Coaching Merry-Go-Round 2018

[joe titan]

Pitt boots Stallings; would Archie be their choice--even Sean--even Thad says he wants a gig now.

[GoMuskies]

You think Archie would consider leaving Indiana for Pitt?

[joe titan]

You think Archie would consider leaving Indiana for Pitt?

Recognizing he went to NC St unlike Sean and not really trying to compare IU job to Pitt, but my question was could Archie be Pitt's choice. Still Archie may like ACC better than Big 10 b/c of football and it is not my understanding he is to be given much of a leash at IU.

[MHettel]

Pitt went 0-19 in ACC play. They have no tradition or brand, and only benefited from Jamie Dixon being a hell of a coach.

Stallings is a bum. He keeps getting hired somehow.....

[Juice]

Recognizing he went to NC St unlike Sean and not really trying to compare IU job to Pitt, but my question was could Archie be Pitt's choice. Still Archie may like ACC better than Big 10 b/c of football and it is not my understanding he is to be given much of a leash at IU.

What?

[smileyy]

Indiana >>> Pitt

Archie will have plenty of chances somewhere or another, even if he doesn't succeed at Indiana. I'm p. sure he's a good coach.

[XUBison]

Recognizing he went to NC St unlike Sean and not really trying to compare IU job to Pitt, but my question was could Archie be Pitt's choice. Still Archie may like ACC better than Big 10 b/c of football and it is not my understanding he is to be given much of a leash at IU.

Pitt might try, but Archie isn’t leaving IU for Pitt after one season. Regardless how long his leash is, I’m sure he doesn’t think he’s going to fail there.

Sean, on the other hand, might be a more realistic option for the Pitt job. Maybe he’s ready for the comfort of a nookie blanky of sorts. Despite the baggage, it would be a coup if they landed him, especially given Pitt’s current state of affairs.

[GIMMFD]

Pitt might try, but Archie isn’t leaving IU for Pitt after one season. Regardless how long his leash is, I’m sure he doesn’t think he’s going to fail there.

Sean, on the other hand, might be a more realistic option for the Pitt job. Maybe he’s ready for the comfort of a nookie blanky of sorts. Despite the baggage, it would be a coup if they landed him, especially given Pitt’s current state of affairs.

Another name I'd be interested in seeing is Bobby Hurley, think he'd leave Rhode Island for a cushy ACC job? Pitt is in a dumpster fire right now, but let's not forget a few years ago they were pretty good, and that arena would rock at times, I'd love to see them get back to at least decent, because 0-19 is a travesty. And that's coming from a WVU fan as well.

[X-band '01]

That would be Danny Hurley if you're thinking of the one at URI.

[GIMMFD]

That would be Danny Hurley if you're thinking of the one at URI.

Damnit I knew that, Bobby is at ASU, silly mistake, however, the question still holds.

[SM#24]

Why when it comes to basketball jobs people keep saying "because of football" to make a job sound less attractive ?
Football is King at Pitt while basketball is a prince. That's pretty much the case at every Power 5 school with the exception of IU, Duke, UK, Kansas, UNC.

[chico]

Kevin Ollie out at UConn. For cause.

[X-band '01]

Mark Fox is about to be dismissed at Georgia per ESPN.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Kevin Ollie out at UConn. For cause.

Man if Kevin Ollie was cheating he was even worse than I thought.

[chico]

Man if Kevin Ollie was cheating he was even worse than I thought.

This generation's Tony Yates.

[joe titan]

Kevin Ollie out at UConn. For cause.

UConn covets Danny Hurley.

[IM4X]

Not sure if this has been shared yet. Got this from From Pittsburgh Sports Now... rumors from supposedly solid sources that may play into who Pitt might get as their new coach.

Found this part of the article interesting:

Louisville: A job that’s likely to have an impact on the Pitt search is the position at Louisville, where interim coach David Padgett may or may not be retained. If Padgett goes, look for Xavier’s Chris Mack to be the leading candidate for the Louisville job. Mack has been in line for jobs the last two years but has backed out at the last minute. Last year, he was offered the job at Indiana but declined at the last minute.

