Who do we want as our Head Coach next year?

[Xavier]

I don’t think Martin would leave—-and I don’t want him either. I also don’t think Beard would leave TT but I’d be interested in Interviewing him at least. Moser has a horrible track record, while he could have finally put it all together, I wouldn’t want to take that risk at all.

[xudash]

Just curious. I’ve heard several people say they trust Greg C to make the right choice. Does he have a history of hiring men’s B.B. coaches? If not, can someone explain this confidence?

Sure. I will. Greg is an excellent AD and (business) executive. The last thing I'm worried about right now is the decisioning that may/will go into all this.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Can’t imagine Beard leaving the Big 12. I think Enfield was a flash in the pan. Don’t know Hurley’s defensive philosophy and I don’t think we can compete in the Big East without good D. I kind of like Martin but can we attract him away from the SEC? What about Buffalo’s coach or Musselman of Nevada? Don’t know whether Moser of Loyola is ready or is he just lucky?

Well he was there when Dakich resigned, so hopefully he forced him out!

Then he hired Louis Orr who wasnt super successful there.

[bleedXblue]

There is a laundry list of viable candidates that I can think of that would likely take the X job in a heartbeat. I'm not saying these are our best options.....but worth a mention:

John Groce
Mark Schmidt
Ashley Howard
Pat Kelsey
Jon Scheyer

[GoMuskies]

There is a laundry list of viable candidates that I can think of that would likely take the X job in a heartbeat. I'm not saying these are our best options.....but worth a mention:

John Groce
Mark Schmidt
Ashley Howard
Pat Kelsey
Jon Scheyer

I'll take Ashley Howard. The rest of that list sucks (Scheyer might be good, but gross).

[dubbledxu]

Do you guys really think Kelsey would be our best choice? With that, uhh, history? If we bang on matta and Miller for leaving on bad terms, how would you classify Kelsey’s departure.

I liked him when he was coaching at X and like what he’s done at Winthrop, but it would just seem like an uncomfortable situation for all involved.

[letskeepitreal]

There is a laundry list of viable candidates that I can think of that would likely take the X job in a heartbeat. I'm not saying these are our best options.....but worth a mention:

John Groce
Mark Schmidt
Ashley Howard
Pat Kelsey
Jon Scheyer

Groce did a bad job at Illinois
Schmidt is worth at least an interview
Howard would definitely good
Kelsey has burned his bridges with X
Scheyer would warrant an interview but does he have enough coaching experience?

[OTRMUSKIE]

How did Kelsey burn bridges? I thought he just quit because his mentor died and he wasn’t sure he wanted to coach.

[stammina0721]

Do you guys really think Kelsey would be our best choice? With that, uhh, history? If we bang on matta and Miller for leaving on bad terms, how would you classify Kelsey’s departure.

I liked him when he was coaching at X and like what he’s done at Winthrop, but it would just seem like an uncomfortable situation for all involved.

Nope. I like a certain recently ousted nice suit wearing coach to take over and really improve the scenery at X

[XUBison]

I'm all for reading the "I'm hearing..." stuff. Keeps the whole thing interesting. So if you think you've got something, please, do share.

I second this. There was a late flurry of terrific rumor and innuendo last night. I figured it would carry over into today, but crickets. Today has been a snooze fest. Keep it coming!

[OTRMUSKIE]

I’m hearing that Mack is taking the Evansville job. They are paying him 8million. Plus 10 $50 gift cards to Outback Steakhouse and a RV.

[stammina0721]

I gotta ask you guys cause I dont know. Is Miller a real option?

[SemajParlor]

How did Kelsey burn bridges? I thought he just quit because his mentor died and he wasn’t sure he wanted to coach.

Well that's one theory I've heard. I have heard a few lol.

[Ole blue eyes]

Sure. I will. Greg is an excellent AD and (business) executive. The last thing I'm worried about right now is the decisioning that may/will go into all this.

Ok. Now I understand.

[beatuc]

I gotta ask you guys cause I dont know. Is Miller a real option?

Yes, he is being discussed if Mack leaves

[joe titan]

Groce did a bad job at Illinois
Schmidt is worth at least an interview
Howard would definitely good
Kelsey has burned his bridges with X
Scheyer would warrant an interview but does he have enough coaching experience?

