Chris Mack discussion

[TUclutch]

Big deal or not, it's obvious this guy's passion is with FCC and that's where he puts his focus. That's why he tweeted that, and that's why there's no reporting on Mack.

Im not the biggest Brennan fan. He has his faults, but this is a HUGE reach about there being no reporting on Mack. Shannon Russell isn't even doing any reporting or commenting on Mack related stuff and she freelances and could do what she wants

[Caf]

More than likely there is no reporting going on about Mack because no one is willing to go on the record (or even speak on background) about what is going on right now.

That's possible. Other papers have reported or even just written that it's a possibility, so I don't really buy it.

Chris Mack has coached Xavier to new heights. Will he opt to stay after this NCAA tournament? - WashPost (https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/chris-mack-has-coached-xavier-to-new-heights-will-he-opt-to-stay-after-this-ncaa-tournament/2018/03/13/9d7a46d4-26e9-11e8-874b-d517e912f125_story.html?utm_term=.737a7e0b32f4)
Louisville interim AD reportedly meets with Xavier’s Chris Mack - Dayton Daily (https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/college/louisville-interim-reportedly-meets-with-xavier-chris-mack/MCT3m6Ptf6Nv58oZpIpxGP/)

[D-West & PO-Z]

There will be a press conference today at 3P to discuss the future of David Padgett.

AHHHH, really, where is it broadcast?

[AviatorX]

At this point, I'd be shocked if Chris Mack isn't holding a presser wearing a red tie by the end of the week.

[Xville]

At this point, I'd be shocked if Chris Mack isn't holding a presser wearing a red tie by the end of the week.

I feel the same way....if that does happen, can we get Miller back here? To me that's a dream scenario...provided he really didn't do any of that shady stuff.

[AviatorX]

I feel the same way....if that does happen, can we get Miller back here? To me that's a dream scenario...provided he really didn't do any of that shady stuff.

Totally agree...but just don't think it is plausible unfortunately. I think he would make the move.

[Xavier]

I feel the same way....if that does happen, can we get Miller back here? To me that's a dream scenario...provided he really didn't do any of that shady stuff.

Pipe dream. I’d say safe bet is Steele but would hope X at least interviews Nova top assistant.

[AviatorX]

Pipe dream. I’d say safe bet is Steele but would hope X at least interviews Nova top assistant.

Why would we want Nova's unnamed top assistant instead of our own homegrown guy? Get that outta here.

If X hires someone with no HC experience, it better be Travis.

[GetUp5]

Pipe dream. I’d say safe bet is Steele but would hope X at least interviews Nova top assistant.

Any specific reason they should be interviewing, I'll assume you're talking about Ashley Howard?

[TUclutch]

Why would we want Nova's unnamed top assistant instead of our own homegrown guy? Get that outta here.

If X hires someone with no HC experience, it better be Travis.

Their top assistant is Ashley Howard who actually was on the Xavier staff under Mack for a couple years. I want it to be Steele as well and think it would be, but don't act like it would be crazy or insulting to interview a guy like Ashley Howard

[muethibp]

Padgett has confirmed that he's been told by Louisville that he's not the guy.

[Caf]

If Miller wouldn't go to Pitt than there's no way he comes back here. I personally don't want that baggage, even if he is somehow absolved of all suspicions. Assistants ease the transition, but this is a much different program than it was in '09. Any possible interview process would be really competitive. A lot of people would want that job.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Pipe dream. I’d say safe bet is Steele but would hope X at least interviews Nova top assistant.

And Hurley

[SemajParlor]

Looks like 3pm will confirm Padgett is out at UL. Concern level has had an uptick.

[AviatorX]

Their top assistant is Ashley Howard who actually was on the Xavier staff under Mack for a couple years. I want it to be Steele as well and think it would be, but don't act like it would be crazy or insulting to interview a guy like Ashley Howard

I'm aware. Doesn't change my opinion. Especially when I'm 90% sure the posters logic was Nova always beats X.

Guess who was also on staff during the Ashley Howard years? Travis Steele.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If Miller wouldn't go to Pitt than there's no way he comes back here. I personally don't want that baggage, even if he is somehow absolved of all suspicions. Assistants ease the transition, but this is a much different program than it was in '09. Any possible interview process would be really competitive. A lot of people would want that job.

Apparently it wasnt that Miller didnt want it (not sure if he did or not) but Pitt didnt entertain the thought of interviewing him Apparently their AD has a big compliance background.

[GoMuskies]

Looks like 3pm will confirm Padgett is out at UL. Concern level has had an uptick.

Again, this was happening even if Chris Mack was banging Tyra's wife. Padgett was #1000 on Louisville's list of potential coaches. I think this news is neutral.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Looks like 3pm will confirm Padgett is out at UL. Concern level has had an uptick.

Is the press conference on TV?

[SemajParlor]

Again, this was happening even if Chris Mack was banging Tyra's wife.

Too early to make a Winthrop joke? Maybe?

[GoMuskies]

Maybe I SHOULD be more worried, but my stress level on this one is much less than during the Matta and Miller situations. With Prosser, I really thought it was best for all parties that he moved on. I like Mack a lot and hope he stays, but I don't think he's irreplaceable. We're still going to be Xavier no matter what. We win here.

[muethibp]

Maybe I SHOULD be more worried, but my stress level on this one is much less than during the Matta and Miller situations. With Prosser, I really thought it was best for all parties that he moved on. I like Mack a lot and hope he stays, but I don't think he's irreplaceable. We're still going to be Xavier no matter what. We win here.

I have no stress at all over it. I'd take Steele and the $1.5 million savings over Mack. I'd be fine if they went outside. It won't be a big deal. The program will be fine in the medium and long run and, because of Chris's shaky recent recruiting, was going to take a step back even if he stays.

[bjf123]

Maybe I SHOULD be more worried, but my stress level on this one is much less than during the Matta and Miller situations. With Prosser, I really thought it was best for all parties that he moved on. I like Mack a lot and hope he stays, but I don't think he's irreplaceable. We're still going to be Xavier no matter what. We win here.

I’m more than worried enough for both of us! Then again, I tend to be a glass half empty with a big hole in the bottom kind of guy.


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[D-West & PO-Z]

I have no stress at all over it. I'd take Steele and the $1.5 million savings over Mack. I'd be fine if they went outside. It won't be a big deal. The program will be fine in the medium and long run and, because of Chris's shaky recent recruiting, was going to take a step back even if he stays.

If they hire Steele it will be more than 1.5 million in savings, maybe a lot more, if some of the numbers were accurate on what X was trying to put together for Mack.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Say it is Mack and it is a done deal and now they have Padgett out of the way, what kinda time frame does everyone thing we are looking at before announcing Chris as the head coach? Tomorrow morning, tomorrow afternoon/evening? Friday? I cant believe we wont know anything on Mack by Friday right?

[dubbledxu]

I’d say tmrw am. Any incoming coach will want as much time as possible to build his staff and re-assure signed recruits/transfers. UL is the biggest domino this offseason, so it will all start once that coach is named.

[Xville]

yeah. i think we would certainly hear something by Friday either way.

Im not stressed about it at all if the decision is for him to leave. I think Mack is a good coach, but I have never been completely sold on him...sue me. I think hes replaceable and I trust in X to make a good hire. Plus, we have a crappy recruiting class coming in next year anyways, and would have time to reengage with 19 and 20 recruits should we need to.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Nobody is irreplaceable, that said I want to keep Mack. Marshall and Scruggs will be better than Macura and Bluiett. You put around them some good talent and we will be back.

I would love to hire from within if we lose Mack though.


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[D-West & PO-Z]

Really hoping for a "were you there? did you hear?" moment when Xavier and Mack announce an extension.

Can you imagine the reception he would get in Cintas for game 1?

[smileyy]

It would be really disappointing to lose the Kwisatz Haderach* of Xavier coaching -- the bridging of the Gillen/Prosser and the Matta/Miller coaching lines. Another coach just might not feel as special.

*Frank Herbert's Dune reference

[SemajParlor]

Yeah if we survive this, have to imagine we've found our Mark Few.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Yeah I don’t think Mack staying would be that big of a surprise or newsworthy. Also not sure why he should get a pay raise for losing. I hope he stays but it’s not going to cripple the program if he does leave.

[Caveat]

Why would we want Nova's unnamed top assistant instead of our own homegrown guy? Get that outta here.

If X hires someone with no HC experience, it better be Travis.

Let’s be real, though — Travis has familiarity in the system, but he’s far from a sure thing and has some question marks. A program like Xavier can and should consider all options internal and external before coming to a conclusion.

[smileyy]

yeah i don’t think mack staying would be that big of a surprise or newsworthy. Also not sure why he should get a pay raise for losing winning the big east. I hope he stays but it’s not going to cripple the program if he does leave.

ftfy

[Drew's Crew]

Yeah I don’t think Mack staying would be that big of a surprise or newsworthy. Also not sure why he should get a pay raise for losing. I hope he stays but it’s not going to cripple the program if he does leave.

Because normally bosses of companies don't base your pay off the the fleeting moments of failure but instead your overall contribution to a company. And let's be clear here, Mack has been paid a lot of money from XU, but he has also been an incredible investment considering the increased exposure and revenue he has helped to provide for the school.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

How quick people forget he just won the Big East outright. Come on people, I want to keep our Mark Few.


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[Backyard Champ]

Yeah if we survive this, have to imagine we've found our Mark Few.

This, to me, is what this is different than Miller. It would be huge if he turns down Louisville. If that happens, we've got our coach. I realize Louisville is a huge job, so it may be different, but man, if Xavier can't retain a former player who grew up in the city, will we ever be able to avoid these coaching searches?

[drudy23]

ESPN has been reporting Mack is the frontrunner. That should put us all at ease.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Yeah I don’t want to keep our mark few. F@&$ mark few. I want to keep a coach that is going to put NC banners in the rafters. Last time I checkd Mr. FEW HAS ZERO!. If they think Mack is that guy then pay the man otherwise let’s move on and do it quick. I’m so sick of this crap every year.

[Caveat]

How quick people forget he just won the Big East outright. Come on people, I want to keep our Mark Few.


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FWIW — Steele is probably a closer comp to Few than Mack.

Few isn’t a Gonzaga alum and, like Steele (if he were X’s HC) is one of the small minority of major program college coaches that didn’t ever play college basketball.

[GIMMFD]

This, to me, is what this is different than Miller. It would be huge if he turns down Louisville. If that happens, we've got our coach. I realize Louisville is a huge job, so it may be different, but man, if Xavier can't retain a former player who grew up in the city, will we ever be able to avoid these coaching searches?

Bingo. We'll be viewed as a stepping stone for a while if we can't retain a hometown alum as our head coach, and I think that wouldn't particularly help things out, however at the end of the day Xavier has to be an attractive job to most people. We run a pretty clean program (sans the Sumner loan, yet we don't even know what's going on with that yet), our players are great guys on and off the court, we have a culture of winning, and a great arena in Cintas. Basketball is king here, and you don't even have to compete with football, I'm sure a lot of guys would love to be here. I'd love for us to retain Mack, for branding and longevity, but I think if we didn't go the Steele route, we'd make a pretty successful hire with a good name. I just need this all to be over soon so we can start prepping for next year.

[Xville]

Yeah I don’t want to keep our mark few. F@&$ mark few. I want to keep a coach that is going to put NC banners in the rafters. Last time I checkd Mr. FEW HAS ZERO!. If they think Mack is that guy then pay the man otherwise let’s move on and do it quick. I’m so sick of this crap every year.