What’s this have to do with Pitt? PSN is told that if Mack leaves, Xavier’s top candidate will be former Ohio State coach Thad Matta, who’s also going to be a prime target for Lyke and Pitt. PSN is being told that if Pitt seriously wants Matta, they need to get something done in the next week or so, or they risk losing him.

Here is the link to the article;
http://pittsburghsportsnow.com/2018/03/08/pitt-basketball-coaching-candidate-rumor-mill/

[slysyl]

No way does X bring Matt back.

[mid major]

I thought earlier this week Matta said he was interested in the Ole Miss opening.

[XUFan09]

If an article, you don't even mention that Matta is a former Xavier coach too, you don't know what you're talking about. I mean, that's a weird wrinkle that has to be addressed in that situation.

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[XUGRAD80]

After the way that Mad Thatta left, I can’t imagine any scenario that has him back coaching at X.

However, I don’t think there is going to be an opening either.

[XUFan09]

Also, describing Mack as backing out of jobs last minute the past two years doesn't match any timeline I'm aware of. The Cal job was a bit touch and go, but that wasn't in the last two years.

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[American X]

One thing...


Because plenty of misinformation can be put out there, Pittsburgh Sports Now is going to do its best to only publish credible information and not every piece of information that we receive.

...is not like the other:


PSN is told that if Mack leaves, Xavier’s top candidate will be former Ohio State coach Thad Matta, who’s also going to be a prime target for Lyke and Pitt.

File under Fiction. It is Selection Sunday, not Silly Sunday.

[xeus]

Pretty sad reporting here. Mack didn't back out of anything "at the last minute."
And no chance in hell X would ever go after Matta.

[XU 87]

If Mack leaves, I hear X is interested in Bob Staak and Pete Gillen.

[XUGRAD80]

......Pitino says he wants to coach again. I’m sure it’s his to have if Sean Miller turns it down.

[throwbackmuskie]

He is not leaving, period


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[D-West & PO-Z]

He is not leaving, period


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Like ever? He will retire as XU coach you think?

I hope you are right.

I dont think he leaves for Louisville either but I am worried.

I learned a long time ago not to be so confident and absolute when talking about XU coaches.

A lot of people on this very board said Miller wasnt leaving either.

[JTG]

Pittsburgh is probably the least knowledgeable city in America about college basketball. This story is nothing but click bait.

[XUGRAD80]

The only one that really surprised me was Gillen. After that I was never sure any of them would stay for a long time. But Mack has real deep ties to Cincinnati, and more importantly so do his children. Never say never, but I would be surprised if he didn’t stay.

[THRILLHOUSE]

After the way that Mad Thatta left, I can’t imagine any scenario that has him back coaching at X.

However, I don’t think there is going to be an opening either.

Crazier things have happened - e.g. UofL Football bringing Bobby Petrino back.

But no, I can't imagine X even contacting Thad. And also think/hope Mack is staying.

[stammina0721]

Also, describing Mack as backing out of jobs last minute the past two years doesn't match any timeline I'm aware of. The Cal job was a bit touch and go, but that wasn't in the last two years.

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You can't say that for certain because we have no idea what phone calls were or were not made

[xu82]

Like ever? He will retire as XU coach you think?

I hope you are right.

I dont think he leaves for Louisville either but I am worried.

I learned a long time ago not to be so confident and absolute when talking about XU coaches.

A lot of people on this very board said Miller wasnt leaving either.

Yeah, I’ll never be cocky. Every off-season scares me to some degree, because you never know.

Having said that, TODAY of all days does not seem to be perfect timing for this rampant speculation.

[stammina0721]

I would think these rumors are false though. Xavier does not bring in old guys they bring in young talent. I'd think a promotion for Travis Steele or Luke Murray would happen before Matta

[stammina0721]

I do have to ask though how do I never hear Mark Few being discussed? How does Gonzaga not face these rumors every year?

