies]

They're a transitional program. What the hell were they expecting him to do??

Only thing I can think of is that they had decided they needed a new coach when they got to Division I, but it didn't make sense to hire a new one until they were through the transition period. So they figured they'd just let Bezold endure the painful transition period and jettison as soon as there was actually hope of being a competitive program. Sucks for him.

[THRILLHOUSE]

NKU has had quite a journey. The previous AD gets fired for sleeping with students and pocketing money, which actually landed him in prison. Their replacement AD fires the basketball coach for reasons that on the surface don't seem to make a whole lot of sense. He came from Green Bay. Maybe he has someone in his back pocket, but even still it seems kind of crazy to get rid of Bezold. They're a transitional program. What the hell were they expecting him to do??

Probably answered your own question there. New AD, fairly new President. Probably want to make their own decision on who the head coach is.

I haven't paid quite as close attention to NKU as I did when I went there and lived in the region. But I was never high on Bezold (as a coach, I do like him as a person), so I'm not too upset about the move. But I will give you that given the circumstances he seemed to do a good job this season. I think getting a guy like Steele would be better for the longterm though. Get a guy in there that has been a part of a successful Division 1 program.

[THRILLHOUSE]

I think West Virginia had signed a four year home and home with NKU, and actually played there this year. Bezold and Huggins are really good friends. In fact, that may be where he lands next. I wonder if WVU will back out of that now.

Huggins also close to one of their assistants, Kevin Schappell. Was on Huggins staff at WVU for 3 seasons. Went to the same high school as Huggins daughter and was her boyfriend for a pretty long time.

[paulxu]

Will he be getting paid by two teams who he doesnt even coach for?

Would seem so. What a great gig.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Would seem so. What a great gig.

Yeah how can I get some of that.

Isnt Dante at NKU? Will this affect him?

[GoMuskies]

Isnt Dante at NKU? Will this affect him?

If losing a job affects you, then yes.

[Xavgrad08]

NKU could be a great opportunity for Steele to get a head coaching position without having to relocate his family. NKU has a nice arena, but the attendance and following are not great. I think John Brannen will got strong consideration for NKU as well. Brannen has been on the staff at Alabama with Anthony Grant and Brannen played his high school basketball at Newport Central Catholic in NKY.

[DC Muskie]

Bobo is keeping Gregory for another year. They really must have serious money problems.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If losing a job affects you, then yes.

I couldnt remember his exact position was he an assistant coach?

[GoMuskies]

Assistant coach

http://www.nkunorse.com/coaches.aspx?rc=350&path=mbball

[D-West & PO-Z]

Assistant coach

http://www.nkunorse.com/coaches.aspx?rc=350&path=mbball

Thanks

[THRILLHOUSE]

Isnt Dante at NKU? Will this affect him?

I'm sure Dante is hoping Steele will get the job since they would most likely mean Dante keeps his job.

[GoMuskies]

I'm sure Dante is hoping Steele will get the job since they would most likely mean Dante keeps his job.

That's pretty likely. Of course, it's also possible that Steele and Dante don't get along or that Steele doesn't think Dante is very good. Who knows?

[THRILLHOUSE]

NKU has a nice arena, but the attendance and following are not great.

Yep. Lots of positives about the NKU job, but the attendance/fan base issues would be the big negative. Could take years of sustained success once their transition period is over to change that. But if you are a young coach looking for a place to start your head coaching career, that would be a secondary concern.

[THRILLHOUSE]

That's pretty likely. Of course, it's also possible that Steele and Dante don't get along or that Steele doesn't think Dante is very good. Who knows?

Tweet from Steele back in the Summer (and yes, I need to make better use of my free time than searching for stuff like this.):

@tasteele Jul 26
It was great spending time with former Xavier GA's @coachjacksonnku and @ben_botts. Both have bright futures in coaching!

[Xavgrad08]

Yep. Lots of positives about the NKU job, but the attendance/fan base issues would be the big negative. Could take years of sustained success once their transition period is over to change that. But if you are a young coach looking for a place to start your head coaching career, that would be a secondary concern.

Agreed. I think NKU will have to market basketball similar to what a minor league professional team does. Have something besides the game that will help get people in the seats. NKU has had some dollar beer nights and I heard they were decently attended. I know they had a chili cook off before one of the games last year. While I thought it was weird if it helps attendance it should be tried. I think a coach that can sell the programs with energy is needed.

Selfishly I would hate to lose Steele, but it is a credit to Steele and Xavier that his name is mentioned.

[THRILLHOUSE]

I know they had a chili cook off before one of the games last year. While I thought it was weird if it helps attendance it should be tried. I think a coach that can sell the programs with energy is needed.


The chili cookoff is part of their Homecoming weekend. They've been doing that for a while.

And agreed that a young coach with lots of energy is probably what is needed. Dave Bezold is a nice guy, but isn't exactly high energy.

[GoMuskies]

Bill Grier is out at San Diego. If you can't manage to beat Xavier in a holiday tournament, you get fired. :)

[xu82]

Bill Grier is out at San Diego. If you can't manage to beat Xavier in a holiday tournament, you get fired. :)

Sadly, not enough heads have rolled...

[OH.X.MI]

Saw this on twitter in regards to NKU letting go (firing) Bezold. I've got a few friends who are kind of NKU fans, as much as anyone is, and they seem to feel the same way. College basketball is a tough business where good people rarely win, this article did a nice job illustrating that. If, as some suggest, Steel could potentially leave for NKU I hope he continues the good work Bezold seems to have done there.

https://meisterblogger.wordpress.com/2015/03/16/its-the-end-of-an-era-in-norseland/

[LadyMuskie]

Bill Grier is out at San Diego. If you can't manage to beat Xavier in a holiday tournament, you get fired. :)

This is funny. Painfully true. But funny nonetheless.

[OH.X.MI]

Also, saw Shannon retweet someone saying Brian Gregory will be back at Georgia Tech next year. I'm surprised. But, the article suggests GTech might not be able to pay Gregory off considering the money they still owe Hewitt.

[xsteve1]

Saw this on twitter in regards to NKU letting go (firing) Bezold. I've got a few friends who are kind of NKU fans, as much as anyone is, and they seem to feel the same way. College basketball is a tough business where good people rarely win, this article did a nice job illustrating that. If, as some suggest, Steel could potentially leave for NKU I hope he continues the good work Bezold seems to have done there.

https://meisterblogger.wordpress.com/2015/03/16/its-the-end-of-an-era-in-norseland/

If Steele heads to NKU maybe X can bring in Bezold as an assistant to replace Steele.

[SlimKibbles]

Saw this on twitter in regards to NKU letting go (firing) Bezold. I've got a few friends who are kind of NKU fans, as much as anyone is, and they seem to feel the same way. College basketball is a tough business where good people rarely win, this article did a nice job illustrating that. If, as some suggest, Steel could potentially leave for NKU I hope he continues the good work Bezold seems to have done there.

https://meisterblogger.wordpress.com/2015/03/16/its-the-end-of-an-era-in-norseland/

That's my cousin's blog you posted. He's pretty ticked about them firing Bezold. I don't think Bezold deserved to get canned. Would have liked to have seen him get a couple of years under his belt once they became NCAA tournament eligible. The only thing I can think of that NKU might be doing is looking towards winning the league championship that first year of eligibility and feeling like Bezold couldn't recruit the guys that would be upperclassmen that season. I don't know. Be interesting to see if they try to poach Travis from X. Who knows what NKU will do.

[Fireball]

Chalk me up as one who thinks the Bezold firing was an awful move.

In his first year of being postseason-eligible (and still not NCAA tournament eligible), his team finishes 4th in conference and has a pretty decent track record when NKU was in division 2 as well? Seems more like an agenda firing than it was a performance firing, especially when Bezold seemed to be as good a person as he was.

Maybe he is not a great coach, but it seems to me that he wasn't given much of a chance to prove it, at least after the switch to division 1.

[xubrew]

That's my cousin's blog you posted. He's pretty ticked about them firing Bezold. I don't think Bezold deserved to get canned. Would have liked to have seen him get a couple of years under his belt once they became NCAA tournament eligible. The only thing I can think of that NKU might be doing is looking towards winning the league championship that first year of eligibility and feeling like Bezold couldn't recruit the guys that would be upperclassmen that season. I don't know. Be interesting to see if they try to poach Travis from X. Who knows what NKU will do.

Your cousin is a good writer. I agree with his sentiments.

[SlimKibbles]

Your cousin is a good writer. I agree with his sentiments.

He's funny to follow on Twitter and Facebook. He posts a lot and he gets fired up about all kinds of stuff. If you want to hear him do sports talk, he has a radio show on WLAP in Lexington every Sunday morning at 9, I think. I've listened to it through I Heart Radio. It's usually pretty entertaining.

[X-band '01]

Unless I'm missing something behind the scenes, that is a shitty way to make Bezold do the heavy lifting for NKU as they complete their transition in a couple of seasons.

Sure, programs like Grand Canyon and Incarnate Word are actually playing in the CIT this year, but they are the exception far more than the rule right now.

[GoMuskies]

No news yet, but with Illinois getting blown out in the NIT last night I'd expect to hear that Groce is out of a job there soon.

[BMoreX]

Pecora done at Fordham

[boozehound]

No news yet, but with Illinois getting blown out in the NIT last night I'd expect to hear that Groce is out of a job there soon.

Wow. I had no idea he had been there 3 years already.

[xudash]

Pecora done at Fordham

Fordham. Where coaching careers go to die in Rose Hill Gymnasium.

[XUPhilly04]

Fordham. Where coaching careers go to die in Rose Hill Gymnasium.

Maybe they will replace him by just having the girls' team coach serve double duty

[sirthought]

No news yet, but with Illinois getting blown out in the NIT last night I'd expect to hear that Groce is out of a job there soon.

Hasn't he only been there about 3 or 4 years? I bet they keep him at least 5.
Groce is a good coach. The team was pretty close in a number of games, but they really lost steam at the end of the season. That Michigan blowout just leaves a bad taste.

[XUFan09]

Hasn't he only been there about 3 or 4 years? I bet they keep him at least 5.
Groce is a good coach. The team was pretty close in a number of games, but they really lost steam at the end of the season. That Michigan blowout just leaves a bad taste.

I don't know how good any of them are, but his team has a lot of sophomores that he presumably recruited in his first year there. I figure they'll at least give him the chance to see how those guys do as upperclassmen. He loses three senior starters, but only one (Rayvonte Rice, remember him?) was really that good.

[Milhouse]

He's wiffed on a TON of big recruits since getting there.

[Xville]

The problem that Groce might have though is that his teams are getting worse, not better, as he has been there. He may get one more year though, and he does have a decent recruiting class coming in.

It's odd...Illinois only has three tournament wins since 2005...the year they went to the Championship game.

[GoMuskies]

It's odd...Illinois only has three tournament wins since 2005...the year they went to the Championship game.

I'm not sure how odd it is. That's the year all Bill Self's players graduated.

[XUFan09]

He's wiffed on a TON of big recruits since getting there.

Interesting. Who was he going up against? You can definitely recruit to Illinois, what with its recent history, but it's not really a first-tier major program like in Dee Brown and Deron Williams' day.