Hypothetically if we could match whatever Louisville offers, it still wouldn't make the decision one way or the other for Mack. There are much bigger things to consider than money at this point in my opinion. It is a completely different lifestyle to consider....Mack has to decide if the juice is worth the squeeze....is the added pressure, scrutiny, media obligations etc etc etc worth being coach at one of the biggest programs in the sport.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Bingo. We'll be viewed as a stepping stone for a while if we can't retain a hometown alum as our head coach, and I think that wouldn't particularly help things out, however at the end of the day Xavier has to be an attractive job to most people. We run a pretty clean program (sans the Sumner loan, yet we don't even know what's going on with that yet), our players are great guys on and off the court, we have a culture of winning, and a great arena in Cintas. Basketball is king here, and you don't even have to compete with football, I'm sure a lot of guys would love to be here. I'd love for us to retain Mack, for branding and longevity, but I think if we didn't go the Steele route, we'd make a pretty successful hire with a good name. I just need this all to be over soon so we can start prepping for next year.

Agreed just rip off the bandaid and let’s see if the scab stays on the skin or leaves. That’s great that we won the Big East but who cares about regular season awards. I want real awards. You think Nova wishes they had won the regular season Beast? Hell no because they want the real championship.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

It’s a process, how quick people forget Villanova losing early. You win big conferences or advance but a program needs to do both. We are progressing.


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[smileyy]

BITD, I remember that Villanova's 1-in, 4-out offense was...maybe not controversial, but definitely frequently commented on. Now it seems like almost everyone runs that way, looking for 3-point shots and making space for cuts for layups.

[Xavier]

You think Nova wishes they had won the regular season Beast?

Yes.

[SemajParlor]

BITD, I remember that Villanova's 1-in, 4-out offense was...maybe not controversial, but definitely frequently commented on. Now it seems like almost everyone runs that way, looking for 3-point shots and making space for cuts for layups.

Jay was ahead of his time for sure.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yes.

Yes definitely. They've said as much. Not instead of a national championship but a big east championship was very important to them.

[paulxu]

You guys are all over the place.
Next thing I'll be hearing is that Sister Rose is a Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother.

[SemajParlor]

Louisville AD presser at 5:30. Can't imagine it's more than we're exploring all options presser.

[Nigel Tufnel]

I am confused by some of the replies here...citing Mack’s weak recruiting class for next year as a reason that it’s ok if he leaves...geez.

I think Mack is a top 10-15 coach in the country. I hope he stays. I’ll be bummed if he leaves...but I’m not going to freak because X has a track record of hiring the right replacement.

Maybe I’m just being the guy that’s too positive...but I’d rather not read people banging on Mack after everything he’s done for X. Whether fair or not. If he goes, X will be fine. Thank him for everything he’s done and wish him well.

[Emp]

I am confused by some of the replies here...citing Mack’s weak recruiting class for next year as a reason that it’s ok if he leaves...geez.

I think Mack is a top 10-15 coach in the country. I hope he stays. I’ll be bummed if he leaves...but I’m not going to freak because X has a track record of hiring the right replacement.

Maybe I’m just being the guy that’s too positive...but I’d rather not read people banging on Mack after everything he’s done for X. Whether fair or not. If he goes, X will be fine. Thank him for everything he’s done and wish him well.


X3. Totally agree about banging on our coaches. Ex and present. Their is a vein of entitlement in some posts, as if Xavier deserves exceptional consideration. How about "We w're lucky to get that coach, and thankful for what he did for our program."

[BandAid]

You guys are all over the place.
Next thing I'll be hearing is that Sister Rose is a Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother.

She isn't?

[xudash]

I am confused by some of the replies here...citing Mack’s weak recruiting class for next year as a reason that it’s ok if he leaves...geez.

I think Mack is a top 10-15 coach in the country. I hope he stays. I’ll be bummed if he leaves...but I’m not going to freak because X has a track record of hiring the right replacement.

Maybe I’m just being the guy that’s too positive...but I’d rather not read people banging on Mack after everything he’s done for X. Whether fair or not. If he goes, X will be fine. Thank him for everything he’s done and wish him well.

Well done.

Otherwise, we're temporarily free entertainment to anyone who is lurking on this board that is not a Xavier fan.

[drudy23]

If there's a time he leaves, it's now. Coaches leave all the time after their strongest team departs. The recruiting class isn't great. We still should be a tournament team next year, but maybe not. He would be selling very high...hard to argue with that.

With that being said, I hope he stays. I think he will lead us to a F4 one day.

I also think he will start to become a player for some of the Blue Chip recruits because of this scandal. It puts us in the game moreso than before.

[X4LIFE]

I hope Mack stays. But, when I think about his tenure with Prosser he may leave. Here’s why I think so. Prosser in my opinion was a great fit at X . But, h one thing I remember when he left X he said I’d like to see what I can do with my system if I can get the right players. Granted, X was in the A10 then and it is different now with recruiting. However, has X been able to recruit 5 star players, not yet. And I wonder if Mack thinks this way. He saw Prosser’s team (Wake Forest) go to No. 1 and I can imagine this same thinking gong through his head. Again I hope for the best and hope he stays.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Well done.

Otherwise, we're temporarily free entertainment to anyone who is lurking on this board that is not a Xavier fan.

Ha. Good point. I’ve already seen some Ville posters comment about how tame most posters are about losing Mack. X has been thru this. X will be fine.

[dubbledxu]

I hope Mack stays. But, when I think about his tenure with Prosser he may leave. Here’s why I think so. Prosser in my opinion was a great fit at X . But, h one thing I remember when he left X he said I’d like to see what I can do with my system if I can get the right players. Granted, X was in the A10 then and it is different now with recruiting. However, has X been able to recruit 5 star players, not yet. And I wonder if Mack thinks this way. He saw Prosser’s team (Wake Forest) go to No. 1 and I can imagine this same thinking gong through his head. Again I hope for the best and hope he stays.


Mack got XU to a 1 seed and the highest in season rank ever. At least Matta got tOSU to a Nat championship game after leaving X, which can’t be said for any of the others.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Louisville AD saying in his press conference it they want it wrapped up by end of month and may take next 7-10 days. I feel like that is at least a positive sign. I cant imagine he would be saying that time frame if he knew he already had Mack locked up. Doesnt mean its not Mack but makes me think its not a done deal.

[X4LIFE]

I’m not saying it can’t be done at X. I’m just saying Prosser did get Wake Forest to an in season No. 1 ranking. I’m just thinking out loud. I really want Mack to stay. I think he is the one to take X to a FF and a championship. Since he has that opportunity at both schools maybe he sees it as a a money issue and security for his family and kids (not that 1.6 mil doesn’t provide that). I heard in the Louisville press conference that Uof L athletics budget is 100 mil plus. So, maybe they are making an offer he can’t refuse.

[xudash]

I’m not saying it can’t be done at X. I’m just saying Prosser did get Wake Forest to an in season No. 1 ranking. I’m just thinking out loud. I really want Mack to stay. I think he is the one to take X to a FF and a championship. Since he has that opportunity at both schools maybe he sees it as a a money issue and security for his family and kids (not that 1.6 mil doesn’t provide that). I heard in the Louisville press conference that Uof L athletics budget is 100 mil plus. So, maybe they are making an offer he can’t refuse.

YOu could argue that the last place anyone should want to go at this point is a "back water" ACC school - a second tier player in that conference. WF hasn't exactly been setting the world on fire lately.

You need to consider Revenue AND Expense when you look at this stuff. A hundred million doesn't stretch much further if if already has a hundred million+ against it in expenses.

[MuskieFan5]

http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=22859856

Goodman says that he believes Mack is likely the top target and who they ultimately get. This really concerns me since Mack and Goodman are good friends.

[OTRMUSKIE]

It’s all about money and that’s it. If Mack leaves I wish him the best. I look forward to watching him tell the next X coach don’t ever leave X and then watching Mack get fired in Louisville. I mean I doubt he is going to be the coach that stops the trend of Ex-X coaches leaving and wish they didn’t. I think if he does leave he should get Xavier fans his house for free that he just built. We can make it the official HQ of XH.

[mistabeecee41]

I am confused by some of the replies here...citing Mack’s weak recruiting class for next year as a reason that it’s ok if he leaves...geez.

I think Mack is a top 10-15 coach in the country. I hope he stays. I’ll be bummed if he leaves...but I’m not going to freak because X has a track record of hiring the right replacement.

Maybe I’m just being the guy that’s too positive...but I’d rather not read people banging on Mack after everything he’s done for X. Whether fair or not. If he goes, X will be fine. Thank him for everything he’s done and wish him well.

Aligned, except the wish him well part. I’ll laugh as I watch Louisville collapse just like I did with OSU and Zona

[OTRMUSKIE]

Is it possible that he is doing all of this for show and seeing how much he truly is loved here? And if we all say please stay Mr Mack!!!! He will stay? I say by the majority of post he is gone if that’s the case.

[smileyy]

Is it possible that he is doing all of this for show and seeing how much he truly is loved here?

Mack never struck me as that type of narcissist.

[dubbledxu]

Aligned, except the wish him well part. I’ll laugh as I watch Louisville collapse just like I did with OSU and Zona

Again, Matta did get tOSU to the Nat championship game. I want Mack to stay, but I think we’d all trade a few “down” years for a F4 and Nat champ appearance.

[Caveat]

Louisville AD saying in his press conference it they want it wrapped up by end of month and may take next 7-10 days. I feel like that is at least a positive sign. I cant imagine he would be saying that time frame if he knew he already had Mack locked up. Doesnt mean its not Mack but makes me think its not a done deal.

Nah — they probably just didn’t expect Mack to be available this early and hadn’t gotten the negotiations started.

Mack is in Priceline “name your own price” territory here, given that he already has a job he probably likes well enough and he’s so clearly the #1 target for Louisville.

[xu82]

If love = dollars, then maybe. We may not have to match, just show a great effort to compete. THAT is my prayer!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Nah — they probably just didn’t expect Mack to be available this early and hadn’t gotten the negotiations started.

Mack is in Priceline “name your own price” territory here, given that he already has a job he probably likes well enough and he’s so clearly the #1 target for Louisville.

I cant imagine the talks with Mack's agent wait until now or even a few days ago.

I also cant imagine if they want Mack and Mack wants to go if the price is right, that it wont be a donw deal by Friday. Cant imagine Mack wants this lingering over his head, his families, or even XU's. If it is Mack it wont take 7-10 days.

[Drew's Crew]

Mack never struck me as that type of narcissist.

I don't think it necessarily has to do with that. If I were Mack and I 100% knew I wanted to stay, I would absolutely take all the attention Louisville was willing to give me. Then, I would leverage it into an enormous pay raise. And then I would declare that I am staying for the foreseeable future (for recruiting purposes).

Then if another blue blood comes open and wants to hire me in 3-4 years, I would do it all over again. Every time he visits one of these big schools about a job opening, XU realizes what they have and they up his pay. It would almost be a little silly for him not to do it.

As a fan, I hate it. but, from a business standpoint it makes total sense.

[Drew's Crew]

Nah — they probably just didn’t expect Mack to be available this early and hadn’t gotten the negotiations started.

Mack is in Priceline “name your own price” territory here, given that he already has a job he probably likes well enough and he’s so clearly the #1 target for Louisville.

I know for a fact (see what I did there?) that Mack's agent has been speaking with Louisville for a little bit. The only things that Mack would need to be present for would be ironing out details, see how he gets along and whether or not he feels comfortable. A potential offer was already in place prior to us losing to F State and Mack likely knew exaclty what the rough parameters of the offer was going to be.

[dubbledxu]

I cant imagine the talks with Mack's agent wait until now or even a few days ago.

I also cant imagine if they want Mack and Mack wants to go if the price is right, that it wont be a donw deal by Friday. Cant imagine Mack wants this lingering over his head, his families, or even XU's. If it is Mack it wont take 7-10 days.


