Where will Chris Mack be coaching next year

[Xavier]

It’s been a tough run for Mack, when he is cocky and has an attitude it’s great when winning….but rubs people the wrong way when losing.

[JEHARDI]

No President and no AD, sanctions still coming. They will not buy him out.

[STL_XUfan]

How come his son’s youth team isn’t an option?

[Masterofreality]

Courier Journal Headline:

“Negotiated Settlement makes more sense than Firing U of L’s Chris Mack”

Good luck with that. Buyout: $12 million

[GoMuskies]

Perhaps he can be an assistant for Pat Kelsey at College of Charleston. That would be a great place to live with all that money.

[D-West & PO-Z]

No President and no AD, sanctions still coming. They will not buy him out.

They'll have no choice if their season keeps going in the direction it is. The fans are very very loud and they aren't even wrong in their frustrations. I don't see him making it to next year unless they have a major turnaround.

[xuphan]

Courier Journal Headline:

“Negotiated Settlement makes more sense than Firing U of L’s Chris Mack”

Good luck with that. Buyout: $12 million

Louisville can’t afford that buyout unless Papa Johns himself helps foot the bill.

[xavierj]

Louisville can’t afford that buyout unless Papa Johns himself helps foot the bill.

He is a UK fan now since they took his name off the football stadium.

[American X]

How come his son’s youth team isn’t an option?

That kid sucks.

[XUGRAD80]

One of the choices should be WGAF?

[UCGRAD4X]

that is the choice I was looking for

other than some sense of satisfaction with the whole unravelling, both with CM and Loserville in general....yeah

[paulxu]

One of the choices should be WGAF?

That's actually #4 on the list.

[XUGRAD80]

That's actually #4 on the list.

:lmao:

[Masterofreality]

He is a UK fan now since they took his name off the football stadium.

U of L paid Papa John $6 million to take his name off the stadium.

[UCGRAD4X]

U of L paid Papa John $6 million to take his name off the stadium.

I would have also believed if it were the other way around.

[Masterofreality]

I would have also believed if it were the other way around.

Tons of U of L alumni and supporters are upset at Beshear for his appointments to Louisville's Board of Trustees. He re-appointed former Chairman Benz to the board. They think the Board is as out of touch as the whole Admin.
It's a real Clusterf&%k there now in leadership. Need a New Prez. A new AD and other positions.
They paid Petrino $14 million to go away and $6 million TO Papa John to get off the stadium naming rights. They would owe $12 mill to Mack. The ACC Network hasn't been a moneymaker, but they finally got a deal to be cleared on Comcast Infinity systems in November.

Louisville isn't poor, but after all of these ridiculous moves, it sure isn't flush.

By the way. The last options in this poll should have been Sacred Heart HS where Mack's girls go to school and Bellarmine would also be a choice. Scott Davenport, who is a helluva coach, is 64 and nearing retirement. If a good replacement was found, he might go ahead and retire. Bellarmine is D1 now.

[UCGRAD4X]

Tons of U of L alumni and supporters are upset at Beshear for his appointments to Louisville's Board of Trustees. He re-appointed former Chairman Benz to the board. They think the Board is as out of touch as the whole Admin.
It's a real Clusterf&%k there now in leadership. Need a New Prez. A new AD and other positions.
They paid Petrino $14 million to go away and $6 million TO Papa John to get off the stadium naming rights. They would owe $12 mill to Mack. The ACC Network hasn't been a moneymaker, but they finally got a deal to be cleared on Comcast Infinity systems in November.

Louisville isn't poor, but after all of these ridiculous moves, it sure isn't flush.

By the way. The last options in this poll should have been Sacred Heart HS where Mack's girls go to school and Bellarmine would also be a choice. Scott Davenport, who is a helluva coach, is 64 and nearing retirement. If a good replacement was found, he might go ahead and retire. Bellarmine is D1 now.

Even with Papa John's downgrade, I'm saying being associated with L'ville might not be that advantageous*.

[paulxu]

Michigan just dumped a president if Louisville needs one.

[xubrew]

I actually don't like to speculate over coaches losing their jobs. I don't mind if other people do it. I just kind of stay out of it.

Having said that...

Chris Mack and I will likely have at least two things in common next year. We both went to Xavier, and neither of us will be coaching at Louisville.

