Who will be the next coach at X?

[Muskie]

Now that it is official. Who would you like to see and why?

[GoMuskies]

Maybe Steele, but I want to make sure Xavier goes through a full process and checks all its options before going down that route. I just don't want the decision rushed.

[KFX]

I think Xavier needs to seriously consider interviewing and giving serious consideration to a minority hire. It's the right thing to do.

[BMoreX]

1. Steele
2. Miller
3. no one else tbh

[X4LIFE]

If it’s Steele make it quick. If not, let’s go after some assistants in power conferences. Or better yet head coaches with NCAA experience. Honestly Mack was great but I expected a FF by now. Make a great hire and make unfinished business a reality

[OTRMUSKIE]

So Goodman is reporting Mack is getting 4 million at Ville? Man he must have gotten a ton of gift cards

[LadyMuskie]

I don't know who it should be or who will want it, but I hope X takes time to find the right person for the job. Someone in another thread mentioned that if we don't hire Steele we risk turning into DePaul for a couple of years. I'll take DePaul-ness for 2 years in order to get to Villanova-ness for the next 7.

[Xville]

1. Miller
2. Ashley Howard----ill take someone that actually knows what it takes to get to a final four and a championship.
3. Steele

[OTRMUSKIE]

So my top choices are going to be
1. Miller(not going to happen)
2. Greg Marshall(not a chance)
3. Travis Steele
4. Brennan
5.Pat Kelsey
6. Coach K
7. Snipe

[BandAid]

I’m going to go with Ashley Howard. Just to be different

[OTRMUSKIE]

No way on Ashley. He learned under Dr G and Flint. If Jay erased all that bad knowledge away then I say let him coach elsewhere first.

[klark]

I think I am going to auction off my loyalty to the highest bidder, why not, if you can't get alumni to tell the truth about wanting to be here why bother.

[smileyy]

Travis Steele

[Caveat]

Travis Steele.

I understand he is a question mark, but so is every single mid-major coach who tries to step up to play with the big boys. I'd much rather have a the guy Christopher has seen first hand for years, who has been part of the continuing build of Xavier basketball, who knows all the current players, and who has been in contact with many of the current recruits.

This isn't the sexy pick, but it's the right one.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I think I am going to auction off my loyalty to the highest bidder, why not, if you can't get alumni to tell the truth about wanting to be here why bother.

I’ll buy it for $1. Dude Mack wasn’t Coach K! He was an above avg coach who left for 1m more. Louisville can now enjoy his lack of defense and early exits from the dance. X will be better for this and Louisville will be calling for his head in 3 years. FACTS

[whopper]

what a roller coaster the past 3 years have been, mostly up but bitterly down. Good luck to Chris Mack and at 62 I am afraid I got too close. I probably make my Connecticut friends sick when we get together... I woke up last night with a scary thought and explains my anxiety...in our last 2 single elimination losses (PC and FSU) out of the 80 minutes of regulation time we were ahead 79 minutes!!!. Keep replaying things in my mind and getting insomnia. As Charles Degaulle said when asked if he was indespensable during WW2 - "the cemetery is full of indispensable men".

[dubbledxu]

Steele will be the next coach. Christopher's legacy as AD will be tied to the performance of this hire. If he doesnt at least offer Steele, and the hire fails, "we" will be all over him for overthinking it, not following the Xavier way, etc. If he hires Steele and Steele fails, very few of us will blame him and he will get one more shot. Very little risk in hiring Steele, and i am confident thats who it will be.

Having said that, I want Miller or Matta because Id rather live with the devil I know than the devil i dont know.

[BMoreX]

Shannon Russell
I'm at Xavier. Players have been informed. They were told if they had any questions to visit the office of AD Greg Christopher. The group just went into his office and closed thr door.

[Xville]

Steele will be the next coach. Christopher's legacy as AD will be tied to the performance of this hire. If he doesnt at least offer Steele, and the hire fails, "we" will be all over him for overthinking it, not following the Xavier way, etc. If he hires Steele and Steele fails, very few of us will blame him and he will get one more shot. Very little risk in hiring Steele, and i am confident thats who it will be.

That's fine...I just hope Steele values defense and offense..not just one side of the ball like mack coached teams.

[klark]

I’ll buy it for $1. Dude Mack wasn’t Coach K! He was an above avg coach who left for 1m more. Louisville can now enjoy his lack of defense and early exits from the dance. X will be better for this and Louisville will be calling for his head in 3 years. FACTS

For the record, I'm glad he isn't because that guy is a piece of crap. Sorry but this sucks, more than the last 2.

[Xville]

Shannon Russell
I'm at Xavier. Players have been informed. They were told if they had any questions to visit the office of AD Greg Christopher. The group just went into his office and closed thr door.

I'm guessing it's either a question of who the next coach is, or a demand for Steele

[paulxu]

Shannon Russell
I'm at Xavier. Players have been informed. They were told if they had any questions to visit the office of AD Greg Christopher. The group just went into his office and closed thr door.

Does this mean Mack didn't meet with the players?

[BMoreX]

Does this mean Mack didn't meet with the players?

No, Shannon (as did Brian Snow) reported that he met with them. After that occurred, players went to speak with Christopher.

[XUBob]

For me it has to be Steele. Xavier has been promoting qualified assistants for years. It has worked, I say don’t buck the system and I think Steele is more than ready. I think we all thought Chris might have been a lifer at X, today proves it is always and will always be about the $$$$$. So lets keep hiring hungry up and comers and hope for continued program improvement.

[Caveat]

I'm guessing it's either a question of who the next coach is, or a demand for Steele

Or to ask if they can all get one more autographed pictured of Bill Murray before his kid skips town.

[boozehound]

I'm hearing from a pretty good source that Kelsey will be more than a passing consideration and that the Matta thing may be real as well.

I'll pass on both of those, please.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

No on Matt’s, NO !!!! On miller, nooooooo!!!!
We should go Steele or Kelsey.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

I'm hearing from a pretty good source that Kelsey will be more than a passing consideration and that the Matta thing may be real as well.

You've convinced me. I'm now FOR a quick hiring of Steele. Maybe we can have the press conference before Louisville's!

[xubrew]

Dave Bliss is available.

[dubbledxu]

I will be more surprised if we hire Pat Kelsey than if it were to be Rick Pitino, Bob Huggins, or Mick Cronin. Too much personal drama involved with Kelsey.

Outside name Im surprised no one mentioned yet is Andy Kennedy.

[GoMuskies]

Outside name Im surprised no one mentioned yet is Andy Kennedy.

You're just screwing with us now.

[GoMuskies]

Okay, another name to consider: Matt McMahon

[GIMMFD]

I truly hope none of our guys transfer out due to this nonsense, I can't believe he bolted for a million more if the reports of X offering $3mil were true. I think you have to take a hard look at Steele, I believe he's ready, he's been groomed for this and might keep some guys from heading out the door. Reports coming in that Mack is taking Murray and Pegs as well, so our entire staff is gonna have a rehaul. Sickened by this news.

[Blue Blooded-05]

One name no one is discussing... Matt Painter at Purdue.

I’ll be honest, I don’t know much about him as a coach. I only bring this up because Mike Bobinski is the AD at Purdue. How ironic would it be to poach Bobinski’s head coach? That’ll definitely make me feel better... if only for a little while...

Also, I’m pretty sure Greg Christopher is from West Lafayette...

[dubbledxu]

You're just screwing with us now.


You got me on that one... I'm surprised the UC lurkers have dropped it in yet.

[AviatorX]

I just don’t see a universe where an Assistant with no HC experience gets it and it’s not Steele. So no way it’ll be Howard.

No thanks on Kelsey.

I agree it should be either Steele or Miller (lol, in another world).

[DDXav11]

I remember hearing Steele's wife is from Cincy. Any chance you think he could be our "long-term" option? ...somebody who stays with the program? Also, any word on who Mack is taking with him? Additionally, isn't Goodin from Louisville? I'm surprised with all the rumor and speculation I hadn't heard anyone say if they wonder if he'd go with Mack.

[AviatorX]

One name no one is discussing... Matt Painter at Purdue.

I’ll be honest, I don’t know much about him as a coach. I only bring this up because Mike Bobinski is the AD at Purdue. How ironic would it be to poach Bobinski’s head coach?

Also, I’m pretty sure Greg Christopher is from West Lafayette...

0-4 in the Sweet 16 doesn’t bode super well for breaking down the door.

[X-band '01]

Dave Bliss is available.

You mention Dave Bliss but not Tim Miles, Jim Les or Tim Floyd? You disappoint me Brew.

[Pete Delkus]

Steele is a very good recruiter. However he lacks Day 1 Head Coaching Experience. Plus our next 2 classes are just OK, if they leave because they have no connection to the new coach - so be it.

Kelsey has recruiting, coaching, Alumni outreach & he WILL stay if successful.