Schmidty was passed over twice by XU; he would still want to be here. Kelsey would be horrible.

[Caveat]

I gotta ask you guys cause I dont know. Is Miller a real option?

I've yet to hear his name mentioned other than as part of fan speculation.

So, probably no.

[Xavier]

I've yet to hear his name mentioned other than as part of fan speculation.

So, probably no.

Have you heard names that weren’t fan speculation? I mean....that’s what this whole thread is.

[dubbledxu]

(Banned guy asked abt miller being a real option)


I've yet to hear his name mentioned other than as part of fan speculation.

So, probably no.


I gotta ask you guys cause I dont know. Is Miller a real option?


Yes, he is being discussed if Mack leaves


Have you heard names that weren’t fan speculation? I mean....that’s what this whole thread is.
----------------------------------


Probably because there isn't a job opening at Xavier!

I saved you some effort @94Grad. Put the thank you on my house acct.

[boozehound]

Yes, he is being discussed if Mack leaves

By people that might actually have anything to do with the decision, or just fans on message boards?

[XUGRAD80]

I think that any mention of Miller on the part of anyone officially connected with Xavier is

A) extremely premature as X still has a coach
B) possibly even against NCAA regs, as Miller is still employed at ASU as their HC
C) just a rumor on a message board
D) not going to happen

[AviatorX]

Yes, he is being discussed if Mack leaves

Being discussed in a "ah man probably no way this could work but what if" kinda way.

It's hard to envision it not being Travis Steele, honestly. And I'm all in on that.

[Muskeagle]

I think it will be Steele. If not Steele, Kelsey. I also think this weird Miller thing has legs. BUT.....what about James Posey? He's been an asst. in the League for years now. Favorite son. Introduce Xavier's first African American Head Coach!

#hirethePoze!

BTW.....this is all only true IF Mack is gone. I want Mack to stay more than any other option.

[Xavier]

I think Villinovas assistant Howard (who spent time at X) will get an interview. I'd put him in on the short list. But safe money is on Steele.

[AviatorX]

I think Villinovas assistant Howard (who spent time at X) will get an interview. I'd put him in on the short list. But safe money is on Steele.

Not questioning you specifically, but why would anyone prefer Howard to Steele?

[Cheesehead]

I'm still for Rick Pitino. I say him cause he feels slighted and in all honesty I dont think he had anything to do with the mess. I think it was all assistants. Big time D1 coach, gives us a suit to match Jay Wright and because he is older I could see him staying longer than a young guy looking to make a bigger jump. I know it is not a popular idea im just saying I'm cool with it. I do understand if others are not though

I am shocked you got banned. I can't tell if you just write this crap for grins or you are just not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

[BandAid]

Not questioning you specifically, but why would anyone prefer Howard to Steele?

Ashley has been to the Nike 7 Villa Consortium, in which Nike identifies the top 50 assistant men's coaches.

He recruited of Jahvon Quinerly (probably others, but 247 doesn't have many Nova "recruited by" identifiers listed).

He also may provide a different mentality/insight having spent so much time under Wright at Villanova. (We bitch about how Nova is a machine that we wish we could be like.)

Howard should definitely be interviewed and considered. I wouldn't say I prefer him over Steele, but if Christopher wants to get a little distance from the coaching tree, you could do a helluva worse than Ashley Howard.

Downside, it seems like Ashley is a Philly boy through-and-through, so we may looking at another coach who could leave after a handful of years.

[bleedXblue]

Ashley has been to the Nike 7 Villa Consortium, in which Nike identifies the top 50 assistant men's coaches.

He recruited of Jahvon Quinerly (probably others, but 247 doesn't have many Nova "recruited by" identifiers listed).

He also may provide a different mentality/insight having spent so much time under Wright at Villanova. (We bitch about how Nova is a machine that we wish we could be like.)

Howard should definitely be interviewed and considered. I wouldn't say I prefer him over Steele, but if Christopher wants to get a little distance from the coaching tree, you could do a helluva worse than Ashley Howard.