[boozehound]

Tons of U of L alumni and supporters are upset at Beshear for his appointments to Louisville's Board of Trustees. He re-appointed former Chairman Benz to the board. They think the Board is as out of touch as the whole Admin.
It's a real Clusterf&%k there now in leadership. Need a New Prez. A new AD and other positions.
They paid Petrino $14 million to go away and $6 million TO Papa John to get off the stadium naming rights. They would owe $12 mill to Mack. The ACC Network hasn't been a moneymaker, but they finally got a deal to be cleared on Comcast Infinity systems in November.

Louisville isn't poor, but after all of these ridiculous moves, it sure isn't flush.

By the way. The last options in this poll should have been Sacred Heart HS where Mack's girls go to school and Bellarmine would also be a choice. Scott Davenport, who is a helluva coach, is 64 and nearing retirement. If a good replacement was found, he might go ahead and retire. Bellarmine is D1 now.

So Louisville could conceivably be like $30MM+ into Bobby Petrino, Chris Mack, and Papa John. None of whom will be associated with the University much longer. For some reason that strikes me as hilarious.

[bleedXblue]

So Louisville could conceivably be like $30MM+ into Bobby Petrino, Chris Mack, and Papa John. None of whom will be associated with the University much longer. For some reason that strikes me as hilarious.

If I'm a student/alumni/booster, I would be outraged at the waste of money the University has thrown around. Institution of higher learning my ass. UL is a prime example of a school that should be slapped with the highest possible sanctions the NCAA can levy. But we know that wont happen.

[Masterofreality]

So Louisville could conceivably be like $30MM+ into Bobby Petrino, Chris Mack, and Papa John. None of whom will be associated with the University much longer. For some reason that strikes me as hilarious.

“Top 10 Program.” In Stupidity & Malfeasance.

[Perma Fro]

If I'm a student/alumni/booster, I would be outraged at the waste of money the University has thrown around. Institution of higher learning my ass. UL is a prime example of a school that should be slapped with the highest possible sanctions the NCAA can levy. But we know that wont happen.

Wait. Are you familiar with UL? They are barely a step above community commuter college. Hardly would call them an “institution of higher learning”.

[UCGRAD4X]

Wait. Are you familiar with UL? They are barely a step above community commuter college. Hardly would call them an “institution of higher learning”.

I think that was the "my ass" part. And I doubt if the average student gives a rats arse about the basketball team except for an excuse to party. As if they would not otherwise find a reason to.

As if any of them are drinking good kentucky bourbon.

All drinking that seltzer crap that is cluttering the aisles at the stores.

But hey, that's a whole 'nuther rant.

[nuts4xu]

I have been working in Louisville this week making sales calls all over town. The disdain for Chris Mack is palpable, and the majority of people I spoke to can't see him lasting past this season. This was a very unscientific poll of U of L fans. Without a president or AD, I am not sure how this will play out. Mack appeased his bosses by getting rid of assistants last season, but he has a roster made up of transfers that have not gelled. Argument can be made to give him time to get through this rough patch, but it will be a tough sell to the Louisville fanbase.

[xavierj]

I have been working in Louisville this week making sales calls all over town. The disdain for Chris Mack is palpable, and the majority of people I spoke to can't see him lasting past this season. This was a very unscientific poll of U of L fans. Without a president or AD, I am not sure how this will play out. Mack appeased his bosses by getting rid of assistants last season, but he has a roster made up of transfers that have not gelled. Argument can be made to give him time to get through this rough patch, but it will be a tough sell to the Louisville fanbase.

Chris has brought in 19 players, including 6 with his first class. He has no excuses in my opinion. He doesn’t like recruiting and he is not a people person. He is probably in the wrong profession.

[MHettel]

All drinking that seltzer crap that is cluttering the aisles at the stores.



HEY, those seltzers are great......................mixers.

[boozehound]

I have been working in Louisville this week making sales calls all over town. The disdain for Chris Mack is palpable, and the majority of people I spoke to can't see him lasting past this season. This was a very unscientific poll of U of L fans. Without a president or AD, I am not sure how this will play out. Mack appeased his bosses by getting rid of assistants last season, but he has a roster made up of transfers that have not gelled. Argument can be made to give him time to get through this rough patch, but it will be a tough sell to the Louisville fanbase.

The only thing that I could see getting Mack another year is the fact that it would seem to make sense to hire a President or and AD first. Especially if you have to pay Mack a boatload to go away and then (presumably) pay a new coach a bunch of money. I'm not sure what the status of those searches is.