[Masterofreality]

Hasn't he only been there about 3 or 4 years? I bet they keep him at least 5.
Groce is a good coach. The team was pretty close in a number of games, but they really lost steam at the end of the season. That Michigan blowout just leaves a bad taste.

He stopped holding up big cards with the play call on them.

[X-Fan]

Here's another one:

@CecilHurt: Wow. Rick Ray fired at Mississippi State.

I remember thinking of Miss St as a good program back in the early 2000's. Not sure where they stand now.

[GoMuskies]

Speaking of Oklahoma State (from another thread), I would not be at all surprised if Travis Ford's time was up in Stillwater.

[Masterofreality]

Here's another one:

@CecilHurt: Wow. Rick Ray fired at Mississippi State.

I remember thinking of Miss St as a good program back in the early 2000's. Not sure where they stand now.

Not so hot. Rick Stansbury had it going for a while, but they got wrapped up in a couple of recruiting misses- most importantly with Reynardo Sidney. Stansbury "retired" in 2012, but is back as an assistant, so the "retirement" is suspect.

[Xavgrad08]

Speaking of Oklahoma State (from another thread), I would not be at all surprised if Travis Ford's time was up in Stillwater.

Whenever I think of Oklahoma State Basketball I think of the 4 Million dollar locker room that T Boone Pickens financed. They are pretty over the top, but awesome. I would think that could be a solid job for the right coach. http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/17044/oklahoma-states-locker-rooms-um-wow

[DC Muskie]

Whenever I think of Oklahoma State Basketball I think of the 4 Million dollar locker room that T Boone Pickens financed. They are pretty over the top, but awesome. I would think that could be a solid job for the right coach. http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/17044/oklahoma-states-locker-rooms-um-wow

Personally I think stuff like this is what makes people soft. Personalized robes? How about winning some games and developing talent.

I could be wrong about this, but on the high school basketball level two the top programs for years were St. Anthony and DeMatha. Neither had home gyms, let alone posh facilities. DeMatha has slipped a little bit. Why? Well they built a nice on campus gym of course! (Said tongue in cheek)

[Masterofreality]

@GaryParrishCBS: I’m told money is no object at Alabama. Will start above $3 million. Would go as high as they need to go. Gonna make Gregg Marshall say no.

[GoMuskies]

@GaryParrishCBS: I’m told money is no object at Alabama. Will start above $3 million. Would go as high as they need to go. Gonna make Gregg Marshall say no.

I'm not sure why Alabama is doing this to themselves.

[LadyMuskie]

@GaryParrishCBS: I’m told money is no object at Alabama. Will start above $3 million. Would go as high as they need to go. Gonna make Gregg Marshall say no.

How bad must it be at Alabama? Why not just say "It's so bad here, we're willing to throw any amount of money at you to get you to come here and forget that you once had aspirations beyond being all about the benjamins!"?

[paulxu]

I'm not sure why Alabama is doing this to themselves.

They have LOTS of football money.

[X-Fan]

Surprising but not surprising: Herb Sendek is out at Arizona State.

Early names being thrown around for the job: Jaff Capel, Russell Turner.

Some interesting/funny tweets:
- One person suggested it would be fun to see Archie Miller at ASU and have both Millers in Arizona/Pac 12 -- I cannot see that happening.
- Another poster speculated that Josh Pastner could be a candidate -- Would would want that guy?

Side note, I haven't seen a picture of Sendek in years...wow, no aging well.

[XUglow]

Not so hot. Rick Stansbury had it going for a while, but they got wrapped up in a couple of recruiting misses- most importantly with Reynardo Sidney. Stansbury "retired" in 2012, but is back as an assistant, so the "retirement" is suspect.

Lots of stuff went on at MSU since the 2002 to 2005 period when we played them regularly. Stansbury got lazy and was "fired". Ray was brought in to clean up the program. He did well enough on the front end but simply could not recruit good players.

Now Howland is getting the gig. I expect that he will do very well there. MS has been producing some really good talent lately. If Howland can keep them in state and get a few other guys, they could go from bad to good in a hurry.

[EastCoastXman]

Zags Blog is also reporting that Steve Lavin will be shown the door at St Johns. Boosters looking for hot young coaching prospect or big name alum (Could that be Chris Mullin?).

[bleedXblue]

Zags Blog is also reporting that Steve Lavin will be shown the door at St Johns. Boosters looking for hot young coaching prospect or big name alum (Could that be Chris Mullin?).

Can you say Bobby Hurley? He's an east coast kid. Perfect fit for the area.

[Masterofreality]

Can you say Bobby Hurley? He's an east coast kid. Perfect fit for the area.

Or Danny Hurley

[casualfan]

Can you say Bobby Hurley? He's an east coast kid. Perfect fit for the area.

St. John's will find a way to f*** it up. They'll try to make a splash and end up making a mistake. Remember, this is the same school that hired Lavin in the first place.

[Masterofreality]

St. John's will find a way to f*** it up. They'll try to make a splash and end up making a mistake. Remember, this is the same school that hired Lavin in the first place.

If they pick a guy with the last name of "Hurley" they'll win the Press Conference. Danny has more experience and is actually showing results building a program. He also knows Rhode Island is a graveyard if you stay too long. Bobby hasn't been in the head job long enough yet.

I'd put my money on a Hurley though. Name is gold in NY/NJ basketball...and recruiting too.

[XUglow]

St. John's will find a way to f*** it up. They'll try to make a splash and end up making a mistake. Remember, this is the same school that hired Lavin in the first place.

Long time since passing since Sweet Lou Carnesseca.

[Juice]

If they pick a guy with the last name of "Hurley" they'll win the Press Conference. Danny has more experience and is actually showing results building a program. He also knows Rhode Island is a graveyard if you stay too long. Bobby hasn't been in the head job long enough yet.

I'd put my money on a Hurley though. Name is gold in NY/NJ basketball...and recruiting too.

He did have two years as a head coach at Wagner before URI.

[joe titan]

Herb Sendek out @ ASU; doubt if Archie would stand against Sean

[X-band '01]

Surprising but not surprising: Herb Sendek is out at Arizona State.

Early names being thrown around for the job: Jaff Capel, Russell Turner.

Some interesting/funny tweets:
- One person suggested it would be fun to see Archie Miller at ASU and have both Millers in Arizona/Pac 12 -- I cannot see that happening.
- Another poster speculated that Josh Pastner could be a candidate -- Would would want that guy?

Side note, I haven't seen a picture of Sendek in years...wow, no aging well.

Sendek should have brought the Curtain of Distraction with him this morning in order to save his job.

[_LH]

Sendek should have brought the Curtain of Distraction with him this morning in order to save his job.

Way to add to the thread.

[paulxu]

If Dawn is still at ASU, she use to having Millers be the next coach up.

[Xavgrad08]

If Steve Lavin gets canned at St. Johns I think a Hurley would be a great hire. If St. Johns was a consistent top 25 team that would really help the league.

Is Arizona State a good job? I am not familiar enough with there facilities,but I think it would be tough to always be second fiddle to the University of Arizona.

[Masterofreality]

If Steve Lavin gets canned at St. Johns I think a Hurley would be a great hire. If St. Johns was a consistent top 25 team that would really help the league.

Is Arizona State a good job? I am not familiar enough with there facilities,but I think it would be tough to always be second fiddle to the University of Arizona.

My son went there for a year. Yeah, the Wells Fargo Center is a decent arena. The whole school, and coeds too, is/are beautiful and of course the weather is fantastic during the school year. Should be a good job, but there is no decent high school basketball in Arizona except for Brophy Prep. Gotta have recruiting contacts outside the state.

[Xavgrad08]

My son went there for a year. Yeah, the Wells Fargo Center is a decent arena. The whole school, and coeds too, is/are beautiful and of course the weather is fantastic during the school year. Should be a good job, but there is no decent high school basketball in Arizona except for Brophy Prep. Gotta have recruiting contacts outside the state.

Thanks. Gary Parrish thinks Jeff Capell III from Duke is the main target for ASU.

[Masterofreality]

Xavier got a kid from Brophy Prep back in the 1980s- Jim Renforth

He's an attorney in Fort Worth Texas now.

[nuts4xu]

DePaul to interview Bobby Hurley and Bryce Drew this week.

http://zagsblog.com/articles/bobby-hurley-bryce-drew-to-interview-for-depaul-job/

Hurley also signed a new contract with Buffalo, making him the highest paid coach in the MAC....if he stays.

[Masterofreality]

DePaul to interview Bobby Hurley and Bryce Drew this week.

http://zagsblog.com/articles/bobby-hurley-bryce-drew-to-interview-for-depaul-job/

Both seem to be good choices. Does DePaul have a buyout with Purnell?

[nuts4xu]

UNC Charlotte has replaced Alan Major with Mark Price.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12555054/mark-price-become-coach-charlotte-49ers?src=mobile&rand=ref~%7B%22ref%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2Fh6n Ru1yvNH%22%7D

[Masterofreality]

UNC Charlotte has replaced Alan Major with Mark Price.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12555054/mark-price-become-coach-charlotte-49ers?src=mobile&rand=ref~%7B%22ref%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2Fh6n Ru1yvNH%22%7D

Interesting. Talk about changing a program's perception. They can dominate CUSA. I'm sure that there will be a lot of shooters on Charlotte going forward.

[nuts4xu]

Both seem to be good choices. Does DePaul have a buyout with Purnell?

I'm not sure. When Purnell was let go, the information made it seem like he resigned, but the article I linked above clearly states he was fired. He was there for 5 years, and never won more than 12 games. Purnell was terrible and should have to pay DePaul back some of the money he stole from them.

[joe titan]

Both seem to be good choices. Does DePaul have a buyout with Purnell?

I was under the impression Purnell had 5 year deal so it was just matter of contract expiring; have no idea if agreement called for severance compensation

[Masterofreality]

I was under the impression Purnell had 5 year deal so it was just matter of contract expiring; have no idea if agreement called for severance compensation

Thought he had one more year on the deal.

[RoseyMuskie]

Both seem to be good choices. Does DePaul have a buyout with Purnell?

I wouldn't call my Dad a DePaul insider, but he has a good beat on the program. For reference, his season tickets were next to Purnell's wife (like $120 per seat for the entire season, cheaper than my upper deck X seats, it's laughable). And don't worry, he wore his X stuff when the two played. But his comment to me was that there is some money exchanging hands. Not to the full buyout amount, but the two amicably agreed to part ways for a sum that's somewhere in the middle between nothing and the buyout amount.

[X-band '01]

Interesting. Talk about changing a program's perception. They can dominate CUSA. I'm sure that there will be a lot of shooters on Charlotte going forward.

That would be news to Louisiana Tech, Old Dominion, UTEP and also Western Kentucky.

Now that they have football again, Charlotte will fit the mold of a mediocre AAC team in the future.

[XUglow]

Just watched the Howland presser replay on ESPN3. He is really good at coach speak. You always form an impression about coaches, and I will have to say that mine is pretty far off with this guy. He has two kids. His son is a Pepperdine Law grad and an assistant DA in Santa Barbara. His daughter is a pediatric oncology nurse. He is the son of a preacher, and he said that one of the things that drew them to Starkville was that they would be around people with similar views about faith and family. The rah-rah stuff I expected. The family stuff caught me a bit by surprise. Just sayin'...

