Who will be the next coach at X?

[JTG]

I saw that Banners listed Gregg Marshall as a possibility. I'd love it, but that's a big fat no. He's already making $3.5 million. I'm sure they could dig deeper if necessary, too.

The guy reportedly has a shitty personality, and his wife is a drunk.

[GoMuskies]

The guy reportedly has a shitty personality, and his wife is a drunk.

Great (he's a basketball coach for fucks sake) and even better! She'll fit right in on Victory Parkway!

[Backyard Champ]

I would not be pleased with Greg Marshall.

[XUBison]

Come home? This isn't his home. Lets be clear on that.

Who let you out of the closet? No worries Sean. He’s troubled, but he’s not dangerous.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Interesting...is the spotter a "credible source"?

No one that spotted him. A friend who I trust very much heard from someone he knows who has a friend who very much would know. So I trust my friend but dont know the other two in the chain. So take it for hat its worth (not very much to others I am sure). My first reaction was no way but I trust the guy I know.

[XUBison]

No one that spotted him. A friend who I trust very much heard from someone he knows who has a friend who very much would know. So I trust my friend but dont know the other two in the chain. So take it for hat its worth (not very much to others I am sure). My first reaction was no way but I trust the guy I know.

Well, you know what they say? Where there’s smoke, there’s fire!

It’s Miller Time!

[XUBison]

I would not be pleased with Greg Marshall.

Yes, he’s terrible. It’s not like he’s been ultra successful and regarded as one of the two Or three hottest commodities in college coaching... like, forever. I’d much rather have a 33 yr old assistant who’s never been a head coach. Doesn’t that make sense?

[SemajParlor]

Yes, he’s terrible. It’s not like he’s been ultra successful and regarded as one of the two Or three hottest commodities in college coaching... like, forever. I’d much rather have a 33 yr old assistant who’s never been a head coach. Doesn’t that make sense?

You ever watch Wichita play? I'll take the 33 year old.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Yes, he’s terrible. It’s not like he’s been ultra successful and regarded as one of the two Or three hottest commodities in college coaching... like, forever. I’d much rather have a 33 yr old assistant who’s never been a head coach. Doesn’t that make sense?

One thing I know...this post goes to 11. Man...you can tone it down a little and make this a much more tolerable conversation. Geez...and I don’t necessarily disagree with your position. But the presentation is a little...in your face?

[XUBison]

You ever watch Wichita play? I'll take the 33 year old.

I have, and you go right ahead.

[BandAid]

No one that spotted him. A friend who I trust very much heard from someone he knows who has a friend who very much would know. So I trust my friend but dont know the other two in the chain. So take it for hat its worth (not very much to others I am sure). My first reaction was no way but I trust the guy I know.

Sounds pretty darn reputable to me!

[Lloyd Braun]

I would call Dana Altman.
If he says no go with Steele.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Sounds pretty darn reputable to me!

I know that same friend of a friend and he told my friend that Miller has been contacted. I mean I wouldn’t believe 4 degrees of that friend but 3 degrees I would

[bourbonman]

Well I know for a fact a former coach was at the Providence game. Any truth they knew something was going on and were braking us in for a return of Tay? ��

[BandAid]

I know that same friend of a friend and he told my friend that Miller has been contacted. I mean I wouldn’t believe 4 degrees of that friend but 3 degrees I would

Can anyone top this? Get it down to two? Oh hell: Sean Miller, if you’re reading this, can you confirm or deny these rumors?

[drudy23]

Daugherty tweeted new rumors about Steve Alford...any legs to this?

[Lloyd Braun]

Daugherty tweeted new rumors about Steve Alford...any legs to this?

I can think of at least 5 other pac-12 coaches off the top of my head I’d rather have.

[JTG]

Daugherty tweeted new rumors about Steve Alford...any legs to this?

No, hell no, no effing way no. Used car salesman, and a weasel.

[Nigel Tufnel]

I know Miller won't be X's next coach. Hope it's Steele. But I did get to thinking....if Miller were hired...could you imagine the carnage in recruiting in the tri state? Painter, Holtmann, Archie, Sean, Calipari and Mack. Woof. Was I supposed to add Cronin?

[AviatorX]

I know Miller won't be X's next coach. Hope it's Steele. But I did get to thinking....if Miller were hired...could you imagine the carnage in recruiting in the tri state? Painter, Holtmann, Archie, Sean, Calipari and Mack. Woof. Was I supposed to add Cronin?

Definitely no Cronin.

I think the same is true if its Steele. Plenty of IU fans can attest to that...

[bleedXblue]

Kelsey returning has more baggage attached to him than Miller or Matta, IMO. I hope Pat has a great career with much bigger coaching gigs, I just cant imagine it being here.

what baggage? that was an eternity ago

[Masterofreality]

Definitely no Cronin.

I think the same is true if its Steele. Plenty of IU fans can attest to that...

Tom Crean sure can...

[GoMuskies]

You ever watch Wichita play? I'll take the 33 year old.

Well, he's been to 14 NCAA Tournaments in 20 years at Winthrop and Wichita State. He might have some idea what he's doing.

But there's no way Xavier is interested in him or him in Xavier, so it's irrelevant.

[paulxu]

I know he knows what he is doing, but I remain skeptical.
He still reminds me of Shaka. Caught lightning, and is trying to duplicate it.
Made it to the FF (which we haven't), got a #1 seed the next year, and was out the same as us in second game.
Did make one more S16, but isn't keeping it up.
This year a #4 seed bounced in first round.

[trunnxx]

Tom Crean sure can...

Curious as I am not as plugged into Steele as others... who has he been the main recruiter for in his years as an assistant at Indiana and here at X?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xudash]

Well I know for a fact a former coach was at the Providence game. Any truth they knew something was going on and were braking us in for a return of Tay? ��

I laughed at this. And then I started shaking. What a nightmare that would be!

[Masterofreality]

Curious as I am not as plugged into Steele as others... who has he been the main recruiter for in his years as an assistant at Indiana and here at X?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No, just X. Crean was publically pissed a few years ago at X "stealing" all kinds of recruits from Indiana.

[GoMuskies]

No, just X. Crean was publically pissed a few years ago at X "stealing" all kinds of recruits from Indiana.

Something about being born on third and thinking you hit a triple.

[Masterofreality]

Something about being born on third and thinking you hit a triple.

Correct. Always "nice" to get to Third Base.

[XUBison]

Okay, I need some help on Steele. He is 34, correct? A 2015 GoXavier article says he started coaching AAU in 2001, when he would have been 17? The same article also said he graduated from Butler in 2004, when he would have been 20? Am I missing something, or is he our own version of Doogie Howser?

I am not at all anti-Steele, but I really think Christopher will have to be 100% sold on him before giving him a $2M(+) position at a BE program that just won the conference and got a 1 seed. I realize Steele wouldn’t start anywhere near $2M, but that’s beside the point. I would have to swallow hard before giving a 34 yr old with no head coaching experience this sort of gig. I know the whole Miller/Mack thing, but this isn’t the same situation anymore.

How long of a leash can GC give a guy like Steele if it’s not going well? I know we think we’re the most patient and reasonable fan base out there, but I also remember the Fire Thad threads after he lost to UC and Ball State. Maybe Steele has no growing pains, but you can’t hire someone like him without expecting he will. Sean certainly took some early lumps, and Steele wouldn’t be inheriting junior class David West. And you only have to look at this year’s St. John’s team to understand how much different the Big East reality is vs the A-10 Thad and Sean experienced.