[Xville]

The only thing that I could see getting Mack another year is the fact that it would seem to make sense to hire a President or and AD first. Especially if you have to pay Mack a boatload to go away and then (presumably) pay a new coach a bunch of money. I'm not sure what the status of those searches is.

It’s in his contract that if there are any level 2 violations under his watch, he can be canned with cause and Louisville would owe zero. The Dino thing could do that…I think unlikely but I’m still trying to figure out how the ncaa decides who gets in trouble or not

[boozehound]

It’s in his contract that if there are any level 2 violations under his watch, he can be canned with cause and Louisville would owe zero. The Dino thing could do that…I think unlikely but I’m still trying to figure out how the ncaa decides who gets in trouble or not

Or when they decide, right? Seems like Mack could reach retirement age before the NCAA renders a verdict on any of the stuff.

[noteggs]

It’s in his contract that if there are any level 2 violations under his watch, he can be canned with cause and Louisville would owe zero. The Dino thing could do that…I think unlikely but I’m still trying to figure out how the ncaa decides who gets in trouble or not

Yea in the end, this whole Dino thing may end costing Mack a ton more (millions) than Dino himself. Wonder if Christi is still happy moving 100 miles closer to home.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It’s in his contract that if there are any level 2 violations under his watch, he can be canned with cause and Louisville would owe zero. The Dino thing could do that…I think unlikely but I’m still trying to figure out how the ncaa decides who gets in trouble or not

It wasn't the Dino thing but the things Dino accused him of. The use of managers in practice was a level II violation. However, I would think his lawyer could successfully argue that Louisville chose to to fire him despite those violations and would now only be claiming to do so because of a bad season. I would think there is a timeframe in which you learn of the violation and then either choose to fire or not, and I think Mack would be past that timeframe.

[Xville]

It wasn't the Dino thing but the things Dino accused him of. The use of managers in practice was a level II violation. However, I would think his lawyer could successfully argue that Louisville chose to to fire him despite those violations and would now only be claiming to do so because of a bad season. I would think there is a timeframe in which you learn of the violation and then either choose to fire or not, and I think Mack would be past that timeframe.

It’s only been a notice of allegations… there has been nothing handed down sanction wise at this point from the ncaa. Can’t be fired with cause just because of an allegation.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It’s only been a notice of allegations… there has been nothing handed down sanction wise at this point from the ncaa. Can’t be fired with cause just because of an allegation.

Even if they are self reported? I believe Louisville self reported that violation after the Dino debacle.

[drudy23]

Mack had all the leverage going into this gig. Any coach they hired knew they would have to over-pay for any coach to actually go there with all of the noise with the programs and the probable sanctions in numerous areas. It was his best opportunity to get a lifetime payday - even if it didn't work out, you're still set for life financially, and the story to sell that "no coach could have gotten through that situation" if you're even interested in pursuing another high profile job.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Mack had all the leverage going into this gig. Any coach they hired knew they would have to over-pay for any coach to actually go there with all of the noise with the programs and the probable sanctions in numerous areas. It was his best opportunity to get a lifetime payday - even if it didn't work out, you're still set for life financially, and the story to sell that "no coach could have gotten through that situation" if you're even interested in pursuing another high profile job.

As long as they don't fire him for cause you may be right.

[drudy23]

As long as they don't fire him for cause you may be right.

Unless it's something Pitinoesque, they usually always get paid something in a settlement.

At the end of the day, if he's let go, he won't have the pick of the litter, but he would still land a very good job, assuming he would even want to continue to coach.

I could see him playing on his boat for the next 20 years.

[bleedXblue]

Mack's coaching credibility if he doesn't survive UL is going to be severely damaged. I dont see a top 5 conference gig coming his way. A-10, American, etc sure.....but he isnt going to bite on that.

[drudy23]

Mack's coaching credibility if he doesn't survive UL is going to be severely damaged. I dont see a top 5 conference gig coming his way. A-10, American, etc sure.....but he isnt going to bite on that.

He would be an immediate upgrade at any middle of the road ACC, Big 12, Big 10 and ACC teams.

You're telling me he couldn't be an improvement at a place like Pitt or Northwestern? Of course he would.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Unless it's something Pitinoesque, they usually always get paid something in a settlement.

At the end of the day, if he's let go, he won't have the pick of the litter, but he would still land a very good job, assuming he would even want to continue to coach.

I could see him playing on his boat for the next 20 years.