Now, let's get back to playing them home and home.

[XUglow]

That would be news to Louisiana Tech.

How long with Michael White remain at La Tech? Someone big needs to get this kid.

[casualfan]

Told you St. John's would f it up...

http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2015-03-25/steve-lavin-fired-coaching-st-johns-contract-red-storm-ncaa-tournament

[XU 87]

Told you St. John's would f it up...

http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2015-03-25/steve-lavin-fired-coaching-st-johns-contract-red-storm-ncaa-tournament

He only has one more year left on his contract. So if they don't fire him this year, and don't give an extension, he can't recruit. I wonder if they give him an extension (ala Cronin's extension a few years ago), which is not really guaranteed money or has a minimal buyout. For recruiting purposes, he can tell recruits he has an extension, but he really doesn't have one.

[casualfan]

He only has one more year left on his contract. So if they don't fire him this year, and don't give an extension, he can't recruit. I wonder if they give him an extension (ala Cronin's extension a few years ago), which is not really guaranteed money or has a minimal buyout. For recruiting purposes, he can tell recruits he has an extension, but he really doesn't have one.

If you're trying to extend a guy without really extending him why are you entertaining extending him in the first place? Seems like you're just kicking the can so to speak.

It'd be one thing if they were shaping up to be really good next year, but they aren't. This year they basically had 6 players. They lose 4 of the 6 to graduation (Pointer, Green, Harrison, and Branch) and the other two (Obekpa & Jordan) are on the fence about leaving.

Unless you're absolutely positive about wanting to keep him long term going forward why wouldn't you break it off now? Why give him another year to clutter the roster with players who the new coach will have to run off anyway?

He's had 5 years to show you what he is as a coach. Either you like it and commit to him or you don't and you say goodbye.

As Mike Ehrmantraut of breaking bad fame would say: "No more half measures".

[waggy]

Lavin has got them to 2 tournaments since taking over, and had a health problem thrown in. Before he took over it had been awhile since they had been in the tourny. He's brought a level of consistency or continuity compared to previous regimes imo. It may not be great, but I don't see how it's firable.

[XU 87]

There is no dispute that Lavin has been an upgrade to what they had the previous 10 years. I suspect that they want to give him a little more time (one year?) and at the same time help with recruiting this year. Giving him an extension with a small buyout is basically giving him no extension at all.

[bleedXblue]

Lavin has brought in some really good talent. Pointer is a stud. But his teams generally play undisciplined basketball. I think he gets another year or two.

[goldiewilson]

UD gives Archie a 7 year extension

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/2015/story/_/id/12562903/dayton-flyers-extend-archie-miller-2022

[OH.X.MI]

Tyndall out at Tennessee.

[X-Fan]

Tyndall out at Tennessee.
1697

[MD Muskie]

Anyone think they will make a huge pitch again to Mack?

[XU 87]

Anyone think they will make a huge pitch again to Mack?

I do.

[GoMuskies]

Anyone think they will make a huge pitch again to Mack?

Wouldn't surprise me. Wouldn't surprise me if Mack listened, either.

[Titanxman04]

Anyone think they will make a huge pitch again to Mack?

Absolutely. Tenn has always been after Xavier coaches it seems. Nearby, we're always ballers, and they are tired of being shit on. However, if Mack leaves because he's annoyed with the fan base (and I think part of him is from the criticism that he gets - justly or unjustly), Tenn is going to be ten times worse. Those folks are cray-cray.

[paulxu]

If he's going SEC, he should wait for the $3 mil at Alabama to come calling.

[Milhouse]

I would not want to deal with that fanbase....

[D-West & PO-Z]

Heard this morning it is looking like Barnes will be out at Texas.

[GoMuskies]

Heard this morning it is looking like Barnes will be out at Texas.

Gregg Marshall will be showing that Alabama offer to Texas. There's no chance he's going to Alabama. There's an excellent chance he's going to Texas.

[Masterofreality]

Heard this morning it is looking like Barnes will be out at Texas.

Looks like Archie is going to have some opportunities.

[paulxu]

Gregg Marshall will be showing that Alabama offer to Texas. There's no chance he's going to Alabama. There's an excellent chance he's going to Texas.

Texas is probably one of the few places that has as much money as Alabama to throw around.

[GoMuskies]

The feeling around here, for whatever it's worth, is that Marshall probably stays one more year because Baker and VanVleet will be seniors next year.

Who the hell knows with Marshall. Remember that he stayed 9 years at Winthrop and had opportunities to leave for at least 4 years before he finally did. He even accepted the job at College of Charleston (to replace his mentor John Kresse) before changing his mind and going back to Winthrop (also known as pulling an Altman).

[Masterofreality]

Same old thing as to CMack.

What is his priority? The last dollar, or his love for Xavier, the area, the family and his working conditions?

The Seidlers (sp) have established a wonderful financial model to retain our coach. CMack has reinforced to me that he is developing into an elite coach.

I remain hopeful, and yes, confident that Chris Mack will be our coach for a long, long time. Here's to a quiet off-season.

[Lamont Sanford]

Same old thing as to CMack.

What is his priority? The last dollar, or his love for Xavier, the area, the family and his working conditions?

The Seidlers (sp) have established a wonderful financial model to retain our coach. CMack has reinforced to me that he is developing into an elite coach.

I remain hopeful, and yes, confident that Chris Mack will be our coach for a long, long time. Here's to a quiet off-season.

What he said.

[XUPhilly04]

I believe that those middle of the pack SEC jobs, UT, Bama, MSU, etc. are not great jobs. Sure, the paycheck may say otherwise, but your own fans don't even think about your team until football is over, then they are pissed that you didn't take them to the final four or beat Kentucky and you're gone. Then, if you are notfired, early April or sooner, all everyone wants to talk about is spring football, and the cycle continues. Marshall might take the Texas job, but doubt he goes to UT or Bama, same for Archie, unless he really doesn't like his team next season.

[throwbackmuskie]

SEC schools were told by Slive's office to start caring about hoops, that is one of the reasons why so much $$ is being throw at coaches. Tyndall was just a horrible hire, but that is ut for you anymore. They were smart in putting the out clause in there if he was found guilty.

[Juice]

Texas is probably one of the few places that has as much money as Alabama to throw around.

More

[THRILLHOUSE]

Heard this morning it is looking like Barnes will be out at Texas.

Rumor is the AD has asked Barnes to make changes to his staff or else. Which is basically just rearranging the deck chairs of the titanic at this point. I think Barnes is done, but Mack Brown was able to hang around a couple of years longer by firing assistants, so who knows.

[GoMuskies]

Rumor is the AD has asked Barnes to make changes to his staff or else. Which is basically just rearranging the deck chairs of the titanic at this point. I think Barnes is done, but Mack Brown was able to hang around a couple of years longer by firing assistants, so who knows.

This all goes along with the feeling around here that Marshall has one more year in him in Wichita. Texas might be holding off on replacing Barnes for a year.

[LadyMuskie]

Absolutely. Tenn has always been after Xavier coaches it seems. Nearby, we're always ballers, and they are tired of being shit on. However, if Mack leaves because he's annoyed with the fan base (and I think part of him is from the criticism that he gets - justly or unjustly), Tenn is going to be ten times worse. Those folks are cray-cray.

Seriously. VD fans may be ignorant. UC fans are annoying. But Tennessee fans are legitimately nuts.

[XUPhilly04]

Maybe Texas isn't certain that they can get Marshall this year, so if they part with Barnes but fail to land Marshall, they don't like their other options.

[paulxu]

This is almost a perfect representation of the pinnacle of coaching in college basketball, missing maybe only OSU and Syracuse.

Matta left after one E8 to go to OSU.
Miller left after one E8 and one S16 for Arizona.

Mack now has 3 S16's. If he had squeezed an E8 out of this group, his resume would be every bit as good as theirs.
I don't think any of these jobs are open, but certainly he would be within reason to consider one of them his next step if he decided to leave.

I'd love for him to stay and with the resources we have, make X a permanent fixture in this triangle. Given the football resources the others have, it'll always be a challenge. But on the Forbes list, and in this triangle, X and Duke are the private schools getting it done.

Sure I hope he stays and builds a Duke legacy here. There's no where else on the landscape where that might even be remotely possible for a private school. And I'm really glad we have this problem. (I guess). For now, like every year, I'll just enjoy the ride.
We are not really appreciative (me included) of just how fortunate we are at Xavier.


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CA3-xk5UgAAJ7rS.jpg

[goldiewilson]

Looks like Archie is going to have some opportunities.

I know how bad many on here want Archie to leave UD, but he isn't going anywhere this year.

He will leave at some point, but with the roster he has next season I would be shocked if he goes anywhere.
UD will be very good, and hopefully X gets to witness it firsthand in the Orlando tournament.

[THRILLHOUSE]

I know how bad many on here want Archie to leave UD, but he isn't going anywhere this year.

He will leave at some point, but with the roster he has next season I would be shocked if he goes anywhere.
UD will be very good, and hopefully X gets to witness it firsthand in the Orlando tournament.

X fans thought the same about Sean in 2009. Sure, Archie might not leave this offseason, but it's foolish to think just because he has a good roster at UD next season that he wouldn't entertain the thought of leaving for the right opportunity now.

[XUPhilly04]

X fans thought the same about Sean in 2009. Sure, Archie might not leave this offseason, but it's foolish to think just because he has a good roster at UD next season that he wouldn't entertain the thought of leaving for the right opportunity now.

But Sean left for Arizona. Archie may be looking at UT and Bama, better off waiting another year for something better.

[goldiewilson]

X fans thought the same about Sean in 2009. Sure, Archie might not leave this offseason, but it's foolish to think just because he has a good roster at UD next season that he wouldn't entertain the thought of leaving for the right opportunity now.

True, I just don't think any great opportunities are opening up this year.

The only one that I worry about is IU, and sounds like Crean may hang on for another year.

[xavierj]

I know how bad many on here want Archie to leave UD, but he isn't going anywhere this year.

He will leave at some point, but with the roster he has next season I would be shocked if he goes anywhere.
UD will be very good, and hopefully X gets to witness it firsthand in the Orlando tournament.

They lose a player that they would have .500 without at best so I don't know how loaded They will be next year. If the right opportunity is there Archie will leave In a second. Deep down he can give two shits about Dayton. Do you really think he wants to live in Dayton?

[THRILLHOUSE]

But Sean left for Arizona. Archie may be looking at UT and Bama, better off waiting another year for something better.

If Texas or Indiana open up, then Archie's gotta at least listen to their offers. I'd agree he's better off staying another year at UD over Tenn or Bama, unless they offer him an obscene amount of cash.

[goldiewilson]

But Sean left for Arizona. Archie may be looking at UT and Bama, better off waiting another year for something better.

Exactly. Listening to him talk about UD, I think he is very content. To leave and go to a BCS school where basketball is second fiddle just for more money seems unlikely.
A BCS school where basketball is king in addition to more money and he may jump at it.

[XUPhilly04]

If Texas or Indiana open up, then Archie's gotta at least listen to their offers. I'd agree he's better off staying another year at UD over Tenn or Bama, unless they offer him an obscene amount of cash.

Agreed, those are jobs worth waiting for.