Maybe Steele is the guy to keep the current roster together, but that doesn’t mean we’re not looking at a young guy who looks lost this time next year. Our circumstance is so much different now than it was 10 or 15 years ago. There is much greater potential to set someone up for failure who isn’t quite ready for the big time. And as awkward (and awesome) as it is to say, X basketball has become big time. As much as Steele believes he’s ready, GC would have to be a fool to put him in that sort of position if he wasn’t totally convinced he’s ready for it. It wouldn’t be fair to Steele.

That said, I also read that Steele has a son named Winston. Winston Steele. Enough said, call the press conference.

[Xville]

Okay, I need some help on Steele. He is 34, correct? A 2015 GoXavier article says he started coaching AAU in 2001, when he would have been 17? The same article also said he graduated from Butler in 2004, when he would have been 20? Am I missing something, or is he our own version of Doogie Howser?

I am not at all anti-Steele, but I really think Christopher will have to be 100% sold on him before giving him a $2M(+) position at a BE program that just won the conference and got a 1 seed. I realize Steele wouldn’t start anywhere near $2M, but that’s beside the point. I would have to swallow hard before giving a 34 yr old with no head coaching experience this sort of gig. I know the whole Miller/Mack thing, but this isn’t the same situation anymore.

How long of a leash can GC give a guy like Steele if it’s not going well? I know we think we’re the most patient and reasonable fan base out there, but I also remember the Fire Thad threads after he lost to UC and Ball State. Maybe Steele has no growing pains, but you can’t hire someone like him without expecting he will. Sean certainly took some early lumps, and Steele wouldn’t be inheriting junior class David West. And you only have to look at this year’s St. John’s team to understand how much different the Big East reality is vs the A-10 Thad and Sean experienced.

Maybe Steele is the guy to keep the current roster together, but that doesn’t mean we’re not looking at a young guy who looks lost this time next year. Our circumstance is so much different now than it was 10 or 15 years ago. There is much greater potential to set someone up for failure who isn’t quite ready for the big time. And as awkward (and awesome) as it is to say, X basketball has become big time. As much as Steele believes he’s ready, GC would have to be a fool to put him in that sort of position if he wasn’t totally convinced he’s ready for it. It wouldn’t be fair to Steele.

That said, I also read that Steele has a son named Winston. Winston Steele. Enough said, call the press conference.

Here's my thought on this without having any insider knowledge at all about Steele or any possible candidates. If there is not a proven major head coach willing to take this job, then give the job to Steele. I'd rather take the risk with him and keep things as stable as possible in the near term, vs a mid major head coach or an outside assistant that is going to be just as risky. That's just my opinion.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I read he could have played DIII ball but knew he wanted to get into coaching so enrolled at Butler and coached an Indy high school team.

[Xavier]

Even with Mack, everyone was expecting a rebuild type year next season. Obviously the incoming class wasn’t a home run, either. I guess what I’m saying is no matter who the coach is the leash will be somewhat long considering the circumstances.

[XUGRAD80]

We might as well acknowledge that no matter who is the coach next year, the roster has some holes. Decent starting five, but not much proven depth. Not a strong (current) recruiting class coming in (at least on paper), good chance there will be a learning curve for both the coach and the players as new systems and personal are put in place. The chances are better than even that next year will be a struggle. My expectations are certainly lower than they where for this past year, but that would have been true even if Mack had returned. I really have no idea who will be the coach next year, although I would say that Steele appears to be the current front runner. But no matter who it is, they will most probably have to be given a pass for next year, and possibly even the next one after that.

[Lloyd Braun]

They should be expected to make the tournament next year assuming everyone comes back. That’s hardly rebuilding. They could definitely use some depth, so a couple grad transfers/JUCO guys would be nice.

[Xville]

Starting five is solid...depth is a serious issue. Need Bordeaux back or another grad transfer for the front line for sure and would be nice for guard depth too. I doubt any of the incoming freshmen will be ready to play much.

[dubbledxu]

I hope the new coach can get more out of Gates than we saw most of this year. He had a couple games that proved he has the talent. The second half of the year left much to be desired, hopefully a fresh mindset can keep him from snowballing negatively on both ends of the floor.

I worry because if the supporting guys last year weren’t excelling with defenses focusing on Tre/JP/Kerem, I don’t see it improving when they will be focused.

Naji, of course was the exception.

[xu9697]

Here's my thought on this without having any insider knowledge at all about Steele or any possible candidates. If there is not a proven major head coach willing to take this job, then give the job to Steele. I'd rather take the risk with him and keep things as stable as possible in the near term, vs a mid major head coach or an outside assistant that is going to be just as risky. That's just my opinion.

Great post- I agree completely.

I prefer a proven coach at a high profile job- I am on the Miller/Matta/Musselman train myself, but there certainly are others that have been thrown out there that I like. If that cannot be done, then go Steele over Oats and some of the other mid-major names out there.

[danaandvictory]

Okay, I need some help on Steele. He is 34, correct? A 2015 GoXavier article says he started coaching AAU in 2001, when he would have been 17? The same article also said he graduated from Butler in 2004, when he would have been 20? Am I missing something, or is he our own version of Doogie Howser?

Rick and I did an interview with Travis on our podcast a few years ago. He knew he wanted to coach from a young age and was actually coaching youth AAU teams (think grade school kids) and doing skill workouts with younger players while he was in high school. I believe he was an assistant coach for HS varsity team while he was a student at Butler, which is kind of amazing. This is also why the Merchants of Class don't consider him part of the Butler family - he was never really involved with the BU program while he was there. After that he was a grad assistant with Thad at OSU for a year, a couple years with Sampson at IU, and then here.

Also worth noting that John Groce, currently Akron coach and formerly at Illinois, Ohio U, and an assistant at Xavier, is his half-brother, so that explains somewhat his entry into the profession at a young age.

[drudy23]

Rick and I did an interview with Travis on our podcast a few years ago. He knew he wanted to coach from a young age and was actually coaching youth AAU teams (think grade school kids) and doing skill workouts with younger players while he was in high school. I believe he was an assistant coach for HS varsity team while he was a student at Butler, which is kind of amazing. This is also why the Merchants of Class don't consider him part of the Butler family - he was never really involved with the BU program while he was there. After that he was a grad assistant with Thad at OSU for a year, a couple years with Sampson at IU, and then here.

Also worth noting that John Groce, currently Akron coach and formerly at Illinois, Ohio U, and an assistant at Xavier, is his half-brother, so that explains somewhat his entry into the profession at a young age.

Interesting.

Considering he was the guy who couldn't land our top targets last year (not bashing, just pointing it out), does he even want the job knowing how hard it is to get elite talent? He might even feel he'd have more success at Louisville getting talent, and I'm guessing he already knows his salary number if he heads to Louisville. Basically, he could be looking to earn more as an assistant.

I could see him removing his name from consideration if certain things aren't guaranteed. You can tell Mack wanted him in his presser, and I'm sure he made the salary very enticing. Steele and Mack have likely been discussing this strategy for months to guarantee the best of both worlds for Trav.

[Olsingledigit]

Interesting.