Agreed, this 7-10 day timeline gives them time to chase their backup candidate if Mack doesn’t sign, while still appearing in control.

I wonder if Hurley waiting to see if UL offers him and why he hasn’t signed at UConn/Pitt.

[Drew's Crew]

Some think Hurley is actually waiting for Mack to sign at Louisville and then interview at X...

[mistabeecee41]

Some think Hurley is actually waiting for Mack to sign at Louisville and then interview at X...

Can he bring Jermaine Harris with him? Would be an interesting way to finally get a commit from one of our prime targets after whiffing

[Backyard Champ]

Louisville AD saying in his press conference it they want it wrapped up by end of month and may take next 7-10 days. I feel like that is at least a positive sign. I cant imagine he would be saying that time frame if he knew he already had Mack locked up. Doesnt mean its not Mack but makes me think its not a done deal.

Could be wrong, but 7-10 days seems to me like their pretty confident in their guy. If not, the process would likely take longer. Also, I'd imagine that if they know Mack is accepting, announcing right before the final four would be ideal. Thus the 7-10 days and not now. I say ideal because they make a big splash as the sports world is tuning into the final four.

[GIMMFD]

Some think Hurley is actually waiting for Mack to sign at Louisville and then interview at X...

I thought he was big on being an east coast guy and that UCONN is basically done?? Hell he wouldn't even have to sell his house to move from URI to UConn lol.

[BandAid]

Could be wrong, but 7-10 days seems to me like their pretty confident in their guy. If not, the process would likely take longer. Also, I'd imagine that if they know Mack is accepting, announcing right before the final four would be ideal. Thus the 7-10 days and not now. I say ideal because they make a big splash as the sports world is tuning into the final four.

Eff Louisville and their desire to make a splash before the final four. We would have our own coaching search to conduct. I wouldn’t want to be sitting around waiting for another school to have their own version of “one shining moment.”

[JTG]

Just a little bit off topic, does anyone think that this UL biz hanging over X was the reason for our recruiting woes this year ? It didn't appear to affect the games, but how is Mack suddenly unable to recruit with 4 seniors leaving?

[xavierj]

Yeah if Chris is the guy it shouldn’t take more than a couple of days. I think he takes it but recruiting would get a big shot in the arm if he can walk into a recruits house and when asked if he will be around, he could just say I just said FU to the FU money Louisville was trying to throw at me, so yes.

[Caf]

Im not the biggest Brennan fan. He has his faults, but this is a HUGE reach about there being no reporting on Mack. Shannon Russell isn't even doing any reporting or commenting on Mack related stuff and she freelances and could do what she wants

She did tonight

[xavierj]

Just a little bit off topic, does anyone think that this UL biz hanging over X was the reason for our recruiting woes this year ? It didn't appear to affect the games, but how is Mack suddenly unable to re hit with 4 seniors leaving?

I think they shot high and just missed. The Louisville stuff came out after all of that but other coaches may have had an idea it was coming and used that against X.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Could be wrong, but 7-10 days seems to me like their pretty confident in their guy. If not, the process would likely take longer. Also, I'd imagine that if they know Mack is accepting, announcing right before the final four would be ideal. Thus the 7-10 days and not now. I say ideal because they make a big splash as the sports world is tuning into the final four.

I can't imagine Mack wants this lingering over his head and his families, and XU's for 10 days. If they want him and he wants to go I'd imagine he would say we need to get this done ASAP.

7-10 days to me felt like they were setting themselves up not to look silly if Mack said no because it will take longer to get their other guy whereas Mack would I would think be a pretty quick hire.


Edit: Can't imagine*

[paulxu]

Sometimes this all blows me away.
They're talking about tossing $3 million at Hurley at UConn or Pitt, and he's been to 2 NCAA's and never out of the first weekend.
Shaka gets a magical run to a FF, goes to Texas and hasn't won a NCAA game yet.
Archie gets a magical run to a E8, goes to IU for the big $, and it remains to be seen what he can do.

Mack is so much more than those three guys. He's got a proven track record at X and in the NCAA's.
He's so competitive, I fully expect him to go to another higher profile school...and it kills me. I want him to do what Wright has done at Nova.
And I believe he could do it here.
Oh well. Get the popcorn ready.

[Blue Blooded-05]

I admit I was lurking on the Louisville boards today looking for new information. Don’t waste your time. It was just the same old “my wife’s hairdresser’s dog walker said Chris Mack was house hunting in Louisville today...”

Anyway, I was somewhat surprised to see a vocal minority that wants to retain David Padgett. Got me thinking. Would Padgett be in play as new coach if Mack bolts? He really did an admirable job as HC this year under difficult circumstances.

Also, have two coaches ever swapped jobs?

[GoMuskies]

Padgett is awful. Xavier wouldn't possibly go that route.

[Caveat]

Sean Miller had to come out and deny that he was interested in the Pitt job tonight.

Interesting.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Sean would never do such a thing. Now in this case I actually believe him, I think.

[bleedXblue]

Sean Miller had to come out and deny that he was interested in the Pitt job tonight.

Interesting.

Why is that interesting? Just curious what you are reading into this?

[xu82]

Sean would never do such a thing. Now in this case I actually believe him, I think.

That’s where we are different. I never think. Can you tell?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Sean Miller had to come out and deny that he was interested in the Pitt job tonight.

Interesting.

That was only after Pitt apparently didnt have interest either. From what I read their AD comes from a compliance background.

[Caveat]

Why is that interesting? Just curious what you are reading into this?

If a coach’s name is out there, it’s almost always because an agent is making it known he’s willing to listen.

Not reading much of anything into it — just interesting that the possibility exists he’s looking to bail on Arizona. I know some people on here had speculated “what if” he would be willing to come back.

[XUBison]

Padgett is awful. Xavier wouldn't possibly go that route.

Can you imagine the optics? Louisville gets our highly in-demand coach... We get sloppy seconds On their castaway interim coach. Not happening.

[throwbackmuskie]

If a coach’s name is out there, it’s almost always because an agent is making it known he’s willing to listen.

Not reading much of anything into it — just interesting that the possibility exists he’s looking to bail on Arizona. I know some people on here had speculated “what if” he would be willing to come back.

Or they are doing their job to get their client more money.

Mack will get a nice raise and will be our coach next year.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[XUBison]

Why is that interesting? Just curious what you are reading into this?

Interesting... because Sean came out to say he’s not going to Pitt, yet we hear nothing similar from Mack on Louisville. DUN-dun-DUN!!! There it is. Shit.

[throwbackmuskie]

Interesting... because Sean came out to say he’s not going to Pitt, yet we hear nothing similar from Mack on Louisville. DUN-dun-DUN!!! There it is. Shit.

Miller was saving face, he was interested, they were not.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JTG]

Interesting... because Sean came out to say he’s not going to Pitt, yet we hear nothing similar from Mack on Louisville. DUN-dun-DUN!!! There it is. Shit.

Miller is looking for a place to land
Mack is being courted. Very different situations
No one comes out and says they're not interested hours after the current coach is let go. Let it play out ,see where it goes. Of note, except for Matta, the other former X coaches had only very modest success. It's says something for the grass not always being greener elsewhere.

[xavierj]

If a coach’s name is out there, it’s almost always because an agent is making it known he’s willing to listen.

Not reading much of anything into it — just interesting that the possibility exists he’s looking to bail on Arizona. I know some people on here had speculated “what if” he would be willing to come back.

Agents sometimes put their clients names out there to get their clients a better deal at their current school. Chris’s agent has obviously been doing that. His agent lives in Louisville and is an IU graduate. This is an interesting article from awhile back about college basketball agents with Chris and his agent mentioned.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/meet-the-agents-who-have-their-fingers-on-college-basketball-coaching-changes/amp/

[xu koop scoop]

Hope Mack stays. Sick, waiting for surgery - so these forums are part of my entertainment. That is kind of sad. If Mack leaves, is Travis Steele ready to take over.
We have done well with assistants moving up over the years.

[XUBison]

So I have a theory, based on not much of anything. I’ve never quite understood the Louisville/Mack thing. I get that it’s a mega job, but so are IU, OSU, etc. I also understand the Christi connection, but really, who cares? Ive never heard of a coach taking a job because it brought him closer to his in-laws. Makes me think there’s more to that story... like Christi really wanted him to take the Cal job, an awesome location for young people with a lot of money. Perhaps Chris talked her out of it, but as a compromise, he had to pinky-promise to take the Louisville job if it were ever offered to him. Chris, being a very loyal and wise husband, now finds himself in a tight spot. In other words, the $$$ and prestige at Louisville are all well and good, but the guy might really have no choice.

Incidentally, some of you probably know this, but I misspelled her name and googled ”Christ-ie” Mack, and a “Christ-y” Mack dominated the top of my search. Blew my mind.

[KabeX]

First of all I hope all goes well with your surgery. And I absolutely think Travis is ready. I think he's as ready (or more) to take over than Mack was. I remember vividly the presser when Sean announced his decision and someone asked him do you think Chris is ready - Sean said "Oh yeah, he's more than ready". I know that's some coach speak in supporting your staff while you're driving your brand new Lexus to the bank but something about that - maybe the way he said it -caused me think think this might actually work out pretty well. Of course I couldn't foresee the Big East etc... but it did indeed work out pretty well. So count me in the "Oh yeah, Travis is more than ready" camp.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I would say raising a kid in California is only good if you want to raise a tree hugging liberal that gets offended at the words what sex are you? Mack never said he wanted to go to Louisville, only people on this board and so called pundits. For all we know Mack is laughing his ass off at this. I honestly don’t think he is going anywhere. If he does stay then just be honest with us and say he will be at X till he gets fired because this coaching carousel is becoming obnoxious.

[XUBison]

Miller is looking for a place to land
Mack is being courted. Very different situations
No one comes out and says they're not interested hours after the current coach is let go. Let it play out ,see where it goes. Of note, except for Matta, the other former X coaches had only very modest success. It's says something for the grass not always being greener elsewhere.

No one comes out to say they’re not interested hours after the current coach is let go? Chris doesn’t have to say jack about the Louisville job. He can simply say he’s staying at X, any time he wants. And very modest success? Sean has done pretty damn well, until getting nailed by the FBI. So did Skip, until he, you know... died.

[smileyy]

I could only hope to raise a kid like that

[XUBison]

I could only hope to raise a kid like that

Seattle still has some catching up to do?

[Emp]

I think they shot high and just missed. The Louisville stuff came out after all of that but other coaches may have had an idea it was coming and used that against X.

Which is why we should be concerned. About Mack, and every coach before and after. Nothing is holding us back from a FF but recruiting. Mack can coach. He'll leave sooner or later if he can't land the players he wants.

[dubbledxu]

UofL fan here although I've liked Xavier since the Brian Grant days. Anyways, I've been reading your board and I must say you guys/gals really have a good grasp on things. I have no idea what Chris Mack is going to do and I don't know if UofL will be the only school looking at Mack. He's a good coach. Let's be honest, the way Pitino did things any punishment except maybe the Death Penalty (even that's not totally out of the question as a repeat offender). UofL was in a similar situation as Xavier in basketball for football when we were in the Big East. We had John L Smith and Bobby Petrino use UofL as stepping stone(Smith to Mich State and Petrino to Falcons). We were fairly lucky that we moved to the ACC for football in particular. If not our football would probably be in that 30-40 job range like somebody mentioned earlier in the thread about X basketball. I think Mack being an alum is a big positive for you. You'll likely get a hometown discount but at some point a lot more money becomes hard to pass up. Ultimately, I think you may be a little at the mercy of the other Big East teams. I think the more depth in the BE the more credibility the overall schedule becomes respected. Not meant in any menacing ways... I know that Creighton, Seton Hall, Butler, etc... are good teams but they're not household names yet. Xavier/ Cincy and Xavier/Nova move scales and some other non-conference opponents (UNC, Duke, UK, UCLA, maybe UofL and a few others) are marquee. Getting Georgetown, Depaul, and St' John's where they can be would help Xavier too. With the talent in Chicago it amazes me that DePaul isn't at least a top 50 school with an occasional Sweet 16 caliber team. Also, Xavier was a 1 seed this year and I think UofL has only been a 1 seed twice. Anyways, I hope I didn't come off as a troll. I liked the rational discussion going on here. Good luck going forward.