[goldiewilson]

They lose a player that they would have .500 without at best so I don't know how loaded They will be next year. If the right opportunity is there Archie will leave In a second. Deep down he can give two shits about Dayton. Do you really think he wants to live in Dayton?

They also have a transfer coming in who by all accounts will fill Siberts shoes nicely, a big guy who sat out this season but practiced with the team, and a very good class coming in. I would be shocked if they don't finish in the top 25.

Also, pretty sure Archie lives in a very nice suburban home in Kettering/Centerville. He ain't staying downtown next to the YMCA.

[X-Fan]

I know how bad many on here want Archie to leave UD, but he isn't going anywhere this year.

He will leave at some point, but with the roster he has next season I would be shocked if he goes anywhere.
UD will be very good, and hopefully X gets to witness it firsthand in the Orlando tournament.


X fans thought the same about Sean in 2009. Sure, Archie might not leave this offseason, but it's foolish to think just because he has a good roster at UD next season that he wouldn't entertain the thought of leaving for the right opportunity now.

Like Thrillhouse said, I remember thinking this about Sean. In fact, that's why it was so hard for Sean to leave for Zona. He had an Elite 8/Final Four team coming back, because it's very unlikely Derrick Brown would have left for the draft if Miller stayed.

I would imagine Texas and their Millions would be very difficult to turn down. Bama is a different story. Anthony Grant failing there is a great cautionary tale for any good/young coach. There's a reason most Football schools have inconsistent success (if at all) in basketball...it's just not a priority or a significant focus compared to football. Xavier, and to a similar extent Vd, are ALL-IN for BBall. However Texas would be an exception (IMO) considering their BBall history.

[paulxu]

It's really, really difficult to get to a S16, let alone an E8/F4.
Shacka hasn't been back to the S16.
Archie should strike while the iron is hot if he gets a chance.

[X-band '01]

I haven't heard Shaka Smart mentioned for too many jobs yet - either it's because the current openings aren't high-profile enough or the bloom is finally fading off of his flower.

I do think the carousel will kick into high gear now that Gregg Marshall/Wichita State is finished this season.

As for Archie, he'll only leave Dayton if there is a great situation elsewhere. Alabama and Tennessee are not great situations.

[Xavgrad08]

I wonder if Tennessee now being a Nike school will help in the coaching search. From reading Jeff Goodman's tweets it sounds like coaches don't have a lot of faith in the Tennessee AD.

[THRILLHOUSE]

I wonder if Tennessee now being a Nike school will help in the coaching search. From reading Jeff Goodman's tweets it sounds like coaches don't have a lot of faith in the Tennessee AD.

Between football and basketball, there have been 9 different coaches at Tennessee in the last 7 years. I wouldn't have much faith in that Athletic Department either.

[Masterofreality]

I haven't heard Shaka Smart mentioned for too many jobs yet - either it's because the current openings aren't high-profile enough or the bloom is finally fading off of his flower.

I do think the carousel will kick into high gear now that Gregg Marshall/Wichita State is finished this season.

As for Archie, he'll only leave Dayton if there is a great situation elsewhere. Alabama and Tennessee are not great situations.

Shaka may be considering the move now. VCU is not getting any better, and that bloom will fade quickly.

[xubrew]

Wichita's associate head coach just took the job at East Tennessee State. I can't imagine that he wouldn't have been a candidate for the Wichita job had Marshall left, which makes me think that Marshall may not be going anywhere.

[GoMuskies]

Wichita's associate head coach just took the job at East Tennessee State. I can't imagine that he wouldn't have been a candidate for the Wichita job had Marshall left, which makes me think that Marshall may not be going anywhere.

Sounds like Prosser to Loyola (MD) to me. Go get a year or two of experience running a program and be ready to come back when the big boss leaves.

[xubrew]

X fans thought the same about Sean in 2009. Sure, Archie might not leave this offseason, but it's foolish to think just because he has a good roster at UD next season that he wouldn't entertain the thought of leaving for the right opportunity now.

Whenever a coach starts to talk about how much they love where they are at and how they're not going anywhere when those comments really aren't being solicited, the next question you need to ask is "Okay, so where are you looking to go?"

Arizona was a storied program, but at the time Miller took it over it was kind of a mess. In fact, most jobs that open up are open because the place is kind of a mess. Rarely to schools make coaching changes when things are going swimmingly well.

[throwbackmuskie]

Shaka may not being talked about since he keeps turning down jobs. He also got the #78 player in Mack, a 4 * guard in Williams and 3* forward out of Texas.

[xubrew]

Shaka may not being talked about since he keeps turning down jobs. He also got the #78 player in Mack, a 4 * guard in Williams and 3* forward out of Texas.

The A10 TV deal is so bad, maybe everyone just kind of forgot about VCU. It seems like they were more exposed before they left the Colonial.

[throwbackmuskie]

The A10 TV deal is so bad, maybe everyone just kind of forgot about VCU. It seems like they were more exposed before they left the Colonial.

That's true. He is still king there, and can really own the A10. I mean archie will be gone soon, so the A10 will be a 2 horse league, Davidson and VCU.

[Masterofreality]

Davidson only until McKillop retires.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://insider.espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12567716/next-tennessee-donnie-tyndall-dismissal-college-basketball

Candidates for the Tenn job.

He has 8 guys under the realistic chance category, all mostly from smaller schools except Richard Pitino.

Here is the long shots:

Long-shot candidates
Gregg Marshall, Wichita State: Alabama is going to make a run at Marshall, and Tennessee could do the same. But my guess is that Marshall holds out for a more attractive job.

Archie Miller, Dayton: Miller has taken Dayton to the NCAA tournament two years in a row (and won five games once he got there), but he recently got extended at Dayton and would likely only leave for an elite job -- which Tennessee is not.

[GoMuskies]

I can't remember if we ever talked about this: any chance Kelsey is in the mix for the NKU job?

[LA Muskie]

One of the nice things about having the team out here for the Sweet 16 was being able to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. A big topic discussed was Sean Miller. I cannot express to you how much everyone I know associated with the program enjoyed being around him again, and how much they felt he liked being around them again as well. There was a sense from everyone who met with him that he still has a HUGE affinity for Xavier, and even a small bit of regret. Not that he doesn't like where he is and the success that he is having, but that the culture at a huge school like AZ is just very different. I have always been a big Sean Miller fan, and after the last few days I'm an even bigger fan.

What does this have to do with the topic at hand? I'll tell you. Perhaps because of the Dayton rivalry, people on this board seem to have a sense that Archie has been one foot out the door since the day he stepped on campus. I really don't think that's true. I don't think it's ever been true. And I think Sean in particular has counseled Archie to be very careful. I'm not saying that Archie wouldn't take over a major program with a history of success (and support for its basketball program) like Sean did, if given the opportunity. But I don't think he's leaving for much less than that.

One last thing: a comment several people made over the last week was that coaches and their families are constantly concerned about job security. (The word "paranoid" was used a few times, although I'm not sure that's a good word choice since there is a legitimate basis for the fear.) The concern stems in no small part to the groundswell of public/fan opinion, because coaches are well aware that ultimately it's the fans/donors to whom the AD must answer. There is really a fear that a single game can doom a job. And because of that, coaches often have a "grass is greener" mentality.

[XU3232]

I hate the fact that every year I have to stress about our coach leaving as soon as the season ends. I understand that with success comes other teams wanting our coach but it just sucks. Hope Mack is happy and stays here for a long time.

[Milhouse]

I can't remember if we ever talked about this: any chance Kelsey is in the mix for the NKU job?

Travis steele prolly a lot more likely.

Also I do wonder if Shaka would've left for Marquette this year. I think he really liked the team he had coming back and wasn't quite ready to leave. Had he been able to stay and see his team lay another egg in the NCAA you have to wonder if he wouldn't have decided to look for greener pastures.

[Juice]

Shaka may be considering the move now. VCU is not getting any better, and that bloom will fade quickly.

The Chris Petersen of basketball

[Juice]

I can't remember if we ever talked about this: any chance Kelsey is in the mix for the NKU job?

It's a step down

[GoMuskies]

It's a step down

I don't think so. I'd think it's lateral at worst, and if Kelsey wants to do the same job and be closer to family it might be attractive to him.

[Muskied]

One of the nice things about having the team out here for the Sweet 16 was being able to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. A big topic discussed was Sean Miller. I cannot express to you how much everyone I know associated with the program enjoyed being around him again, and how much they felt he liked being around them again as well. There was a sense from everyone who met with him that he still has a HUGE affinity for Xavier, and even a small bit of regret. Not that he doesn't like where he is and the success that he is having, but that the culture at a huge school like AZ is just very different. I have always been a big Sean Miller fan, and after the last few days I'm an even bigger fan.

What does this have to do with the topic at hand? I'll tell you. Perhaps because of the Dayton rivalry, people on this board seem to have a sense that Archie has been one foot out the door since the day he stepped on campus. I really don't think that's true. I don't think it's ever been true. And I think Sean in particular has counseled Archie to be very careful. I'm not saying that Archie wouldn't take over a major program with a history of success (and support for its basketball program) like Sean did, if given the opportunity. But I don't think he's leaving for much less than that.

One last thing: a comment several people made over the last week was that coaches and their families are constantly concerned about job security. (The word "paranoid" was used a few times, although I'm not sure that's a good word choice since there is a legitimate basis for the fear.) The concern stems in no small part to the groundswell of public/fan opinion, because coaches are well aware that ultimately it's the fans/donors to whom the AD must answer. There is really a fear that a single game can doom a job. And because of that, coaches often have a "grass is greener" mentality.

This is absolutely correct. First person anyone has to convince for a new job isn't Archie...its Morgan, his wife. They have a daughter and actually do enjoy Dayton. There is something to be said for not uprooting your family ever few years like they have done and staying put for a while so their kid can enjoy friends and growing up. There will eventually be a right job....but I wouldn't be shocked to see Archie settle in.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It's a step down

Yeah I was thinking that too. Although I dont know a ton about Winthrop.

[GoMuskies]

Wichita's associate head coach just took the job at East Tennessee State. I can't imagine that he wouldn't have been a candidate for the Wichita job had Marshall left, which makes me think that Marshall may not be going anywhere.

By the way, just looked into it and ETSU hired Forbes. Chris Jans is the Wichita State assistant who is assumed to be Marshall's heir apparent. So the ETSU move probably doesn't tell us anything about Marshall's intentions. It could even point the other way, because Forbes may have been more likely to stick around if he thought Marshall was staying.

[GoMuskies]

And I see that Jans must have left last year for BGSU. So they have their guy seasoned and ready to go.

[THRILLHOUSE]

I can't remember if we ever talked about this: any chance Kelsey is in the mix for the NKU job?

No. When it comes time for Pat to leave Winthrop it will be for a bigger job than NKU. (unless Pat really really wants to get back to the Cincy area. But he seems happy at Winthrop for the moment.)

[bleedXblue]

I hate the fact that every year I have to stress about our coach leaving as soon as the season ends. I understand that with success comes other teams wanting our coach but it just sucks. Hope Mack is happy and stays here for a long time.

Agreed. I don't get as worked up about it as I used to. I would be very disappointed if he did. He has a good gig, making $1 M a year and this is his home town and Alma mater. Guys like Jay Wright, Mark Few etc. have figured out. Let's hope Mack does as well.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Per Jon Rothstein, Lavin is OUT at St. John's.