If Steele is successful in 5 years. He Will bolt.

[Caveat]

I truly hope none of our guys transfer out due to this nonsense, I can't believe he bolted for a million more if the reports of X offering $3mil were true. I think you have to take a hard look at Steele, I believe he's ready, he's been groomed for this and might keep some guys from heading out the door. Reports coming in that Mack is taking Murray and Pegs as well, so our entire staff is gonna have a rehaul. Sickened by this news.

I'm genuinely worried about what happens if a few guys transfer and the recruiting downswing that almost always follows a head coaching change happens simultaneously.

[Blue Blooded-05]

0-4 in the Sweet 16 doesn’t bode super well for breaking down the door.

You missed the point. I was pointing out the irony of poaching the HC from the AD who left Xavier because his HC kept getting poached.

[trunnxx]

Who has the link for the plane tracker? Thinking flights out of Tucson...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Title]

1) Steele
2) Kelsey
3) James Whitford

[bobbiemcgee]

I'm genuinely worried about what happens if a few guys transfer and the recruiting downswing that almost always follows a head coaching change happens simultaneously.

Our recruits ain't that good.

[GoMuskies]

Whitford has done pretty well at Ball State....but not quite enough. The guys who got promoted out of there over the years (Majerus and McCallum) did more before they got better gigs.

[Caveat]

Steele is a very good recruiter. However he lacks Day 1 Head Coaching Experience. Plus our next 2 classes are just OK, if they leave because they have no connection to the new coach - so be it.

Kelsey has recruiting, coaching, Alumni outreach & he WILL stay if successful.

If Steele is successful in 5 years. He Will bolt.

If you stripped the name "Pat Kelsey" off his resume, it wouldn't even make the top-20 of people you'd consider hiring for this job.

Also, Chris Mack left. He was an alum, and he bolted for an extra million bucks. The idea of "he will stay" moves me very little, at this point.

[dubbledxu]

I remember hearing Steele's wife is from Cincy. Any chance you think he could be our "long-term" option? ...somebody who stays with the program? Also, any word on who Mack is taking with him? Additionally, isn't Goodin from Louisville? I'm surprised with all the rumor and speculation I hadn't heard anyone say if they wonder if he'd go with Mack.

She is, and she is quite attractive. Better keep our alumni away from her.

The idea of "they will leave.." doesnt bother me. I dont want a coach who doesnt garner interest from other programs.

[GoMuskies]

Goodin is from southwestern Kentucky.

[scoscox]

Nate oats, John brannen, Ashley Howard. We should offer Patrick Ewing just for a laugh

[GIMMFD]

I'm genuinely worried about what happens if a few guys transfer and the recruiting downswing that almost always follows a head coaching change happens simultaneously.

Agreed, we need to keep Q, Scruggs, and Naji in order to cause damage, this probably hurts our transfer market recruiting as well, depending on the hire, this is a shitty time for X fans, really hope our coaching search is quick and done properly.

[bobbiemcgee]

Brad Stevens heh heh

[GoMuskies]

We need to keep Tyrique as well. He's going to destroy backboards next year if he stays healthy.

[Pete Delkus]

People who know Macks personality understood this day was going to come. He & Kelsey come from the same lineage & Coaching tree. Anyone who knows Kelsey, knows while he's might be friends with Mack, he is not built from the same cloth & his approach is waaaaaay different.

You are really underselling Kelsey, who was a major part in Wakes last wave of NBA players & gets kids to buy into the allure of a program & an appreciation of how things are done. This guy takes the right approach.

[Title]

Whitford has done pretty well at Ball State....but not quite enough. The guys who got promoted out of there over the years (Majerus and McCallum) did more before they got better gigs.

His resume does lack a conference championship and a tournament appearance, I'll give you that. However he has turned Ball State around and into a twenty game perennial winner. Miller thought enough of him to elevate him to associate head coach at Zona. I am not sure he is any riskier than promoting a current assistant.

It makes more sense than Butler hiring LaVall Jordan, and that seems to be working out.

[drudy23]

People who know Macks personality understood this day was going to come. He & Kelsey come from the same lineage & Coaching tree. Anyone who knows Kelsey, knows while he's might be friends with Mack, he is not built from the same cloth & his approach is waaaaaay different.



People always beat around the bush with this...what does this mean?

[BandAid]

People always beat around the bush with this...what does this mean?

I am going to get trouble for saying this, but it's what I picked up after living in Cincinnati for ten years:

St. X mindset/culture versus Elder mindset/culture.

[Caveat]

People who know Macks personality understood this day was going to come. He & Kelsey come from the same lineage & Coaching tree. Anyone who knows Kelsey, knows while he's might be friends with Mack, he is not built from the same cloth & his approach is waaaaaay different.

You are really underselling Kelsey, who was a major part in Wakes last wave of NBA players & gets kids to buy into the allure of a program & an appreciation of how things are done. This guy takes the right approach.

I’m not underselling anyone — I’m saying that his record as a head coach at Winthrop has been completely unspectacular. If you looked at it withou the name “Pat Kelsey” attached, you’d see a guy at a lower mid-major program w/ 6 years of experience, 2 conceference titles, 1 NCAA appearance and 0 NCAA wins.

There are dozens of guys with that exact same resume out there right now. None of them would ever (and none of them should ever) sniff a job like Xavier.

I’m sure Pat is a good guy, but is his resume really worth potentially losing key roster pieces to transfer or potentially losing recruits?

[Xville]

I am going to get trouble for saying this, but it's what I picked up after living in Cincinnati for ten years:

St. X mindset/culture versus Elder mindset/culture.

For someone not from cincy, what the hell does that mean

[LadyMuskie]

People who know Macks personality understood this day was going to come. He & Kelsey come from the same lineage & Coaching tree. Anyone who knows Kelsey, knows while he's might be friends with Mack, he is not built from the same cloth & his approach is waaaaaay different.

You are really underselling Kelsey, who was a major part in Wakes last wave of NBA players & gets kids to buy into the allure of a program & an appreciation of how things are done. This guy takes the right approach.

Kelsey develops big guys like nobody's business - or at least he did at Wake and X. I have not followed his career at Winthrop. He's a westsider and to be honest, it's really difficult to get westsiders to ever leave the westside unless they're going to Hilton Head, Destin or Gatlinburg. So, maybe he is the one to come and stick around and make it work. Who knows?!?

[drudy23]

I am going to get trouble for saying this, but it's what I picked up after living in Cincinnati for ten years:

St. X mindset/culture versus Elder mindset/culture.

So blue collar vs. white collar? Hard work vs. easy street? I'm not getting the connection as it relates to Mack...didn't seem like he was entitled.

[LadyMuskie]

For someone not from cincy, what the hell does that mean

We used to say St. X grads become the lawyers and Elder grads become the cops.

[Pete Delkus]

Saw this on twitter - looks right - but to a unspectacular resume ?
Pat Kelsey
• Only Gregg Marshall had more wins in his first 4 years of D-1
• Reached 100 wins in just 5 years
• Rebuilt Winthrop
• @CoachChrisMack’s former top assistant
• Already proven winner as a head coach
• Went to/coached at Elder HS & #Xavier

[LadyMuskie]

So blue collar vs. white collar? Hard work vs. easy street? I'm not getting the connection as it relates to Mack...didn't seem like he was entitled.

I think the point is that Kelsey would stay, whereas Mack is moving on because he thinks he's better than us.

[Caveat]

Kelsey develops big guys like nobody's business - or at least he did at Wake and X. I have not followed his career at Winthrop. He's a westsider and to be honest, it's really difficult to get westsiders to ever leave the westside unless they're going to Hilton Head, Destin or Gatlinburg. So, maybe he is the one to come and stick around and make it work. Who knows?!?

Chasing someone who will “stay” seems like a fools errand.

Chase someone who will get us a Final Four banner.

[boozehound]

Kelsey develops big guys like nobody's business - or at least he did at Wake and X. I have not followed his career at Winthrop. He's a westsider and to be honest, it's really difficult to get westsiders to ever leave the westside unless they're going to Hilton Head, Destin or Gatlinburg. So, maybe he is the one to come and stick around and make it work. Who knows?!?

We should remove 'will he stay' from the equation, IMHO. It's a dangerous road to mediocrity. Just keep getting better and build Xavier into a destination program like Villanova.

[drudy23]

Chasing someone who will “stay” seems like a fools errand.

Chase someone who will get us a Final Four banner.

Or both.

[AviatorX]

Saw this on twitter - looks right - but to a unspectacular reseume?
Pat Kelsey
• Only Gregg Marshall had more wins in his first 4 years of D-1
• Reached 100 wins in just 5 years
• Rebuilt Winthrop
• @CoachChrisMack’s former top assistant
• Already proven winner as a head coach
• Went to/coached at Elder HS & #Xavier

Is there a reason Kelsey has been so much less successful at Winthrop than Marshall? I am legitimately asking because I don’t know what kind of shape the program was in etc. But based on the Marshall era, it seems like Winthrop should be winning that league every year Xavier/A10 style.