Welcome, and very solid analysis. I hope Mack stays, but cant blame him for taking the UL job if the salary is double (or close to double) that X offers. He's proven he can win here (other than V) and he can recruit here. I totally agree with you on the top half of the BE/ACC. Today should be interesting....

[bleedXblue]

First of all I hope all goes well with your surgery. And I absolutely think Travis is ready. I think he's as ready (or more) to take over than Mack was. I remember vividly the presser when Sean announced his decision and someone asked him do you think Chris is ready - Sean said "Oh yeah, he's more than ready". I know that's some coach speak in supporting your staff while you're driving your brand new Lexus to the bank but something about that - maybe the way he said it -caused me think think this might actually work out pretty well. Of course I couldn't foresee the Big East etc... but it did indeed work out pretty well. So count me in the "Oh yeah, Travis is more than ready" camp.

Yeah but we have NO IDEA if the guy can coach. Recruit...yeah.

[Masterofreality]

CMack absolutely is enabled to do what he wants, but between “Strippers” , allegedly paying players as recruits, enabling morally bankrupt coaches like Pitino and Petrino along with various and asundry other flotsam & jetsam, U of L (& I’m from Louisville and my mother went to U of L) has been evil and has displayed a pattern of horrible misbehavior. Chris can do what he wants, but that school’s reputation is in the sewer. No one should pretend it isn’t....other than ESPN honks.
The stink is there, will attach itself to anyone who goes there, and won’t dissipate for a long time.

[XUGRAD80]

I’d be very happy if he stays, it I wouldn’t blame him for leaving. Only he can decide what is most important for him and his family. He would make enough money by going to UL to set his family up for generations...but is that what he wants? He already makes enough to live in a lifestyle he probsbly didn’t dream of when he was growing up. How many of us grew up thinking we would make 1-2 million dollars per year? He already does that and still has the privacy in his life to hang out at his favorite watering hole and not get hassled. Pretty good situation from my point of view. But it is not necessarily about the amount of money he makes. Everyone has an ego. Does Mack NEED to be the coach at a school at the level of UL? Does he NEED to go head to head with coaches like he will face in the ACC on a nightly basis? Some people need that kind of challenge and/or the respect from others that comes with it. Only Mack knows where he stands and I suspect that even he is not sure all of the time. I wish him nothing but the best no matter what he decides.....even if Louisville Sucks. :)

[paulxu]

If Hurley with no NCAA wins in his entire career, is worth $3mil+ to UConn, how much is Mack worth?

[throwbackmuskie]

For those keeping score, Hurley is going to UCONN, 6 year deal.

[X-band '01]

To MOR's point, they've completely changed the leadership in terms of the AD, President and Board of Trustees at Louisville. As to Brew's point that he's alluded to before, there's still a lot of infighting between the current board and the old Board because of how the current board was appointed to begin with.

And then there's the little matter of how the NCAA will investigate Louisville based on the FBI's findings back in September. I don't think they get the death penalty that COULD be on the table, but they are likely looking at postseason bans and scholarship reductions in the near future.

[bleedXblue]

CMack absolutely is enabled to do what he wants, but between “Strippers” , allegedly paying players as recruits, enabling morally bankrupt coaches like Pitino and Petrino along with various and asundry other flotsam & jetsam, U of L (& I’m from Louisville and my mother went to U of L) has been evil and has displayed a pattern of horrible misbehavior. Chris can do what he wants, but that school’s reputation is in the sewer. No one should pretend it isn’t....other than ESPN honks.
The stink is there, will attach itself to anyone who goes there, and won’t dissipate for a long time.

Agree with you and I have been thinking about this quite a bit too. I just cant see Chris wanting to get into the mess that is UL. I don't care how much money they offer him. If X can get him a big raise and in the neighborhood of where he honestly should be paid, I think he stays.

[Xville]

If Hurley with no NCAA wins in his entire career, is worth $3mil+ to UConn, how much is Mack worth?

To be fair, he does have two wins and has been successful everywhere he has ever coached, and there was a bidding war. Personally, I think it is a really great hire

[murray87]

Why doesn't Villanova go through this coaching anxiety every off season?? Is Wright being paid that well?

[Muskie]

Why doesn't Villanova go through this coaching anxiety every off season?? Is Wright being paid that well?

If you believe the chart in the USA Today he makes something like 2.6 (off the top of my head).

[xavierj]

Why doesn't Villanova go through this coaching anxiety every off season?? Is Wright being paid that well?

Not nearly what Louisville is throwing out there. I think somewhere in the $3 million range for Wright. Plus it’s more expensive to live in Philly.

[X Factor]

Why doesn't Villanova go through this coaching anxiety every off season?? Is Wright being paid that well?

Wright has won a National Championship at Nova and has a great shot at making another Final Four. He has reached the top of the mountain at Villanova. Why would he leave?

[Xville]

Why doesn't Villanova go through this coaching anxiety every off season?? Is Wright being paid that well?

Multiple Final fours, Championship etc....its been proven you can be at the top of the mountain there...not at Xavier yet

[GoMuskies]

I think they used to go through it. But it's been 17 years now. At some point, you're going to stay.

[Caveat]

Why doesn't Villanova go through this coaching anxiety every off season?? Is Wright being paid that well?

There are probably 3-4 schools that would make them worry -- Duke, UNC, Kansas, UK level programs. Xavier is down to the point now that there are really only 10-15 programs that it has to worry about losing a coach to (absent some other circumstances, like returning to an alma mater, etc.). Unfortunately, one of those programs is Louisville, and they're currently desperate to hire someone to right the ship.

As for why that list is smaller: they pay a little better and they've won a National Championship. Jay Wright doesn't sit at his desk any longer and wonder "Is it ever going to work here?" I'd be shocked if Mack hasn't had that thought at least once since Sunday night.

[D-West & PO-Z]

To MOR's point, they've completely changed the leadership in terms of the AD, President and Board of Trustees at Louisville. As to Brew's point that he's alluded to before, there's still a lot of infighting between the current board and the old Board because of how the current board was appointed to begin with.

And then there's the little matter of how the NCAA will investigate Louisville based on the FBI's findings back in September. I don't think they get the death penalty that COULD be on the table, but they are likely looking at postseason bans and scholarship reductions in the near future.

FBI has told NCAA not to interview anyone until the last trial is over which is scheduled for April 2019, so maybe its so far from happening its out of sight out of mind for coaches? And its the NCAA so what are the chances they get it right and really and out any significant punishment?

[D-West & PO-Z]

I have heard Mack wants to retire around 60. Not sure his exact reasoning other than to maybe relax and enjoy family and friends etc for the rest of his days. That would make sense he is looking for a big payday to make that happen. It may be a little shortsighted for his family time right now though. I guarantee he gets a lot less family time over the next 12 years at Louisville than he would at X. I mean he coaches his daughters basketball team for F's sake. What do you think Louisville fans would think of that in the middle of a 3 game losing streak, or hell a 6 game losing streak like we had last year?

And a friend said this to me:

Have fun being a 1 seed and losing in the 2nd round at Louisville and thinking you can post your family getting dinner two nights later without significant ridicule and downright hateful retorts. Ask Sean how that goes. At Xavier we have final 4 aspirations but our fan reaction (maybe not those on this board) to significant tourney failures has only been "dust off, we'll get em next time". Do you know how impossible that is to find coaches?




Again, I am sure this is all stuff Mack knows and has considered and weighed. If he is ready for that challenge and thinks the price is right good for him go get it. Hope he stays tough.

[Caf]

To MOR's point, they've completely changed the leadership in terms of the AD, President and Board of Trustees at Louisville. As to Brew's point that he's alluded to before, there's still a lot of infighting between the current board and the old Board because of how the current board was appointed to begin with.

And then there's the little matter of how the NCAA will investigate Louisville based on the FBI's findings back in September. I don't think they get the death penalty that COULD be on the table, but they are likely looking at postseason bans and scholarship reductions in the near future.

Is this possibly a positive or no big deal for Mack? If there's instability all around, changes in leadership etc., and you're the new basketball coach completely absolved from all prior drama, that kind of makes you top dog. Sure, there's the possibility that a new AD doesn't like him for whatever reason, but given the fan base's clear support for Mack as the next coach that's hard to imagine. Any issues with the program for a few years can be blamed on Pitino, just as any possible punishments. It's not as good as a clean break and fresh start, but it's not that bad in the long-term which is surely his focus.

[GoMuskies]

If Mack couldn't retire very, very comfortably very, very soon on what Xavier is paying him, he and his wife have a serious spending problem.

That doesn't mean he shouldn't want to double his salary, of course, but if he wants to retire early, he can. Regardless of whether he goes to Louisville.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Is this possibly a positive or no big deal for Mack? If there's instability all around, changes in leadership etc., and you're the new basketball coach completely absolved from all prior drama, that kind of makes you top dog. Sure, there's the possibility that a new AD doesn't like him for whatever reason, but given the fan base's clear support for Mack as the next coach that's hard to imagine. Any issues with the program for a few years can be blamed on Pitino, just as any possible punishments. It's not as good as a clean break and fresh start, but it's not that bad in the long-term which is surely his focus.

The new AD will be the current AD so cant imagine he wont like Mack if he hires him.

Also, surprisingly enough, from what I have seen on twitter, the fan bases support for hiring Chris Mack isnt as clear as you would think. A large portion of them I'm pretty sure thinks they should be able to lure Stevens away from the Celtics, lol.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If Mack couldn't retire very, very comfortably very, very soon on what Xavier is paying him, he and his wife have a serious spending problem.

That doesn't mean he shouldn't want to double his salary, of course, but if he wants to retire early, he can. Regardless of whether he goes to Louisville.

Yeah true, maybe not in the exact way or setting up his family or foundation in the exact way or as well as he wants but you are right.

Who really knows what he wants or why he wants it. Only Chris and his family I guess.

Except for that one co-workers friend's friend's brother. :biggrin:

[GoMuskies]

Except for that one co-workers friend's friend's brother. :biggrin:

I hope Ferris is okay!

[Caf]

A large portion of them I'm pretty sure thinks they should be able to lure Stevens away from the Celtics, lol.

A large portion of them are idiots then. Having a smart fan base is another point for Xavier I hadn't thought of.

[GoMuskies]

Having a smart fan base is another point for Xavier

Ahem.....http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?31396-Politics-Thread

[Xville]

The new AD will be the current AD so cant imagine he wont like Mack if he hires him.

Also, surprisingly enough, from what I have seen on twitter, the fan bases support for hiring Chris Mack isnt as clear as you would think. A large portion of them I'm pretty sure thinks they should be able to lure Stevens away from the Celtics, lol.

This is very true down here in Louisville. One of the reservations I have about Mack, is the same one that the Louisville fanbase has about Mack. One, his teams aren't good at defense and coming from Pitino that values defense above all else (other than strippers :) ) that's a tough pill to swallow for fans around here. For perspective, the general consensus at Louisville was that the team wasn't strong defensively this year and that was a disappointment. They were twenty spots above what Xavier was in defensive efficiency in the Kenpom.