[X-Fan]

One of the nice things about having the team out here for the Sweet 16 was being able to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. A big topic discussed was Sean Miller. I cannot express to you how much everyone I know associated with the program enjoyed being around him again, and how much they felt he liked being around them again as well. There was a sense from everyone who met with him that he still has a HUGE affinity for Xavier, and even a small bit of regret. Not that he doesn't like where he is and the success that he is having, but that the culture at a huge school like AZ is just very different. I have always been a big Sean Miller fan, and after the last few days I'm an even bigger fan.

What does this have to do with the topic at hand? I'll tell you. Perhaps because of the Dayton rivalry, people on this board seem to have a sense that Archie has been one foot out the door since the day he stepped on campus. I really don't think that's true. I don't think it's ever been true. And I think Sean in particular has counseled Archie to be very careful. I'm not saying that Archie wouldn't take over a major program with a history of success (and support for its basketball program) like Sean did, if given the opportunity. But I don't think he's leaving for much less than that.

One last thing: a comment several people made over the last week was that coaches and their families are constantly concerned about job security. (The word "paranoid" was used a few times, although I'm not sure that's a good word choice since there is a legitimate basis for the fear.) The concern stems in no small part to the groundswell of public/fan opinion, because coaches are well aware that ultimately it's the fans/donors to whom the AD must answer. There is really a fear that a single game can doom a job. And because of that, coaches often have a "grass is greener" mentality.


This is absolutely correct. First person anyone has to convince for a new job isn't Archie...its Morgan, his wife. They have a daughter and actually do enjoy Dayton. There is something to be said for not uprooting your family ever few years like they have done and staying put for a while so their kid can enjoy friends and growing up. There will eventually be a right job....but I wouldn't be shocked to see Archie settle in.

While we are talking about Sean, I am tempted to throw out some hypothetical's just for "fun".
Here are the variables:
- Sean is at Xavier back in 2009
- Xavier is in the Big East (as it is today)
- Arizona is in the state it was 6 years ago
- Sean has the same 09-10 team coming back

Does Sean still leave for Arizona?

Discuss and feel free to tweak the variables.

I love Chris Mack and want him as Xavier's coach, but since we are talking about Archie staying at Vd for a while, I'm just curious to see if with X in the position they are in now, do you think Sean would have stayed?

[LA Muskie]

Per Jon Rothstein, Lavin is OUT at St. John's.

CBS Sports just reported the same thing.

[THRILLHOUSE]

and this from the Texas 24/7 site:

"Multiple sources have told 247Sports that Rick Barnes is not expected to return for an 18th season as the head coach of Texas.

Athletic Director Steve Patterson has demanded wholesale changes with the assistant coaching staff by Barnes, and he is not expected to acquiesce to these demands.

In fact, one source said, "Bet the house and double down" that Barnes will not return."

[Juice]

I don't think so. I'd think it's lateral at worst, and if Kelsey wants to do the same job and be closer to family it might be attractive to him.

The only thing that makes it more attractive is the location of NKU. The Big South is a better conference and Winthrop has way more history. In fact, one school from the Atlantic Sun is leaving the conference to join the Big South.

[LA Muskie]

While we are talking about Sean, I am tempted to throw out some hypothetical's just for "fun".
Here are the variables:
- Sean is at Xavier back in 2009
- Xavier is in the Big East (as it is today)
- Arizona is in the state it was 6 years ago
- Sean has the same 09-10 team coming back

Does Sean still leave for Arizona?

Discuss and feel free to tweak the variables.

I love Chris Mack and want him as Xavier's coach, but since we are talking about Archie staying at Vd for a while, I'm just curious to see if with X in the position they are in now, do you think Sean would have stayed?
I will tell you that I had this exact conversation with someone who knows Sean VERY WELL (and was one of the sources for my prior post) and who spoke with Sean at length this week. He thinks that if Sean knew then that we would end up in the Big East in the near future, there is an extremely good chance he never would have left. The money still would have held allure, and there is still the history at Arizona, but given how difficult the decision was even then, he thinks it likely would have come out very differently.

[LA Muskie]

and this from the Texas 24/7 site:

"Multiple sources have told 247Sports that Rick Barnes is not expected to return for an 18th season as the head coach of Texas.

Athletic Director Steve Patterson has demanded wholesale changes with the assistant coaching staff by Barnes, and he is not expected to acquiesce to these demands.

In fact, one source said, "Bet the house and double down" that Barnes will not return."
This could very well cause a domino effect at places like IU. There are only a few guys that are at the top of AD's lists for jobs like this, and nobody wants to get preempted.

[Xville]

only job in my opinion that is about to become open that is worth a darn to a coach like Archie or even Mack for that matter is Texas, and thats only if the cloud of football isn't that big. No good coach (unless they are in a lower level program) is going to go to an Alabama, Tennessee etc unless it is someone like Bruce Pearl who basically didnt have any other options. It just won't happen in my opinion.

[BMoreX]

Storm will look at Hurley and Masiello says Goodman.

[Xville]

CBS Sports just reported the same thing.

Thank goodness...that could be a very good job for someone who can actually coach. Bobby Hurley anyone?

[GoMuskies]

The Big South is a better conference and Winthrop has way more history.

I wouldn't say the Big South is a better league. It was a better league this year, but the A-Sun was superior each of the prior 5 seasons according to Sagarin. And Winthrop only has a little bit of history because of Gregg Marshall. Before that, they were horrible. One of my co-workers in Charlotte was a Winthrop grad, and she talked about how they always got smoked by Radford.

I will concede that it probably wouldn't be a step up, but if he was interested in being in the Cincinnati area I don't see any reason to think it would be a step down, either.

[Xavgrad08]

[QUOTE=X-Fan;500578]While we are talking about Sean, I am tempted to throw out some hypothetical's just for "fun".
Here are the variables:
- Sean is at Xavier back in 2009
- Xavier is in the Big East (as it is today)
- Arizona is in the state it was 6 years ago
- Sean has the same 09-10 team coming back

Does Sean still leave for Arizona?


Interesting question. Sean's ultimate goal is to win a National Championship. I think he felt it would be easier to recruit elite five star talent to Arizona than to Xavier. There are not as many elite programs out west that you have to recruit against. Sean originally turning down Arizona is an indication how much he liked Xavier and liked his players. Even in the new Big East I think Sean would have left for Arizona. There are some programs you don't turn down and I think Arizona is one of those programs in my opinion.

The quote below is from Sean's press conference earlier this week regarding recruiting in the mid west. " What a lot of people in the west don't understand is how many great programs are close together in the mid west. When you're at Xavier, you don't to recruit a McDonald's All-American to say we landed a good player. That state and that area it's amazing the population and terrific talent. But there's unbelievable competition in recruiting. Just in the city of Cincinnati, you have UC, you have Xavier up the road. Ohio State. Keep going. Go down south, Louisville, Kentucky. You move over to Indiana. Indiana, Purdue, Butler. So it's just very, very competitive."

Besides UCLA, Arizona can dominate west coast recruiting and that is why I think it is a really good job in my opinion.

[Xville]

[QUOTE=X-Fan;500578]While we are talking about Sean, I am tempted to throw out some hypothetical's just for "fun".
Here are the variables:
- Sean is at Xavier back in 2009
- Xavier is in the Big East (as it is today)
- Arizona is in the state it was 6 years ago
- Sean has the same 09-10 team coming back

Does Sean still leave for Arizona?


Interesting question. Sean's ultimate goal is to win a National Championship. I think he felt it would be easier to recruit elite five star talent to Arizona than to Xavier. There are not as many elite programs out west that you have to recruit against. Sean originally turning down Arizona is an indication how much he liked Xavier and liked his players. Even in the new Big East I think Sean would have left for Arizona.
There are some programs you don't turn down and I think Arizona is one of those programs in my opinion.

The quote below is from Sean's press conference earlier this week regarding recruiting in the mid west. " What a lot of people in the west don't understand is how many great programs are close together in the mid west. When you're at Xavier, you don't to recruit a McDonald's All-American to say we landed a good player. That state and that area it's amazing the population and terrific talent. But there's unbelievable competition in recruiting. Just in the city of Cincinnati, you have UC, you have Xavier up the road. Ohio State. Keep going. Go down south, Louisville, Kentucky. You move over to Indiana. Indiana, Purdue, Butler. So it's just very, very competitive."

Besides UCLA Arizona can dominate west coast recruiting and that is why I think it is a really good job in my opinion.

yep to all of this. It is much easier to recruit 5 star talent there because of all of the above, and much easier to win a championship there on account of that. They are an elite program...if Mack said yes to a program like Alabama or Tennesse, I'd be really freaking pissed....if he said yes to an Indiana hypothetically speaking...I couldn't blame him...it is what it is. Xavier is a great program, but its not a top ten program and im sorry to break all of your hearts and ill probably get ostracized because of this, but its never going to be a top ten program, there's no room....that doesn't mean we can't be a 15-20ish program...heck we are probably almost there already.

[GoMuskies]

Bobby Hurley anyone?

Or Dan. Perhaps Dan to St. John's and Bobby to DePaul.

[waggy]

Xavier is a great program, but its not a top ten program and im sorry to break all of your hearts and ill probably get ostracized because of this, but its never going to be a top ten program, there's no room....that doesn't mean we can't be a 15-20ish program...heck we are probably almost there already.

It comes down to people. Players follow coaches. Basically, the program will be as successful as the coach is at attracting talent.

[LadyMuskie]

I don't think so. I'd think it's lateral at worst, and if Kelsey wants to do the same job and be closer to family it might be attractive to him.

I don't know if he'd take it because his brother Walt played ball there and was a pretty big deal for NKU Basketball. It could be a little odd, but who knows. It can be difficult to get a westsider to leave, and even when we do, we tend to get yanked back to Cincinnati one way or another.

[paulxu]

Xavier is a great program, but its not a top ten program and im sorry to break all of your hearts and ill probably get ostracized because of this, but its never going to be a top ten program, there's no room....that doesn't mean we can't be a 15-20ish program...heck we are probably almost there already.

I don't buy this. Look at the pyramid I posted earlier.
Every one of the P5 conferences top teams can pay a LOT more money than even the BE teams for a coach.
Then why are so very few on that list of 9 teams? The only one missing really are Syracuse, OSU and Florida.
Xavier is on that list. The only BE team. Based on that list you might even stretch to say we are top 10 in the country.

We're not really there until we make some FF's. I know that.
But these other coaches, Marshall, A. Miller, Shaka, etc., if they want to compete year in, year out, need to be in different leagues.
The McKillops and Fews who are content to excel in their smaller conferences, won't attract the talent to be in the S16 5 out of 8 years. Just won't happen.

Archie can be happy at Dayton, but I suspect he has the Miller gene for competing, and will need to move on. If he's waiting for Indiana, all well and good. But that might mean competing against Shaka or some other rising stars. Or even against Mack?

I hope we have Mack for a long time, and he transforms X into another version of Duke. He's on the right road.
But I think Miller would make a big mistake if a good job came along (like a Texas) and he turned it down.
He was squarely on the bubble this year, and even Shaka hasn't made it out of the first weekend since his magical run.