[Xavier]

If we get 6-7 years with the next coach and he leaves but gives the program a similar bump the way Mack did, I would sign up for that right now.

[BandAid]

Is there a reason Kelsey has been so much less successful at Winthrop than Marshall? I am legitimately asking because I don’t know what kind of shape the program was in etc. But based on the Marshall era, it seems like Winthrop should be winning that league every year Xavier/A10 style.

He did win it 2 out of the last 3 years (regular season)

[GoMuskies]

Is there a reason Kelsey has been so much less successful at Winthrop than Marshall?

Marshall is one of the top few coaches in college basketball, and Kelsey is not (even if he's pretty good), perhaps?

[dubbledxu]

https://twitter.com/SethDavisHoops/status/978730179701780480

Tell us how you feel Seth....

[Lloyd Braun]

Evan Boudreaux re-opening recruitment....

[AviatorX]

Marshall is one of the top few coaches in college basketball, and Kelsey is not (even if he's pretty good), perhaps?

Eh I don’t really think that highly of him, more in the top 20-25 camp...hence my concern that if the success gap is that wide X should pass on Kelsey.

[bobbiemcgee]

Evan Boudreaux re-opening recruitment....

Wow...took him a hour or so..

[Caveat]

Evan Boudreaux re-opening recruitment....

This is off to a great start.

[LadyMuskie]

https://twitter.com/SethDavisHoops/status/978730179701780480

Tell us how you feel Seth....

Seth Davis is a moron. Every time I listen to him or read something he's written, I instantly feel dumber.

[BMoreX]

Not surprising. Expect more of that in the coming days from Walter/Kennedy/James.

EDIT: I should mention don't be surprised if they ask to be released from their NLIs.

They can always re-commit. Happened with a lot of IU commits with Archie last year.

[GoMuskies]

Eh I don’t really think that highly of him, more in the top 20-25 camp...hence my concern that if the success gap is that wide X should pass on Kelsey.

I don't know a lot of other coaches who've won 11 NCAA Tournament games coaching at Winthrop and Wichita State.

[markchal]

Wow...took him a hour or so..

yeah, this kinda sucks, but it makes sense too. Wouldn't be surprised to see him in red next year, since I think they will be needing players. Bummer for us though, I thought he would start or be our sixth man.

[AviatorX]

This is off to a great start.

Hopefully if he doesn’t come back into the fold (definite possibility), he will go on to have a career along the lines of Kevin Parrom and Kyryl Natyazkho.

[BandAid]

Evan Boudreaux re-opening recruitment....

I'll take "least surprising things in history" for 100 Alex...

[drudy23]

Evan Boudreaux re-opening recruitment....

Jesus Christ.

These type of things set programs back multiple years.

[AviatorX]

I don't know a lot of other coaches who've won 11 NCAA Tournament games coaching at Winthrop and Wichita State.

I know you really like Gregg/Wichita. Just don’t agree he’s one of the best few coaches in the country. No worries.

[dubbledxu]

Evan Boudreaux re-opening recruitment....

He didnt even wait for GC to reach out to him like the statement said!

[LadyMuskie]

We should remove 'will he stay' from the equation, IMHO. It's a dangerous road to mediocrity. Just keep getting better and build Xavier into a destination program like Villanova.

I don't disagree necessarily, but we are not Final Four ready right now, and with recruits opening up recruitment we'll be even less ready next year. It's going to take more than 3 or 4 years, so we need someone who will stick around for at least the better part of a decade if that's our goal. If Xavier becomes known as the program that changes coaches every 5 to 10 years, we'll never get the kind of recruits we'll need to make a deep run in my opinion. I guess we can always hold out hope for sheer luck.

[GoMuskies]

Fair enough, but I liked Gregg a lot even when he was back in Winthrop and before I moved here. It's pretty hard to argue with his results (particularly his results at Winthrop).

[GoMuskies]

Okay, I'm ready for my first ridiculous Sean Miller rumor.

[dubbledxu]

Okay, I'm ready for my first ridiculous Sean Miller rumor.

This isnt off to a good start :( . https://flightaware.com/live/findflight?origin=KTUS&destination=KLUK

[Lloyd Braun]

I said before I wouldn’t want Miller back because of the Buick statement. I was on drugs. I’m clean now and am ok being a Buick. Shaq drives a Buick!

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

well Scruggs is on board for the Coach Steele train. Trying to find some light in today.

[GoMuskies]

Not a great sign for what will happen if someone else is picked.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Glass half empty, I see... hard not to be today.

[dubbledxu]

Glass half empty, I see... hard not to be today.

Agreed, Im gonna go cheer myself up and talk abortion, gun control, and immigration with people on facebook. :shocked2:

[LadyMuskie]

Greg Christopher press conference happening right now. Streaming live on Facebook.

[SemajParlor]

Fair enough, but I liked Gregg a lot even when he was back in Winthrop and before I moved here. It's pretty hard to argue with his results (particularly his results at Winthrop).

Fun fact I've called more timeouts than Gregg Marshall has in the past 5 years.

[Jesuit4Life]

Link to press conference - https://www.facebook.com/Enquirer/videos/10157449249389698/
Replay is available now if you missed it. Skip to about 6:30 for the start.

[LadyMuskie]

A few take aways from Greg Christopher's press conference so far:
- threw shade at Louisville by mentioning the FBI
- just said that the program is bigger than any one player or coach or university president. Is he alluding to the fact that Graham is leaving too? That would make GladdenGuy happy.
- there is no timeline to hire a new coach, save finding the right coach to fit the program
- met with players after Chris left and they are disappointed, but had suggestions for new coach
- "how we run this program is more important to Xavier University than the results on the court."

[xudash]

Greg Christopher press conference happening right now. Streaming live on Facebook.

Thanks for posting that. Caught the end of it. We're obviously in good hands.

Oh, and GladdenGuy will have to be disappointed a while longer.

[Caveat]

Christopher said we was going to call the recruits tonight.

That sounds reassuring.

[murray87]

Greg Christopher handled things well. Was driving home during the presser and I didn't quite catch what he said with regards to what Mack was making and possibly might have been bumped to. Did anyone catch that?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Not a great sign for what will happen if someone else is picked.

Put Q in that same camp... Just retweeted Ed's endorsement of Steele.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Greg Christopher handled things well. Was driving home during the presser and I didn't quite catch what he said with regards to what Mack was making and possibly might have been bumped to. Did anyone catch that?

Christopher said Mack was making north of 2M currently, and that was a little above average for Big East. Said that Mack knew that would've gone up again if he were to stay.

[XUGRAD80]

Greg Christopher handled things well. Was driving home during the presser and I didn't quite catch what he said with regards to what Mack was making and possibly might have been bumped to. Did anyone catch that?

Ne said that the average for BE coaches was right at 2 million per year......that Mack was already north of that, and would have been even north of that (where he is now) if he was staying. Said that they feel that X is competitive with others in the BE and also on a NATIONAL basis.

[XUGRAD80]

Question....

Is there a better opening anywhere else in the country right now, than X?

[BandAid]

Question....

Is there a better opening anywhere else in the country right now, than X?

Nope.

Maybe Arizona in a few weeks :lol:

[D-West & PO-Z]

Question....

Is there a better opening anywhere else in the country right now, than X?

No way.

[Xville]

If there is a coach out there such as a Miller that is available, I don't necessarily care what the current players say. It would be a tough 2 years or so but they would get it together and be fine in the long game. If there isn't someone out there at that level that wants to come to x though, then just give it to Steele I guess.

[GIMMFD]

Ne said that the average for BE coaches was right at 2 million per year......that Mack was already north of that, and would have been even north of that (where he is now) if he was staying. Said that they feel that X is competitive with others in the BE and also on a NATIONAL basis.

Wow Christopher sticking to his guns and throwing some shade, I like it, seems like we have a good AD. With all the player endorsement for Steele it's gotta be pretty tough not to give it to him, right?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

If there is a coach out there such as a Miller that is available, I don't necessarily care what the current players say. It would be a tough 2 years or so but they would get it together and be fine in the long game. If there isn't someone out there at that level that wants to come to x though, then just give it to Steele I guess.

Miller would probably be the only one on my mind that could make me drink through the next two years without potentially Q, Scruggs, Naji. I don't know anyone else who is at that level that would consider. For whatever it's worth, are options are most likely:

1) Steele
2) Sean Miller (not going to pretend I think this is realistic
3) a bottom half P5 coach
4) a young mid-major guy that has some sort of sustained success in regular season and tournament.

[Section 200]

Kelsey should get a legit shot - hopefully he is heading into town now.