The other reservation that they have about Mack (to which as a Xavier fan I don't give two hoots about) is his personality. In other words, is he a person that can really rally a fanbase as passionate and kind of crazy as Louisville. The Pitinos, Caliparis etc are so good at playing the media, the fanbase etc and in a way manipulating them....Mack doesn't strike me as that kind of person.

[bleedXblue]

If Mack couldn't retire very, very comfortably very, very soon on what Xavier is paying him, he and his wife have a serious spending problem.

That doesn't mean he shouldn't want to double his salary, of course, but if he wants to retire early, he can. Regardless of whether he goes to Louisville.

exactly......he could coach another 10 years, bank 20-30 MM in salary....less 50%...but still have 10-15 MM bucks in the bank.....

[XUBison]

There are probably 3-4 schools that would make them worry -- Duke, UNC, Kansas, UK level programs. Xavier is down to the point now that there are really only 10-15 programs that it has to worry about losing a coach to (absent some other circumstances, like returning to an alma mater, etc.). Unfortunately, one of those programs is Louisville, and they're currently desperate to hire someone to right the ship.

As for why that list is smaller: they pay a little better and they've won a National Championship. Jay Wright doesn't sit at his desk any longer and wonder "Is it ever going to work here?" I'd be shocked if Mack hasn't had that thought at least once since Sunday night.

I don’t think ultra-competitive, successful people think this way at all. They are supremely confident, even arrogant, and they believe they’re going to succeed, even if the circumstances are against them. They believe they are the one to overcome the challenges others haven’t. I am 100% certain Chris Mack believes he can take X to a Final4 Or win a national championship. I’m also certain that no one takes it as a greater personal affront than Mack when people suggest he can’t, or that X can’t. Any self-doubt he has is fleeting at best. That’s not to say he wouldn’t see that another opportunity might give him a better chance for success. That’s a different conversation altogether.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I hope Ferris is okay!

I'll ask my co-worker.

[dubbledxu]

I keep reading this about how he’s ultra competitive, which he shows on the sidelines. But he hasn’t exactly owned the BE like Miller and Matta did every year in A10. Wright and Nova hands us our asses everytime we play them, he could see that 5+ times a year in ACC.

[BMoreX]

I keep reading this about how he’s ultra competitive, which he shows on the sidelines. But he hasn’t exactly owned the BE like Miller and Matta did every year in A10. Wright and Nova hands us our asses everytime we play them, he could see that 5+ times a year in ACC.

Because they are two vastly different conferences talent-wise.

[Caf]

Ahem.....http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?31396-Politics-Thread

I lol'd

[Xville]

Because they are two vastly different conferences talent-wise.

Point remains though...he hasn't owned it, and outside of Villanova, there aren't elite 8 final four caliber teams in the conference at this point. In the ACC, you will be facing 3-4 teams every single year with legitimate final four aspirations...2 of them being the bluest of the blue bloods.

This is another reason why Louisville fans have reservations about Mack, to which no one can really refute. Last time they hired someone, they hired someone who had done it before multiple times.

[LadyMuskie]

And a friend said this to me:

Have fun being a 1 seed and losing in the 2nd round at Louisville and thinking you can post your family getting dinner two nights later without significant ridicule and downright hateful retorts. Ask Sean how that goes. At Xavier we have final 4 aspirations but our fan reaction (maybe not those on this board) to significant tourney failures has only been "dust off, we'll get em next time". Do you know how impossible that is to find coaches?





The new AD will be the current AD so cant imagine he wont like Mack if he hires him.

Also, surprisingly enough, from what I have seen on twitter, the fan bases support for hiring Chris Mack isnt as clear as you would think. A large portion of them I'm pretty sure thinks they should be able to lure Stevens away from the Celtics, lol.

My husband has quite a few co-workers in Louisville, and none of them are the least bit sold on Mack. We were talking about it at dinner last night, and, the hubby said that one of them actually said that "the stuff with the family and that - it's cute, but it's not going to fly here for long." My husband's response was "Dinner with the family is better than a dorm full of hookers." Xavier's fan base has it's issues, but these Louisville fans are convinced of their own superiority, and many don't think anything very wrong occurred under Pitino. It reminds me of dayton fans, but with success to back up some of the claims. That said, they absolutely expect to dominate and win the ACC every year, and many question whether Mack can provide that.

[_LH]

My husband has quite a few co-workers in Louisville, and none of them are the least bit sold on Mack. We were talking about it at dinner last night, and, the hubby said that one of them actually said that "the stuff with the family and that - it's cute, but it's not going to fly here for long." My husband's response was "Dinner with the family is better than a dorm full of hookers." Xavier's fan base has it's issues, but these Louisville fans are convinced of their own superiority, and many don't think anything very wrong occurred under Pitino. It reminds me of dayton fans, but with success to back up some of the claims. That said, they absolutely expect to dominate and win the ACC every year, and many question whether Mack can provide that.

I want Mack to stay at XU. I think he is a great coach and represents the school very well. I have no doubt we will be in good hands for years to come if he stays and we certainly will have multiple chances to get to the Final 4 and beyond with Mack at the helm.

If I were Louisville, I would want:

Brad Stevens, Billy Donovan, Greg Marshall, Jay Wright, Tom Izzo to say no thanks before moving onto a guy like Mack. Maybe all of those guys have through back channels, etc. but Mack would not be anywhere close to my number 1 target if I were a Louisville fan or part of the hiring team at U of L.

[AviatorX]

I want Mack to stay at XU. I think he is a great coach and represents the school very well. I have no doubt we will be in good hands for years to come if he stays and we certainly will have multiple chances to get to the Final 4 and beyond with Mack at the helm.

If I were Louisville, I would want:

Brad Stevens, Billy Donovan, Greg Marshall, Jay Wright, Tom Izzo to say no thanks before moving onto a guy like Mack. Maybe all of those guys have through back channels, etc. but Mack would not be anywhere close to my number 1 target if I were a Louisville fan or part of the hiring team at U of L.

You don't think Gregg Popovich is worth a call? What about Coach K or Roy? Those guys are pretty good.

[AviatorX]

My husband has quite a few co-workers in Louisville, and none of them are the least bit sold on Mack. We were talking about it at dinner last night, and, the hubby said that one of them actually said that "the stuff with the family and that - it's cute, but it's not going to fly here for long." My husband's response was "Dinner with the family is better than a dorm full of hookers." Xavier's fan base has it's issues, but these Louisville fans are convinced of their own superiority, and many don't think anything very wrong occurred under Pitino. It reminds me of dayton fans, but with success to back up some of the claims. That said, they absolutely expect to dominate and win the ACC every year, and many question whether Mack can provide that.

Definitely not Louisville, but I think X is a severely underrated pressure cooker of a fan base. In a weird way, but it's there.

[Blue Blooded-05]

As I have been saying for awhile now... Mack coached teams thrive as the underdog. There’s something about that mentality that works at a place like Xavier. It’s a small school that recruits 4-year guys that also see themselves as underdogs. They buy into the message and play with an edge. For the record, this is why I was on here saying I wanted us to get “disrespected” with a 2 seed this year.

Look at Mack’s tournament results:
2010: 6 seed - Sweet 16
2011: 6 seed - Round of 64
2012: 10 seed - Sweet 16
2013: N/A
2014: 12 seed - Play in game
2015: 6 seed - Sweet 16
2016: 2 seed - Round of 32
2017: 11 seed - Elite 8
2018: 1 seed - Round of 32

3 Sweet 16s and an Elite 8 from seeds of 6, 10, 6 and 11. We lost our identity in 2016 & 2018 when we went from hunter to hunted. The results speak for themselves.

If Mack leaves, it’ll be interesting to see how the underdog mentality works at Louisville with one & done recruits.

[D-West & PO-Z]

You don't think Gregg Popovich is worth a call? What about Coach K or Roy? Those guys are pretty good.

Ha, I was thinking maybe they could get Phil Jackson to come out of retirement.

[X-ceptional]

Ha, I was thinking maybe they could get Phil Jackson to come out of retirement.

I was thinking more along the lines of the reanimated corpse of John Wooden, or maybe Red Auerbach. My understanding is that Louisville has the unlimited funding necessary to accomplish this.

[_LH]

You don't think Gregg Popovich is worth a call? What about Coach K or Roy? Those guys are pretty good.

Louisville fans and their administration have an over inflated opinion on where they lie in the world of sports and certainly the world of college basketball. They are arrogant. Those that I named are often brought up for the biggest opening in college basketball. Sure some, it not all are a big reach but Louisville certainly thinks highly enough of themselves to reach out to the NBA guys.

The remainder of the list is not all that far fetched. Why isn't Greg Marshall a top target? WSU is no destination and even in the AAC they are not on U of L's level. Jay Wright wouldn't be interested in doubling his salary? Tom Izzo wouldn't like to have a nice lading spot for the hot water MSU is in?

[xubrew]

You don't think Gregg Popovich is worth a call? What about Coach K or Roy? Those guys are pretty good.

They may make decent assistant coaches. Not sure if they're ready for any more than that, though

[Xville]

Louisville fans and their administration have an over inflated opinion on where they lie in the world of sports and certainly the world of college basketball. They are arrogant. Those that I named are often brought up for the biggest opening in college basketball. Sure some, it not all are a big reach but Louisville certainly thinks highly enough of themselves to reach out to the NBA guys.

The remainder of the list is not all that far fetched. Why isn't Greg Marshall a top target? WSU is no destination and even in the AAC they are not on U of L's level. Jay Wright wouldn't be interested in doubling his salary? Tom Izzo wouldn't like to have a nice lading spot for the hot water MSU is in?
Not they don't. They have a realistic view. They are right behind the big 4 of kentucky, Kansas, duke and unc. Remember they did hire pitino last time who could have gone to basically anywhere outside of that top 4, hell he was at one of those top 4.

I think some here are a lot more delusional as to where Xavier and Louisville stand in college basketball than where Louisville fans believe they stand.

[LadyMuskie]

Not they don't. They have a realistic view. They are right behind the big 4 of kentucky, Kansas, duke and unc. Remember they did hire pitino last time who could have gone to basically anywhere outside of that top 4, hell he was at one of those top 4.

I think some here are a lot more delusional as to where Xavier and Louisville stand in college basketball than where Louisville fans believe they stand.

I always wonder why no one asks. . .if Louisville is the 5th best program in the country, bar none, why did Pitino have to resort to all that he did in order to attract recruits to the 5th best program in the country? Why chance tarnishing your legacy if your program is held in such esteem that recruits can't wait to play there? Is it just the current culture? Or, is it that Pitino is just the world's biggest scum bag? Or, is it something else altogether ? I honestly don't know, but it's worth thinking about.

[_LH]

Not they don't. They have a realistic view. They are right behind the big 4 of kentucky, Kansas, duke and unc. Remember they did hire pitino last time who could have gone to basically anywhere outside of that top 4, hell he was at one of those top 4.

I think some here are a lot more delusional as to where Xavier and Louisville stand in college basketball than where Louisville fans believe they stand.

No, Louisville fans are delusional. That much is clear.

Their fans want a big name hire like Pitino. Mack is not that kind of hire.

[xudash]

My husband has quite a few co-workers in Louisville, and none of them are the least bit sold on Mack. We were talking about it at dinner last night, and, the hubby said that one of them actually said that "the stuff with the family and that - it's cute, but it's not going to fly here for long." My husband's response was "Dinner with the family is better than a dorm full of hookers." Xavier's fan base has it's issues, but these Louisville fans are convinced of their own superiority, and many don't think anything very wrong occurred under Pitino. It reminds me of dayton fans, but with success to back up some of the claims. That said, they absolutely expect to dominate and win the ACC every year, and many question whether Mack can provide that.