[GoMuskies]

The McKillops and Fews who are content to excel in their smaller conferences, won't attract the talent to be in the S16 5 out of 8 years. Just won't happen.


I don't think that's true of Few at Gonzaga. They obviously haven't gotten it done, but they attract plenty of talent to Gonzaga to get to the Sweet Sixteen as much as just about anyone. They have certainly had more highly rated players than Xavier over the last 8 years.

[Xville]

I don't buy this. Look at the pyramid I posted earlier.
Every one of the P5 conferences top teams can pay a LOT more money than even the BE teams for a coach.
Then why are so very few on that list of 9 teams? The only one missing really are Syracuse, OSU and Florida.
Xavier is on that list. The only BE team. Based on that list you might even stretch to say we are top 10 in the country.

We're not really there until we make some FF's. I know that.
But these other coaches, Marshall, A. Miller, Shaka, etc., if they want to compete year in, year out, need to be in different leagues.
The McKillops and Fews who are content to excel in their smaller conferences, won't attract the talent to be in the S16 5 out of 8 years. Just won't happen.

Archie can be happy at Dayton, but I suspect he has the Miller gene for competing, and will need to move on. If he's waiting for Indiana, all well and good. But that might mean competing against Shaka or some other rising stars. Or even against Mack?

I hope we have Mack for a long time, and he transforms X into another version of Duke. He's on the right road.
But I think Miller would make a big mistake if a good job came along (like a Texas) and he turned it down.
He was squarely on the bubble this year, and even Shaka hasn't made it out of the first weekend since his magical run.

I saw the pyramid and it is really impressive but sweet 16s aren't going to get us to being a top ten program...maybe if we make multiple final fours and win a championship or two we could be a top ten program so I recant my statement that we will never be because 15-20 years from now, who knows. There just is not a whole lot of room...just off the top of my head, Duke, UNC, Louisville, Kentucky, Indiana, Kansas, UCLA.

Now I know over the past few years Indiana and UCLA have had some down years, but they are still a blue blood, have been to numerous final fours and have some championships. We are fighting against 50 years of history here..thats all im saying.

[Xavgrad08]

Assuming Texas is open how would you rank the big open jobs so far?

Texas- Has the Money to be a really good job. Besides ,Texas I am having a lot of trouble coming up with the order as St. John's, Depaul,Tennessee and Alabama have flaws.

[MADXSTER]

Xavier is a great program, but its not a top ten program and im sorry to break all of your hearts and ill probably get ostracized because of this, but its never going to be a top ten program, there's no room....that doesn't mean we can't be a 15-20ish program...heck we are probably almost there already.


I don't buy this. Look at the pyramid I posted earlier.
Every one of the P5 conferences top teams can pay a LOT more money than even the BE teams for a coach.
Then why are so very few on that list of 9 teams? The only one missing really are Syracuse, OSU and Florida.
Xavier is on that list. The only BE team. Based on that list you might even stretch to say we are top 10 in the country.

We're not really there until we make some FF's. I know that.
But these other coaches, Marshall, A. Miller, Shaka, etc., if they want to compete year in, year out, need to be in different leagues.
The McKillops and Fews who are content to excel in their smaller conferences, won't attract the talent to be in the S16 5 out of 8 years. Just won't happen.

Archie can be happy at Dayton, but I suspect he has the Miller gene for competing, and will need to move on. If he's waiting for Indiana, all well and good. But that might mean competing against Shaka or some other rising stars. Or even against Mack?

I hope we have Mack for a long time, and he transforms X into another version of Duke. He's on the right road.
But I think Miller would make a big mistake if a good job came along (like a Texas) and he turned it down.
He was squarely on the bubble this year, and even Shaka hasn't made it out of the first weekend since his magical run.

I'm going to agree with Paul on this one. Sorry Paul.

Xavier is now in a league that if you win said league you will most assuredly be a 1 or 2 seed. Being a 1 or 2 seed is the most optimal way of getting to a FF. This was not the case in the A10. Yes, you could get a 1 or 2 seed in the A10 but not by just winning the league. The B10 and Pac10 are the same way and this is why Thad and Sean both left. Keep in mind that Duke's undergrad is 6700. So a small school can win a NC and be a top 10 program. It will be a tough nut to crack but IMO it is possible. Xavier just needs to continue its progress as it has been over the last few decades.

[casualfan]

[QUOTE=Xville;500592]



I'm going to agree with Paul on this one. Sorry Paul.

Xavier is now in a league that if you win said league you will most assuredly be a 1 or 2 seed. Being a 1 or 2 seed is the most optimal way of getting to a FF. This was not the case in the A10. Yes, you could get a 1 or 2 seed in the A10 but not by just winning the league. The B10 and Pac10 are the same way and this is why Thad and Sean both left. Keep in mind that Duke's undergrad is 6700. So a small school can win a NC and be a top 10 program. It will be a tough nut to crack but IMO it is possible. Xavier just needs to continue its progress as it has been over the last few decades.

I think it is naive to assume that whoever wins the league will be handed a 1 or a 2 going forward. That has been the case the last two years, but Villanova has been light years ahead of every other program the past two years.

Now if you want to assume Nova will win 30 games every year and get a 1 or 2 maybe it will play out that way, but I don't think just winning the league gets you a 1 or a 2.

[X-Fan]

[QUOTE=X-Fan;500578]While we are talking about Sean, I am tempted to throw out some hypothetical's just for "fun".
Here are the variables:
- Sean is at Xavier back in 2009
- Xavier is in the Big East (as it is today)
- Arizona is in the state it was 6 years ago
- Sean has the same 09-10 team coming back

Does Sean still leave for Arizona?


Interesting question. Sean's ultimate goal is to win a National Championship. I think he felt it would be easier to recruit elite five star talent to Arizona than to Xavier. There are not as many elite programs out west that you have to recruit against. Sean originally turning down Arizona is an indication how much he liked Xavier and liked his players. Even in the new Big East I think Sean would have left for Arizona. There are some programs you don't turn down and I think Arizona is one of those programs in my opinion.

The quote below is from Sean's press conference earlier this week regarding recruiting in the mid west. " What a lot of people in the west don't understand is how many great programs are close together in the mid west. When you're at Xavier, you don't to recruit a McDonald's All-American to say we landed a good player. That state and that area it's amazing the population and terrific talent. But there's unbelievable competition in recruiting. Just in the city of Cincinnati, you have UC, you have Xavier up the road. Ohio State. Keep going. Go down south, Louisville, Kentucky. You move over to Indiana. Indiana, Purdue, Butler. So it's just very, very competitive."

Besides UCLA, Arizona can dominate west coast recruiting and that is why I think it is a really good job in my opinion.


[QUOTE=Xavgrad08;500590]

yep to all of this. It is much easier to recruit 5 star talent there because of all of the above, and much easier to win a championship there on account of that. They are an elite program...if Mack said yes to a program like Alabama or Tennesse, I'd be really freaking pissed....if he said yes to an Indiana hypothetically speaking...I couldn't blame him...it is what it is. Xavier is a great program, but its not a top ten program and im sorry to break all of your hearts and ill probably get ostracized because of this, but its never going to be a top ten program, there's no room....that doesn't mean we can't be a 15-20ish program...heck we are probably almost there already.


It comes down to people. Players follow coaches. Basically, the program will be as successful as the coach is at attracting talent.


I don't buy this. Look at the pyramid I posted earlier.
Every one of the P5 conferences top teams can pay a LOT more money than even the BE teams for a coach.
Then why are so very few on that list of 9 teams? The only one missing really are Syracuse, OSU and Florida.
Xavier is on that list. The only BE team. Based on that list you might even stretch to say we are top 10 in the country.

We're not really there until we make some FF's. I know that.
But these other coaches, Marshall, A. Miller, Shaka, etc., if they want to compete year in, year out, need to be in different leagues.
The McKillops and Fews who are content to excel in their smaller conferences, won't attract the talent to be in the S16 5 out of 8 years. Just won't happen.

Archie can be happy at Dayton, but I suspect he has the Miller gene for competing, and will need to move on. If he's waiting for Indiana, all well and good. But that might mean competing against Shaka or some other rising stars. Or even against Mack?

I hope we have Mack for a long time, and he transforms X into another version of Duke. He's on the right road.
But I think Miller would make a big mistake if a good job came along (like a Texas) and he turned it down.
He was squarely on the bubble this year, and even Shaka hasn't made it out of the first weekend since his magical run.
Good discussion all. Thanks for entertaining my question.

My opinion is that he still goes, if only because he still has Coach Cal in his ear. I agree Zona is an elite job. I'll say this, I interpreted Sean's statement about recruiting out West as something he learned himself, not something he knew going into the job. If anything, most felt him being a Midwest guy might be why he would not want to take that job and have to go into a area he wasn't used to recruiting. That is now a pretty ridiculous thought, but it made sense back then.

With that said, I agree with PAULXU. Not that I know Archie from a can of paint, but I would bet money he has the same gene for competition that his brother/family does. As Crean said when he took the IU job, "It's Indiana".

Now, there aren't a LOT of elite jobs out there, much less ones that are expected to become available in the next 5 years.
Let's run down the list:
Duke - No
UNC - No to Maybe
IU - Yes
Louisville - No to Maybe
UK - Only if Cal goes NBA
MSU - No
Zona - No
KU - No
UCLA - Maybe
Wiscy - Maybe

Besides IU, I really don't see any of those jobs opening in the next 5 years. Even if Coach K or Roy retire, it's almost certain that those schools will "stay inside the family" of coaches. So if Archie wants an elite job he's looking at that prospect. However, there are a number of really good jobs that could become available. Namely: Georgia Tech, Texas, Illinois, Missouri, Purdue, Washington, Nova, NC State, WVU, Ohio St., OK St., to name a few.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I have heard a lot in Columbus that there isnt a lot of expectation that Thad coaches a whole lot longer because of his health issues. Apparently he is in constant pain at all times on the sidelines coaching and he has been instructed by doctors to coach sitting which he doesnt usually do.

[Xville]

[QUOTE=Xavgrad08;500590]

[QUOTE=Xville;500592]




Good discussion all. Thanks for entertaining my question.

My opinion is that he still goes, if only because he still has Coach Cal in his ear. I agree Zona is an elite job. I'll say this, I interpreted Sean's statement about recruiting out West as something he learned himself, not something he knew going into the job. If anything, most felt him being a Midwest guy might be why he would not want to take that job and have to go into a area he wasn't used to recruiting. That is now a pretty ridiculous thought, but it made sense back then.

With that said, I agree with PAULXU. Not that I know Archie from a can of paint, but I would be money he has the same gene for competition that his brother/family does. As Crean said when he took the IU job, "It's Indiana".

Now, there aren't a LOT of elite jobs out there, much less ones that are expected to become available in the next 5 years.
Let's run down the list:
Duke - No
UNC - No to Maybe
IU - Yes
Louisville - No to Maybe
UK - Only if Cal goes NBA
MSU - No
Zona - No
KU - No
UCLA - Maybe
Wiscy - Maybe

Besides IU, I really don't see any of those jobs opening in the next 5 years. Even if Coach K or Roy retire, it's almost certain that those schools will "stay inside the family" of coaches. So if Archie wants an elite job he's looking at that prospect. However, there are a number of really good jobs that could become available. Namely: Georgia Tech, Texas, Illinois, Missouri, Purdue, Washington, Nova, NC State, WVU, Ohio St., OK St., to name a few.