Considering he was the guy who couldn't land our top targets last year (not bashing, just pointing it out), does he even want the job knowing how hard it is to get elite talent? He might even feel he'd have more success at Louisville getting talent, and I'm guessing he already knows his salary number if he heads to Louisville. Basically, he could be looking to earn more as an assistant.

I could see him removing his name from consideration if certain things aren't guaranteed. You can tell Mack wanted him in his presser, and I'm sure he made the salary very enticing. Steele and Mack have likely been discussing this strategy for months to guarantee the best of both worlds for Trav.

Only speculation on my part but I believe our lack of landing high recruits last year had more to do with other coaches saying Mack would be at UL next season and they were right. Given that, I would think that Travis could be successful at recruiting.

[Caveat]

Interesting.

Considering he was the guy who couldn't land our top targets last year (not bashing, just pointing it out), does he even want the job knowing how hard it is to get elite talent? He might even feel he'd have more success at Louisville getting talent, and I'm guessing he already knows his salary number if he heads to Louisville. Basically, he could be looking to earn more as an assistant.

I could see him removing his name from consideration if certain things aren't guaranteed. You can tell Mack wanted him in his presser, and I'm sure he made the salary very enticing. Steele and Mack have likely been discussing this strategy for months to guarantee the best of both worlds for Trav.

I think it's very apparent that Travis wants this job -- he's pulled his name out of other searches / turned down other jobs because he's waiting to hopefully get this one.

[Steve A]

Interesting.

Considering he was the guy who couldn't land our top targets last year (not bashing, just pointing it out), does he even want the job knowing how hard it is to get elite talent? He might even feel he'd have more success at Louisville getting talent, and I'm guessing he already knows his salary number if he heads to Louisville. Basically, he could be looking to earn more as an assistant.

I could see him removing his name from consideration if certain things aren't guaranteed. You can tell Mack wanted him in his presser, and I'm sure he made the salary very enticing. Steele and Mack have likely been discussing this strategy for months to guarantee the best of both worlds for Trav.

There is absolutely zero chance Travis Steele takes being an assistant at Louisville over being the head coach at Xavier if the job is offered to him. If he wants to be a head coach, he will not get a better "first-time head coach" job offer ever.

[drudy23]

I don't disagree...but he already has another offer on the table likely with a number attached to it. That gives him some leverage.

[Caveat]

I don't disagree...but he already has another offer on the table likely with a number attached to it. That gives him some leverage.

Travis's biggest piece of leverage is the fear that half the 2019 starting 5 could transfer if he isn't picked.

[GoMuskies]

I don't disagree...but he already has another offer on the table likely with a number attached to it. That gives him some leverage.

I don't think it's going to give him any leverage. Louisville is not going to pay him $1 million to be an assistant.

[drudy23]

I don't think it's going to give him any leverage. Louisville is not going to pay him $1 million to be an assistant.

I bet it's close.

[danaandvictory]

Considering he was the guy who couldn't land our top targets last year (not bashing, just pointing it out), does he even want the job knowing how hard it is to get elite talent?

He would take the job before the words were out of Christopher's mouth.

And the whiffs last year were hardly limited to Travis - in fact, Luke probably had more prominent targets that went elsewhere. Also the way X did recruiting is that the assistants built relationships and then Mack closed, which kind of makes me wonder if the negative recruiting did have an outsized impact.

[GoMuskies]

I bet it's close.

According to this (year old) article, Kenny Payne was the top paid assistant in the nation at $805k. A handful of others are in the $500k range. Even the #10 guy is under $400k. So I don't think Steele would be close to $1 million.

https://fansided.com/2017/06/29/highest-paid-college-basketball-assistant-coaches-2016-17/10/

[drudy23]

Comprehend...not saying he isn't going to take it or doesn't want it.

Saying X has to be careful not to low-ball or not guarantee certain things like they would for a normal first-time head coach, or the typical progression hire because he's got a really nice back-up plan.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Comprehend...not saying he isn't going to take it or doesn't want it.

Saying X has to be careful not to low-ball or not guarantee certain things like they would for a normal first-time head coach, or the typical progression hire because he's got a really nice back-up plan.

I disagree completely. XU doesnt have to make any special guarantees to a guy who has ZERO head coaching experience. He wouldn't come close to getting a job this caliber anywhere else. He wouldn't get even close to the money at Louisville he would as X head coach. Also going to Louisville and doing a great job for a year or two still would not get him any chance at a better job than XU.

[drudy23]

I disagree completely. XU doesnt have to make any special guarantees to a guy who has ZERO head coaching experience. He wouldn't come close to getting a job this caliber anywhere else. He wouldn't get even close to the money at Louisville he would as X head coach. Also going to Louisville and doing a great job for a year or two still would not get him any chance at a better job than XU.

I mean...he probably gets what, $800k - $1million to coach at X?

Where did Mack start?

[GoMuskies]

That's still twice what he'd get at Louisvllle.

[xudash]

I mean...he probably gets what, $800k - $1million to coach at X?

Where did Mack start?

You're pretty far off on this track. UL Assistant v. Xavier HC opportunity. Not even close. The money? He'll make more as a Xavier HC than as a Hooker University assistant. Beyond that, he'll know that his compensation elasticity at Xavier is much greater should he get into the job and perform well. Solid performance on his part will get him into the $1.5mm to $2.0mm range soon enough.

The only way the Hooker assistant job could become remotely interesting to him is if UL provided him a multi-year guaranteed package in a sufficient 7-digit range. I doubt UL is in a financial position to do that.

Does he tie himself to that - let's say it's a 5-year deal - and come out the other end in his late 30's expecting another opportunity that compares to the likes of a premier Big East job that he could have now? Does he do that knowing he has a reasonable expectation for exceeding anything he could make at Hooker University?

[XUBison]

Steele has absolutely zero leverage with X. The only card he could play as a 34 yr old with no head coaching experience was to tie him self to Mack, wait for Mack to leave, and hope that X follows the same protocol as the previous two hires. Any attempt to overplay his hand against X now should result in copious amounts of laughter From GC.

If X decides to offer the job to Steele, Christopher’s only bargaining position should be as follows: “Here’s what we’re offering. Sign it, or get out!” Hell, I suspect if GC told Steele he was offering him the position as a one year unpaid internship, Steele would still accept it. X has become a top 15-25 program in every conceivable way. DoN’t underestimate what the opportunity represents to prospective coaches.

[Caveat]

Steele has absolutely zero leverage with X. The only card he could play as a 34 yr old with no head coaching experience was to tie him self to Mack, wait for Mack to leave, and hope that X follows the same protocol as the previous two hires. Any attempt to overplay his hand against X now should result in copious amounts of laughter From GC.

If X decides to offer the job to Steele, Christopher’s only bargaining position should be as follows: “Here’s what we’re offering. Sign it, or get out!” Hell, I suspect if GC told Steele he was offering him the position as a one year unpaid internship, Steele would still accept it. X has become a top 15-25 program in every conceivable way. DoN’t underestimate what the opportunity represents to prospective coaches.

We say that, but it's strangely quiet with names right now for the job -- just the guy coaching at the commuter school in Kentucky and Pat Kelsey.

For all I want to think Xavier is a great job right now, it doesn't seem like agents are falling over themselves to get names out there as potential hires.