Frankly, that is truly sad. Ignorance combined with a total lack of accepting right from wrong is a helluva way to go through life.

UL has a basketball legacy, most of it being good (Crum, etc.). It's in the ACC. It has great facilities.

Beyond that, it's football program is firmly a second tier P5 program that plays in a smallish (for the P5) stadium.

UL fans should tone it down a bit and understand, to the extent they've had success and have grown overall in athletics, that they've done so in a very dirty fashion. They get no positive perception points for that.

Petrino.

Pitino.

Hookers, probably whose professional names are required to end in "o" as well.

[94GRAD]

I can't wait for the UofL fanbase spin when Coach Mack stays!

[Xville]

I always wonder why no one asks. . .if Louisville is the 5th best program in the country, bar none, why did Pitino have to resort to all that he did in order to attract recruits to the 5th best program in the country? Why chance tarnishing your legacy if your program is held in such esteem that recruits can't wait to play there? Is it just the current culture? Or, is it that Pitino is just the world's biggest scum bag? Or, is it something else altogether ? I honestly don't know, but it's worth thinking about.


Is it possible he really didn't know? Maybe, maybe not and it doesn't really matter. Maybe he or the assistwnt coaches did it to equal the playing field in that those other 4 are doing the exact same thing Louisville got caught doing. I think thats certainly possible.

[markchal]

As I have been saying for awhile now... Mack coached teams thrive as the underdog. There’s something about that mentality that works at a place like Xavier. It’s a small school that recruits 4-year guys that also see themselves as underdogs. They buy into the message and play with an edge. For the record, this is why I was on here saying I wanted us to get “disrespected” with a 2 seed this year.

Look at Mack’s tournament results:
2010: 6 seed - Sweet 16
2011: 6 seed - Round of 64
2012: 10 seed - Sweet 16
2013: N/A
2014: 12 seed - Play in game
2015: 6 seed - Sweet 16
2016: 2 seed - Round of 32
2017: 11 seed - Elite 8
2018: 1 seed - Round of 32

3 Sweet 16s and an Elite 8 from seeds of 6, 10, 6 and 11. We lost our identity in 2016 & 2018 when we went from hunter to hunted. The results speak for themselves.

If Mack leaves, it’ll be interesting to see how the underdog mentality works at Louisville with one & done recruits.

That is a bit of a stretch IMO. Mack teams only thrive as underdogs, yet we were picked to finish 2nd in the BE and we had our best season ever and won the conference. I'd call that thriving as a favorite.

The March results are a little wonky, but I think that's more due to matchups and the craziness of the tournament than some weird ideology that permeates the program. In fact, didn't we get the benefit of some pretty major upsets for two of those s16 trips?

[STL_XUfan]

I can't wait for the UofL fanbase spin when Coach Mack stays!

They will say that Louisville said no to Mack, not the other way around.

[markchal]

I also think Mack is the best candidate for the Lou job by a mile. Their fans are beyond delusional if they question that for a second. If he doesn't end up there, it's because he didn't want to go there.

[GIMMFD]

That is a bit of a stretch IMO. Mack teams only thrive as underdogs, yet we were picked to finish 2nd in the BE and we had our best season ever and won the conference. I'd call that thriving as a favorite.

The March results are a little wonky, but I think that's more due to matchups and the craziness of the tournament than some weird ideology that permeates the program. In fact, didn't we get the benefit of some pretty major upsets for two of those s16 trips?

Yup, Lehigh beating Duke I remember vividly, and I know there's a bunch more, but I hate that we use the underdog think as a point, because we've only seen a small sample size of being highly seeded. How different the tune of the board would be if we were playing tonight, but instead it's brought up as a point. 6 times we were a 6 seed or lower, that's 3x as many opportunities for a team that historically thrives in March, come on.

[Xville]

I also think Mack is the best candidate for the Lou job by a mile. Their fans are beyond delusional if they question that for a second. If he doesn't end up there, it's because he didn't want to go there.

So you know what other candidates are available to them? If you don't, that is an ignorant statement.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That is a bit of a stretch IMO. Mack teams only thrive as underdogs, yet we were picked to finish 2nd in the BE and we had our best season ever and won the conference. I'd call that thriving as a favorite.

The March results are a little wonky, but I think that's more due to matchups and the craziness of the tournament than some weird ideology that permeates the program. In fact, didn't we get the benefit of some pretty major upsets for two of those s16 trips?

Yeah and it doesnt take into account we only have a very small sample size as a program as top 3 seeds. I think only 4 times have we ever been a top 3 seed. A 1 seed, 2 seed, and two 3 seeds. On of those 4 times we went to the Elite 8. The others were second round losses. But 25% Elite 8 appearance as top seeds is way better than the % of times we have got to the Elite 8 as lower seeds.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yup, Lehigh beating Duke I remember vividly, and I know there's a bunch more, but I hate that we use the underdog think as a point, because we've only seen a small sample size of being highly seeded. How different the tune of the board would be if we were playing tonight, but instead it's brought up as a point. 6 times we were a 6 seed or lower, that's 3x as many opportunities for a team that historically thrives in March, come on.

Yeah I said this in another thread and again in this before I just read your response.

It's silly to think we need to be a lower seed to succeed.

[D-West & PO-Z]

So you know what other candidates are available to them? If you don't, that is an ignorant statement.

Unless they can lure a college guy back from the NBA or steal someone that no one has talked about as a realistic chance they dont have a better candidate. Maybe they can get one of those but I doubt it. If its not Mack it is likely it is because he said no. If that isnt the case we will all know because who they hire will be an absolute homerun.

[xudash]

I always wonder why no one asks. . .if Louisville is the 5th best program in the country, bar none, why did Pitino have to resort to all that he did in order to attract recruits to the 5th best program in the country? Why chance tarnishing your legacy if your program is held in such esteem that recruits can't wait to play there? Is it just the current culture? Or, is it that Pitino is just the world's biggest scum bag? Or, is it something else altogether ? I honestly don't know, but it's worth thinking about.

Exactly.

It IS NOT the 5th best program in the country.

Some of you guys had better begin to come to grips with the fact that UL has seriously wrecked its brand for a while. Hookers? That's nuts. And that's on top of the other crap that is surrounding that program.

And I posted elsewhere an article from their local paper that UL isn't swimming in FREE CASH FLOW.

Rank: 21
School: Louisville
Conference: ACC
Revenue: $112,146,504
Expense: $109,393,330
Allocation: $7,403,094
Percent: 6.60%

http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/finances/

The allocation figure appears to be amounts that the athletics department transferred back to the school and - under a 2016 change in the NCAA's reporting system - is recorded as a revenue loss. This transfer amount cannot exceed the sum of money the department received from student fees and the school. Keep in mind the other article noted complaints from the academic side of the house, concerning budget cuts and layoffs.

Now, with all that noted, some of this stuff strikes me like government budgeting and spending: spend what you have budgeted, or you'll lose it in the following year. Nonetheless, while I'm sure UL can pay more at the end of the day, it isn't going to be coming out of petty cash. Things are a little tight there overall, and they're bound to be getting a lot worse pretty soon.

[Xville]

Exactly.

It IS NOT the 5th best program in the country.

Some of you guys had better begin to come to grips with the fact that UL has seriously wrecked its brand for a while. Hookers? That's nuts. And that's on top of the other crap that is surrounding that program.

And I posted elsewhere an article from their local paper that UL isn't swimming in FREE CASH FLOW.

Rank: 21
School: Louisville
Conference: ACC
Revenue: $112,146,504
Expense: $109,393,330
Allocation: $7,403,094
Percent: 6.60%

http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/finances/

The allocation figure appears to be amounts that the athletics department transferred back to the school and - under a 2016 change in the NCAA's reporting system - is recorded as a revenue loss. This transfer amount cannot exceed the sum of money the department received from student fees and the school. Keep in mind the other article noted complaints from the academic side of the house, concerning budget cuts and layoffs.

Now, with all that noted, some of this stuff strikes me like government budgeting and spending: spend what you have budgeted, or you'll lose it in the following year. Nonetheless, while I'm sure UL can pay more at the end of the day, it isn't going to be coming out of petty cash. Things are a little tight there overall, and they're bound to be getting a lot worse pretty soon.

They are next tier after the big four. If they aren't fifth, than who Is? Regardless, they land somewhere between 5-10.

Wrecked its brand? Really? That's delusional world...yeah on the court they may have 2-3 lean years like any other school would after getting caught.

However, I think unc is doing ok after decades of academic cheating. I think the usc brand is doing just fine after the Reggie Bush debacle.

[GoMuskies]

UCLA and UK are historically the best programs in college basketball. And they have histories of cheating like no one's business.


Kentucky, Kansas, Duke, North Carolina

UCLA

Louisville, Indiana

[drudy23]

Mack meeting with Louisville this weekend:

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/louisville/2018/03/22/louisville-meeting-xavier-coach-chris-mack/449257002/

[SemajParlor]

Ruh roh.

[GoMuskies]

Mack meeting with Louisville this weekend:

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/louisville/2018/03/22/louisville-meeting-xavier-coach-chris-mack/449257002/

Get that actual hard news out of this conversation!!!!

Thanks for the link.

[IM4X]

As I have been saying for awhile now... Mack coached teams thrive as the underdog. There’s something about that mentality that works at a place like Xavier. It’s a small school that recruits 4-year guys that also see themselves as underdogs. They buy into the message and play with an edge. For the record, this is why I was on here saying I wanted us to get “disrespected” with a 2 seed this year.

Look at MackÂ’s tournament results:
2010: 6 seed - Sweet 16
2011: 6 seed - Round of 64
2012: 10 seed - Sweet 16
2013: N/A
2014: 12 seed - Play in game
2015: 6 seed - Sweet 16
2016: 2 seed - Round of 32
2017: 11 seed - Elite 8
2018: 1 seed - Round of 32

3 Sweet 16s and an Elite 8 from seeds of 6, 10, 6 and 11. We lost our identity in 2016 & 2018 when we went from hunter to hunted. The results speak for themselves.

If Mack leaves, itÂ’ll be interesting to see how the underdog mentality works at Louisville with one & done recruits.


I have posted a somewhat similar thought on a different thread.

If history is any indication of what seed X teams would thrive, an X team would need to be disrespected enough to at least drop to a 3 seed or lower. I don't think it is exclusively Mack teams that have done well as the underdog... Matta's elite 8 team was a 7 seed.

Both the 1 and 2 seeded X teams gave away games to teams that were clearly inferior. They were good enough to beat the teams they played by double figures and when they had the chance to step up and put the game away... they didn't.

[_LH]

UCLA and UK are historically the best programs in college basketball. And they have histories of cheating like no one's business.


Kentucky, Kansas, Duke, North Carolina

UCLA

Louisville, Indiana

Louisville has not won a title since 1986. UCONN, MSU and Ohio State have surpassed Lousiville in most people's eyes. Arizona might be higher as well.

[Xville]

Louisville has not won a title since 1986. UCONN, MSU and Ohio State have surpassed Lousiville in most people's eyes. Arizona might be higher as well.

Regardless of what the stupid ncaa says, they won 5 years ago and have been to multiple final fours. Get real.

[LadyMuskie]

Is it possible he really didn't know? Maybe, maybe not and it doesn't really matter. Maybe he or the assistwnt coaches did it to equal the playing field in that those other 4 are doing the exact same thing Louisville got caught doing. I think thats certainly possible.

No one would be happier than I to hear that Duke is doing these things and will be caught. But, realistically, I don't think they are. As for Pitino not knowing. . .then he's a moron and the powers that be at Louisville are morons too. This wasn't one small tea party type gathering.

This is the type of delusion people are talking about. I get that you're a fan, but come on.