[bobbiemcgee]

Wow Christopher sticking to his guns and throwing some shade, I like it, seems like we have a good AD. With all the player endorsement for Steele it's gotta be pretty tough not to give it to him, right?

The AD will go thru the motions and then hire Steele. Otherwise, he would be packing for L'Ville.

[BandAid]

There certainly doesn't seem to be as many "hot" names out there this year. Then again, Mack was always one of the "hot" names.

[Caveat]

Kelsey should get a legit shot - hopefully he is heading into town now.

Legitimately — what do people see in him other than his Cincinnati background and Xavier connections?

Because I’d expect any mid major coach we hire to have at least one NCAA win or multiple tournament appearances. Not having those seems like a big reach, especially when you factor that hiring him will almost certainly result in transfers from the current squad and lost recruits.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I dont think this will be a super quick hire.

Not sure what is quick or not though I guess. Would be surprised to see this take 10-14 days though.

[XUGRAD80]

Final 4 weekend in just a few days...I would expect an announcement by next Tuesday at the latest. Final 4 is a great time to meet and talk with people, find assistants, etc.

[Emp]

Legitimately — what do people see in him other than his Cincinnati background and Xavier connections?

Because I’d expect any mid major coach we hire to have at least one NCAA win or multiple tournament appearances. Not having those seems like a big reach, especially when you factor that hiring him will almost certainly result in transfers from the current squad and lost recruits.

Other than that, how was the play Mrs Lincoln?

Kelsey's dad is also an influential alum and booster. As for the NCCA tourney win qualifier, that would be a first....we've targeted assistants all along, and it's worked. Don't change what ain't broke.

Steele. Screw the search.... if he's the guy, don't mess with modesty panel interviews while the players and recruits twist slowly in the wind.

It's not like Christopher hasn't thought about this until now.

[Pete Delkus]

Legitimately — what do people see in him other than his Cincinnati background and Xavier connections?

Because I’d expect any mid major coach we hire to have at least one NCAA win or multiple tournament appearances. Not having those seems like a big reach, especially when you factor that hiring him will almost certainly result in transfers from the current squad and lost recruits.

Then what Head Coaching prowess can Steele point to as his big accomplishment? Just saying former players like Steele, & current players might stay isn't a reason to name his X's coach, in fact it's lazy.

We know nothing of Steele's coaching style (x & o's) & season wide motivational ability. I'm not saying Steele can't drive the X bus, but your belittling Kelsey's resume & comparing it to Steele's (?) is quite laughable!

[D-West & PO-Z]

We know nothing of Steele's coaching style (x & o's) & season wide motivational ability. I'm not saying Steele can't drive the X bus, but your belittling Kelsey's resume & comparing it to Steele's (?) is quite laughable!

We don't but I'm sure Greg Christoper does. As an assistant head coach he had a lot of significant duties and game planning. Mack mentioned previously how Miller taught him a lot and gave him a lot of responsibility as an assistant head.

[Pete Delkus]

....we've targeted assistants all along, and it's worked. Don't change what ain't broke.

Not a fan of this sentiment - especially now we are in a MAJOR conference.

[xukeith]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB_7wQUINTw
AD talks and talks about next steps.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I am just shocked at some posters who want Miller or Matta back. No freaking retreads, we don’t hire retreads. We look at hungry coaches and young guys. Retreads are for schools holding on not moving up.


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[Nigel Tufnel]

I am just shocked at some posters who want Miller or Matta back. No freaking retreads, we don’t hire retreads. We look at hungry coaches and young guys. Retreads are for schools holding on not moving up.


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I would generally agree...no Matta, but the Miller situation seems different. If he came back, it would be redemption. He made a mistake leaving and he would want to prove that in 2009, he was wrong.

I say Steele first and then Miller. If it ain’t broke...

[dubbledxu]

It’s gonna be steele bc its a safe hire. GC knows his ass is on the line if he hires anyone else and they fail.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I am just shocked at some posters who want Miller or Matta back. No freaking retreads, we don’t hire retreads. We look at hungry coaches and young guys. Retreads are for schools holding on not moving up.


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Miller would be a far cry for the typical retread.

Its a pipe dream but would be unreal if we could get him back. He'd be by far and away my first choice.

[Xville]

I really wonder if gc will at least make a call to Miller just to gauge interest? I could be wrong but I just feel like Miller wants out at Arizona...probably mostly due to the whole FBI thing but could be other factors.

[bjf123]

Someone I know says he believes Miller has already reached out to X about coming back. I have no idea how that might work with him being under contract. Maybe through back channels?


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[LadyMuskie]

I really wonder if gc will at least make a call to Miller just to gauge interest? I could be wrong but I just feel like Miller wants out at Arizona...probably mostly due to the whole FBI thing but could be other factors.

Based on what Greg Christopher said in his press conference re: how running a clean program is more important to Xavier than winning combined with the cloud of suspicion hanging over Miller and Arizona right now, I'm 100% certain Christopher is not calling Miller.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Miller would be a far cry for the typical retread.

Its a pipe dream but would be unreal if we could get him back. He'd be by far and away my first choice.

Agree. And people who worry about a black cloud...everyone has been commenting about how dirty UK, UNC, KU, MSU and Ville are...where has that gone? I don’t care anymore. If he can be properly vetted and wants to come back, be hard to say no.

[Title]

Based on what Greg Christopher said in his press conference re: how running a clean program is more important to Xavier than winning combined with the cloud of suspicion hanging over Miller and Arizona right now, I'm 100% certain Christopher is not calling Miller.

I agree, why would anyone want Miller right now ? He could be in jail this time next year.

[Xville]

Based on what Greg Christopher said in his press conference re: how running a clean program is more important to Xavier than winning combined with the cloud of suspicion hanging over Miller and Arizona right now, I'm 100% certain Christopher is not calling Miller.

Yeah coaches and athletic directors never lie. :)

[Xville]

I agree, why would anyone want Miller right now ? He could be in jail this time next year.

As nigel above said, if he can be properly vetted, I'd take the risk. Call me naive but Miller just does not strike me as someone that would cheat, and honestly at this point, I'm not so sure I care anymore.

[Title]

As nigel above said, if he can be properly vetted, I'd take the risk. Call me naive but Miller just does not strike me as someone that would cheat, and honestly at this point, I'm not so sure I care anymore.

Oh come on, look at some of the screw-ups he recruited.

[Xville]

Oh come on, look at some of the screw-ups he recruited.

Ok I'll bite...like who?

[xu82]

Agree. And people who worry about a black cloud...everyone has been commenting about how dirty UK, UNC, KU, MSU and Ville are...where has that gone? I don’t care anymore. If he can be properly vetted and wants to come back, be hard to say no.

I don’t know where this is coming from. Why would he want to come back to the Buick with a pay cut? I’m not saying he might not be open to it...but is there any basis for this? Theoretically, I’d be open to a proven first rate coach, and a home and home where we get two wins against Louisville every year. :-)

[Xavier]

Based on what Greg Christopher said in his press conference re: how running a clean program is more important to Xavier than winning combined with the cloud of suspicion hanging over Miller and Arizona right now, I'm 100% certain Christopher is not calling Miller.

Great point. He did mention a potential search firm just to make sure they have the best information shortly after talking about fbi being involved. Maybe to see if Miller is clean. I’d be as happy as the next guy but I’d be pretty happy with Steele, also.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

As nigel above said, if he can be properly vetted, I'd take the risk. Call me naive but Miller just does not strike me as someone that would cheat, and honestly at this point, I'm not so sure I care anymore.

You are naive, Miller is poison right now. Couple that with h no he isn’t a good coach. If he goes zone Arizona doesn’t get boat raced by Buffalo.


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[LadyMuskie]

Agree. And people who worry about a black cloud...everyone has been commenting about how dirty UK, UNC, KU, MSU and Ville are...where has that gone? I don’t care anymore. If he can be properly vetted and wants to come back, be hard to say no.


As nigel above said, if he can be properly vetted, I'd take the risk. Call me naive but Miller just does not strike me as someone that would cheat, and honestly at this point, I'm not so sure I care anymore.

You should care. The NCAA will never kill the blue blood programs because it will be too costly. There's just too much money involved, and chances are those schools would just say "F off" and start their own governing body anyway. But a school like Xavier. . . a school with recent success, a good reputation, name recognition? They'll kill a program like that just to prove a point. A school like Xavier will become the whipping boy for all the ills of college basketball. We can't be stupid about things, and to say you don't care how we obtain recruits is being stupid. I want a Final Four just as much as anybody, but I also want to be proud of my alma mater, proud to call myself a Xavier fan. If the only way we can win, or make it to the Final Four is to cheat, then no thanks. I don't think we have to get Miller back or cheat our way to the Final Four.

[XUBison]

Based on what Greg Christopher said in his press conference re: how running a clean program is more important to Xavier than winning combined with the cloud of suspicion hanging over Miller and Arizona right now, I'm 100% certain Christopher is not calling Miller.