[XUFan09]

You can't say that for certain because we have no idea what phone calls were or were not madeI can be pretty damn confident, though.

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[stammina0721]

I can be pretty damn confident, though.

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Yeah but I think it is safe to say there was definitely unpublicized communications

[XUFan09]

Yeah but I think it is safe to say there was definitely unpublicized communications"Three men may keep a secret, if two of them are dead."

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[Ole blue eyes]

I would think these rumors are false though. Xavier does not bring in old guys they bring in young talent. I'd think a promotion for Travis Steele or Luke Murray would happen before Matta

You’re right, and this has worked very well for us in the past. However, my concern with a youn coach in the Big East is the learning curve will be longer and harder. And maybe even more important is the right experienced coach could bring in an experienced group of assistants.
I’m not saying we should for sure go the experienced route, but just that it would need a different perspective than in the past. But I really hope we don’t have to make this decision for many years! Let’s March to San Antonio!

[xu82]

Let’s just hope this is all a bunch of wasted keystrokes. As ‘09 said, if the author of the article never mentions
Matta was a previous coach at X, he loses a bit of credibility in my mind. That’s a pretty significant point in the story line.

[XU 87]

Tay Baker's agent is reported to have contacted Greg Christopher about the head coaching job.

[Get Real]

Anyone know if Dick Campbell is still coaching? Remarkable coach,

[stammina0721]

Since we are naming old guys I may as well toss Larry Bird in the mix.

[Muskie]

I heard Isaiah Thomas has the gig at X locked up.


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[XU 87]

Anyone know if Dick Campbell is still coaching? Remarkable coach,

Unfortunately, Dick passed away. If not, I think he could be a candidate.

[muethibp]

I think it’s a coin flip if Mack retires as Xavier’s coach. History at Xavier and other places tells me the departure of a coach is certainly possible and there are places that can pay Mack more money. The alma mater/heavy roots thing certainly motivates the departure chance some.

All that said, I think it unlikely that Mack leaves for Louisville. That program has a host of questions and concerns and could very well go through a UCONN-like dark period of undetermined length.

[paulxu]

Curiously this season may play large in this equation of the future of our coach.
Miller left as he didn't view Xavier as a place he could reach the FF or contend for the NC.
If Chris Mack is able to reach the first, let alone the second, perhaps he will feel the competitive stance is fine at Xavier in the Big East.

[GIMMFD]

This gives me a lot of anxiety on what should be a happy day...

[letskeepitreal]

Can’t be worried about this stuff until after the tournament. Wanna give yourself an ulcer?

[JEHARDI]

Louisville has an interim President and an interim AD and potential NCAA penalties forthcoming. It is going to be a tough sell to get a coach that is already in a good situation to take the job with all of the uncertainty.

[throwbackmuskie]

Like ever? He will retire as XU coach you think?

I hope you are right.

I dont think he leaves for Louisville either but I am worried.

I learned a long time ago not to be so confident and absolute when talking about XU coaches.

A lot of people on this very board said Miller wasnt leaving either.

Correct


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[xudash]

Correct


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Correct, but with the proviso that ever coach that left before left when Xavier was not part of the Big East. We still can't match the biggest of the P5's money, but we've materially reduced the number of programs that are worth a move.

[Snipe]

Louisville has always been my biggest fear. At this point in the shape they are in they would probably have to give him a 10 year 50 million dollar contract guaranteed. And if they do that, he would be crazy to not consider it.

I agree a bad topic for a great day. Chris Mack really can do everything he ever wanted here at Xavier, and become a filthy rich man in the process. Grass is always greener but he has a hell of a lawn right here.

[XUGRAD80]

Matta meeting with Georgia on Monday according to reports.

[xu82]

Louisville has always been my biggest fear. At this point in the shape they are in they would probably have to give him a 10 year 50 million dollar contract guaranteed. And if they do that, he would be crazy to not consider it.