Downside, it seems like Ashley is a Philly boy through-and-through, so we may looking at another coach who could leave after a handful of years.

yeah when Wright takes NC or Duke

[GoMuskies]

We definitely shouldn't factor in whether someone might leave in deciding who to hire as our next coach. Best man available should be hired, and if they leave, they leave.

[AviatorX]

Ashley has been to the Nike 7 Villa Consortium, in which Nike identifies the top 50 assistant men's coaches.

He recruited of Jahvon Quinerly (probably others, but 247 doesn't have many Nova "recruited by" identifiers listed).

He also may provide a different mentality/insight having spent so much time under Wright at Villanova. (We bitch about how Nova is a machine that we wish we could be like.)

Howard should definitely be interviewed and considered. I wouldn't say I prefer him over Steele, but if Christopher wants to get a little distance from the coaching tree, you could do a helluva worse than Ashley Howard.

Downside, it seems like Ashley is a Philly boy through-and-through, so we may looking at another coach who could leave after a handful of years.

Great answer, thanks.

I’d be happy with him getting an interview.

I don’t want to factor in “how long someone might stay” at all. That thinking leads to mediocre hires. I think it’s clear we’re at the point most guys would only leave X for places that X is never going to be able to match.

[boozehound]

Great answer, thanks.

I’d be happy with him getting an interview.

I don’t want to factor in “how long someone might stay” at all. That thinking leads to mediocre hires. I think it’s clear we’re at the point most guys would only leave X for places that X is never going to be able to match.

I agree 1000% with this thinking. Hiring people you think will stay gets you a Tommy Tuberville level hire. I don't want that.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not questioning you specifically, but why would anyone prefer Howard to Steele?

Not saying I would or wouldnt and dont know anything about him but he's had a pretty damn good coach to learn from. And clearly has had to have recruited at an extremely high level.

[D-West & PO-Z]

We definitely shouldn't factor in whether someone might leave in deciding who to hire as our next coach. Best man available should be hired, and if they leave, they leave.

Yes, definitely. Otherwise we might end up with someone who leaves because we tell them to!

[bleedXblue]

Do not stray from what has worked in the past. If it's Steele, then I would hope we would keep all current players and the majority of incoming players as well. I do worry about losing Boudreaux.

If Mack leaves, he SHOULD NOT pull a Kevin Parrom. It is not worth it.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Do not stray from what has worked in the past. If it's Steele, then I would hope we would keep all current players and the majority of incoming players as well. I do worry about losing Boudreaux.

If Mack leaves, he SHOULD NOT pull a Kevin Parrom. It is not worth it.

Not only losing Boudreaux, but we are definitely in the market to add another [grad] transfer. That process will be negatively impacted when we have to go through the interviewing/hiring process of a new coach.

Could go from pretty bad (losing to FSU) to worse (losing Mack) to danger zone (losing commits, currently players, potential transfer adds on top of a new coach) in the matter of a month. Ugh.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not only losing Boudreaux, but we are definitely in the market to add another [grad] transfer. That process will be negatively impacted when we have to go through the interviewing/hiring process of a new coach.

Could go from pretty bad (losing to FSU) to worse (losing Mack) to danger zone (losing commits, currently players, potential transfer adds on top of a new coach) in the matter of a month. Ugh.

Good point about the grad transfers. Hard to get one of those when you dont have a coach.

[BandAid]

I don’t want to factor in “how long someone might stay” at all. That thinking leads to mediocre hires. I think it’s clear we’re at the point most guys would only leave X for places that X is never going to be able to match.

I agree. Hire the best person available for the gig. Just throwing it out there for those who are getting jaded with making a new hire every 5-8 years.

[BandAid]

I did see one of Ashley Howard's primary reasons for going to Villanova after one year at X was a 40k increase in assistant coach pay. Is there anything X can do about that moving forward? Should X do anything about that?

[danaandvictory]

I did see one of Ashley Howard's primary reasons for going to Villanova after one year at X was a 40k increase in assistant coach pay. Is there anything X can do about that moving forward? Should X do anything about that?

Xavier has increased assistant pay pretty dramatically since Howard left. Where it stacks up with Nova and other BE teams I don't know.