Then GC should be fired.

[Nigel Tufnel]

I don’t know where this is coming from. Why would he want to come back to the Buick with a pay cut? I’m not saying he might not be open to it...but is there any basis for this? Theoretically, I’d be open to a proven first rate coach, and a home and home where we get two wins against Louisville every year. :-)

i don't know what comes of it...but there are rumblings Miller would come back to X in a heartbeat, if offered.

[Xavier]

You are naive, Miller is poison right now. Couple that with h no he isn’t a good coach. If he goes zone Arizona doesn’t get boat raced by Buffalo.


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That was a constant complaint while he was at Xavier. I think someone even asked him at one of those coaches shows. Checked Arizona message board and they were all over that same thing. Hard to believe he hasn’t been willing to mix that in after all these years

[Title]

Ok I'll bite...like who?

Well CJ Anderson and Keven Parrom to name a couple. Let's also not kid ourselves into believing he is a great coach.

[Snipe]

I don’t know where this is coming from. Why would he want to come back to the Buick with a pay cut? I’m not saying he might not be open to it...but is there any basis for this? Theoretically, I’d be open to a proven first rate coach, and a home and home where we get two wins against Louisville every year. :-)

Staying one step ahead of the posse as Gillen used to say. Sean was well liked at Xavier and I could see why he might want to get out of town at Arizona.

He has probably made 30 million in the past decade so he might now be hard up for cash either.

I don't know how GC would go about vetting Sean Miller. No idea.

I do sense that he would have some enthusiastic supporters.

[Xavier]

Then GC should be fired.

Because he wouldn’t consider a coach in the middle of an FBI probe, whose assistant coach got arrested and has reportedly been on tape discussing money for a player? What are you talking about. Literally everyone here knows it’s a major risk.

[Xville]

You are naive, Miller is poison right now. Couple that with h no he isn’t a good coach. If he goes zone Arizona doesn’t get boat raced by Buffalo.


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Hes better than mack..in my opinion by a longshot.

The "poison" thing...well maybe, but for all we know Mack could be dirty too.

[Title]

Hes better than mack..in my opinion by a longshot.

The "poison" thing...well maybe, but for all we know Mack could be dirty too.

Mack is a better coach and recruits better kids. We caught a break when Zona hired Miller.

[XUBison]

Because he wouldn’t consider a coach in the middle of an FBI probe, whose assistant coach got arrested and has reportedly been on tape discussing money for a player? What are you talking about. Literally everyone here knows it’s a major risk.

Yep, you got it.

[Nigel Tufnel]

You should care. The NCAA will never kill the blue blood programs because it will be too costly. There's just too much money involved, and chances are those schools would just say "F off" and start their own governing body anyway. But a school like Xavier. . . a school with recent success, a good reputation, name recognition? They'll kill a program like that just to prove a point. A school like Xavier will become the whipping boy for all the ills of college basketball. We can't be stupid about things, and to say you don't care how we obtain recruits is being stupid. I want a Final Four just as much as anybody, but I also want to be proud of my alma mater, proud to call myself a Xavier fan. If the only way we can win, or make it to the Final Four is to cheat, then no thanks. I don't think we have to get Miller back or cheat our way to the Final Four.

Easy. You are putting words in my mouth. I didn't say anything about how I didn't care about how we obtain recruits. I said I didn't care if everyone questioned it. Hell...look at a UC message board. They think Mack/Steele have been dirty for years. The Sumner situation exacerbated that... I'm just saying I no longer care what others think. And I dont think X would be given the Cleveland State treatment either. I think that's stupid.

[Xville]

Well CJ Anderson and Keven Parrom to name a couple. Let's also not kid ourselves into believing he is a great coach.

I think hes a damn good coach. I know hes not made a final four and the postseason is where coaches are judged, but I appreciated his style of play on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball while he was here at X.

What's wrong with CJ Anderson or Kevin parrom?

[Muskie in dayton]

Then GC should be fired.
It sounds like you are saying Christopher should be fired if he chooses a clean program over winning. That’s not what you are saying, right?

[Xville]

Mack is a better coach and recruits better kids. We caught a break when Zona hired Miller.

Recruits better kids? What does that even mean?

How do you think mack is a better coach? Based on what? The fact he completely ignores one side of the game?

[XUBison]

It sounds like you are saying Christopher should be fired if he chooses a clean program over winning. That’s not what you are saying, right?

So what if it is?

Kidding... I’m saying he should hire Sean Miller. And no, I don’t really think he should be fired if he doesn’t. geesh.

[Title]

Recruits better kids? What does that even mean?

How do you think mack is a better coach? Based on what? The fact he completely ignores one side of the game?

I am not even going to discuss this with someone who doesn't realize there were serious issues with CJ Anderson before he ever stepped foot on campus.

[Xavier]

Recruits better kids? What does that even mean?

How do you think mack is a better coach? Based on what? The fact he completely ignores one side of the game?

I like Miller as much as anyone. I think Miller and Mack are both top 15 coaches. If you were mad at Mack for post season failures you’d be livid at Miller, whose had way more talent and equally bad flame outs at Arizona.

[Xville]

You should care. The NCAA will never kill the blue blood programs because it will be too costly. There's just too much money involved, and chances are those schools would just say "F off" and start their own governing body anyway. But a school like Xavier. . . a school with recent success, a good reputation, name recognition? They'll kill a program like that just to prove a point. A school like Xavier will become the whipping boy for all the ills of college basketball. We can't be stupid about things, and to say you don't care how we obtain recruits is being stupid. I want a Final Four just as much as anybody, but I also want to be proud of my alma mater, proud to call myself a Xavier fan. If the only way we can win, or make it to the Final Four is to cheat, then no thanks. I don't think we have to get Miller back or cheat our way to the Final Four.

How can you be so sure that we haven't cheated already? That's why I said i don't care anymore because there is literally no way of knowing one way or the other until the FBI or NCAA says so. And the whole thing with miller... all we know at this point was that book was a dirtball, nothing on Miller apparently at this time.

[Xville]

I am not even going to discuss this with someone who doesn't realize there were serious issues with CJ Anderson before he ever stepped foot on campus.

Serious issues? Such as? Because he wasn't a choir boy?

[Backyard Champ]

Mack is a better coach and recruits better kids. We caught a break when Zona hired Miller.

Very dumb statement. Especially considering Xavier has had it's fair share of issues with kids Mack has recruitied.

These are kids. Every program has kids that make dumb choices.

[XUBison]

Recruits better kids? What does that even mean?

How do you think mack is a better coach? Based on what? The fact he completely ignores one side of the game?

One side of the game? You talking about Chris Prosser? I mean Skip Mack?

[Xville]

I like Miller as much as anyone. I think Miller and Mack are both top 15 coaches. If you were mad at Mack for post season failures you’d be livid at Miller, whose had way more talent and equally bad flame outs at Arizona.

I admit that I may be remembering Miller more positively than he was for us at the time. However I know how I felt about mack and again i was just never fully sold on him.

In regards to Miller's failures at zona I think that points to a certain personality type that does not mesh well with 5 stars and one and done. I can certainly be wrong on this, but I think it takes a special coach to be able to handle those types of personalities which is what is impressive about Calipari and now coach k.

[Xville]

One side of the game? You talking about Chris Prosser? I mean Skip Mack?

Yep exactly...comes from that same lineage and to me has the same issue. Fantastic on the offensive side..better than skip ever was, but I was constantly annoyed with mack coaches teams at xavier who had the same defensive issues year in and year out.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Based on what Greg Christopher said in his press conference re: how running a clean program is more important to Xavier than winning combined with the cloud of suspicion hanging over Miller and Arizona right now, I'm 100% certain Christopher is not calling Miller.

Or wen he talked about the FBI being involved in college bball and how important it is to vet all the potential coaches, was he sending a message to Sean that he was doing his homework and might be getting a call. :)

[XUBison]

I admit that I may be remembering Miller more positively than he was for us at the time. However I know how I felt about mack and again i was just never fully sold on him.

In regards to Miller's failures at zona I think that points to a certain personality type that does not mesh well with 5 stars and one and done. I can certainly be wrong on this, but I think it takes a special coach to be able to handle those types of personalities which is what is impressive about Calipari and now coach k.

Hasn’t Miller gone to 3 or 4 E8s at Zona? This year was a bust for him on so many levels, but otherwise he’s Ben pretty dan successful. All things considered, it’s only a matter of time for Sean. Roy had a reputation of not being able to get over the hump at KU. Hell, Boeheim didn’t win an NC until he’d been at Cuse for like a hundred years. Miller > Mack.