I agree a bad topic for a great day. Chris Mack really can do everything he ever wanted here at Xavier, and become a filthy rich man in the process. Grass is always greener but he has a hell of a lawn right here.

George Bailey was a very wealthy man! Did you never see the movie?

[IM4X]

After starting this thread, I instantly started feeling a bit bad knowing it might cause some stress and even introduce a bit of a distraction from what really matters at the moment - kicking ass in the tournament.

At the same time, it seemed like it was something people on this board might want to read.

I am not going to give this another thought until our guys are done doing in the NCAA tournament what they are there to do.

[letskeepitreal]

Clueless in Pittsburgh

[throwbackmuskie]

Correct, but with the proviso that ever coach that left before left when Xavier was not part of the Big East. We still can't match the biggest of the P5's money, but we've materially reduced the number of programs that are worth a move.

Would have been correct no matter what


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[sirthought]

I could totally see Mack going UofL, but Padget has done a respectable job considering what has happened this year. He may endear the current leadership to give him a shot.

Mack has strong ties here, no doubt. But his family is young and the move would be a positive one for them. Bigger school. More resources for everyone. And this is arguable, but many consider the AAC a top hoops conference most years. The Big East is still fighting for national respect in most regards. He would have many recruiting advantages at a program like UofL. And I think Mack would like following the line of Denny Crumb to Rick Pitino to himself, despite any penalties that will be forgotten about once the program is back on track.

If he does get XU to the final four this year, I'm guessing it would be even harder for him to leave, but UofL is the school that could make it happen. I hate thinking that's the case...and I didn't think that even a couple months ago, but it makes total sense if he wants a change in his personal goals.

I also think Matta wouldn't be the craziest option for Xavier. But I would have serious concerns about his health. You don't want a coach who has that distraction. It'll be interesting to see if he lands somewhere. If I were him I'd take my millions and enjoy life on the beach.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I could totally see Mack going UofL, but Padget has done a respectable job considering what has happened this year. He may endear the current leadership to give him a shot.

Mack has strong ties here, no doubt. But his family is young and the move would be a positive one for them. Bigger school. More resources for everyone. And this is arguable, but many consider the AAC a top hoops conference most years. The Big East is still fighting for national respect in most regards. He would have many recruiting advantages at a program like UofL. And I think Mack would like following the line of Denny Crumb to Rick Pitino to himself, despite any penalties that will be forgotten about once the program is back on track.

If he does get XU to the final four this year, I'm guessing it would be even harder for him to leave, but UofL is the school that could make it happen. I hate thinking that's the case...and I didn't think that even a couple months ago, but it makes total sense if he wants a change in his personal goals.

I also think Matta wouldn't be the craziest option for Xavier. But I would have serious concerns about his health. You don't want a coach who has that distraction. It'll be interesting to see if he lands somewhere. If I were him I'd take my millions and enjoy life on the beach.

Think you mean ACC (we all know the AAAACK! isnt a top conference).

[X-band '01]

The American is slowly getting better, but they still have a lot of dead weight that makes Georgetown and DePaul look like world beaters by comparison.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The American is slowly getting better, but they still have a lot of dead weight that makes Georgetown and DePaul look like world beaters by comparison.

Yeah the top of the American is pretty good, and would be way better if UCONN comes back to life, but the middle to bottom of their conference is truly awful.

[Masterofreality]

There is some angst around Xavier Nation about a certain guy and a certain job at a school which is, appropriately, down the river.
From Louisville’s WDRB, Eric Crawford writes an excellent article with superb perspective.
Worth the read.

http://www.wdrb.com/story/37700211/crawford-the-future-of-university-of-louisville-basketball

[GoMuskies]

Scott Davenport?!? Would have been a nice choice as interim for a year. But not for the full time gig. No way.