[D-West & PO-Z]

We say that, but it's strangely quiet with names right now for the job -- just the guy coaching at the commuter school in Kentucky and Pat Kelsey.

For all I want to think Xavier is a great job right now, it doesn't seem like agents are falling over themselves to get names out there as potential hires.

Honestly we have no idea who has reached out with interest, the only names being thrown around are the ones we are throwing around and they are obvious ones.

I agree though that there probably isnt much interest from anyone who really excites us because those guys would all probably be at schools in power conference and even though we would have a better program than a lot of them it isnt worth it to them because its probably not for anymore money, maybe even less, and they are in good situations themselves.

[xnatic03]

Steele has absolutely zero leverage with X. The only card he could play as a 34 yr old with no head coaching experience was to tie him self to Mack, wait for Mack to leave, and hope that X follows the same protocol as the previous two hires. Any attempt to overplay his hand against X now should result in copious amounts of laughter From GC.

If X decides to offer the job to Steele, Christopher’s only bargaining position should be as follows: “Here’s what we’re offering. Sign it, or get out!” Hell, I suspect if GC told Steele he was offering him the position as a one year unpaid internship, Steele would still accept it. X has become a top 15-25 program in every conceivable way. DoN’t underestimate what the opportunity represents to prospective coaches.

False...if Steele has the current players' trust, and things like "we will transfer out if he doesn't get the job", plus has the trust of former players and current recruits, he absolutely has leverage. Xavier cannot afford 2-3 years of a bare cupboard. Having a learning curve for a new coach might take next year and into the following season (similar to Miller), which to me is acceptable. Any other potential candidate would have to answer the question in an interview with GC: "What is your plan to win over current players and recruits who might have loyalty to another potential coach"? The answer better be surefire and enough to blow Christopher away. Otherwise, you don't mess with continuity with a young, charismatic, up and coming coach in Steele.

[xnatic03]

We say that, but it's strangely quiet with names right now for the job -- just the guy coaching at the commuter school in Kentucky and Pat Kelsey.

For all I want to think Xavier is a great job right now, it doesn't seem like agents are falling over themselves to get names out there as potential hires.

We don't know that. Christopher might be playing it extremely quiet and coy right now. You'd think if someone was interested in getting names out there, you would hear more about it in the rumor mill.
Again, it took 9 days last time between Miller leaving and Mack being named coach, and it was a very similar situation to what we have now. He seemed like the obvious choice, but they did their due diligence first. If I remember correctly, there weren't a ton of names thrown about then either, outside of Mack and Darrin Horn.

[Xavier]

Yeah, it is a top 25 program for sure. But for example Beard at TT is making between 2+million already, at a school that I assume has a larger basketball budget than X (though, maybe not?) and expectations aren’t going to be as high. Basically what D West is saying- most guys we would want to look at are already making a ton/in a pretty good situation.

[D-West & PO-Z]

False...if Steele has the current players' trust, and things like "we will transfer out if he doesn't get the job", plus has the trust of former players and current recruits, he absolutely has leverage. Xavier cannot afford 2-3 years of a bare cupboard. Having a learning curve for a new coach might take next year and into the following season (similar to Miller), which to me is acceptable. Any other potential candidate would have to answer the question in an interview with GC: "What is your plan to win over current players and recruits who might have loyalty to another potential coach"? The answer better be surefire and enough to blow Christopher away. Otherwise, you don't mess with continuity with a young, charismatic, up and coming coach in Steele.

Giving Steele any advantage because of that is too short sighted. Hire the best guy regardless. IF some dark horse candidate who has a great resume comes out of nowhere you dont say thanks but no thanks because Steele might keep some recruits. Now if there isnt a coach out there interested with an impressive resume I agree the tie goes to Steele.

Also charismatic? I dont know much about hi but someone wrote (can't remember who) that he would be between a Matta and Miller (when they were at X) personality wise or outgoing wise dealing with media etc. If that is true not sure I'd say he is charismatic.

[drudy23]

Steele has absolutely zero leverage with X. The only card he could play as a 34 yr old with no head coaching experience was to tie him self to Mack, wait for Mack to leave, and hope that X follows the same protocol as the previous two hires. Any attempt to overplay his hand against X now should result in copious amounts of laughter From GC.

If X decides to offer the job to Steele, Christopher’s only bargaining position should be as follows: “Here’s what we’re offering. Sign it, or get out!” Hell, I suspect if GC told Steele he was offering him the position as a one year unpaid internship, Steele would still accept it. X has become a top 15-25 program in every conceivable way. DoN’t underestimate what the opportunity represents to prospective coaches.

Don't agree here at all. First, why would GC come off like that towards a coach that's spent 9 years there unless there is some beef between the two? GC doesn't seem like that type either.

Second, Steele has plenty of leverage with the current roster, as others have pointed out.

I may have over-emphasized his leverage earlier in the thread, but he certainly doesn't have none.

PDoc has sources saying this is down to Steele and Kelsey based on his blog today, FWIW. Would he really claim that without some type of source?

[Caveat]

Giving Steele any advantage because of that is too sort sighted. Hire the best guy regardless. IF some dark horse candidate who has a great resume comes out of nowhere you dont say thanks but no thanks because Steele might keep some recruits. Now if there isnt a coach out there interested with an impressive resume I agree the tie goes to Steele.

Also charismatic? I dont know much about hi but someone wrote (can't remember who) that he would be between a Matta and Miller (when they were at X) personality wise or outgoing wise dealing with media etc. If that is true not sure I'd say he is charismatic.

I dunno -- not going into 2-3 year losing/rebuilding death spiral seems like a lot of leverage to me.

The best way to succeed is to continue succeeding. I don't like plans that involve openly embracing bad basketball for the hope of possible gains.

[BandAid]

Yeah, it is a top 25 program for sure. But for example Beard at TT is making between 2+million already, at a school that I assume has a larger basketball budget than X (though, maybe not?) and expectations aren’t going to be as high. Basically what D West is saying- most guys we would want to look at are already making a ton/in a pretty good situation.

I think Beard is a great coach, and would love to have him at Xavier. But in his 30 years of coaching experience, he's spent exactly one of them outside the state of Texas. If he were to somehow end up at Xavier, we should probably retire a jersey for GC immediately.

I agree, I'm not in the least bit concerned about the lack of names floating around right now. Especially when it's Steele's job to lose.

[xnatic03]

Giving Steele any advantage because of that is too short sighted. Hire the best guy regardless. IF some dark horse candidate who has a great resume comes out of nowhere you dont say thanks but no thanks because Steele might keep some recruits. Now if there isnt a coach out there interested with an impressive resume I agree the tie goes to Steele.

Also charismatic? I dont know much about hi but someone wrote (can't remember who) that he would be between a Matta and Miller (when they were at X) personality wise or outgoing wise dealing with media etc. If that is true not sure I'd say he is charismatic.

If someone outside of Steele legitimately blows Christopher away and is the best candidate...okay, hire him. I'm fine with that. I just cannot think of anyone being named (Brannen, Kelsey, Moser) that will be head and shoulders above Steele...especially enough to be willing to take the chance to take a giant step back for 2-3 years before "righting" the ship again. The only time we went outside the family for a hire was Matta in 01, which had a lot to do with the fact that Schmidt, Battle, and Gaudio were not better options than Matta. I cannot think of any "Matta" like candidates in the group this year.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I dunno -- not going into 2-3 year losing/rebuilding death spiral seems like a lot of leverage to me.