[LadyMuskie]

Regardless of what the stupid ncaa says, they won 5 years ago and have been to multiple final fours. Get real.

So you're one of the ones who thinks Louisville has done nothing wrong? Just the stupid NCAA being mean to poor old Louisville and Rick Pitino.

[Caf]

Louisville has not won a title since 1986. UCONN, MSU and Ohio State have surpassed Lousiville in most people's eyes. Arizona might be higher as well.

I think the difference is that UConn and MSU have done it due to 1 great coach. The other schools have long histories of placing high importance on basketball.

Ohio State has not surpassed them in most people's eyes. Neither has Arizona.

[xu82]

No one would be happier than I to hear that Duke is doing these things and will be caught. But, realistically, I don't think they are. As for Pitino not knowing. . .then he's a moron and the powers that be at Louisville are morons too. This wasn't one small tea party type gathering.

This is the type of delusion people are talking about. I get that you're a fan, but come on.

No excuses, if he didn’t know, he should have known.

[Xville]

No one would be happier than I to hear that Duke is doing these things and will be caught. But, realistically, I don't think they are. As for Pitino not knowing. . .then he's a moron and the powers that be at Louisville are morons too. This wasn't one small tea party type gathering.

This is the type of delusion people are talking about. I get that you're a fan, but come on.

I'm not a fan, I just live here and have a different perspective.

You really think duke is clean? I find that extremely hard to believe especially since they play in the one and done world.

In regards to pitino not knowing or if he did, doesn't really mattee. What happened is effed up...i just find it extremely hard to believe that this type of stuff doesn't happen at other big time programs and Louisville is an outlier. I find that almost as impossible to believe than pitino not knowing.

[Xville]

So you're one of the ones who thinks Louisville has done nothing wrong? Just the stupid NCAA being mean to poor old Louisville and Rick Pitino.

No they did, I just think the ncaa is a hypocritical pos organization and taking down a banner doesn't mean it didn't happen. That's all.

I think what Louisville did was wrong and they should pay the price, I just think the practice of taking down a banner is stupid...it still happened even though the ncaa says it didnt

[LadyMuskie]

I think the difference is that UConn and MSU have done it due to 1 great coach. The other schools have long histories of placing high importance on basketball.

Ohio State has not surpassed them in most people's eyes. Neither has Arizona.
Would you not have to include Duke in there with UConn and MSU as well? Aren't all 5 of its NCs under Coach K?

[bjf123]

Mack meeting with Louisville this weekend:

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/louisville/2018/03/22/louisville-meeting-xavier-coach-chris-mack/449257002/

There’s no reason he shouldn’t meet with them. I just hope X is also working on a new contract for him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[_LH]

Regardless of what the stupid ncaa says, they won 5 years ago and have been to multiple final fours. Get real.

No, they didn't. The NCAA has final say, sorry.

OSU, UCONN and MSU have all been to more final 4's than U of L in the modern area of college basketball. Arizona has a more recent NC. Louisville is a top 10 program, not top 5.

[bleedXblue]

There’s no reason he shouldn’t meet with them. I just hope X is also working on a new contract for him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

?? Well, he didn't meet with IU or OSU....so this means he is really interested in the job.......

Not at all a good sign.

[LadyMuskie]

I'm not a fan, I just live here and have a different perspective.

You really think duke is clean? I find that extremely hard to believe especially since they play in the one and done world.

In regards to pitino not knowing or if he did, doesn't really mattee. What happened is effed up...i just find it extremely hard to believe that this type of stuff doesn't happen at other big time programs and Louisville is an outlier. I find that almost as impossible to believe than pitino not knowing.

Honestly, I don't believe any program is 100% clean, and that includes X. That said, Louisville seems to have gone above and beyond trying to cheat the system. I think Duke pays players. I think Pitino paid players at UK. But it went to all new levels at Louisville. It's as if the cash wasn't cutting it, so they upped their game.

[Xville]

No, they didn't. The NCAA has final say, sorry.

OSU, UCONN and MSU have all been to more final 4's than U of L in the modern area of college basketball. Arizona has a more recent NC. Louisville is a top 10 program, not top 5.

I said between 5-10. If you want to argue semantics, I will let you be but to even mention Ohio State in this top 10 argument is insane.

[drudy23]

There’s no reason he shouldn’t meet with them. I just hope X is also working on a new contract for him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

There's zero chance X is doing nothing.

Mack could also not really want to leave and it just taking the meeting to hold X's feet to the fire. I don't think he wants to leave.

[Caf]

Would you not have to include Duke in there with UConn and MSU as well? Aren't all 5 of its NCs under Coach K?

Fair point. MSU has only won 1 with Izzo so I really think they're just plainly out of that discussion. Ollie really changes the perception of UConn for me, maybe they'll bring it back with Hurley, but that's tbd for now. I'd put Duke and UConn at the same level pre-Ollie.

[_LH]

I said between 5-10. If you want to argue semantics, I will let you be but to even mention Ohio State in this top 10 argument is insane.

Big difference between being right behind the big 4 and being 10 or 11. Hardly semantics.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ruh roh.

They havent met yet apparently. They had to meet sometime. Not sure it means much one way or the other, other than he is interested in hearing what they have to offer which we knew he was.

Does seem to confirm we wont know anything as quickly as we had thought or hoped though since they are meeting this weekend.

[Xville]

Honestly, I don't believe any program is 100% clean, and that includes X. That said, Louisville seems to have gone above and beyond trying to cheat the system. I think Duke pays players. I think Pitino paid players at UK. But it went to all new levels at Louisville. It's as if the cash wasn't cutting it, so they upped their game.

So if you believe duke pays players, it's hard for you to believe they don't have hooker parties, or say coed parties where sex is implied to recruits? Just saying.

Again I'm not defending louisville...i just think as we have seen, that probably a lot of the big time programs are pretty fucking scummy...probably even more than we know. Heck we probably don't know all of the scumminess of what Louisville did.

[AviatorX]

Guys, the writing is so clearly on the wall. Let’s be realistic.

[mistabeecee41]

Guys, the writing is so clearly on the wall. Let’s be realistic.

Yup. I would say as of this second, he's out of here.

Our only hope (I'm kind of kidding but also kind of serious)? Lainee and Hailey. They Love X, and as most children who have grew up in a place their whole lives and are being moved - they'll be crushed.

[SemajParlor]

There's a lot going on this thread. I just want to stop and acknowledge and say that it is absolutely ridiculous to pretend like Louisville's 2013 national championship didn't happen.

Ok, back to Chris Mack.

[AviatorX]

There's a lot going on this thread. I just want to stop and acknowledge and say that it is absolutely ridiculous to pretend like Louisville's 2013 national championship didn't happen.

Ok, back to Chris Mack.

Yeah I actually lol’d at whoever said “Louisville hasn’t won a championship since 1986.”

[Caveat]

Mack meeting with Louisville this weekend:

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/louisville/2018/03/22/louisville-meeting-xavier-coach-chris-mack/449257002/

I have a very hard time believing he stays, at this point.

[_LH]

There's a lot going on this thread. I just want to stop and acknowledge and say that it is absolutely ridiculous to pretend like Louisville's 2013 national championship didn't happen.

Ok, back to Chris Mack.

According to the NCAA it didn't.

[bleedXblue]

Yup. I would say as of this second, he's out of here.

Our only hope (I'm kind of kidding but also kind of serious)? Lainee and Hailey. They Love X, and as most children who have grew up in a place their whole lives and are being moved - they'll be crushed.

Yep, this is a big deal and Cinti is all they know........it has to be a factor........

[GoMuskies]

My daughter was crushed when we told her we were moving. Lasted like 2 hours.

[GoMuskies]

The Louisville equivalent of Brian Snow (or whoever runs that site now) is basically calling this a done deal on their free board now. They must be pretty sure to be talking like that on the free board.

[smileyy]

I have a very hard time believing he stays, at this point.

Yeah, that pretty much tells me that its over. I, for one, welcome our new Travis Steele overlord.

Lulz: Today I learned that Travis Steele is white. I just kinda assumed otherwise.

[GoMuskies]

Yeah, that pretty much tells me that its over. I, for one, welcome our new Travis Steele overlord.

Lulz: Today I learned that Travis Steele is white. I just kinda assumed otherwise.

Ha, until Sean Miller was announced at his press conference, I always thought he was John Groce, and John Groce was him.

[Caveat]

Yeah, that pretty much tells me that its over. I, for one, welcome our new Travis Steele overlord.

Lulz: Today I learned that Travis Steele is white. I just kinda assumed otherwise.

I just recently learned Steele never played college ball.

I remain mystified that anyone can coach a sport having never played it, yet here we are.

[BMoreX]

A true end of an era to Xavier basketball.

I am hoping (and looking forward to) the beginning of the Steele Age.

[danaandvictory]

I just recently learned Steele never played college ball.

I remain mystified that anyone can coach a sport having never played it, yet here we are.

Mark Few didn't play college basketball.
(whispers) Neither did Mick Cronin.

[SemajParlor]

A true end of an era to Xavier basketball.

I'm not crying, you're crying.

[American X]

Mark Few didn't play college basketball.
(whispers) Neither did Mick Cronin.

(insert You Have To Be This Tall sign)

[BandAid]

I fully expect Steele to be the next coach, but I hope they go through at least a brief interview process considering outside candidates. My first choice would be Bill Murray. It's true he doesn't play defense, therefore we won't coach it either. But we haven't been doing much of that lately anyway.

[Caveat]

Mark Few didn't play college basketball.
(whispers) Neither did Mick Cronin.

50% of those examples make me feel better.

[danaandvictory]

I fully expect Steele to be the next coach, but I hope they go through at least a brief interview process considering outside candidates.

I would think that all three assistants and John Brannen, at minimum, would get interviews. Probably Kelsey too if only to pacify some of the big money donors. But I would be absolutely shocked if it wasn't Steele.

This to be clear is not based on any "inside info" - just my best guess. But it seems safe.

[GoMuskies]

50% of those examples make me feel better.

Brad Stevens. That should get you to 66.7%

[Caf]

I would think that all three assistants and John Brannen, at minimum, would get interviews. Probably Kelsey too if only to pacify some of the big money donors. But I would be absolutely shocked if it wasn't Steele.

I'd like to see Ashley Howard get a look.

[Lloyd Braun]

I would consider Tu as an assistant bc he has Steele balls

[GoMuskies]

I would think that all three assistants and John Brannen, at minimum, would get interviews. Probably Kelsey too if only to pacify some of the big money donors. But I would be absolutely shocked if it wasn't Steele.

There are big money donors that would want Kelsey interviewed?!? There's an old saying about having more money than sense...

[SemajParlor]

It could be worse. The next coach could've been very good at basketball. Then we would have real problems.

[94GRAD]

I would consider Tu as an assistant bc he has Steele balls

And Kelsey's (too soon?)

[paulxu]

We certainly didn't make the NCAA this year, and everybody knows that our expectations are much higher than that, to compete for national championships. They're difficult to come by. We've only had one in the last 32 years and it got snagged away from us

Apparently they did win a NC in the last 32 years according to their AD.

And then someone (maybe the Grinch?) just came along out of nowhere, while no one was looking, and "snagged" it away.

Don't you just hate that?

[danaandvictory]

Brad Stevens. That should get you to 66.7%

Fake news! Stevens played at DePauw.

[smileyy]

I fully expect Steele to be the next coach, but I hope they go through at least a brief interview process considering outside candidates.

They did with Mack when he was the heir apparent, so, yeah, I'm sure they will again.

[GoMuskies]

Fake news! Stevens played at DePauw.

I said college! What is that, some sort of fluffy bear?

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'd love to see/hear the list of candidates before just handing it to Steele. Not that I dont think he could be very successful but I am sure some already very successful coaches would be interested.