[Xville]

Hasn’t Miller gone to 3 or 4 E8s at Zona? This year was a bust for him on so many levels, but otherwise he’s Ben pretty dan successful. All things considered, it’s only a matter of time for Sean. Roy had a reputation of not being able to get over the hump at KU. Hell, Boeheim didn’t win an NC until he’d been at Cuse for like a hundred years. Miller > Mack.

I'd be pretty excited if we gave him the opportunity to get his first ff here.

[Xavier]

Hasn’t Miller gone to 3 or 4 E8s at Zona? This year was a bust for him on so many levels, but otherwise he’s Ben pretty dan successful. All things considered, it’s only a matter of time for Sean. Roy had a reputation of not being able to get over the hump at KU. Hell, Boeheim didn’t win an NC until he’d been at Cuse for like a hundred years. Miller > Mack.

Well, in the last three years he lost in the first round as a 6 seed, lost to an 11 seed as a 2 seed in sweet 16 and then with the best player in college basketball lost in embarrassing fashion this year. He missed the tournament as well. So with some of the best talent in last three years it was three embarrassing losses, twice in the first round.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Serious issues? Such as? Because he wasn't a choir boy?


Very dumb statement. Especially considering Xavier has had it's fair share of issues with kids Mack has recruitied.

These are kids. Every program has kids that make dumb choices.

+1

[D-West & PO-Z]

Well, in the last three years he lost in the first round as a 6 seed, lost to an 11 seed as a 2 seed in sweet 16 and then with the best player in college basketball lost in embarrassing fashion this year. He missed the tournament as well. So with some of the best talent in last three years it was three embarrassing losses, twice in the first round.

Yeah and went to 3 Elite 8's the previous 4 years before that.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Whoever the new coach is can we all please agree never anymore "He's never leaving, he'll be here forever" posts no matter who they are?

Not sure why some people are so absolute with anything, least of which Xavier basketball coaches.

[Caveat]

Sean Miller isn’t coming back.

But if he did, he’d be far and away the best outside hire Xavier could make.

[LadyMuskie]

If Miller comes back, who is going to be in charge of cleaning up the mess caused when MOR's head explodes?

[Xavier]

Yeah and went to 3 Elite 8's the previous 4 years before that.

Oh no question, I’d take his 9 years as a success. But with his talent he should’ve been in at least one final four by now. And what he has done the last three years it has been very very disappointing for Arizona. A lot of zona fans are getting frustrated.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Oh no question, I’d take his 9 years as a success. But with his talent he should’ve been in at least one final four by now. And what he has done the last three years it has been very very disappointing for Arizona. A lot of zona fans are getting frustrated.

Yeah it is surprising it hasnt happened and they have had some very close calls.

I know Zona fans are frustrated. Honestly if he left, I'm not sure they would be too upset.

[Caveat]

Whoever the new coach is can we all please agree never anymore "He's never leaving, he'll be here forever" posts no matter who they are?

Not sure why some people are so absolute with anything, least of which Xavier basketball coaches.

I hope to be just as pissed off when Travis Steele leaves for UK or IU.

[Xville]

For those in the know, is it pretty much a foregone conclusion that it is Steele? He may be great but it's hard for me to get excited about him.

[Caveat]

For those in the know, is it pretty much a foregone conclusion that it is Steele? He may be great but it's hard for me to get excited about him.

They’re exponentially more likely to have 5 actual starters next year if Steele is the pick.

That alone should be exciting.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The posters I really feel for are the ones with Mack related usernames.

[Xville]

They’re exponentially more likely to have 5 actual starters next year if Steele is the pick.

That alone should be exciting.

Meh...I'm in for the long game if we could get someone with some head coaching success at a decent level. I don't know who that is because I don't know who is interested in the job but just saying.

[XUBison]

Whoever the new coach is can we all please agree never anymore "He's never leaving, he'll be here forever" posts no matter who they are?

Not sure why some people are so absolute with anything, least of which Xavier basketball coaches.

You mean, absolute about things for which they have no actual knowledge? Amen, and thank you for this post.

[GoMuskies]

If Miller comes back, who is going to be in charge of cleaning up the mess caused when MOR's head explodes?

Are you kidding me? MOR would love him like a son if he came back. Intellectual consistency is definitely not necessary in the fan game.

The last (and only) time I got drunk with MOR was at Clarke's in Boston before Sean Miller's last game as Xavier's coach. So Sean's return should bring back good memories!

[dubbledxu]

i worry about alot of these posters questioning miller's coaching abilities. Yall know Duke, MSU, KU, etc also lose early in the tournament every few years? thats what happens when you have a roster of 18-20 year old 1 and doners. If the NCAA cared abt compliance, then UNC wouldnt be still participating in athletics.

[xnatic03]

I think Steele would do a fantastic job. Whoever we have next year, even if it were to have been Mack, would have had a relatively down year. If it is Steele, or anyone else for that matter, there are 2 areas for improvement that need to be addressed: 1) too many big leads given up during Mack's tenure...VCU in 2013, Wisconsin 2 years ago, FSU last Sunday, Providence a few weeks back, last year's Crosstown Shootout, ASU this year, etc. and 2) tougher D....Miller's teams could hit lulls on offense regularly but were stellar when they needed to make a stop. Mack's teams could make massive offensive runs and look damn good doing it but generally had trouble getting a stop when needed.
All in all, I hold no ill-will towards Mack. He is doing what he feels is right for his career and his family. Maybe it's the fact that my mother-in-law has terminal cancer, both my parents have had cancer in the last 7 years, the struggles we have gone through with a daughter on the autism spectrum (who is now thriving), etc., but I guess I don't tend to get worked up about stuff like this. It is what it is. Things will work themselves out and Xavier basketball will likely continue to grow and thrive.

[LadyMuskie]

Are you kidding me? MOR would love him like a son if he came back. Intellectual consistency is definitely not necessary in the fan game.

The last (and only) time I got drunk with MOR was at Clarke's in Boston before Sean Miller's last game as Xavier's coach. So Sean's return should bring back good memories!

I'm sure you're right. What was MOR's nickname for Miller? I think it was very intellectual if I'm remembering correctly. :biggrin:

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm sure you're right. What was MOR's nickname for Miller? I think it was very intellectual if I'm remembering correctly. :biggrin:

Desert Raccoon

[LadyMuskie]

Desert Raccoon

I knew what it was. I was just being a smartass.

[drudy23]

The list of programs and coaches that we'll get to the Final Four before is getting longer and longer.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I knew what it was. I was just being a smartass.

Ah my bad.....

[bjf123]

I knew what it was. I was just being a smartass.

Always go with your strengths, Lady! [emoji6]


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[xavierj]

Louisville has all of their ducks in a row...

https://mobile.twitter.com/ericcrawford/status/978803121563623424

[JTG]

Louisville has all of their ducks in a row...

https://mobile.twitter.com/ericcrawford/status/978803121563623424

This can't be serious. Either that or the school Pres is in a power struggle with his AD. The UL BOT not having a clue what's going on ? C'mon. Hilarious if it all blew up tomorrow though !

[IM4X]

So let me get this straight:

Miller leaves Xavier for Arizona saying you can't win a final four at X.

X fans want nothing more to do with the trader.

Miller makes another disparaging remark about X, suggesting Arizona is like a Lexus and Xavier is like a Buick.

Miller proves he can land elite level recruiting classes w/ 5 star players, but unfortunately also proves he still can't get to a final Four with that elite talent.

Arizona grows frustrated with Miller's underachieving as well as some shady stuff going on with one of his recruits.

Miller is rumored to want out of Arizona between the heat from the ongoing FBI investigation involving him and the writing on the wall that he may be fired soon.

Miller supposedly reaches out to his alma Mater, Pitt about the recent job opening.

Unfortunately for him Pitt is not interested in a guy now under criminal investigation who had already turned the school down before and ahose Dad had decided to badmouthed a few years back.

Miller now supposedly may be interested in the X job again.

And yet ... somehow there are people on this board actually saying X would be wise to try to hire him.

Lord help us if GC and the rest of the hiring committee are even considering it.

[dubbledxu]

This can't be serious. Either that or the school Pres is in a power struggle with his AD. The UL BOT not having a clue what's going on ? C'mon. Hilarious if it all blew up tomorrow though !

Power struggle of course. Little dicks on BOT hiding behind a spokesman. Prob Papa John trying to flex his power since he’s not supposed to be involved on athletic affairs anymore.

[Olsingledigit]

This can't be serious. Either that or the school Pres is in a power struggle with his AD. The UL BOT not having a clue what's going on ? C'mon. Hilarious if it all blew up tomorrow though !

Interesting that the new non-coach has already made an offer to a high junior (senior to be) from Indy Cathedral. Guess that might have been premature.

[LadyMuskie]

This can't be serious. Either that or the school Pres is in a power struggle with his AD. The UL BOT not having a clue what's going on ? C'mon. Hilarious if it all blew up tomorrow though !