Heck, that is what I would do. He seems to have a little bit too big of an ego (who of these guys doesnt?) though to end his coaching career in such disastrous fashion.

[STL_XUfan]

Unless it's something Pitinoesque, they usually always get paid something in a settlement.

At the end of the day, if he's let go, he won't have the pick of the litter, but he would still land a very good job, assuming he would even want to continue to coach.

I could see him playing on his boat for the next 20 years.

Not to mention, if they attempt to pull some shenanigans in trying to void his contract, it might have ripple effects into their search for a replacement.

[Final4]

Even if they are self reported? I believe Louisville self reported that violation after the Dino debacle.

I find this to be a very interesting situation if what I've read above is true. If in fact his contract states that he can be fired, with cause, if he is responsible for any level II violations AND the university self reports a level II violation aren't both parties aware of the ramifications? UofL can send Chris packing without any financial liability and Chris has essentially agreed to that.

[bleedXblue]

He would be an immediate upgrade at any middle of the road ACC, Big 12, Big 10 and ACC teams.

You're telling me he couldn't be an improvement at a place like Pitt or Northwestern? Of course he would.

Right, but with the baggage I cant see those schools and their alumni being excited about him.

[MHettel]

Ask Kevin Ollie how it worked out for UConn when they fired him BEFORE he was found "guilty" of something that he was ultimately found guilty of.

Nevermind the fact that Ollie actually WAS guilty of the charges.....they have to pay him 11M because they fired him before the guilty determination was made.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ask Kevin Ollie how it worked out for UConn when they fired him BEFORE he was found "guilty" of something that he was ultimately found guilty of.

Nevermind the fact that Ollie actually WAS guilty of the charges.....they have to pay him 11M because they fired him before the guilty determination was made.

Did UConn self report the violations or were they accusations brought by the NCAA?

Genuinely curious how that all works. If a school catches their coach cheating, is upset by it, reports it to the NCAA as the violation it is, they then have to wait years for the NCAA to finally look at it before they can fire their coach for cause? If that is the case, it makes no sense.

I get how it would be different if the NCAA brought allegations against the school that the coach denies and the school had no knowledge of.

[UCGRAD4X]

I CM were to interview for another position, I don't think there is enough room under the bus for him to weasel his was into the job. But I wouldn't put it past him.

[XUBison]

He would be an immediate upgrade at any middle of the road ACC, Big 12, Big 10 and ACC teams.

You're telling me he couldn't be an improvement at a place like Pitt or Northwestern? Of course he would.

Yeah, like Billy Gillispie, who’s climbed all the way back to— Tarleton.

[Masterofreality]

He would be an immediate upgrade at any middle of the road ACC, Big 12, Big 10 and ACC teams.

You're telling me he couldn't be an improvement at a place like Pitt or Northwestern? Of course he would.

He ain’t going there. Like you said in your earlier post, I could see him playing on his boat for the next 20 years.
Mack has said that he doesn’t want to coach past 55. He basically told me the same thing personally at the Butler County Steak Fry a few years ago. Christi also ain’t moving from Louisville so, unless he changed his mind, or Bellarmine opens up if Scott Davenport wants to retire, he’s on the boat

[X-band '01]

What about Spalding?

[xubrew]

He would be an immediate upgrade at any middle of the road ACC, Big 12, Big 10 and ACC teams.

You're telling me he couldn't be an improvement at a place like Pitt or Northwestern? Of course he would.

In my opinion, Chris Collins > Chris Mack. So, yes, I guess I kind of would tell you that.

[Masterofreality]

My cousin, who is a big U of L honk were texting last night during the game. We both agreed that Mack/Steele together > than each individual. They both lose something without the other. Steele is a better recruiter, Mack a better game manager. Steele is *probably* a better offensive mind, Mack is a better matchup identifier, Steele is probably a better practice organizer, but Mack is a better motivator/button pusher. Not sure if the categories are totally correct but I know a former X Basketball Manager who told me that Mack was the best guy he'd ever seen in pushing guys buttons at the right time. And he went on to intern for a couple of pro organizations. He did not have the same confidence in Steele.
Anyway, my cuz wants Mack gone. Soon

[Xville]

The radio shows already have a list ready to go and makes sense they are looking toward the sec who in the last few years have assembled some damn good coaches.