Didnt Snow say there are apparently some big names that would be interested in the X job? He didnt know who but that is what he was told. Maybe one was Hurley though.

[chico]

Here's some spin for you - maybe Hurley took the UConn job because he knew Mack wasn't leaving.

[xudash]

Question: I'm recalling that Matta made Sean Miller an Assistant Head Coach during their tenure together on Victory Parkway. Am I recalling that correctly?

If that were the case, did Miller pursue the same set-up with Chris?

Were we to lose Chris, I'm thinking Steele as HC with Murray as Assistant Head Coach. Circle the wagons and begin to rebuild the continuity thing as best we can.

p.s. How Gonzaga escapes this phenomenon I can only guess: a lucky, one-of-a-kind guy that likes the Pacific Northwest and fishing, who's recruiting ties do not make him particularly attractive to certain bigger programs with openings - unlike what we face being located in Cincinnati with Ohio State, IU, UK, UL, etc. all in close proximity.

These complete idiots in Louisville crank up hookers, sex in restaurants and God knows what else, and we'll end up paying for it. OUR GUY - an alum from the City - still leaves us for all that. The narrative will be so much fun to deal with for a while. But, like everything else in life, time will pass, we will move on, Xavier will continue to win and develop its own legacy, and so forth and so on...

[Caveat]

Here's some spin for you - maybe Hurley took the UConn job because he knew Mack wasn't leaving.

Maybe Sean Miller withdrew his name at Pittsburgh because he knows Mack *is* leaving.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Question: I'm recalling that Matta made Sean Miller an Assistant Head Coach during their tenure together on Victory Parkway. Am I recalling that correctly?

If that were the case, did Miller pursue the same set-up with Chris?

Were we to lose Chris, I'm thinking Steele as HC with Murray as Assistant Head Coach. Circle the wagons and begin to rebuild the continuity thing as best we can.

p.s. How Gonzaga escapes this phenomenon I can only guess: a lucky, one-of-a-kind guy that likes the Pacific Northwest and fishing, who's recruiting ties do not make him particularly attractive to certain bigger programs with openings - unlike what we face being located in Cincinnati with Ohio State, IU, UK, UL, etc. all in close proximity.

These complete idiots in Louisville crank up hookers, sex in restaurants and God knows what else, and we'll end up paying for it. OUR GUY - an alum from the City - still leaves us for all that. The narrative will be so much fun to deal with for a while. But, like everything else in life, time will pass, we will move on, Xavier will continue to win and develop its own legacy, and so forth and so on...

Wouldn't Murray be Mack's top assistant if we hire Steele? Can't imagine he wouldnt go with Mack.

[Caveat]

Would Murray be Mack's top assistant if we hire Steele? Can't imagine he wouldnt go with Mack.

Yeah -- if Murray stays an assistant coach (assuming he doesn't get the X gig or some other gig in the next few weeks), he'd be foolish not to go to Louisville with Mack. The money alone would be incentive to go.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The one positive though in being a top assistant at X is that when the current guy leaves you are the most likely candidate to take the job. XU has to be about one of the if not the best job a guy could get without any HC experience. Not too many programs at our level that hire coaches without HC experience, even their own assistants.

[XUBison]

This sucks. The U of L is skanksville. Before Pitino, Louisville had dwindled to an afterthought in college basketball. Pitino rebuilt that program through cheating and being a grossy. And those who talk about one and doners at Louisville, who are they? I’m sure my memory sucks, but they haven’t recruited at all on the same level as OSU or Arizona, not to mention the real blue bloods. Whether other programs are corrupt, I’m sure, but we KNOW Louisville has to resort to nasty tactics to compete. In a way, I always thought it was cool that X coaches had left for jobs at Wake, OSU, and Zona. Louisville grosses me out. Mack could make lots of money at lots of places. I’m sorry, my perception of him will change if he takes this job, at least from the perspective of good taste. Yuck, yuck, yuck. Maybe he’ll come to his senses.

By the way, why does everyone forget about Jud Heathcote and Magic Johnson when talking MSU?

[XUBison]

Were we to lose Chris, I'm thinking Steele as HC with Murray as Assistant Head Coach. Circle the wagons and begin to rebuild the continuity thing as best we can.

If we hire Steele, Mack takes everyone else with him, at least anyone else who’s worth a damn.

[SM#24]

If we hire Steele, Mack takes everyone else with him, at least anyone else who’s worth a damn.

So did Sean (except for Mario), and that worked out fine for us.

[smileyy]

Question: I'm recalling that Matta made Sean Miller an Assistant Head Coach during their tenure together on Victory Parkway. Am I recalling that correctly?

If that were the case, did Miller pursue the same set-up with Chris?


Associate Head Coach, which is basically "Next-in-line-for-head-coach", and yeah, both Miller and Mack held that title, and Steele holds that title now. Like Banners on the Parkway said, X hasn't "hired" a coach since Matta.

[scoops]

This sucks. The U of L is skanksville. Before Pitino, Louisville had dwindled to an afterthought in college basketball. Pitino rebuilt that program through cheating and being a grossy. And those who talk about one and doners at Louisville, who are they? I’m sure my memory sucks, but they haven’t recruited at all on the same level as OSU or Arizona, not to mention the real blue bloods. Whether other programs are corrupt, I’m sure, but we KNOW Louisville has to resort to nasty tactics to compete. In a way, I always thought it was cool that X coaches had left for jobs at Wake, OSU, and Zona. Louisville grosses me out. Mack could make lots of money at lots of places. I’m sorry, my perception of him will change if he takes this job, at least from the perspective of good taste. Yuck, yuck, yuck. Maybe he’ll come to his senses.

By the way, why does everyone forget about Jud Heathcote and Magic Johnson when talking MSU?


My wife is a huge UofL fan so I have a little different insight into their athletics and I have to say the above is TOTALLY true. They are the Cincinnati Bengals of NCAA athletics. Think about this... If Mack takes the job (which I think he will) his counterpart will be this D bag::

2269

Who Ville fans were genuinely excited to see come back to coach their football squad!!! SERIOUSLY they were excited for the return of their barely above average offense only coach who was fired in disgrace from the job he originally left Louisville for!!!

[SemajParlor]

So Mack's a good guy and all I personally wish him well.. But sports wise we hate him and Louisville's guts now, right?

[smileyy]

So Mack's a good guy and all I personally wish him well.. But sports wise we hate him and Louisville's guts now, right?

Yeah, that's kind of my feeling. Somehow it was different for me when Miller went all the way to Arizona. Maybe it was the distance, or maybe it was the inevitability of him leaving and Mack taking the job.

[Xville]

Geezus guys nothing has even happened yet. Step back from the ledge. Even if Mack does take the job, who cares? Haven't we learned by now that Xavier will be just fine?

[scoscox]

Question: I'm recalling that Matta made Sean Miller an Assistant Head Coach during their tenure together on Victory Parkway. Am I recalling that correctly?

If that were the case, did Miller pursue the same set-up with Chris?

Were we to lose Chris, I'm thinking Steele as HC with Murray as Assistant Head Coach. Circle the wagons and begin to rebuild the continuity thing as best we can.

p.s. How Gonzaga escapes this phenomenon I can only guess: a lucky, one-of-a-kind guy that likes the Pacific Northwest and fishing, who's recruiting ties do not make him particularly attractive to certain bigger programs with openings - unlike what we face being located in Cincinnati with Ohio State, IU, UK, UL, etc. all in close proximity.

These complete idiots in Louisville crank up hookers, sex in restaurants and God knows what else, and we'll end up paying for it. OUR GUY - an alum from the City - still leaves us for all that. The narrative will be so much fun to deal with for a while. But, like everything else in life, time will pass, we will move on, Xavier will continue to win and develop its own legacy, and so forth and so on...

It helps Gonzaga that there really aren’t any significantly better historical programs around him to pull him away. We are competing in the same area as Ohio state, uc, Kentucky, Louisville, Indiana, etc.

[Caveat]

Geezus guys nothing has even happened yet. Step back from the ledge. Even if Mack does take the job, who cares? Haven't we learned by now that Xavier will be just fine?

I think it's always appropriate to be nervous with a coaching change. No school is immune from a bad hire wrecking things.

[xukeith]

Question: I'm recalling that Matta made Sean Miller an Assistant Head Coach during their tenure together on Victory Parkway. Am I recalling that correctly?

If that were the case, did Miller pursue the same set-up with Chris?

Were we to lose Chris, I'm thinking Steele as HC with Murray as Assistant Head Coach. Circle the wagons and begin to rebuild the continuity thing as best we can.

p.s. How Gonzaga escapes this phenomenon I can only guess: a lucky, one-of-a-kind guy that likes the Pacific Northwest and fishing, who's recruiting ties do not make him particularly attractive to certain bigger programs with openings - unlike what we face being located in Cincinnati with Ohio State, IU, UK, UL, etc. all in close proximity.

These complete idiots in Louisville crank up hookers, sex in restaurants and God knows what else, and we'll end up paying for it. OUR GUY - an alum from the City - still leaves us for all that. The narrative will be so much fun to deal with for a while. But, like everything else in life, time will pass, we will move on, Xavier will continue to win and develop its own legacy, and so forth and so on...

Nobody knows anything. Louisville paper say they interview mack this weekend.

[xukeith]

Yeah, that's kind of my feeling. Somehow it was different for me when Miller went all the way to Arizona. Maybe it was the distance, or maybe it was the inevitability of him leaving and Mack taking the job.

he is not gone ...yet. chill.

[Caveat]

Xavier head coach Chris Mack will meet with University of Louisville athletics officials this weekend to discuss the now-vacant head coaching position at the school.

Mack confirmed the meeting to The Enquirer Thursday afternoon.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2018/03/22/chris-mack-meet-louisville-officials-weekend/450099002/

He gone.

[Olsingledigit]

If so, we will move on.

[xukeith]

Yes, probably. He meets UL this weekend.

[stammina0721]

Good bye mack it has been fun while it lasted. Next man up its not like he is irreplaceable

[SemajParlor]

Even if Mack does take the job, who cares?

Uhh me. And about 10s of thousands of other Xavier fans.

[xukeith]

I beg, NOOOOOO Hurley!

[throwbackmuskie]

Good to know a talk means he is gone.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I beg, NOOOOOO Hurley!

He was hired by UCONN.

[powerofX]

This is all part of Mack’s genius. He is very publicly showing that he is interviewing at the ville. It will come out that they offered double his salary. Then he very publicly turns it down and then talks about his love for x, love for being a local kid, acknowledging how they have proven x can be a top seed, commits to being at x for “as long as they will have me”. Thus ending all negative recruiting from other schools about how he might leave. If he turns down an ACC job for double the money in his wife’s family home town, he can look recruits in the eye and say he’s not leaving x. Ever. Genius I say! Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself

[JTG]

The Louisville equivalent of Brian Snow (or whoever runs that site now) is basically calling this a done deal on their free board now. They must be pretty sure to be talking like that on the free board.

Sarcasm ? It's the internet for Christsake.

[HenryMuto]

Not looking good. I would have thought Mack would have stayed since this was his alma mater. Going to be a sad day I thought Mack would be the next Mark Few and stay forever.

[stammina0721]

I just hope people are not upset when or if he leaves ( which he probably will). All of us would do the same thing

[GoMuskies]

Sarcasm ? It's the internet for Christsake.

I didn't say they were right. Just that they are sure.

[stammina0721]

While true, you don't go unless you're interested. It could be a leverage play but I doubt it. You leverage to get a half million more not over double your salary

[stammina0721]

I think the nail on the coffin was him striking out on his next class. He went for some big time guys and missed on them all. I think that convinced Mack that he may have maxed Xavier out.