The best way to succeed is to continue succeeding. I don't like plans that involve openly embracing bad basketball for the hope of possible gains.

People keep saying that, 2-3 year rebuild/death spiral? Why are we assuming if we find a good candidate who isnt Steele this would happen? I dont think there will be any sort of mass exodus of current players without Steele. Maybe but I doubt it. We may lose some of all 3 of the recruits but it isnt a homerun recruiting class and there is nothing to suggest the next guy wouldnt be able to bring in a very good recruiting class the following year (or bring some of his own recruits from other school).

[BandAid]

People keep saying that, 2-3 year rebuild/death spiral? Why are we assuming if we find a good candidate who isnt Steele this would happen? I dont think there will be any sort of mass exodus of current players without Steele. Maybe but I doubt it. We may lose some of all 3 of the recruits but it isnt a homerun recruiting class and there is nothing to suggest the next guy wouldnt be able to bring in a very good recruiting class the following year (or bring some of his own recruits from other school).

I agree with this. This "death spiral" idea seems to exist in a vacuum. The new coach still has all the freedom in the world to recruit and develop players.

Also, the idea of Steele "leveraging" himself into the head coach's position is ridiculous. If Steele walks into an interview and says, "Hire me, or half the team is transferring" - you do not give him the job! That guy is an asshat that I wouldn't want anywhere near my basketball team.

[dubbledxu]

Established names who I have heard have expressed interest that I haven’t seen mentioned here very much. Steve Alford and Matt Painter. No thank you and Yes Please.

Like everything else, let’s just hope the job is seen as highly regarded nationally as we think it is.

[GoMuskies]

I only wanted Alford if he could deliver the youngest Ball. Now that all the Balls are pros, I'm off Alford.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Is Painter really interested? Wonder why. He seems to have a good thing going at Purdon't.

[dubbledxu]

Is Painter really interested? Wonder why. He seems to have a good thing going at Purdon't.

From what I hear, the fans are getting tired of him losing in the tournament before why’re supposed to. He landed that kid from Dartmouth tho.

I’d rather play a walk in 40 mins than get involved with the Ball family. I thought they were starting a minor league system?

[Caveat]

People keep saying that, 2-3 year rebuild/death spiral? Why are we assuming if we find a good candidate who isnt Steele this would happen? I dont think there will be any sort of mass exodus of current players without Steele. Maybe but I doubt it. We may lose some of all 3 of the recruits but it isnt a homerun recruiting class and there is nothing to suggest the next guy wouldnt be able to bring in a very good recruiting class the following year (or bring some of his own recruits from other school).

The 18/19 team has zero depth to lose -- transfers from players like Naji or Scruggs would be devastating in the short-term.

Long term? You bring a small school guy into the fold, you're going to lose all of the recruiting contacts and have to start from literally zero. Recruiting takes time.

[mistabeecee41]

The 18/19 team has zero depth to lose -- transfers from players like Naji or Scruggs would be devastating in the short-term.

Long term? You bring a small school guy into the fold, you're going to lose all of the recruiting contacts and have to start from literally zero. Recruiting takes time.

Yup. Plus if we're basing this off of all of the realistic, non-Steele candidates. Do we really want Kelsey/Moser etc "bringing their recruits" to us?

[Nigel Tufnel]

I think Christopher needs to at least give Brad Stevens a call. Worst that can happen is he says no thanks.










Anyone who has read coaching search threads from other schools should appreciate that...

[GoMuskies]

I think Christopher needs to at least give Brad Stevens a call. Worst that can happen is he says no thanks.


Agree. Maybe he can get one of the Balls' eligibility restored. Then we'd be cooking with gas!

[SteeleCity]

Hey all. I am someone who loves to follow something from the start so when i heard a young coach could(And I think should) become a HC at a major program cought my attention. So now if i hire Steele, I would become a Xavier fan. I hope yall do!

[BandAid]

I think Christopher needs to at least give Brad Stevens a call. Worst that can happen is he says no thanks.

I use the same philosophy when approaching women.

Mixed results.

Some said no.

Some rolled their eyes.

[JTG]

Established names who I have heard have expressed interest that I haven’t seen mentioned here very much. Steve Alford and Matt Painter. No thank you and Yes Please.

Like everything else, let’s just hope the job is seen as highly regarded nationally as we think it is.

Painter's boss is Bobinski, so that's not gonna happen....and no effing way on Alford, he's a dbag.

[smileyy]

I think Christopher needs to at least give Brad Stevens a call. Worst that can happen is he says no thanks.



I was all about to post then I got the sarcasm at the end.

[smileyy]

Then we'd be cooking with gas!

LaVar Ball is full of gas...and other things that go along with gas.

[dubbledxu]

Painter's boss is Bobinski, so that's not gonna happen....and no effing way on Alford, he's a dbag.

Painter was mentioned earlier (I forget if it was this thread or the earlier one) and how it’d be poetic for us to poach a coach from him since he left us because our coaches kept getting poached.

Agree 100% on Alford. I’d be happy if the rumors are true tho, shows we have national interest.

[XUBison]

False...if Steele has the current players' trust, and things like "we will transfer out if he doesn't get the job", plus has the trust of former players and current recruits, he absolutely has leverage. Xavier cannot afford 2-3 years of a bare cupboard. Having a learning curve for a new coach might take next year and into the following season (similar to Miller), which to me is acceptable. Any other potential candidate would have to answer the question in an interview with GC: "What is your plan to win over current players and recruits who might have loyalty to another potential coach"? The answer better be surefire and enough to blow Christopher away. Otherwise, you don't mess with continuity with a young, charismatic, up and coming coach in Steele.

Yeah, you’re just wrong. While keeping current players is certainly a concern, it is way more of a fan concern. Christopher is going to hire the person he thinks brings the best likelihood for long-term stability and success, unless he’s a total fool. Your premise operates under the assumption that no coach other than Steele has any chance to keep current players and recruits, which is just patently false. Keeping current players may serve as a check mark in Steele’s favor for why he should get the job, but it doesn’t serve as any sort of leverage in a contract negotiation. If he’s offered the job, he’s going to take it.

As for other interest, do people really believe there aren’t loads of coaches interested in signing up for a potentially $2M+ gig at a major conference program with great facilities, fan support, winning tradition, and where the previous 3 coaches leveraged the job into positions at OSU, UA, and Skanksville? Just because they’re not posting their resumes on XavierHoops doesn’t mean the interest isn’t there. I guess if it’s not, I played basketball through 8th grade,and I still don’t really understand how a pick & roll works, but I’ll happily take my chances with the unpaid internship if Steele doesn’t want it. See... he has no leverage.

[xnatic03]

Yeah, you’re just wrong. While keeping current players is certainly a concern, it is way more of a fan concern. Christopher is going to hire the person he thinks brings the best likelihood for long-term stability and success, unless he’s a total fool. Your premise operates under the assumption that no coach other than Steele has any chance to keep current players and recruits, which is just patently false. Keeping current players may serve as a check mark in Steele’s favor for why he should get the job, but it doesn’t serve as any sort of leverage in a contract negotiation. If he’s offered the job, he’s going to take it.