[dubbledxu]

The longer this goes on, the more I think Mack will take Steele and Murray with him to UL.

[AviatorX]

The longer this goes on, the more I think Mack will take Steele and Murray with him to UL.

What? I mean Steele is 1000000000 percent going to get an interview. No way he’d commit to going South before that.

There’s 0% chance Murray stays. Why would he?

[GoMuskies]

I'm sure any arrangement between Mack and Steele related to Louisville would be conditioned on him not getting the Xavier head job. He could start working for Louisville in the meantime, though.

[AviatorX]

I'm sure any arrangement between Mack and Steele related to Louisville would be conditioned on him not getting the Xavier head job. He could start working for Louisville in the meantime, though.

Is this a thing? I would hope X can move fast enough to avoid that.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Is this a thing? I would hope X can move fast enough to avoid that.

I would think Mack would give Steele the time he needs to be interviewed and let X run its search before telling him he had to decide without knowing for sure. Mack would owe Steele and X that.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Well why wouldn’t Steele keep Luke on his staff? Unless we are getting greg Marshall or some big name coach then Steele is the only option IMO.

[SemajParlor]

Steele is not going to Louisville. You think Mack hasn't been open with him throughout the process? He knows he has probably the best chance to be X's next HC. Why would he turn down a chance to Head Coach at either Evansville and ETSU to be an assistant at U of L?

[GoMuskies]

Why would he turn down a chance to Head Coach at either Evansville and ETSU to be an assistant at U of L?

Well, I think he may well turn down those for the chance to EITHER be the head coach at Xavier OR an assistant at Louisville. There's no way he has any assurances that he'll get the Xavier job.

[dubbledxu]

Steele is not going to Louisville. You think Mack hasn't been open with him throughout the process? He knows he has probably the best chance to be X's next HC. Why would he turn down a chance to Head Coach at either Evansville and ETSU to be an assistant at U of L?

So he can get better job offer next year? You don’t think his stock would continue to rise with experience in the ACC?

[Xavier]

Well why wouldn’t Steele keep Luke on his staff? Unless we are getting greg Marshall or some big name coach then Steele is the only option IMO.

I am sure Steele would try but Xavier wouldn't be able to match assistant type money either. Imagine Mack takes everyone with him, including Steele if someone else were to get the job.

[SemajParlor]

I meant to say Middle Tenn* . I really don't think you pass up an opportunity to head coach there to follow someone to be an assistant.

[SemajParlor]

Well, I think he may well turn down those for the chance to EITHER be the head coach at Xavier OR an assistant at Louisville. There's no way he has any assurances that he'll get the Xavier job.

I see what you're saying. I'd imagine he's the heavy front runner however.

[Caveat]

Well why wouldn’t Steele keep Luke on his staff? Unless we are getting greg Marshall or some big name coach then Steele is the only option IMO.

Because he's going to follow Mack to Louisville.

Steele is going to have to build his own staff.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I meant to say Middle Tenn* . I really don't think you pass up an opportunity to head coach there to follow someone to be an assistant.

No but you do if you have a chance to be HC at XU.

You think someone already told him he would get the job? No way.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Because he's going to follow Mack to Louisville.

Steele is going to have to build his own staff.

Which is just another risk associated with going with a guy who has not ever been HC.

I'd imagine he has some guys he has been assistants with or knows wo are at some lower level programs that he would try and get on is staff.

[SemajParlor]

No but you do if you have a chance to be HC at XU.

You think someone already told him he would get the job? No way.

No, I don't think that. I think he knows he's a strong candidate for the XU job.

[D-West & PO-Z]

No, I don't think that. I think he knows he's a strong candidate for the XU job.

I see, yeah I think he is and I;m sure he thinks he is. He turned down those jobs without knowing for sure which I am sure was worth the risk to him to possibly get the XU job.

[dubbledxu]

I see, yeah I think he is and I;m sure he thinks he is. He turned down those jobs without knowing for sure which I am sure was worth the risk to him to possibly get the XU job.

And also knowing if he does not get the XU job he could follow Mack or possibly get a better HC position replacing the coach that replaces Mack at XU (if it’s not him).