[muskiefan82]

Unless you want someone who loves Louisville and won't cost as much to keep them as relevant as possible during the next 3-4 years that they are on probation

[XU 87]

I plan to call UL and tell them that Alford, Painter and Davenport are by far their three best candidates. No way there is anyone out there who is better than those three.

[xudash]

Louisville’s brand is broken. Not only is there no coach to recruit, but the name of the program is toxic.

That's from the article. It also mentioned Chris is a coach who will be highly sought after the end of this season.

I still say he stays at X.

[paulxu]

If I was Louisville, and was looking for a new coach, I'd get a permanent AD first.
Would think it would be hard on both parties if a coach was interviewing with an interim AD.

[GoMuskies]

Tyra is going to be the AD.

[sirthought]

That article in favor of Davenport makes a strong argument. If UofL is going to be in the doghouse for a few years, he's really worth the risk to see how things advance. It would be perfect in my opinion.




Think you mean ACC (we all know the AAAACK! isnt a top conference).

Type-o on my part. (Although I think some of the teams in the American are turning a corner.)

[bleedXblue]

They are going to go after the big names first.......then when they all balk b/c their fate and probation/sanctions are up in the air....UL will look at what makes sense for the short term.

[Masterofreality]

I’ll Say this right now.

Chris Mack is going nowhere else than Xavier.

[GoMuskies]

I guess Thad's not coming back after all. He just got offered the Georgia gig.

[paulxu]

I guess Thad's not coming back after all. He just got offered the Georgia gig.

I know he wouldn't play us at OSU. Wonder if he would at Georgia?

That's a real close road trip for me.

[GIMMFD]

If I was Louisville, and was looking for a new coach, I'd get a permanent AD first.
Would think it would be hard on both parties if a coach was interviewing with an interim AD.

Agreed, you want things to be stable if you're trying to lock up a head coach. And a permanent AD would be the first step in stability, there's a lot of things going on at U of L right now, everybody on twitter is all up in Mack's mentions too. I'm just hoping he stays.

[XUBison]

One good thing if Mack leaves for Louisville... he won’t want to take next year’s recruiting class with him.

[joe titan]

Memphis & Tubby part ways; not unanticipated over the last few weeks but hiring Penny is a risk.

[XU 87]

Tubby has been at Memphis for 2 years and won 19 and 21 games respectively.

Has Hardaway ever been a head coach or asst. coach at any level (other than coaching a grade school team per his Wiki page)?

[GoMuskies]

I was surprised to see that Thad turned down Georgia. I guess Xavier is still in play for Thad!

[xu82]

After losing Thad and Sean, I never thought I would prefer the replacement. But I do.

[Juice]

Tubby has been at Memphis for 2 years and won 19 and 21 games respectively.

Has Hardaway ever been a head coach or asst. coach at any level (other than coaching a grade school team per his Wiki page)?

He currently coaches a high school team and a Nike EYBL team. His connections to recruits is a lot of his appeal.

[X-band '01]

Analysis of Tubby Smith from Gary Parrish (https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/tubby-smith-might-still-have-memphis-job-if-hed-taken-john-caliparis-advice/)

If you go by on-court performance, it WAS a bad choice to fire Tubby Smith. Even under Josh Pastner, they were getting 16,000 a game at FedEx Forum (in both the American and a shitty C-USA). Now they're getting less than half of that and triggering attendance clauses that would make Rachel Phelps in Major League blush.

He's a good head coach, but this was a bad environment for Tubby. As strange as it sounds, he sounds like a coach that would be a better fit at an A-10 or other solid mid-major conference like the Missouri Valley where you don't need Top-150 recruits to win.

[X-band '01]

Analysis of Tubby Smith from Gary Parrish (https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/tubby-smith-might-still-have-memphis-job-if-hed-taken-john-caliparis-advice/)

If you go by on-court performance, it WAS a bad choice to fire Tubby Smith. Even under Josh Pastner, they were getting 16,000 a game at FedEx Forum (in both the American and a shitty C-USA). Now they're getting less than half of that and triggering attendance clauses that would make Rachel Phelps in Major League blush.