As for other interest, do people really believe there aren’t loads of coaches interested in signing up for a potentially $2M+ gig at a major conference program with great facilities, fan support, winning tradition, and where the previous 3 coaches leveraged the job into positions at OSU, UA, and Skanksville? Just because they’re not posting their resumes on XavierHoops doesn’t mean the interest isn’t there. I guess if it’s not, I played basketball through 8th grade,and I still don’t really understand how a pick & roll works, but I’ll happily take my chances with the unpaid internship if Steele doesn’t want it. See... he has no leverage.

He absolutely has leverage. He also already knows the right people on X's campus for academics for the players among other support staff that's in place at Xavier. That is one less major thing he has to learn. I'm not saying he can go in and demand the job, but he definitely has a strong leg up on everyone else. If it's down to a Steve Alford and Travis....it's not even close. Unless there are other names we just don't know about, he should be candidate #1. I want someone who knows the lay of the land. There is a good chance our current players and recruits, at least a few, leave or never step foot on X's campus. That sets us back at least 2 years, if not more. We have the momentum and a chance to keep it rolling, so why not go with it?

[XUBison]

Don't agree here at all. First, why would GC come off like that towards a coach that's spent 9 years there unless there is some beef between the two? GC doesn't seem like that type either.

Second, Steele has plenty of leverage with the current roster, as others have pointed out.

I may have over-emphasized his leverage earlier in the thread, but he certainly doesn't have none.

PDoc has sources saying this is down to Steele and Kelsey based on his blog today, FWIW. Would he really claim that without some type of source?

Let’s draw a distinction here... If we’re talking about whether keeping current players/recruits helps Steele’s prospects for being offered the job, of course it does. It is the only reason he’s being considered. That’s not at all to say he isn’t otherwise worthy, but if he were currently the top assistant at Providence or Marquette, he’d be nowhere on X’s radar.

My initial post was in response to whether Steele has any leverage from an earnings potential right now, and he doesn’t. If X offers him $600K, what’s he going to say, Mid-Tenn is offering me the same? Maybe he says UL is going to pay him $1M to be Mack’s assistant. Go ahead... Or, if you do well as the HEAD COACH at X, you can earn $2M+ within a couple years. You decide.

With regards to how GC would approach negotiations with Steele, of course he would treat Steele with professionalism and candor, but that wouldn’t change GC’s bargaining position. Perhaps the conversation would be more like this:
GC- Travis, we’d like to offer you the position. Please sign here.
TS- But I want more money.
GC- Thank you for your time and consideration. We’ll be sure to keep your resume on file.
TS- No no, Where’s the pen?

[dubbledxu]

There will be tons of names. GC and staff will be using the FF as a role call for all interested parties. Hell, he will prob do interviews down there. I wouldn’t expect a decision until the End of next week.

[BandDad]

With needing bodies for next year, they need to make the move sooner than earlier. If they screw up the short term too badly, it may take too long to recover. They need to keep the current players and try to get a couple of grad transfers for next year, which would make them on the fringe for the tournament. If they can't get any quality grads for next year, they are on the outside looking in. That would make it much harder in 2020. Its much easier to stay on the mountain than it is to slide off and climb back up again. Just do it!

[dubbledxu]

Let’s assume they want to interview Loyola guy and Howard, they aren’t doing those until Sunday at the earliest or maybe next Wednesday at the latest. All while gauging interest from other “national” candidates. Add in a day for decision, negotiating/legal, I’d be surprised if it was any earlier than end of next week.

[danaandvictory]

PDoc has sources saying this is down to Steele and Kelsey based on his blog today, FWIW. Would he really claim that without some type of source?

Daugherty doesn't know shit about this.

[bjf123]

PDoc has sources saying this is down to Steele and Kelsey based on his blog today, FWIW. Would he really claim that without some type of source?

Wouldn’t surprise me at all for that to be the case.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[dubbledxu]

Wouldn’t surprise me at all for that to be the case.


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Agreed, if it were down to them 2, one of them would’ve been hired already. Why else would they let days slip that could be used to better the roster/fill assistant slots/reassure recruits/etc.

[Xavier]

From what I hear, the fans are getting tired of him losing in the tournament before why’re supposed to. He landed that kid from Dartmouth tho.



I generally like the make up of his teams but the Purdue fans are right, he just can’t get it done in the tournament. Change of scenery could change that, though.

[LadyMuskie]

Daugherty doesn't know shit about this.

This I believe. Chances are he's guessing, or is using this thread to predict that. The man rarely has anything good to say about Xavier, and he was instrumental in making the post-brawl press conference into the long-lasting $%^t-show it became. How or why he has any access to anything on Victory Parkway is beyond me. He hates X and is a band wagoner if I've ever seen one.

[STL_XUfan]

Painter was mentioned earlier (I forget if it was this thread or the earlier one) and how it’d be poetic for us to poach a coach from him since he left us because our coaches kept getting poached.

Agree 100% on Alford. I’d be happy if the rumors are true tho, shows we have national interest.

Matt Painter every so often throws his name into a high profile coaching search just to ransom a raise out of Purdue (see Missouri in 2011).

[Blue Blooded-05]

I admit I have been thinking about this (way WAY) too much this week. I am to the point where Steele or Kelsey, while logical, just won’t feel satisfying.

In the span of just 17 days, we went from the celebrating our first #1 seed, to blowing a double digit 2nd half lead in the first weekend, only to then get kicked in the dick by our alum coach in favor of a dipshit diploma mill that personifies the antithesis of our moral code. Since then, we’ve lost 2 assistants, our celebrity fan, a transfer who was essential to our depleted post and still might lose our (alum) DOBO, recruits and current players. Since that wasn’t enough torture, word came out that our coach had been negotiating the move for weeks, likely compromising focus and contributing to our early exit.

Quite the emotional gauntlet.

I feel like only a splash hire will bring back some lost dignity. I know this is based on emotion rather than critical thought. I also know this might not be the logical long term move. I guess I’m just curious if anyone else feels the same way right now.

[JEHARDI]

Let’s draw a distinction here... If we’re talking about whether keeping current players/recruits helps Steele’s prospects for being offered the job, of course it does. It is the only reason he’s being considered. That’s not at all to say he isn’t otherwise worthy, but if he were currently the top assistant at Providence or Marquette, he’d be nowhere on X’s radar.

My initial post was in response to whether Steele has any leverage from an earnings potential right now, and he doesn’t. If X offers him $600K, what’s he going to say, Mid-Tenn is offering me the same? Maybe he says UL is going to pay him $1M to be Mack’s assistant. Go ahead... Or, if you do well as the HEAD COACH at X, you can earn $2M+ within a couple years. You decide.

With regards to how GC would approach negotiations with Steele, of course he would treat Steele with professionalism and candor, but that wouldn’t change GC’s bargaining position. Perhaps the conversation would be more like this:
GC- Travis, we’d like to offer you the position. Please sign here.
TS- But I want more money.
GC- Thank you for your time and consideration. We’ll be sure to keep your resume on file.
TS- No no, Where’s the pen?

If they are only willing to offer him $600k, he is not the right guy for the job. If you believe he is a good fit and the right guy for the job, pay him like a BE coach should be paid. The median average at a minimum.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If they are only willing to offer him $600k, he is not the right guy for the job. If you believe he is a good fit and the right guy for the job, pay him like a BE coach should be paid. The median average at a minimum.