[SemajParlor]

I think we're all saying the same thing. I was replying to the original idea that Mack would be taking Steele with him. That's not happening by Steele's choice, nor shouldn't be a factor for Xavier's selection process.

[Masterofreality]

Just name Travis Steele, already....(after CMack leaves) Luke may get Loyola Maryland

[Masterofreality]

I did see one of Ashley Howard's primary reasons for going to Villanova after one year at X was a 40k increase in assistant coach pay. Is there anything X can do about that moving forward? Should X do anything about that?

Already did.

[GoMuskies]

Just name Travis Steele, already....(after CMack leaves) Luke may get Loyola Maryland

You wouldn't want to at least consider Howard?

[Masterofreality]

You wouldn't want to at least consider Howard?

Nope. He was here 1 year.

[XUBison]

Let Steele go with Mack, but make it a condition that the new coach must hire Luke as his Associate HC. Gotta somehow keep Bill.

[D-West & PO-Z]

You wouldn't want to at least consider Howard?

I would. He'd probably have to blow Christopher away to get hired (if we go assistant I would imagine that Steele is the prohibitive favorite) but might as well give him that chance.

[double00]

Could you imagine the headlines if X interviewed Pitino?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.courier-journal.com/amp/410417002

[DexterBailey84]

Could you imagine the headlines if X interviewed Pitino?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.courier-journal.com/amp/410417002

f'ck, I'm countin on it!

[double00]

Who would you rank as the top 5 coaches with the most baggage? I’d have to include Miller with Pitino.

[scoscox]

What about mike pegues? I really like pegues

[dubbledxu]

Who would you rank as the top 5 coaches with the most baggage? I’d have to include Miller with Pitino.

Pitino
Pearl
Haith
Larry Brown
Eustachy

Id put miller behind that group

[OTRMUSKIE]

Is that the same Tim Sullivan who left Cincinnati for San Diego?

[OTRMUSKIE]

The Prince is a deplorable but I say for shits and giggles F it let’s do it. We would immediately be able to get the top recruits. Oh and how fun would it be to watch Louisville? Please please Christopher do
It!!!!

[Xuperman]

I'm sure any arrangement between Mack and Steele related to Louisville would be conditioned on him not getting the Xavier head job. He could start working for Louisville in the meantime, though.

IF Mack takes the UL job AND Steele with him, that would be stunning. Steele will be the next HC because he has been groomed to do so. He is the heir apparent. BUT IF somehow it happens that Mack leaves with most of our coaching infrastructure in tow, I would like to see X hire a established HC that would bring the same, say Tommy Amaker.....(sorry in advance)....:tomatoes:

[Pete Delkus]

While Travis is a good option, and the assistant formula has worked in the past, we have to acknowledge that the Xavier atmosphere is different than the past, as we are in a major conference.

I think Kelsey's signature on massive Wake recruiting classes (Aminu, Johnson, Woods, etc...) & Head Coaching experience are a better fit at this point. Kelsey also will bring you the over-the-top outreach each to the fan base, & last but not least, there will NEVER be any association to rules violations.

Having HC experience is something that should not be overlooked & should be underscored, as there are some killer coaches in the BE & I don't think anyone of us desire a "learning curve".

Finally, anyone who questions Kelsey's commitment to any of his endeavors, & his previous choices, probably doesn't truly understand the scope of the those particular situations, & ultimately the high-road that he choose.

[boozehound]

While Travis is a good option, and the assistant formula has worked in the past, we have to acknowledge that the Xavier atmosphere is different than the past, as we are in a major conference.

I think Kelsey's signature on massive Wake recruiting classes (Aminu, Johnson, Woods, etc...) & Head Coaching experience are a better fit at this point. Kelsey also will bring you the over-the-top outreach each to the fan base, & last but not least, there will NEVER be any association to rules violations.

Having HC experience is something that should not be overlooked & should be underscored, as there are some killer coaches in the BE & I don't think anyone of us desire a "learning curve".

Finally, anyone who questions Kelsey's commitment to any of his endeavors, & his previous choices, probably doesn't truly understand the scope of the those particular situations, & ultimately the high-road that he choose.