If God's not top busy helping Loyola, and he busts this deal up, and Mack is without a position because X has already hired someone and that someone offers Mack, Murray and Jennings a place on his staff, I'll be the happiest X fan alive. I'll tithe till my pockets are empty! It would be sweet karmic justice!

[XUBison]

So let me get this straight:

Miller leaves Xavier for Arizona saying you can't win a final four at X.

X fans want nothing more to do with the trader.

Miller makes another disparaging remark about X, suggesting Arizona is like a Lexus and Xavier is like a Buick.

Miller proves he can land elite level recruiting classes w/ 5 star players, but unfortunately also proves he still can't get to a final Four with that elite talent.

Arizona grows frustrated with Miller's underachieving as well as some shady stuff going on with one of his recruits.

Miller is rumored to want out of Arizona between the heat from the ongoing FBI investigation involving him and the writing on the wall that he may be fired soon.

Miller supposedly reaches out to his alma Mater, Pitt about the recent job opening.

Unfortunately for him Pitt is not interested in a guy now under criminal investigation who had already turned the school down before and ahose Dad had decided to badmouthed a few years back.

Miller now supposedly may be interested in the X job again.

And yet ... somehow there are people on this board actually saying X would be wise to try to hire him.

Lord help us if GC and the rest of the hiring committee are even considering it.

Worst post of the day.

[xu82]

I have some CYO experience. My son was a crazy good PG with remaining eligibility. I’ll do it for half of what they offered Mack.

[xu82]

Worst post of the day.

I think you are underestimating the competition. I may have myself done far worse. Just being honest. It’s been a lousy day all around. I’ll give anyone a mulligan for what comes out today. As Go pointed out, there is an allowable grieving period.

[IM4X]

Worst post of the day.

New... Worst post of the day. Sean... is that you?

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Good lord, first we are all adults that leave jobs. Mack left, good for him I hope it works out for him and his family. Xavier has lost another coach and will find the next.

For Miller, no freaking retreads!!!!! Those who want him back are scared and looking to maintain success instead of taking a risk on rising talent. If you want to maintain you will become an average. Without risk, X won’t become a consistent top program.


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[IM4X]

Good lord, first we are all adults that leave jobs. Mack left, good for him I hope it works out for him and his family. Xavier has lost another coach and will find the next.

For Miller, no freaking retreads!!!!! Those who want him back are scared and looking to maintain success instead of taking a risk on rising talent. If you want to maintain you will become an average. Without risk, X won’t become a consistent top program.


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Amen Brother!

[XUBison]

I think you are underestimating the competition. I may have myself done far worse. Just being honest. It’s been a lousy day all around. I’ll give anyone a mulligan for what comes out today. As Go pointed out, there is an allowable grieving period.

I just want Sean Miller back. Hasn’t it occurred to anyone that Sean tanked the past few seasons and got recorded by the FBI on purpose? I mean, it’s obvious isn’t it?

Sean has longed to come home, where he belongs. (X, A, V, I-E-R!) Knowing Mack coveted Skanksville, he set up Pitino using his new pals at the FBI. Even Pitino couldn’t survive now, not on the heels of the hooker-gate shenanigans. Now UA wants Sean gone, making him available to... You guessed it!

Come home to us Sean, come home!

[bleedXblue]

So I am on board with Steele, but didn't realize he's only 33. Fast forward 5 years and assume Steele has been successful, he will be in line for a plum job and likely bolt like all of the other guys before him. Are we ok with that? I guess we have to be......

[bleedXblue]

I just want Sean Miller back. Hasn’t it occurred to anyone that Sean tanked the past few seasons and got recorded by the FBI on purpose? I mean, it’s obvious isn’t it?

Sean has longed to come home, where he belongs. (X, A, V, I-E-R!) Knowing Mack coveted Skanksville, he set up Pitino using his new pals at the FBI. Even Pitino couldn’t survive now, not on the heels of the hooker-gate shenanigans. Now UA wants Sean gone, making him available to... You guessed it!

Come home to us Sean, come home!

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

[Xville]

So I am on board with Steele, but didn't realize he's only 33. Fast forward 5 years and assume Steele has been successful, he will be in line for a plum job and likely bolt like all of the other guys before him. Are we ok with that? I guess we have to be......

If he brings us our first final four, I wont care

[Lamont Sanford]

So I am on board with Steele, but didn't realize he's only 33. Fast forward 5 years and assume Steele has been successful, he will be in line for a plum job and likely bolt like all of the other guys before him. Are we ok with that? I guess we have to be......

Yes. Xavier will be his stepping stone eventually.

[D-West & PO-Z]

So I am on board with Steele, but didn't realize he's only 33. Fast forward 5 years and assume Steele has been successful, he will be in line for a plum job and likely bolt like all of the other guys before him. Are we ok with that? I guess we have to be......

Yes, if they determine him to be the best guy for the job.

[BandAid]

Yes. Xavier will be his stepping stone eventually.

The good news is we are becoming the stepping stone for fewer and fewer programs. We could probably count on two hands the type of program that bring the prestige and cash necessary to snag a Xavier head coach. Hopefully that trend continues and this "rite of spring" passes away.

[Muskie]

The good news is we are becoming the stepping stone for fewer and fewer programs. We could probably count on two hands the type of program that bring the prestige and cash necessary to snag a Xavier head coach. Hopefully that trend continues and this "rite of spring" passes away.

With very few exceptions every job is a stepping stone. I'm come to that realization over time and as my own career develops.

[American X]

With very few exceptions every job is a stepping stone. I'm come to that realization over time and as my own career develops.

Your boss brings her little dog to the office.

[Muskie]

Your boss brings her little dog to the office.

That person is NOT my boss.

[Lloyd Braun]

So I am on board with Steele, but didn't realize he's only 33. Fast forward 5 years and assume Steele has been successful, he will be in line for a plum job and likely bolt like all of the other guys before him. Are we ok with that? I guess we have to be......

It would be ideal if X was not a stepping stone, but if we are then that means Steele had great success which in the end is a good thing.



The good news is we are becoming the stepping stone for fewer and fewer programs. We could probably count on two hands the type of program that bring the prestige and cash necessary to snag a Xavier head coach. Hopefully that trend continues and this "rite of spring" passes away.

Yes the pool of places that will pay more for a coach and present better facilities/“opportunity” is smaller as time goes on.

[Caveat]

It would be ideal if X was not a stepping stone, but if we are then that means Steele had great success which in the end is a good thing.




Yes the pool of places that will pay more for a coach and present better facilities/“opportunity” is smaller as time goes on.

Sadly, though, we're also pretty close to the top of the list when it comes to "schools where a coach will leave for a better opportunity," which means that any coach that succeeds at Xavier will instantly be the top name on the market at any given time.

[xu9697]

A bit outside of the box candidate I like (I believe someone mentioned him on this or another site): Eric Musselman.

Only 53, can bring background in NBA and Europe with him. No, the comeback against UC does not play in (though it is nice). He is from the Cleveland area originally. It seems he/his family prefer to be out West now, but I think he is worth calling and hopefully sitting down with. He is definitely a "job jumper", so that would be more of a concern than anything.

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

[throwbackmuskie]

Steele is top of the list IMO.

Others to consider,

John Brannen- NKU
Scott Nagy- Wright State
Nate Oats- Buffalo
Brad Underwood- Illinois
Mike Boyton- Oklahoma State
Eric Musselman- Nevada
Chris Beard- Texas Tech

[Lloyd Braun]

A bit outside of the box candidate I like (I believe someone mentioned him on this or another site): Eric Musselman.

Only 53, can bring background in NBA and Europe with him. No, the comeback against UC does not play in (though it is nice). He is from the Cleveland area originally. It seems he/his family prefer to be out West now, but I think he is worth calling and hopefully sitting down with. He is definitely a "job jumper", so that would be more of a concern than anything.

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

“Only 53” like 53 is young for a college coach! I mean I guess he’s young at heart right?

I’d pass on him though without question.

[GoMuskies]

Brad Underwood- Illinois

If Brad Underwood came here (would be his fourth job in 4 years), no one should be saying he's the one to stay forever! At least we'd know what we were getting.

An addition to your list:
Matt McMahon - Murray State

[throwbackmuskie]

If Brad Underwood came here (would be his fourth job in 4 years), no one should be saying he's the one to stay forever! At least we'd know what we were getting.

An addition to your list:
Matt McMahon - Murray State

He is a jumper but can coach!

[Caveat]

Steele is top of the list IMO.

Others to consider,

John Brannen- NKU
Scott Nagy- Wright State
Nate Oats- Buffalo
Brad Underwood- Illinois
Mike Boyton- Oklahoma State
Eric Musselman- Nevada
Chris Beard- Texas Tech

Brannen and Nagy make me gag slightly whenever their names come up. Just because a dude is "local" and has a tiny bit of success doesn't mean they're ready to jump into the driver's seat of one of the top programs in one of the top conferences in America.