He isnt getting that type of pay in his first contract. I'd imagine like someone said earlier 800,000 to 1 mil

[drudy23]

I admit I have been thinking about this (way WAY) too much this week. I am to the point where Steele or Kelsey, while logical, just won’t feel satisfying.

In the span of just 17 days, we went from the celebrating our first #1 seed, to blowing a double digit 2nd half lead in the first weekend, only to then get kicked in the dick by our alum coach in favor of a dipshit diploma mill that personifies the antithesis of our moral code. Since then, we’ve lost 2 assistants, our celebrity fan, a transfer who was essential to our depleted post and still might lose our (alum) DOBO, recruits and current players. Since that wasn’t enough torture, word came out that our coach had been negotiating the move for weeks, likely compromising focus and contributing to our early exit.

Quite the emotional gauntlet.

I feel like only a splash hire will bring back some lost dignity. I know this is based on emotion rather than critical thought. I also know this might not be the logical long term move. I guess I’m just curious if anyone else feels the same way right now.

But who would feel satisfying at this point? The only one that would give most of us a sense of comfort is Miller, because he's proven. Miller isn't going to happen.

Mack was not a slam dunk pick when he was chosen. Our insecurities doesn't mean a relatively small splash of a hire won't be tremendously successful.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

If it’s Kelsey or Steele I am happy. Actually elated, I love those two choices. No retreads like Miller, I know he is shady.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DexterBailey84]

I'm 100% fine with Steele....he's '09 Chris Mack all over again in my eyes.

Kelsey...meh. He seems a little shaky, to be honest.

[xu82]

He isnt getting that type of pay in his first contract. I'd imagine like someone said earlier 800,000 to 1 mil

I have to agree, if you think he’s the guy, and you offer him the job, you should pay him fairly. I don’t know what the number is, but fairly. In line with the Big Boys. Not a TOP big boy, but not cheap. It may or may not work out, but let’s not start from a position of resentment. I feel strongly about that after decades of management.

[dubbledxu]

I have to agree, if you think he’s the guy, and you offer him the job, you should pay him fairly. I don’t know what the number is, but fairly. In line with the Big Boys. Not a TOP big boy, but not cheap. It may or may not work out, but let’s not start from a position of resentment. I feel strongly about that after decades of management.

Agreed, offer him a median salary and just incentivize the hell out of it.

WLWT keeps saying Steele, Kelsey, Brennan, but did mention Alford.

[Caveat]

I'm 100% fine with Steele....he's '09 Chris Mack all over again in my eyes.

Kelsey...meh. He seems a little shaky, to be honest.

The only thing keeping Kelsey even remotely competitive for this job is his name.

His resume at Winthrop has been thoroughly average.

[XUBison]

If Alford got the job, I may have to take a hiatus from X b-ball, at least until someone else is hired to put out the inevitable dumpster fire that Alford leaves behind. No way we let him take sanctuary here before he gets run out of LA. i might actually prefer YTG.

[XUBison]

Matt Painter every so often throws his name into a high profile coaching search just to ransom a raise out of Purdue (see Missouri in 2011).

Surprised to see Painter’s name, so I suspect you’re right, assuming there’s any truth to this. I thought he hated X. I seem to remember him making some pointed comments at X, maybe after Tu finished bending him over. Could be wrong though.

[double00]

I have to agree that I’d hate to have Alford as our coach.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/03/31/bernstein-ucla-hired-a-scumbag/

[XUGRAD80]

I have to agree that I’d hate to have Alford as our coach.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/03/31/bernstein-ucla-hired-a-scumbag/


I don’t know hardly anything about Alford as a coach. But to use an article written 5 years ago, about an incident that occurred 11 years before that, to justify why he shouldn’t be hired now....seems like a streatch to me. We have only the writers words to even go by. How do we even know that the writer of that piece has his facts straight and doesn’t have an axe to grind with Alford for some reason? I’m confident that X will do due diligence on ANY candidate and will make their decsision based on ALL of the information they get, and not just a newspaper article.

[drudy23]

We need recruits...who is in the best position to deliver Final Four caliber recruits over the next decade. That's the guy we need.

I'd imagine the plan on recruiting strategy (where and what type) and the recruiting staff will be most important factor. If you look at it that way, everyone will have to make that pitch as Steele has to build a staff like everyone else.

[double00]

I don’t know hardly anything about Alford as a coach. But to use an article written 5 years ago, about an incident that occurred 11 years before that, to justify why he shouldn’t be hired now....seems like a streatch to me. We have only the writers words to even go by. How do we even know that the writer of that piece has his facts straight and doesn’t have an axe to grind with Alford for some reason? I’m confident that X will do due diligence on ANY candidate and will make their decsision based on ALL of the information they get, and not just a newspaper article.

http://news-releases.uiowa.edu/2003/april/040903skorton.html

This is the source cited. It was the report from the investigative committee at Iowa.

I do feel that this is pertinent regardless of how long ago this occurred. Especially since there are so many other qualified coaches without this sort of history. I’m against hiring Pitino as well due to his past transgressions. If you’re hiring the highest paid employee of the university then they should be able to embody the values of the university.

In the opinion of the committee, he should not have implied to the media that he was being dismissive of the student victim. At worst he was trying to cover up what his player did. At least he exercised poor judjement from a media relations standpoint. It should have been handled differently. This along with others’ concern that he is not up to par as a coach leads me to the conclusion that we should not consider him for this job.

If you do not think that this is a big deal then please explain.

[Title]

http://news-releases.uiowa.edu/2003/april/040903skorton.html

This is the source cited. It was the report from the investigative committee at Iowa.

I do feel that this is pertinent regardless of how long ago this occurred. Especially since there are so many other qualified coaches without this sort of history. I’m against hiring Pitino as well due to his past transgressions. If you’re hiring the highest paid employee of the university then they should be able to embody the values of the university.

In the opinion of the committee, he should not have implied to the media that he was being dismissive of the student victim. At worst he was trying to cover up what his player did. At least he exercised poor judjement from a media relations standpoint. It should have been handled differently. This along with others’ concern that he is not up to par as a coach leads me to the conclusion that we should not consider him for this job.

If you do not think that this is a big deal then please explain.

Yeah Xavier never has off the court issues and the coaches are all about discipline. Whether you want to admit it or not we have one of the worst reputations in college basketball.

[drudy23]

Whether you want to admit it or not we have one of the worst reputations in college basketball.

From UC and Dayton fans, yes.

My take from the rest of the country is one of respect. I doubt you see this attitude outside of the hated rivals down the street and 45 minutes up I-75.

[xudash]

Yeah Xavier never has off the court issues and the coaches are all about discipline. Whether you want to admit it or not we have one of the worst reputations in college basketball.

You need to run home to your Butler board. And be thankful that we don't have an interest in your current coach this time around, or we would take him from you like we took Matta from you.

[Xville]

Yeah Xavier never has off the court issues and the coaches are all about discipline. Whether you want to admit it or not we have one of the worst reputations in college basketball.

Outside of the uc, butler, and Dayton bubble this is not close to being the case.

[xnatic03]

Yeah Xavier never has off the court issues and the coaches are all about discipline. Whether you want to admit it or not we have one of the worst reputations in college basketball.