He's a good head coach, but this was a bad environment for Tubby. As strange as it sounds, he sounds like a coach that would be a better fit at an A-10 or other solid mid-major conference like the Missouri Valley where you don't need Top-150 recruits to win.

[XU 87]

He currently coaches a high school team and a Nike EYBL team. His connections to recruits is a lot of his appeal.

Maybe they should have hired Book Richardson. He had similar qualifications.

[chico]

So Mullin is at St. John's, Ewing at Georgetown and now Hardaway at Memphis. Does this mean Georgia is going after Vern Fleming?

[X-band '01]

Is Dominique Wilkins not available?

[GoMuskies]

Maybe GG Smith.

[XU 87]

Analysis of Tubby Smith from Gary Parrish (https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/tubby-smith-might-still-have-memphis-job-if-hed-taken-john-caliparis-advice/)

If you go by on-court performance, it WAS a bad choice to fire Tubby Smith. Even under Josh Pastner, they were getting 16,000 a game at FedEx Forum (in both the American and a shitty C-USA). Now they're getting less than half of that and triggering attendance clauses that would make Rachel Phelps in Major League blush.

He's a good head coach, but this was a bad environment for Tubby. As strange as it sounds, he sounds like a coach that would be a better fit at an A-10 or other solid mid-major conference like the Missouri Valley where you don't need Top-150 recruits to win.

I didn't know what a mess Tubby created. That said, he still won 40 games in two years.

Upon further review, Memphis played an OOC schedule that Georgetown would be proud of.

[XUBison]

I heard Coach K’s successor will be Cherokee Parks.

[muskiefan82]

So Mullin is at St. John's, Ewing at Georgetown and now Hardaway at Memphis. Does this mean Georgia is going after Vern Fleming?

He can bring his brother Vic with him. Man, that brings back some memories. Skywalker Bailey, Shimko, Lee. Fun times back at the beginning of the revival.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I think Mr Oats might have just got hired by Louisville.

[GIMMFD]

Yikes 7 players asking for releases from Pitt, I don't see how any coach in the country would want that job right now, it's gonna take years to rebuild that program at this rate, it's almost like they got a death penalty.

[Snipe]

I saw an article about Tom Crean taking the Georgia job.

Apparently Georgia hired a consulting team and they inquired about our own Chris Mack, but he declined.

I thought it was funny.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ex-indiana-coach-tom-crean-reaches-deal-to-take-over-georgia-basketball/


Sources told CBS Sports that a search firm working on behalf of Georgia initially inquired about Xavier's Chris Mack

Tell me that isn't funny.

I fear losing Chris Mack. I grow to like him more and more each year. I love the calm and cool under pressure Chris Mack.

The thought that he would pass up other jobs and take the Georgia job? Now that makes me laugh. We may well lose him, but not to Georgia.

Perhaps I am not being nice, and if you hired a brilliant consultant and his first instinct was to inquire about Mack, maybe he is just doing due diligence by starting with the best prospect out there.

[sirthought]

I was surprised to see Crean will earn more than $3 million per year. That's nuts.

[sirthought]

Lorenzo Romar to Pepperdine, leaving as assistant coach at Arizona.

[GoMuskies]

Danny Hurley is apparently getting (and taking) the UConn gig.

Just read another report that he's actually spoken to both Pitt AND UConn, so the bidding for his services may still be ongoing.

[joe titan]

Lorenzo Romar to Pepperdine, leaving as assistant coach at Arizona.

IIRC Pepperdine was his 1st gig.

[GoMuskies]

IIRC Pepperdine was his 1st gig.

Good memory. I looked it up, and he spent three years there before going to SLU. I could never figure out why he was a rising star, and looking again I still can't figure it out. He didn't have that much success at Pepperdine before he got the SLU gig, and he was very mediocre at SLU before Washington hired him. They apparently knew what they were doing, though, because he had a nice run at U-Dub for a decade...until he didn't.