Both of them need stops at WAY better schools/conferences and demonstrated success in those locations before I'd feel comfortable even having them in this conversation.

[GoMuskies]

Brannen and Nagy make me gag slightly whenever their names come up. Just because a dude is "local" and has a tiny bit of success doesn't mean they're ready to jump into the driver's seat of one of the top programs in one of the top conferences in America.

Both of them need stops at WAY better schools/conferences and demonstrated success in those locations before I'd feel comfortable even having them in this conversation.

I don't necessarily disagree....but I have a hard time squaring this with the desire to hire Travis Steele yesterday.

[Xville]

Steele is top of the list IMO.

Others to consider,

John Brannen- NKU
Scott Nagy- Wright State
Nate Oats- Buffalo
Brad Underwood- Illinois
Mike Boyton- Oklahoma State
Eric Musselman- Nevada
Chris Beard- Texas Tech

Outside of Beard and with his contract he isn't going anywhere, the rest of this is yuck in my opinion. If this is what is available, just go with Steele and move on.

[waggy]

Pat Chambers

[throwbackmuskie]

Nagy has been successful for a while now, not just at Wright State. Part of my point, and should have said it, but there really is not a lot of "home run" hires out there right now IMO.

A long shot, but I would love to see us make a run at Cooley.

[danaandvictory]

A long shot, but I would love to see us make a run at Cooley.

Cooley is from Providence and makes a ton of money.

[Caveat]

I don't necessarily disagree....but I have a hard time squaring this with the desire to hire Travis Steele yesterday.

Because the administration has had years to vet Travis Steele firsthand -- they've seen him in the building, they've seen him on the sidelines, they've seen how he recruits, and how he handles his business. He's been on a job interview, basically, since Rick Pitino was fired. The fact that he was given the Mack/Miller position in the organization as coach-in-waiting speaks volumes, to me, about how he was viewed in the building.

I've been very consistent: I have no problem going outside the building / family for a hire, but it better be someone who is a 110% certainty (given that such a hire will almost certainly result in a full-rebuild of the program). And that means coaching and succeeding at a way higher level than a commuter school in Northern Kentucky or Dayton.

[throwbackmuskie]

Cooley is from Providence and makes a ton of money.

I know, that is why I said long shot


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[SemajParlor]

Fairfield U fan here! (cue the laughter) Ed Cooley is not leaving Providence for Xavier.

[GoMuskies]

How about Wes Miller from UNCG? He's 35, and has already had quite a bit of success there. He'd 100% leave us for UNC someday if he got the chance, but if UNC wanted him, that would be an awfully good sign about the kind of success he had for us.

[XU 87]

A bit outside of the box candidate I like (I believe someone mentioned him on this or another site): Eric Musselman.

Only 53, can bring background in NBA and Europe with him. No, the comeback against UC does not play in (though it is nice). He is from the Cleveland area originally. It seems he/his family prefer to be out West now, but I think he is worth calling and hopefully sitting down with. He is definitely a "job jumper", so that would be more of a concern than anything.

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

His recruiting method consists of transfers coming to Nevada. I think his entire starting lineup was transfers. No thanks. You can't win in the BE doing that.

[waggy]

How about Wes Miller from UNCG? He's 35, and has already had quite a bit of success there. He'd 100% leave us for UNC someday if he got the chance, but if UNC wanted him, that would be an awfully good sign about the kind of success he had for us.

+1

[_LH]

http://www.heraldonline.com/sports/article207028484.html

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://www.heraldonline.com/sports/article207028484.html

I didn't realize Kelsey has recruited internationally, especially in Australia. That is interesting. Which poster has been clamoring for that again?

[drudy23]

http://www.heraldonline.com/sports/article207028484.html

"No comment" means "I'm interested".

[Muskie]

http://www.heraldonline.com/sports/article207028484.html

And so it begins.

[dubbledxu]

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.

[_LH]

I don't want Kelsey as the next coach either but I imagine he will get an interview of some sort.

[DexterBailey84]

For those in the know, is it pretty much a foregone conclusion that it is Steele? He may be great but it's hard for me to get excited about him.

couldn't you have said the same exact thing about the Mack hire in '09?

[xudash]

Because the administration has had years to vet Travis Steele firsthand -- they've seen him in the building, they've seen him on the sidelines, they've seen how he recruits, and how he handles his business. He's been on a job interview, basically, since Rick Pitino was fired. The fact that he was given the Mack/Miller position in the organization as coach-in-waiting speaks volumes, to me, about how he was viewed in the building.

I've been very consistent: I have no problem going outside the building / family for a hire, but it better be someone who is a 110% certainty (given that such a hire will almost certainly result in a full-rebuild of the program). And that means coaching and succeeding at a way higher level than a commuter school in Northern Kentucky or Dayton.

I agree.

Greg Christopher isn't sitting in his office, contemplating whether or not he'll simply hand the keys over to Travis or take some time to interview a "target" list of candidates. He'll consider options that he believes present the best possible chances for Xavier to continue its success.

I'd like to focus in on one thing that hasn't been brought up yet, at least as far as I can tell. When Miller left and Chris Mack interviewed for the job, we were informed that Mack approached Bobinski with a detailed plan for how he would move the program forward. If anyone cares to point out who else we were considering back then, please feel free to point them out, but just remember that Xavier Pre-Big East is nothing like Xavier now. Beyond the competition for the job then, it was clear that Mack's plan, coupled with Mack being groomed by Miller was more than enough to get him the job.

I'm not basing my opinion solely on THE PLAN. I'm not sure how Travis is approaching his opportunity anyway, but I suspect that he's approaching it in some highly organized fashion. Otherwise, the job will not be awarded to him. Overall, it is a FACT that Travis Steele has been learning through sideline and practice sessions osmosis.

I believe we win with Travis Steele if three things happen immediately:

1. Travis proves he is a bona fide LEADER and has the charisma that it takes to attract talent to the program.
2. Travis proves that he is organized; that he has a clear plan and has the skills to execute against it.
3. Very importantly: that Xavier coughs up money to put a unique group of assistants in place who are impactful recruiters and capable teachers.

You certainly have the right to chuckle and note that those are obvious things for any coach. But if they hold true for any coach, then should they hold true for Travis, we would then also have the added benefit of the continuity he brings, especially with our core group of key players.

IF Travis is the guy. IF he has all the necessary attributes, then Xavier could really win in this thing if it gets the core of assistant coaches right. And that makes me wonder if there is a former NBA'er with Xavier ties out there who might find such a gig interesting.

IF we hire from outside Travis, we might be facing a contract buyout provision. I seriously don't personally see anyone out there who makes a WOW statement for Xavier. I'm hoping Travis vets out with flying colors. Then I hope we surround him with some unique assistant coaching talent who will immediately put juice back into our recruiting veins while being able to help Travis climb the learning curve in a reasonably smooth fashion.

[paulxu]

Your boss brings her little dog to the office.


That person is NOT my boss.

I've met his boss. She's a nice lady. (don't know about any dog)
A la MOR, he must have got her roaring drunk and dragged her to the JP.

[Lloyd Braun]

Mario gone... bummer

[D-West & PO-Z]

Anyone else hear there was a certain former XU coach on campus today?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Mario gone... bummer

All I can see from a quick twitter search is that he's also at the press conference. Currently in class so I'm not watching... is Mario being introduced as Director of Bball Operations at Louisville? Ugh.

[Xavier]

Anyone else hear there was a certain former XU coach on campus today?

Nope.

[drudy23]

Anyone else hear there was a certain former XU coach on campus today?

You're going to have to be more specific....could be several people.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Mario gone... bummer

Just tweeted out that "today is just about supported a friend."

Maybe he meant former friend.

[D-West & PO-Z]

You're going to have to be more specific....could be several people.

Miller

[Xville]

Take it for what its worth but someone I know who knows someone in the know (yes I know how that sounds) told me Miller was on campus today.

I think it would be smart to at least interview and vet the guy. I'd love to have him back but I understand its probably near impossible to do so.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think it would be smart to at least interview and vet the guy. I'd love to have him back but I understand its probably near impossible to do so.

Yes agree. I think you have to at least talk to him. So it wouldnt be shocking but I was/am skeptical about it. Just something I heard from someone who heard from someone, so honestly take that for what its worth. I wouldnt take it for much if I didnt trust the person who told me they heard it. But I dont know anything to trust or not trust the person that told them.

Who knows.

[drudy23]

You would have to think that if Steele doesn't get the job, Mario is gone too.

[drudy23]

Miller

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

[JTG]

Any chance if Miller got the job, Steele sticks around ? Probably a long shot!

[Xavier]

Why would they bring miller to the campus? Meeting, sure- but I’d imagine GC wouldn’t want that to be spread. No need to bring him to X for a meeting. Hope it’s true though

[GoMuskies]

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.