I'm not a fan of Alford. I've heard he is a jackass...However, that's not why I don't want X anywhere near him. The guy has been a coach for roughly 20 years. He has exactly 4 Sweet 16s and has never been past that round. He recruits well, gets great talent, and does very little with it. He screams mediocrity. He knows when he is about to get run out of town and starts looking for his next job, which is what he is doing here. NO THANK YOU.

[double00]

Yeah Xavier never has off the court issues and the coaches are all about discipline. Whether you want to admit it or not we have one of the worst reputations in college basketball.

At the risk of derailing this thread, i’ll Bite. I’m not saying that players haven’t had off the court issues. I referring to the coaches’ and athletic departments responses to them.

So elaborate where you think our coaches have fallen short of your expectations.

[Title]

I'm not a fan of Alford. I've heard he is a jackass...However, that's not why I don't want X anywhere near him. The guy has been a coach for roughly 20 years. He has exactly 4 Sweet 16s and has never been past that round. He recruits well, gets great talent, and does very little with it. He screams mediocrity. He knows when he is about to get run out of town and starts looking for his next job, which is what he is doing here. NO THANK YOU.

I don't think Alford is a great coach either, and to be honest he is kind of a dick. I don't think it's fair however to cast him as a "scumbag" based on a single incident where we likely don't have all the facts.

[xuwin]

Let’s draw a distinction here... If we’re talking about whether keeping current players/recruits helps Steele’s prospects for being offered the job, of course it does. It is the only reason he’s being considered. That’s not at all to say he isn’t otherwise worthy, but if he were currently the top assistant at Providence or Marquette, he’d be nowhere on X’s radar.

My initial post was in response to whether Steele has any leverage from an earnings potential right now, and he doesn’t. If X offers him $600K, what’s he going to say, Mid-Tenn is offering me the same? Maybe he says UL is going to pay him $1M to be Mack’s assistant. Go ahead... Or, if you do well as the HEAD COACH at X, you can earn $2M+ within a couple years. You decide.

With regards to how GC would approach negotiations with Steele, of course he would treat Steele with professionalism and candor, but that wouldn’t change GC’s bargaining position. Perhaps the conversation would be more like this:
GC- Travis, we’d like to offer you the position. Please sign here.
TS- But I want more money.
GC- Thank you for your time and consideration. We’ll be sure to keep your resume on file.
TS- No no, Where’s the pen?

GC- Travis, who do you have lined up for assistant coaches and recruiters?
TS- I don't know but I'll find somebody.
GC- I need to know before I give you the job.

I think this is the biggest concern with hiring Steel for the job and will determine whether he is a serious candidate or not.

[Title]

At the risk of derailing this thread, i’ll Bite. I’m not saying that players haven’t had off the court issues. I referring to the coaches’ and athletic departments responses to them.

So elaborate where you think our coaches have fallen short of your expectations.

I would have expected Bluiett to at least sit out a couple of games.

[Xville]

I would have expected Bluiett to at least sit out a couple of games.

So in previous posts you talked about how great the kids mack recruited were compared to Miller, now you start talking about how bad of a reputation Xavier has, which is implying that Mack has something to do with that. And now referring to blueitt who got caught with weed.

You sure you are a xavier fan?

[BMoreX]

So in previous posts you talked about how great the kids mack recruited were compared to Miller, now you start talking about how bad of a reputation Xavier has, which is implying that Mack has something to do with that. And now referring to blueitt who got caught with weed.

You sure you are a xavier fan?

Not sure if there is a connection but I'm pretty certain there is a Title_BU poster (or something like that) on various Butler message boards.

[XUGRAD80]

http://news-releases.uiowa.edu/2003/april/040903skorton.html




If you do not think that this is a big deal then please explain.

Just saying that if THIS is everything you are making your judgement of Alford on, it’s not very much. I think we can count on the Xavier administration going a little bit (probably a lot) futher in its investigation of his character and history, and I’m sure that they would get the full story.

Virtually every coach in the country probably has something in their past that can be cast in a negative way, especially if they have been a coach for 10-15-20 years. Something that with hindsight they may handle differently today. If you’re looking for perfect people you’re not going to find them in the coaching ranks, I’m afraid.

Heck, we don’t even know if he actually a candidate! Just a rumor at this point. Why not relax and let the administration do their job? Personally I’m not going to disqualify ANY candidate at this point. Those making the decision will have much more information on the candidates than we can ever even hope to have. Doesn’t appear that they are making any snap judgements, does it? They seem to be taking their time and doing what they can to make sure that whomever they hire is the best person for the job. Perhaps we should follow their lead and not jump to conclusions based on limited amounts of information.

[Muskie]

Not sure if there is a connection but I'm pretty certain there is a Title_BU poster (or something like that) on various Butler message boards.

Title_BU has an account here as well. Not sure if Title and Title_BU are the same person. But they could be.

[double00]

So in previous posts you talked about how great the kids mack recruited were compared to Miller, now you start talking about how bad of a reputation Xavier has, which is implying that Mack has something to do with that. And now referring to blueitt who got caught with weed.

You sure you are a xavier fan?

I’m sure if the NCAA didn’t impose any additional suspension for him then there’s more to this incident behind the scenes then we might have knowledge of. He was arrested and did 12 months in a diversion program. He had no other serious criminal history. Perhaps this was enough for him to learn his lesson. If he had a repeated offense then I believe a suspension would have been expected. Im fine with letting the courts handle it and issue whatever punishment they deem appropriate and letting the NCAA issue their suspensions they deem necessary. But if X officials thought he learned his lesson then I trust them, perhaps at my own peril.

[double00]

Well this Iowa report causes me alarm. And the negative opinions of his coaching cause me alarm. Therefore I don’t like the idea of X hiring him. I’m an alum and I care that our administration makes the right call just like you do. I trust them as well. But it doesn’t mean I shouldn’t express my concerns in a public forum. Seems like we’d be stepping in a big turd with hiring him. Sorry you may disagree.

[Title]

I’m sure if the NCAA didn’t impose any additional suspension for him then there’s more to this incident behind the scenes then we might have knowledge of. He was arrested and did 12 months in a diversion program. He had no other serious criminal history. Perhaps this was enough for him to learn his lesson. If he had a repeated offense then I believe a suspension would have been expected. Im fine with letting the courts handle it and issue whatever punishment they deem appropriate and letting the NCAA issue their suspensions they deem necessary. But if X officials thought he learned his lesson then I trust them, perhaps at my own peril.

I think anytime an arrest is made there needs to be at least a one game suspension. I don't think anything more severe was warranted in this case.

[dubbledxu]

I’d suspend him 1game, for the shitty decision making more than anything else. It was a victimless “crime”, much different than many of the other arrests we see across MCBB most years.

[Pierre Dracot]

The fact is that Alford has no known moral or personality issues. But I'm aware--from having followed UCLA basketball--that in each of the last three years he has been close to being fired, only to be given a reprieve because of the incoming class. It was the case this year; it was true last year; and it was true two years ago (that year with the greatly overrated three Ball brothers in the pipeline).

[Jesuit4Life]

https://twitter.com/CoachSteeleXU/status/980133151317032961

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[dubbledxu]

Like we said, risk mitigation by GC. I hope he’s the right pick and we continue the tradition,

[Muskeagle]

Like we said, risk mitigation by GC. I hope he’s the right pick and we continue the tradition,

...or best coach available. Just because you posit the theory that it is risk mitigation, doesn't make it so when he is hired.