Just from being down here in the area, I don't see Cal or Pitino being at their respective schools in 4-5 years time. Cal is either going to go to the NBA or they are going to change the age restriction which will take away his biggest asset. Pitino I think is pretty close to retirement...he was close about 4 years ago but the championship breathed new life into him...i think that is going to wear off in the next couple of years though.
Just my opinion and from what i hear around town.

[Xville]

I have heard a lot in Columbus that there isnt a lot of expectation that Thad coaches a whole lot longer because of his health issues. Apparently he is in constant pain at all times on the sidelines coaching and he has been instructed by doctors to coach sitting which he doesnt usually do.

That really sucks for him...he isn't even 50 yet is he?

[D-West & PO-Z]

That really sucks for him...he isn't even 50 yet is he?

No, 47.

[casualfan]

Matta has a foot drop (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_drop) that causes him sever back pain.

[X-band '01]

[QUOTE=Xavgrad08;500590]

[QUOTE=Xville;500592]




Good discussion all. Thanks for entertaining my question.

My opinion is that he still goes, if only because he still has Coach Cal in his ear. I agree Zona is an elite job. I'll say this, I interpreted Sean's statement about recruiting out West as something he learned himself, not something he knew going into the job. If anything, most felt him being a Midwest guy might be why he would not want to take that job and have to go into a area he wasn't used to recruiting. That is now a pretty ridiculous thought, but it made sense back then.

With that said, I agree with PAULXU. Not that I know Archie from a can of paint, but I would bet money he has the same gene for competition that his brother/family does. As Crean said when he took the IU job, "It's Indiana".

Now, there aren't a LOT of elite jobs out there, much less ones that are expected to become available in the next 5 years.
Let's run down the list:
Duke - No
UNC - No to Maybe
IU - Yes
Louisville - No to Maybe
UK - Only if Cal goes NBA
MSU - No
Zona - No
KU - No
UCLA - Maybe
Wiscy - Maybe

Besides IU, I really don't see any of those jobs opening in the next 5 years. Even if Coach K or Roy retire, it's almost certain that those schools will "stay inside the family" of coaches. So if Archie wants an elite job he's looking at that prospect. However, there are a number of really good jobs that could become available. Namely: Georgia Tech, Texas, Illinois, Missouri, Purdue, Washington, Nova, NC State, WVU, Ohio St., OK St., to name a few.

Cal may jump ship sooner rather than later if UK does pull off the 40-0 national title this season. Unless he wants to pursue back-to-back titles, there won't be much left for him to pursue at Kentucky.

[xubrew]

The only thing that makes it more attractive is the location of NKU. The Big South is a better conference and Winthrop has way more history. In fact, one school from the Atlantic Sun is leaving the conference to join the Big South.

Kennesaw State is adding football, which is why they're leaving for the Big South. Mercer and East Tennessee State also recently departed the ASun so they could join a football conference. Both teams were pretty good.

Having said that, Kennesaw is not pretty good. Them leaving probably makes the ASun a stronger basketball conference, and the Big South a weaker basketball conference.

Really, they're about the same. I would actually argue that the ASun has it slightly better, if for no other reason than the deal they just signed with ESPN. NKU's facilities are fantastic. I could see that program taking off as soon as they complete the transitional process.

[xavierj]

No, 47.

Man poor guy looks and walks a heck of a lot older than 47. Great coach though.

[sirthought]

NKU's facilities are so sweet... the biggest issue they have is they are so close to other D1 programs.

Something tells me NKU actually goes for a more mature coach who has plenty of recruiting ties and has been around the block a bit. If the program doesn't have significant D1 history, you can at least sell the history of the coach.

[Titanxman04]

[QUOTE=X-Fan;500618][QUOTE=Xavgrad08;500590]



Cal may jump ship sooner rather than later if UK does pull off the 40-0 national title this season. Unless he wants to pursue back-to-back titles, there won't be much left for him to pursue at Kentucky.

Except keep making 3 million + a year... He finished 40-0, he's going to try and pull a John Wooden. UK is one of the few schools that could pull a feat off if it ever were to happen again, and Cal is shady enough to be the guy to do it. UK has the money, the support, and the fan base. The man is worshiped in Lexington. Worshiped.

Where else would he go that he could live a better life? The NBA didn't work out for him. No school can really compete with UK right now in what he can offer. Why risk it all when he can coach another ten years and retire one of the greatest of all time? Granted, he is one slimy bastard, but he wins.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Matta has a foot drop (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_drop) that causes him sever back pain.

It isnt the foot drop that cause the back pain, the foot drop is just another result of the nerve damage and messed up back.

[Milhouse]

[QUOTE=X-band '01;500631][QUOTE=X-Fan;500618]

Except keep making 3 million + a year... He finished 40-0, he's going to try and pull a John Wooden. UK is one of the few schools that could pull a feat off if it ever were to happen again, and Cal is shady enough to be the guy to do it. UK has the money, the support, and the fan base. The man is worshiped in Lexington. Worshiped.

Where else would he go that he could live a better life? The NBA didn't work out for him. No school can really compete with UK right now in what he can offer. Why risk it all when he can coach another ten years and retire one of the greatest of all time? Granted, he is one slimy bastard, but he wins.

Cal is making 7 mil a year now. I believe he's the highest paid college coach. Football included. I think that is VERY competitive with the top 5 NBA salaries as well.

[THRILLHOUSE]

[QUOTE=Titanxman04;500638][QUOTE=X-band '01;500631]

Cal is making 7 mil a year now. I believe he's the highest paid college coach. Football included. I think that is VERY competitive with the top 5 NBA salaries as well.

Coach K makes over 9 million a year. Cal is actually at about 5.5 million and 3rd highest paid (Pitino is #2 at 5.8 mil)

[XUglow]

How lucky is Mississippi State? Howland passes on several offers last year waiting for a name job. It never happens. Howland vows to not make the same mistake again. MSU fires Rick Ray and signs Howland. He hires a good staff and already has elite recruits setting up visits. Then... boom... big jobs open everywhere.

I am pretty sure that the salary for elite coaches went up about 1 million per year over the last few days.

[XUglow]

[QUOTE=Milhouse;500647][QUOTE=Titanxman04;500638]

Coach K makes over 9 million a year. Cal is actually at about 5.5 million and 3rd highest paid (Pitino is #2 at 5.8 mil)

I think Cal's bonus money just kicked in, and it will push him north of $7M.

[THRILLHOUSE]

[QUOTE=THRILLHOUSE;500659][QUOTE=Milhouse;500647]

I think Cal's bonus money just kicked in, and it will push him north of $7M.

Looks like the bonus to put him at 7.25 kicks in 2016: http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/sec/2014/06/05/univeristy-of-kentucky-john-calipari-contract-extension-seven-years-52-million/10038673/

(and if I'm reading this right, does look like he got 7 mil this year)

[XUglow]

[QUOTE=XUglow;500665][QUOTE=THRILLHOUSE;500659]

Looks like the bonus to put him at 7.25 kicks in 2016: http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/sec/2014/06/05/univeristy-of-kentucky-john-calipari-contract-extension-seven-years-52-million/10038673/

(and if I'm reading this right, does look like he got 7 mil this year)

I am just going with what I heard on the radio the other day.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Man, if the Texas job opens up....very few coaches wouldn't want that job. The money, the resources...and Austin is one amazing city. I think playing second fiddle to football is a good thing...less stress on the coach. Like Matta at OSU. If that job opens up, I would completely understand why Marshall, Miller or Mack would take that job.

Not very many negatives with that job.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Man, if the Texas job opens up....very few coaches wouldn't want that job. The money, the resources...and Austin is one amazing city. I think playing second fiddle to football is a good thing...less stress on the coach. Like Matta at OSU. If that job opens up, I would completely understand why Marshall, Miller or Mack would take that job.

Not very many negatives with that job.

Yep. I especially agree with the bolded part. All the money and resources but not near the amount of stress as other jobs. Barnes showed that as long as you make the tourney every year then you are pretty safe. This year was just too much of a collapse for Barnes to survive.

[XUglow]

The stress can be a bit ridiculous at some schools. UK last night looked like Wooden's UCLA teams. They were that dominant. UCLA measures their coaches by that standard, which is beyond ridiculous. "OK, coach, here is what we expect. 0 to 1 loss per year and the national championship. No pressure though. Good luck."

[Xavgrad08]

I have heard the name Chris Mullin floated for the St. John's job. I know Mullin is a legend at St. John's, but it seems risky to hire a guy with no college coaching experience. It has worked out well for Iowa State when they hired Hoiberg who did not have any college coaching experience, but I think hiring Mullin would be a risk.

[X-band '01]

Man, if the Texas job opens up....very few coaches wouldn't want that job. The money, the resources...and Austin is one amazing city. I think playing second fiddle to football is a good thing...less stress on the coach. Like Matta at OSU. If that job opens up, I would completely understand why Marshall, Miller or Mack would take that job.

Not very many negatives with that job.

It took Rick Barnes 5 years and a TJ Ford to get to his first and only Final 4 back in 2003. It bought him quite a bit of security, but not a lifetime contract in Austin. He exited stage right at Clemson at the right time because Duke and UNC and Maryland were too much for him to overcome in the ACC.

[Masterofreality]

Fucking Fordham can't even hire Robert Morris' coach away.

Toole turned them down.

[Bearcat_Bounce]

Should Tennessee hire Rick Barnes?

[xavierj]

Should Tennessee hire Rick Barnes?

I think someone should hire the guy from La Tech. Guy is a star in the making.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Assuming Texas is open how would you rank the big open jobs so far?

Texas- Has the Money to be a really good job. Besides ,Texas I am having a lot of trouble coming up with the order as St. John's, Depaul,Tennessee and Alabama have flaws.

Right at the top. Bigger money and resources than any other school. Less stress because it's a football school. A recruiting gold mine in Texas. Barnes really has crapped the bed there. And again, Austin? Great weather and one of America's finest cities. If you haven't been, you should visit. Amazing.

I would think any coach in America would seriously consider it with the exception of some of the untouchables like Izzo, K, Calipari, Boeheim, Williams and Self. Anyone else would be a fool not to consider UT.

Edit: and yes, I have a bit of a crush on UT. When I was there for an OSU/Texas football game years ago, I came away very impressed with all things UT. People, campus, city...it's all extremely impressive. It would be a lotto ticket for almost any coach. Hook em.

[Juice]

Right at the top. Bigger money and resources than any other school. Less stress because it's a football school. A recruiting gold mine in Texas. Barnes really has crapped the bed there. And again, Austin? Great weather and one of America's finest cities. If you haven't been, you should visit. Amazing.

I would think any coach in America would seriously consider it with the exception of some of the untouchables like Izzo, K, Calipari, Boeheim, Williams and Self. Anyone else would be a fool not to consider UT.

Edit: and yes, I have a bit of a crush on UT. When I was there for an OSU/Texas football game years ago, I came away very impressed with all things UT. People, campus, city...it's all extremely impressive. It would be a lotto ticket for almost any coach. Hook em.

I'm with you. I think it can be a top 10 job. Texas has the largest athletic budget in the country. They're in arguably the best basketball conference and any recruit would be insane not to go there. If Rick Barnes can convince Durant to leave the DMV to go there, a better coach can convince a larger number of recruits to go there.