If we are opening it up beyond Steele, I would hope/think we could do better than Kelsey.

Also, if the 'situations 'you are referring to is related to 'the rumors' from some years back, if I were Kelsey I'm not sure I would ever want to come back to Xavier. That's his choice to make, though.

[GoMuskies]

I like Kelsey, but I don't think he's done enough at Winthrop to earn the big job at Xavier.

[drudy23]

Some have mentioned some larger donors, or pockets of influence, have an affinity to Kelsey. Any truth in this?

I can definitely see him landing some recruits (young, passionate, fiery), but it's a different ballgame when you're the head coach (he wouldn't be the one doing the bulk of the recruiting). My guess is he ultimately ends up back in or near Cincy someday (X or NKU)...westsiders always come home. Maybe not now, but eventually.

Regardless, I think he will be interested if Mack leaves...how could he not be? I would think there would also be some consideration to get the job. With the proper support (which all Xavier coaches get), he could be successful. I understand the concerns as well, but we've hired coaches with less experience than him that were very successful.

[dubbledxu]

I have less concern at Kelsey’s coaching ability than I do abt how it would affect him as a person. Let the past be behind him and wish him and his family all the luck in the world down at Winthrop and beyond.

[markchal]

David West.

[GoMuskies]

David West.

Can we wait until late June to hire a coach?

[drudy23]

In my mind, it comes down to:

Steele - 75% chance
Kelsey - 25% chance

I don't think they go down the Miller or Matta rabbit hole. Kelsey would seem to have a leg up on Brannen. Will be interesting to see if Steele follows Mack...opens things up considerably then.

[GoMuskies]

In my mind, it comes down to:

Steele - 75% chance
Kelsey - 25% chance

I don't think they go down the Miller or Matta rabbit hole. Kelsey would seem to have a leg up on Brannen. Will be interesting to see if Steele follows Mack...opens things up considerably then.

I think there will be several more candidates than these three (Steele, Kelsey and Brannen). I'd put Kelsey way below 25%.

[boozehound]

In my mind, it comes down to:

Steele - 75% chance
Kelsey - 25% chance

I don't think they go down the Miller or Matta rabbit hole. Kelsey would seem to have a leg up on Brannen. Will be interesting to see if Steele follows Mack...opens things up considerably then.

Hard to see Steele following Mack, IMHO, unless he isn't going to get the Xavier HC job.

[GoMuskies]

I think there's a 100% chance that Steele is going to seek the Xavier job, and if he doesn't get it will go to Louisville. It's not like he'll have to decide between going to Louisville and seeking the Xavier job.

[Lamont Sanford]

How about some alumni (Posey, Stanley Burrell, Steve Gentry, etc) on the bench as assistants???

I'd like X to interview Mark Schmidt too for the HC job.

[Lloyd Braun]

How about some alumni (Posey, Stanley Burrell, Steve Gentry, etc) on the bench as assistants???

I'd like X to interview Mark Schmidt too for the HC job.

Dante?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

How about some alumni (Posey, Stanley Burrell, Steve Gentry, etc) on the bench as assistants???

I'd like X to interview Mark Schmidt too for the HC job.

Any chance we can wait and see if JP makes an NBA roster after camp? I need a coaching battle between him and Saint Mick.

[dubbledxu]

Dante?

Dante, Thornton were the first i thought of too.

[Muskie]

Dante, Thornton were the first i thought of too.

I believe the Thornton's have ties to Louisville.

[GoMuskies]

I believe the Thornton's have ties to Louisville.

He's from there, so I assume he has ties to Louisville. Louisville Manual is basically on the University of Louisville's campus.

[dubbledxu]

I wouldnt be surprised to see Redford get a look too on someone's staff.

[Muskie]

He's from there, so I assume he has ties to Louisville. Louisville Manual is basically on the University of Louisville's campus.
Thanks, I could not remember if he went to H.S. there? His sister did not. She went to Carmel, in Indiana.

[XUBison]

Question... Can Steel coach defense? If so, then I’d say his influence was minimal on this team. Either way, something about this bothers me.