Pearl—-only makes 3.9 mil that’s a bargain in this day and age
Nate oats—-12.5 million dollar buyout
Eric musselman

I think Mack’s issue is strictly recruiting. He’s not like able and can’t imagine he relates well to these guys in the recruiting world. We saw how inconsistent he was in this realm at x, and at Louisville he’s had some very talented guys leave early which for the most part wasn’t an issue at Xavier but will always be an issue at Louisville. Absolutely have to recruit well every year…that is one thing that makes cal pretty extraordinary though he’s not the best x and o coach

[drudy23]

My cousin, who is a big U of L honk were texting last night during the game. We both agreed that Mack/Steele together > than each individual. They both lose something without the other. Steele is a better recruiter, Mack a better game manager. Steele is *probably* a better offensive mind, Mack is a better matchup identifier, Steele is probably a better practice organizer, but Mack is a better motivator/button pusher. Not sure if the categories are totally correct but I know a former X Basketball Manager who told me that Mack was the best guy he'd ever seen in pushing guys buttons at the right time. And he went on to intern for a couple of pro organizations. He did not have the same confidence in Steele.
Anyway, my cuz wants Mack gone. Soon

You might be on to something here.

[noteggs]

You might be on to something here.

I agree. Probably think he should go out and find his Mack assistant. Sure a lot teams have assistant coaches who have better skill sets in certain areas than HC. At least until they develop them better.

[Xville]

macks radio show just got cancelled for tonight and a board meeting has been called tomorrow for a personnel meeting

[xavierj]

Looks like he is out effective immediately.

[GoMuskies]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

The best part is the 24 hours Louisville fans have to wait for this shit to go down. Popcorn to the microwave everyone!

[Xville]

karma is a b. Hope they find a way to fire him with cause and he has to go grovel for a media job.

[MHettel]

what the hell???!!!

[GoMuskies]

:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

[Masterofreality]

Jody Demling says Mack is fired tonight.
"Getting a good chunk of change"

[XU 23]

So does Richard Pitino get the job now?

[MHettel]

nuts! In season firings almost NEVER occur unless there was some kind of ethics / rules issue. Just going on a skid or not meeting expectations is pretty rare.

[Xville]

sounds like there will be a negotiated settlement....and supposedly some of the boosters that disappeared when the last AD came on board, have come out from under their caves. Wouldn't be surprised if Louisville was able to get a top level coach for next season. Im guessing a SEC coach that will want to get away from a football school whether that is Pearl Musselman or Oates (though his buyout is extremely large)

[Muskie]

Mack having such a poor time at a "better" job isn't helpful to the brand.

[American X]

Wouldn't be surprised if Louisville was able to get a top level coach for next season

Sean Miller!

[Masterofreality]

Mack having such a poor time at a "better" job isn't helpful to the brand.

I don't see how that damages Xavier at all. Mack is the Cretin

[Masterofreality]

Sean Miller!


It will be hilarious if they Hire Bruce Pearl

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't see how that damages Xavier at all. Mack is the Cretin

I was thinking he meant either Louisville or Mack's own brand.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Time to rename the thread....next year was too nice!

Which 4 suckers thought he'd be back at Louisville next year!?

[Xville]

i say X brings the band back together...Miller as HC, Mack Assistant and Steele can just recruit but Miller tells him who to recruit.

And I don't care what Miller did...all that Shit is legal now so who cares

[JTG]

karma is a b. Hope they find a way to fire him with cause and he has to go grovel for a media job.

I doubt he gets a media job. A) he's kind of creepy looking and B) he has a shitty personality.

[JTG]

It will be hilarious if they Hire Bruce Pearl

Pearl would be perfect. Just another rule breaking weasel running UL basketball.

[XU 23]

They should hire Larry Brown.

[bjf123]

Separation agreement apparently in the works.

https://twitter.com/SethDavisHoops/status/1486120618063904769


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[drudy23]

Cue the Pat Kelsey to Louisville rumors by the X faithful.

[noteggs]

Time to rename the thread....next year was too nice!

Which 4 suckers thought he'd be back at Louisville next year!?

Raise my hand shamefully…

[X-band '01]

:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

Popcorn? Child please. I'm ordering Papa John's to celebrate!

[GoMuskies]

Cue the Pat Kelsey to Louisville rumors by the X faithful.

Not sure 9-8 in one year at CoC is quite gonna get him there. If he just has a few more years...

[KabeX]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/33146828/louisville-cardinals-talks-separate-men-basketball-coach-chris-mack-sources-say

[bleedXblue]

Cue the Pat Kelsey to Louisville rumors by the X faithful.

not a chance in hell

[Xavier]

i say X brings the band back together...Miller as HC, Mack Assistant and Steele can just recruit but Miller tells him who to recruit.