[GIMMFD]

Danny Hurley is apparently getting (and taking) the UConn gig.

Just read another report that he's actually spoken to both Pitt AND UConn, so the bidding for his services may still be ongoing.

I'd think Hurley would choose UConn over Pitt, I think UConn is in a better place than Pitt is even if it's in the AAC, just from a pure basketball standpoint. Though if you can turn Pitt around in the next few years, you can basically guarantee a job anywhere in the country that you want after that.

[dubbledxu]

I saw an article about Tom Crean taking the Georgia job.

Apparently Georgia hired a consulting team and they inquired about our own Chris Mack, but he declined.

I thought it was funny.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ex-indiana-coach-tom-crean-reaches-deal-to-take-over-georgia-basketball/



Tell me that isn't funny.

I fear losing Chris Mack. I grow to like him more and more each year. I love the calm and cool under pressure Chris Mack.

The thought that he would pass up other jobs and take the Georgia job? Now that makes me laugh. We may well lose him, but not to Georgia.

Perhaps I am not being nice, and if you hired a brilliant consultant and his first instinct was to inquire about Mack, maybe he is just doing due diligence by starting with the best prospect out there.

Cant blame them for trying. The search firms loves those billable hours tho. They probably inquired about Coach K too.

[joe titan]

I'd think Hurley would choose UConn over Pitt, I think UConn is in a better place than Pitt is even if it's in the AAC, just from a pure basketball standpoint. Though if you can turn Pitt around in the next few years, you can basically guarantee a job anywhere in the country that you want after that.

Assuming $$$ are equivalent, UConn will expect high achievements fairly immediately (if NCAA allows) while Pitt would likely be more tolerant and lenient; the worst career move for Hurley would be take a job and fail (see Herb Sendek for example). UConn wants/expects Sweet 16s but Pitt would be happy making the field half the time.

[bleedXblue]

Assuming $$$ are equivalent, UConn will expect high achievements fairly immediately (if NCAA allows) while Pitt would likely be more tolerant and lenient; the worst career move for Hurley would be take a job and fail (see Herb Sendek for example). UConn wants/expects Sweet 16s but Pitt would be happy making the field half the time.

UCONN job is lipstick on a pig. You can't recruit into that conference they way they did in the Big East. Just not possible. Add to that.....they are located in a horrible spot in the middle of nowhere.......

[GoMuskies]

Recruiting hasn't really been a problem for UConn. It's still easier to recruit UConn than Pitt.

Coaching has been....a challenge.

[Masterofreality]

I'd think Hurley would choose UConn over Pitt, I think UConn is in a better place than Pitt is even if it's in the AAC, just from a pure basketball standpoint. Though if you can turn Pitt around in the next few years, you can basically guarantee a job anywhere in the country that you want after that.

Hurley is not going to Pitt over UCon (spelling intentional). Proximity of recruiting for one. Much shorter move from R.I. Plus he can win in a trash AAAAAAAAAC. ACC is a mine field

[sirthought]

Assuming $$$ are equivalent, UConn will expect high achievements fairly immediately (if NCAA allows) while Pitt would likely be more tolerant and lenient; the worst career move for Hurley would be take a job and fail (see Herb Sendek for example). UConn wants/expects Sweet 16s but Pitt would be happy making the field half the time.

I think the opposite is true of Pitt. Note how Jamie Dixon got his team into the NCAAs more often than not, but they rarely went far. Pitt didn't really value that and they didn't put up a fight when TCU came calling. In fact they made it easy for him to leave. Then they let Stallings go after only two seasons. That's not too patient after letting go a guy who was by all accounts competitive in tough leagues.

Both jobs will suck for different reasons. His current job is likely a good one, because he can recruit the right players to develop in the A10 and enjoy some success for years. But the rumors are that he sees value in UCONN and it'll be more money. They are going to get hit with something...whatever Kevin Ollie did that might add some pain.

[Lloyd Braun]

Hurley to UConn confirmed.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hurley to UConn confirmed.