As others have alluded to, the one thing that’s always irritated me about Mack is how eerily similar his Playing style was to Prosser’s. I Understand the connection there, and it’s inarguable that Mack had much more success at X, but his teams often had the same vulnerabilities that Prosser’s did... Inexplicable sloppiness on offense at times, and far too frequent ole defense. I remember watching one of Prosser’s X teams play Gene Keady’s Boilermakers downtown at whatever that place was called then. It was like watching a fine-tuned machine dominate a bunch of chickens running around with their heads cut off. Kind of like watching Mack’s teams against Nova. I think it’s Miller time!

[trunnxx]

Question... Can Steel coach defense? If so, then I’d say his influence was minimal on this team. Sorry, but something about this bothers me.

As others have alluded to, the one thing that’s always bothered me about Mack is how eerily similar his style was to Prosser’s. I Understand the connection there, and it’s inarguable that Mack had much more success, but his teams often had the same types of vulnerabilities that Prosser’s did... Inexplicable sloppiness on offense at times, and far too frequent ole defense. I remember watching one of Prosser’s X teams play Gene Keady’s Boilermakers downtown at whatever that place was called then. It was like watching a fine-tuned machine dominate a bunch of chickens running around with their heads cut off. Kind of like watching Mack’s teams against Nova. I think it’s Miller time!

+1




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Pete Delkus]

There is absolutely no barometer to indicate how Steele will be able to motivate players to play on-the-ball defense, give a 100% to 'help', and then rotate. This is 1st day on the job style attitude & a high motor coach, whose players buy-in, will have the most success in this area.

Also, most people I know thought that if Mack had success, his make-up would one who "would leave", as that is his personality. I see this in Steele also, as I don't think he's a long term option. He'll either have success and bolt, or have substandard results and the Big East pressure cooker, and 'WE' will call for another option.

[birdman71]

Not sure whom I favor.
From a p.r. point of view. ''Men of Steele'' would be good marketing.

[xubrew]

I want Snipe! That's who I wanted when Miller left. My mind has not changed!

[boozehound]

There is absolutely no barometer to indicate how Steele will be able to motivate players to play on-the-ball defense, give a 100% to 'help', and then rotate. This is 1st day on the job style attitude & a high motor coach, whose players buy-in, will have the most success in this area.

Also, most people I know thought that if Mack had success, his make-up would one who "would leave", as that is his personality. I see this in Steele also, as I don't think he's a long term option. He'll either have success and bolt, or have substandard results and the Big East pressure cooker, and 'WE' will call for another option.

This seems fair / accurate.

I don't think we should worry about trying to hire a coach that we can keep forever, however at our level what we should be able to / want to avoid is hiring a coach that is going to bolt after 3 seasons.

The Xavier job should be at a level that we can't necessarily compete with Top 10 jobs, but we shouldn't be losing coaches every 3 years like we did for a while with Miller and Matta.

[AviatorX]

There is absolutely no barometer to indicate how Steele will be able to motivate players to play on-the-ball defense, give a 100% to 'help', and then rotate. This is 1st day on the job style attitude & a high motor coach, whose players buy-in, will have the most success in this area.

Also, most people I know thought that if Mack had success, his make-up would one who "would leave", as that is his personality. I see this in Steele also, as I don't think he's a long term option. He'll either have success and bolt, or have substandard results and the Big East pressure cooker, and 'WE' will call for another option.

We want a coach who will be wanted/courted by blue blood programs. It is a bad sign if Xavier’s coach is not being talked about for those openings.

If “will this guy be a lifer”’ is even a small consideration, this search will be a train wreck.

[_LH]

I hope Mack changes his mind but he is replaceable.

I would be okay with Steele but I hope a search is done and I'd hope Porter Moser is reached out to.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-spt-loyola-porter-moser-haugh-20180325-story.html

https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2018/03/27/porter-moser-loyola-chicago-final-four-contract

[danaandvictory]

No one on earth would've considered Porter Moser for this job three weeks ago. He has a .517 winning percentage playing in the Horizon, Sun Belt, and Valley. All kudos for an amazing run but come on.