And I don't care what Miller did...all that Shit is legal now so who cares

Yes. Obviously steele and Mack wouldn’t. But whatever gets Sean back, Yes.

[X-band '01]

Live look-in:


https://youtu.be/UlEFqR4SaVA?t=39

[Xavgrad08]

Someone on Twitter pointed out that Paul Scruggs lasted longer at Xavier than Chris at Louisville. I suspect we will here some behind the scenes stories soon from Mack’s current players. Not sure what happened, but Chris completely lost the team. Combine that with a bad roster(due to bad recruiting) and you get a disaster.

[Masterofreality]

“Allegedly” Mick Cronin has interest

[Xville]

It is kind of fascinating to think what mack is going to do. Is he just going to ride off into the sunset? I just can’t see him going anywhere else now.

There are some rumors out there that he may have actually been the one to initiate this…not sure I buy that or not….but hell maybe he just realizes the mistake he made. Let this be a lesson….you don’t always have to say yes dear. I’m kidding, wife!

[paulxu]

I'm probably alone in this, but I just don't quite get the animus towards Mack.
He did a credible job at X, his players seemed to like him in looking at their trips to his house, etc.
He left for a bigger named job, more $, and a tie for his wife to a hometown. Seems sort of OK.
Lots of people in lots of professions do exactly that.
Apparently some seem to have personal connections that weren't favorable...but that's one side of the story.

Guess I just appreciate what he did at X and that's where I stop caring.

[xu82]

I'm probably alone in this, but I just don't quite get the animus towards Mack.
He did a credible job at X, his players seemed to like him in looking at their trips to his house, etc.
He left for a bigger named job, more $, and a tie for his wife to a hometown. Seems sort of OK.
Lots of people in lots of professions do exactly that.
Apparently some seem to have personal connections that weren't favorable...but that's one side of the story.

Guess I just appreciate what he did at X and that's where I stop caring.

Paul, at least for me it was the way he seemed to “check out” before he was “done”. It felt like everyone knew the deal and we underperformed terribly in the tournament that year as a one seed. That, and he seemed to know it was coming and didn’t recruit to prepare the roster for the next guy.

I get your argument, I really do. That’s what people do in life. There was a little more hope for Mack since we wanted him to be “our Mark Few”, but he moved on. I just thought he quit while he was still on the job. I can’t speak for anyone else, and I could be WAY off base, but it’s how it felt to me.


.

[bjf123]

Let this be a lesson….you don’t always have to say yes dear. I’m kidding, wife!

You’ve got that right!


I'm probably alone in this, but I just don't quite get the animus towards Mack.
………..
Guess I just appreciate what he did at X and that's where I stop caring.

Agreed. He left for a job that any unbiased observer would agree was a step up, though it clearly did not work out well for him, boatload of cash notwithstanding.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[D-West & PO-Z]

I just thought he quit while he was still on the job. I can’t speak for anyone else, and I could be WAY off base, but it’s how it felt to me.

Seems like history might be repeating itself.

[xudash]

Paul, at least for me it was the way he seemed to “check out” before he was “done”. It’s felt like everyone knew the deal and we underperformed terribly in the tournament that year as a one seed. That, and he seemed to know it was coming and didn’t recruit to prepare the roster for the next guy.

I get your argument, I really do. That’s what people do in life. There was a little more hope for Mack since we wanted him to be “our Mark Few”, but he moved on. I just thought he quit while he was still on the job. I can’t speak for anyone else, and I could be WAY off base, but it’s how it felt to me.

+1

[xu82]

Seems like history might be repeating itself.

Amen! I’d think twice before bringing him in to ANY program, but he’s set for life financially unless he’s an idiot.

[boozehound]

I had to look up Mack's age - at 52 he is a little older than I thought. Still a pretty young age to retire, but he could always retire from coaching and do something else involving basketball, or start some other kind of business. I don't think he has the personality to be a commentator though.

The problem he has a little bit is that his brand is pretty damaged, especially in Louisville, but also to an extent in Cincinnati. That will likely limit his options. He can't really trade on his name by opening a restaurant or car dealership or something.

If the rumors are true that Xavier was willing to pay him up to (or even close to) $3MM per year, going to Louisville may very well have cost him money overall, depending on where he goes next and how soon. He would have had an incredibly long leash at Xavier, probably for about as long as he wanted to continue to coach. Either way he should be set for life financially, but money often buys less happiness than people think, especially highly competitive people.