[xu82]

Right at the top. Bigger money and resources than any other school. Less stress because it's a football school. A recruiting gold mine in Texas. Barnes really has crapped the bed there. And again, Austin? Great weather and one of America's finest cities. If you haven't been, you should visit. Amazing.

I would think any coach in America would seriously consider it with the exception of some of the untouchables like Izzo, K, Calipari, Boeheim, Williams and Self. Anyone else would be a fool not to consider UT.

Edit: and yes, I have a bit of a crush on UT. When I was there for an OSU/Texas football game years ago, I came away very impressed with all things UT. People, campus, city...it's all extremely impressive. It would be a lotto ticket for almost any coach. Hook em.

Austin is high on my list of places to visit. We know a few people who have relocated there. Your post made me look up the weather, and it's better than I expected. Very entrepreneurial and cool city from all I've heard. UT needs to get it together, it's there for the asking and they certainly have the means.

[Masterofreality]

Austin is high on my list of places to visit. We know a few people who have relocated there. Your post made me look up the weather, and it's better than I expected. Very entrepreneurial and cool city from all I've heard. UT needs to get it together, it's there for the asking and they certainly have the means.

Plus Austin has arguably the best live music scene in the country.

Ask Thrillhouse how he likes it down there.

[X-Fan]

http://zagsblog.com/articles/hurleys-heating-up-as-coaching-carousel-turns/

Article talks about Bobby Hurley interviewing at DePaul today & speculates on the potential both Hurleys could be coaching in the Big East next year. That would be great for the league!

[THRILLHOUSE]

Plus Austin has arguably the best live music scene in the country.

Ask Thrillhouse how he likes it down there.

And the barbecue. (really the food overall is great here)

[Nigel Tufnel]

And the barbecue. (really the food overall is great here)

I don't want to derail this thread....but one question for Thrillhouse....Frankin's or Salt Lick? I'd love to try both.

[X-Fan]

Is this an actual newspaper reporter writing this? It reads like a message board poster freaking out.

http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20150328/SPORTS/150329723

Had not heard about Holtman talking with Tennessee. From a distance it's somewhat surprising considering Butler gave him the reigns and title this season. For the sake of the league I hope he stays at Butler.

[THRILLHOUSE]

I don't want to derail this thread....but one question for Thrillhouse....Frankin's or Salt Lick? I'd love to try both.

Salt Lick is overrated. It's not bad, better than most places outside of Texas, and the scenery is nice, but there is so much better bbq in Austin proper these days. 5 years ago Salt Lick would've been a must visit, but within the last 2 or 3 years the bbq scene in Austin has exploded. Lockhart is called the "bbq capital of Texas", but Austin has it beat these days. If someone were to do a bbq centric vacation in Austin, I wouldn't dissuade them from going to Salt Lick, but if someone only had time to visit one bbq place, I wouldn't recommend salt lick.

Franklin is great, probably the best brisket you will get anywhere in America. The line there is pretty crazy. People that complain about the line really aren't doing it right though. If you go mid-week, bring a chair and a cooler and treat it like you're tailgating, it's not bad. Then you get awesome bbq at the end. They are also going to add a separate to-go line, so that should help things.

I could go on and on, so if anyone is ever in Austin and wants bbq recommendations (or any other recs) just let me know.

[xubrew]

Is this an actual newspaper reporter writing this? It reads like a message board poster freaking out.

http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20150328/SPORTS/150329723

Had not heard about Holtman talking with Tennessee. From a distance it's somewhat surprising considering Butler gave him the reigns and title this season. For the sake of the league I hope he stays at Butler.

I've always liked Holtmann. Selfishly I kinda want him to leave so I can root for him again.

[xavierj]

Holtmann probably would like Butler to make it official and pay him.

[Masterofreality]

Salt Lick is overrated. It's not bad, better than most places outside of Texas, and the scenery is nice, but there is so much better bbq in Austin proper these days. 5 years ago Salt Lick would've been a must visit, but within the last 2 or 3 years the bbq scene in Austin has exploded. Lockhart is called the "bbq capital of Texas", but Austin has it beat these days. If someone were to do a bbq centric vacation in Austin, I wouldn't dissuade them from going to Salt Lick, but if someone only had time to visit one bbq place, I wouldn't recommend salt lick.

Franklin is great, probably the best brisket you will get anywhere in America. The line there is pretty crazy. People that complain about the line really aren't doing it right though. If you go mid-week, bring a chair and a cooler and treat it like you're tailgating, it's not bad. Then you get awesome bbq at the end. They are also going to add a separate to-go line, so that should help things.

I could go on and on, so if anyone is ever in Austin and wants bbq recommendations (or any other recs) just let me know.

SXSW is on my bucket list in the next 3 years.

[XUFan09]

Is this an actual newspaper reporter writing this? It reads like a message board poster freaking out.

http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20150328/SPORTS/150329723

Had not heard about Holtman talking with Tennessee. From a distance it's somewhat surprising considering Butler gave him the reigns and title this season. For the sake of the league I hope he stays at Butler.
I don't know which is worse. On the one hand, there's the angst of a person trying to be a "realist" and treating Holtmann's departure as inevitable if the reports are true, failing to understand how often coaches DON'T take the offers (often using them for leverage back home). On the other hand, there's the writing itself, which is like that of a high schooler who's a fundamentally sound writer but hasn't been taught yet to cut out the excessive wordage. The first line made me want to scream, like this guy thinks he's Dickens.

[X-band '01]

I think the author underestimates what Butler can offer as compared to Tennessee. Ultimately, the UT job would pay more, but these are the same crazies that drove Cuonzo Martin out of town. The author doesn't mention that Butler's current Big East situation is still better than Knoxville/UT from a basketball standpoint.

[kyxu]

Holtmann probably would like Butler to make it official and pay him.

They removed the "interim" tag off Holtmann and made him official months ago, but yeah, Butler should (and likely will) pay up to keep him.

[smileyy]

The appeal of The Salt Lick is half the food, half the ambiance, and half the trip back with your stomach completely stuffed.

If you want the food without the trip out of Austin, I think there's a Salt Lick offshoot in Round Rock, which is a lot closer, but maybe not as quaint.

[X-Fan]

They removed the "interim" tag off Holtmann and made him official months ago, but yeah, Butler should (and likely will) pay up to keep him.
Ya, just read that it's widely known that Holtman is the lowest paid coach in the Big East.

[JTG]

Is this an actual newspaper reporter writing this? It reads like a message board poster freaking out.

http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20150328/SPORTS/150329723

Had not heard about Holtman talking with Tennessee. From a distance it's somewhat surprising considering Butler gave him the reigns and title this season. For the sake of the league I hope he stays at Butler.
Yep, there was a story this morning in the IndyStar. Lowest paid coach in the BE. But he doesn't strike me as a Tenn fit. That bball program is a hotmess. Seemed to be the perfect guy for Butler, but in true Bulldog fashion they are not paying the guy squat. They just can't get over their smalltime mentality.

[X-band '01]

Yep, there was a story this morning in the IndyStar. Lowest paid coach in the BE. But he doesn't strike me as a Tenn fit. That bball program is a hotmess. Seemed to be the perfect guy for Butler, but in true Bulldog fashion they are not paying the guy squat. They just can't get over their smalltime mentality.

The Butler Way

(I don't remember if his salary was restructured upon shedding the interim tag, but they need to at least make an effort to retain Holtmann.

[THRILLHOUSE]

The appeal of The Salt Lick is half the food, half the ambiance, and half the trip back with your stomach completely stuffed.

If you want the food without the trip out of Austin, I think there's a Salt Lick offshoot in Round Rock, which is a lot closer, but maybe not as quaint.

If you are gonna do Salt Lick it's best to do the actual thing in driftwood since as you said part of the appeal is the ambiance, which the round rock location does not have. And again, just get actual great bbq in Austin city limits if for some reason you are thinking of going to round rock.

[smileyy]

The Butler Way

(I don't remember if his salary was restructured upon shedding the interim tag, but they need to at least make an effort to retain Holtmann.

OTOH, the Butler Way does seem to be something that exists, given their continued success. And its not like anyone would have been able to match the $22M that Boston dumped on Stevens (who appears to be worth it)

[Masterofreality]

So this means that there will be 3 Coach openings in the Big East. 30% turnover in one year.

Holtmann ain't turning this down.

[THRILLHOUSE]

So this means that there will be 3 Coach openings in the Big East. 30% turnover in one year.

Holtmann ain't turning this down.

That would be a disappointing amount of turnaround. But I think Butler is a good program that has shown they can hire a quality coach. If STJ and DePaul can get the Hurleys overall it would be a positive for the league.

[X-band '01]

OTOH, the Butler Way does seem to be something that exists, given their continued success. And its not like anyone would have been able to match the $22M that Boston dumped on Stevens (who appears to be worth it)

We're talking about Holtmann jumping to an SEC job, not an NBA job. And this is an NBA job where Stevens just might sneak Boston into the NBA playoffs this season.

[smileyy]

Right -- I was saying that Butler didn't lose Stevens because they were underpaying him; no one could have kept him with the kind of offer the Celtics made.

[xavierj]

If CAlipari leaves for NBA does KY hire Miller? I think he would be perfect. And would Arizona go to Archie?

[X-Fan]

"@GoodmanESPN: Texas will fire Rick Barnes, sources confirmed to ESPN."

$hits about to get real. Many think Texas will go after Marshall.

Goodman just posted that the two main targets are Marshall and Shaka Smart. Said both have high interest in thejob. I get Marshall, but not sure I ever envisioned Shaka's style of play at Texas.

[xavierj]

"@GoodmanESPN: Texas will fire Rick Barnes, sources confirmed to ESPN."

$hits about to get real. Many think Texas will go after Marshall.

Goodman just posted that the two main targets are Marshall and Shaka Smart. Said both have high interest in thejob. I get Marshall, but not sure I ever envisioned Shaka's style of play at Texas.

Shaka will need to strike now if he wants big money and big time. Marshall maybe too. You can only be the cute story for so long.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Texas scout site says Marshall, Archie and Shaka are the top targets. That shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Would be pretty surprising if all 3 turned them down. http://texas.scout.com/story/1532305-rick-barnes-era-at-texas-is-over?s=110

[LA Muskie]

I don't think any of these people really know who is on Patterson's list. And I have a hard time believing there is any list with Archie and Shaka on it that doesn't also have Mack on it. (Although I would have to imagine Marshall is in the driver's seat, regardless). This job actually makes me nervous. Mack seriously considered Cal last year. The Texas job is infinitely better than the Cal job, and Austin is an awesome place to live and raise a family.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't think any of these people really know who is on Patterson's list. And I have a hard time believing there is any list with Archie and Shaka on it that doesn't also have Mack on it. (Although I would have to imagine Marshall is in the driver's seat, regardless). This job actually makes me nervous. Mack seriously considered Cal last year. The Texas job is infinitely better than the Cal job, and Austin is an awesome place to live and raise a family.

I think all three of those guys would be above Mack on their list, not that all 3 definitely deserve to be ahead but that would be my guess. There are probably some decent coaches at some other bigger schools too who might be interested, just not really sure who.