[_LH]

No one on earth would've considered Porter Moser for this job three weeks ago. He has a .517 winning percentage playing in the Horizon, Sun Belt, and Valley. All kudos for an amazing run but come on.

What's Steele's winning %?

To not consider Moser would be foolish. I'm not saying hire him over anyone else but it would be silly to not consider him.

What did Wright do at Hofstra before Nova hired him? What did Matta do at Butler before XU hired him?

[XU 87]

Porter Moser has been to one NCAA and no NIT's in 14 years of coaching. He was previously fired by Illinois State. This is his first year in 7 years at Loyola that he had a wining record in the league, and that includes 2 years in the Horizon League.

He's had a great year, but his overall body of work is not impressive.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porter_Moser

[GoMuskies]

I think Porter Moser would make a great Director of Basketball Operations for Xavier.

[BandAid]

No one on earth would've considered Porter Moser for this job three weeks ago. He has a .517 winning percentage playing in the Horizon, Sun Belt, and Valley. All kudos for an amazing run but come on.

Yes, Moser has a lousy overall record, but that record includes rebuilds at UALR and Loyola. The most disconcerting thing on Moser's resume is his time at Illinois State, and that came before being an assistant under Majerus.

I'm worried about recency bias with Moser, but I think he is a fine coach. I'd prefer a Steele or Howard hire, but color me intrigued if Moser is the guy we end up with.

[Muskie]

I mean we could field an all Alumni Coaching Staff. Dante Jackson, Kelsey, Thornton, Darnell Williams. CJ could be DBO.

[BandAid]

I mean we could field an all Alumni Coaching Staff. Dante Jackson, Kelsey, Thornton, Darnell Williams. CJ could be DBO.

Who's the head coach in this scenario?

[GoMuskies]

I mean we could field an all Alumni Coaching Staff. Dante Jackson, Kelsey, Thornton, Darnell Williams. CJ could be DBO.

Just don't let CJ touch anything.

[Muskie]

Who's the head coach in this scenario?

It's a committee approach.

[XUOWNSUC]

What did Wright do at Hofstra before Nova hired him? What did Matta do at Butler before XU hired him?

Matta: In his only season at Butler, Matta went to the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament.
Wright: Went to the NCAA the last 2 seasons at Butler.
Moser: Has been a Head Coach for 14 seasons. This is the ONLY season his team has finished higher than FIFTH in their conference. Even Kelsey has done better than that.

Moser = HELL NO

[SM#24]

What's Steele's winning %?

To not consider Moser would be foolish. I'm not saying hire him over anyone else but it would be silly to not consider him.

What did Wright do at Hofstra before Nova hired him? What did Matta do at Butler before XU hired him?

Thad coached one year at Butler. Won the MCC regular season and tourney. Beat the crap out of higher seeded Wake Forest in round 1 and lost to eventual runner-up Arizona in round 2.

Wright's first three years at Hofstra (America East at the time) were 10-18 (9th), 9-18 (7th), 12-15 (4th). His last four years were 19-12 (3rd), 22-10 (3rd, NIT - 1st round loss), 24-7 (1st, NCAA 14 seed, 1st round loss), 26-5 (1st, NCAA 13 seed, 1st round loss).

[Muskie]

Thad coached one year at Butler. Won the MCC regular season and tourney. Beat the crap out of higher seeded Wake Forest in round 1 and lost to eventual runner-up Arizona in round 2.

Wright's first three years at Hofstra (America East at the time) were 10-18 (9th), 9-18 (7th), 12-15 (4th). His last four years were 19-12 (3rd), 22-10 (3rd, NIT - 1st round loss), 24-7 (1st, NCAA 14 seed, 1st round loss), 26-5 (1st, NCAA 13 seed, 1st round loss).

Wright wouldn't have made it to year 4 if people on this message board had their way. Goes to show you that slow and steady sometimes wins the race.

[GoMuskies]

Wright wouldn't have made it to year 4 if people on this message board had their way.

If he had those records for three years at Xavier? Hell no!

Thankfully, Xavier is not Hofstra.

[Xville]

i think about as certain as it was about a week or two ago that Mack was going to take this job, is about as certain that Steele will be the new head coach at X. So this is probably all a moot point.