[Xavier]

Paul, at least for me it was the way he seemed to “check out” before he was “done”. It’s felt like everyone knew the deal and we underperformed terribly in the tournament that year as a one seed. That, and he seemed to know it was coming and didn’t recruit to prepare the roster for the next guy.

I get your argument, I really do. That’s what people do in life. There was a little more hope for Mack since we wanted him to be “our Mark Few”, but he moved on. I just thought he quit while he was still on the job. I can’t speak for anyone else, and I could be WAY off base, but it’s how it felt to me.


This seems like a popular opinion. I disagree he quit on the team. And no coach is tossing away a tournament as a one seed. I think they played a bad matchup in FSU, with a horrible call on JP toward the Latter part of the game. He won the big East that year. I just donÂ’t think he gave up on the team. I think the 2seed year was a much bigger choke job, considering they had like a 7-8 point lead with 6 minutes left.


Recruiting? I can definitely buy that and people have every right to think it’s bush league/be mad about how he “recruited”‘on his way out

[paulxu]

When a "marriage" breaks up, perceived slights are always magnified.

[GoMuskies]

When a "marriage" breaks up, perceived slights are always magnified.

And when your ex-wife's second husband starts banging the nanny, one laughs.

[drudy23]

He was very dramatic about saying U of L would be THE LAST place he ever coaches.

I could absolutely see him retiring from coaching and going to TV. He personality isn't perfect for TV, but he would be great at X and O analysis. He would gain credibility just from that.

[Mrs. Garrett]

I'm probably alone in this, but I just don't quite get the animus towards Mack.
He did a credible job at X, his players seemed to like him in looking at their trips to his house, etc.
He left for a bigger named job, more $, and a tie for his wife to a hometown. Seems sort of OK.
Lots of people in lots of professions do exactly that.
Apparently some seem to have personal connections that weren't favorable...but that's one side of the story.

Guess I just appreciate what he did at X and that's where I stop caring.

It probably has to do with him being an alum and he still left. Whenever X does well, I always here rumblings from people about how our coach is going to leave for a "real basketball" school. So when Mack was having success here, I thought maybe since he's an alum he will be different and stay.

[Masterofreality]

This seems like a popular opinion. I disagree he quit on the team. And no coach is tossing away a tournament as a one seed. I think they played a bad matchup in FSU, with a horrible call on JP toward the Latter part of the game. He won the big East that year. I just donÂ’t think he gave up on the team. I think the 2seed year was a much bigger choke job, considering they had like a 7-8 point lead with 6 minutes left.


Recruiting? I can definitely buy that and people have every right to think it’s bush league/be mad about how he “recruited”‘on his way out

Besides the bad calls on JP Tre got rolled up on and hurt. Didn’t play the last 6(?) minutes.
That’s why Kerem was stuck to have to take the last 3. Lots of bad luck in that game.

[Masterofreality]

I had to look up Mack's age - at 52 he is a little older than I thought. Still a pretty young age to retire, but he could always retire from coaching and do something else involving basketball, or start some other kind of business. I don't think he has the personality to be a commentator though.

The problem he has a little bit is that his brand is pretty damaged, especially in Louisville, but also to an extent in Cincinnati. That will likely limit his options. He can't really trade on his name by opening a restaurant or car dealership or something.

If the rumors are true that Xavier was willing to pay him up to (or even close to) $3MM per year, going to Louisville may very well have cost him money overall, depending on where he goes next and how soon. He would have had an incredibly long leash at Xavier, probably for about as long as he wanted to continue to coach. Either way he should be set for life financially, but money often buys less happiness than people think, especially highly competitive people.

A) He has said both privately and publically that he did not want to Coach past age 55. He was 48 when he took the UL job. Was planning on 8 years.
B) The $3 million / year from X is absolutely accurate. The big donors were solicited and that was a legit offer from Christopher to him

[D-West & PO-Z]

A) He has said both privately and publically that he did not want to Coach past age 55. He was 48 when he took the UL job. Was planning on 8 years.
B) The $3 million / year from X is absolutely accurate. The big donors were solicited and that was a legit offer from Christopher to him

Coaches have big egos. Mack is no exception. Thinking you will retire at 55 and ride off into the sunset after a successful decade (almost) at a major program in your wife's hometown is a very different scenario than being forced out at 52 after 4 completely underwhelming years (as a whole, I know he had a good year in there).