Because he really wanted Xavier but he had a private conversation with Chris Mack who told him he was staying at X? YES!!!!

Kidding, of course.

[X-band '01]

Now reports are that David Cox was previously named head coach-in-waiting for URI in the event that Dan Hurley left. This would mean a buyout for Cox if URI goes in another direction.

[joe titan]

LaSalle looking for new coach; may seem like a grave yard job but somebody will step into a good gig.

[bleedXblue]

Mark Schmidt interviewed for the Pitt job.....

[xubrew]

UT Arlington has fired Scott Cross. Whoever made that decision really needs to have their house checked for lead. That may be the dumbest firing of all time. I can't think of one that's dumber. In fact, as bad as some of coaching HIRES have been, I can't think of a hiring that was as dumb as this firing.

[GoMuskies]

Scott Cross to Xavier!!!!!

[Muskie]

Mark Schmidt interviewed for the Pitt job.....

And has now withdrawn his name.

[Muskie]

Scott Cross to Xavier!!!!!
It's a shame we couldn't get to Mark Prosser before yesterday.

[Muskie]

Pitt has hired Jeff Capel.

[BandAid]

Pitt has hired Jeff Capel.

I don't know who I feel more sorry for - Jeff Capel or Pitt...

[xubrew]

Scott Cross to Xavier!!!!!

Yunno, I think I could live with that!

[Muskie]

I don't know who I feel more sorry for - Jeff Capel or Pitt...

He's a lifelong Steelers fan so they are psyched.

[GoMuskies]

For whatever it's worth, it seems Mack is getting the band back together at Louisville. He's filling out his staff with Dino Gaudio.

[JTG]

For whatever it's worth, it seems Mack is getting the band back together at Louisville. He's filling out his staff with Dino Gaudio.

Seriously ? Not an April Fool joke ? Well let's hire Gillen.

[Muskie]

For whatever it's worth, it seems Mack is getting the band back together at Louisville. He's filling out his staff with Dino Gaudio.
If Mack can somehow make room for Pat Kelsey, it would be like old times at Wake Forest under Skip (Gaudio, Mack, Kelsey). Remember all the deep runs those teams made in March?

[GoMuskies]

They did manage to get to one Sweet Sixteen before Jameer Nelson and Co. took care of them.

[Masterofreality]

If Mack can somehow make room for Pat Kelsey, it would be like old times at Wake Forest under Skip (Gaudio, Mack, Kelsey). Remember all the deep runs those teams made in March?

Yeah. Epic.

[MADXSTER]

I kinda get the impression that if Travis tried to get Dino or Kelsey to come on as asst coaches the X fan base would blow up. If Mack does it, then it seems ok. Just my impression.

[bleedXblue]

I think Steele is going to get some new blood. Gaudio is over the hill and Kelsey too young to pass up his current gig. He will get another HC shot soon.

[smileyy]

I think Steele is going to get some new blood. Gaudio is over the hill and Kelsey too young to pass up his current gig. He will get another HC shot soon.

There's reason that Gaudio got fired in order to hire a bad coach (Bzdelik). Apparently Bzdelik is doing well for himself as the Associate Head Coach of the Houston Rockets. Maybe he's just a better NBA coach.

[GoMuskies]

There's reason that Gaudio got fired in order to hire a bad coach (Bzdelik).

Bzdelik was besties with the AD.

[Masterofreality]

I kinda get the impression that if Travis tried to get Dino or Kelsey to come on as asst coaches the X fan base would blow up. If Mack does it, then it seems ok. Just my impression.

Not ok. stupid. Might be ok in the cesspool, but wouldn't be with me.


I think Steele is going to get some new blood. Gaudio is over the hill and Kelsey too young to pass up his current gig. He will get another HC shot soon.

This. +

[XU '11]

Ashley Howard goes from Nova assistant to head coach at La Salle. He also spent a season with Mack at X. Seems like a great get by La Salle.