I will be shocked if Mack never coaches again. Only way I could see it is if he gets no major program offers and he decides he doesn't want to move to coach in the mid majors. I could also see him only wanting to coach in the midwest or SEC/ACC areas.

[murray87]

Mack can go coach at Auburn after Pearl carpetbags his way to Louieville.

[MHettel]

but money often buys less happiness than people think, especially highly competitive people.

I volunteer to test that theory.

[MHettel]

This seems like a popular opinion. I disagree he quit on the team. And no coach is tossing away a tournament as a one seed. I think they played a bad matchup in FSU, with a horrible call on JP toward the Latter part of the game. He won the big East that year. I just donÂ’t think he gave up on the team. I think the 2seed year was a much bigger choke job, considering they had like a 7-8 point lead with 6 minutes left.


Recruiting? I can definitely buy that and people have every right to think it’s bush league/be mad about how he “recruited”‘on his way out

Lets be real. Mack knew through backchannels that the UofL job was his and he had every intention to take it. He HAD to flame out early in the tourney in order to get a clean getaway. If he had made it to the FF or NC game and then leaves his alma mater for a "better job"....how much sense would that make.

The head coach sets the tone for the team. He was gone, and as a result we had no chance of achieving much.

[paulxu]

Lets be real. Mack knew through backchannels that the UofL job was his and he had every intention to take it. He HAD to flame out early in the tourney in order to get a clean getaway. If he had made it to the FF or NC game and then leaves his alma mater for a "better job"....how much sense would that make.

The head coach sets the tone for the team. He was gone, and as a result we had no chance of achieving much.

Sorry, this doesn't make sense to me. If he had the job, can't see it would hurt to win some more games.

[drudy23]

He left X for money.

He's leaving U of L for money.

He has an out in his contract and he's taking it (or at least negotiating it) - it sounds like a complete sh*tshow down there right now. Without an AD and a President, who actually hires the new coach?

Any coach taking that job 3-4 years ago was in the complete leverage seat.

[JTG]

Sorry, this doesn't make sense to me. If he had the job, can't see it would hurt to win some more games.

It makes perfect sense to me. If he kept winning, especially if he ended up FF or NC game, he looks like an idiot for leaving. Losing the first weekend fuels the I couldn't go any further with this school narrative.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It makes perfect sense to me. If he kept winning, especially if he ended up FF or NC game, he looks like an idiot for leaving. Losing the first weekend fuels the I couldn't go any further with this school narrative.

Stop.

I do not disagree that Mack had one foot out the door and it may have affected his coaching due to distraction (and it certainly affected his recruiting to X) but the notion that Mack chose to intentionally have Xavier lose early in the tournament is tin foil hat level crazy.

Tell that to JP or Tre and they'd laugh in your face.

[MHettel]

Sorry, this doesn't make sense to me. If he had the job, can't see it would hurt to win some more games.

You really dont understand?

UofL is a "better job." He wants to win a NC, and feels "held back" by XU. His chances at UofL go up considerably.

But going to a FF kind of throws a monkey wrench in that "reason" doesnt it? And therefore exposes his REAL reason for leaving which of course is Money.

NO COACH actually admits they take a new job for money. Read that carefully. I didnt say they dont leave for money. I said they dont ADMIT it. They will say ANYTHING to de-emphasize their greed.

So flaming out in the tournament with XU nicely achieves his cover story.

If you dont get it now....well, I'm not sure what else could be said.

[MHettel]

Stop.

the notion that Mack chose to intentionally have Xavier lose early in the tournament is tin foil hat level crazy.



Nobody said that. I'm suggesting that a coach needs to have LASER focus on winning at all times, and the stakes are never higher than the NCAA tournament, especially in the later rounds.

If the coach loses that focus, then the team reflects it. Deep down, Mack knew winning in the tournament would make his departure MUCH more difficult. Whether consciously or not, this impacted his ability to focus on winning. Hence shitting the bed in the BE tourney and in the second round of the NCAA.

not that difficult to grasp.

[GoMuskies]

Mack probably stayed at Xavier if we had gone independent.

[xubrew]

I've gone back and found the play-by-play of that Florida State game in the Round of 32 from 2018. I was able to identify the exact moment that Mack decided to "check out" and told the team he was leaving!! As you can see below, it happened with 5:37 to go in the game. Before Mack decided to tell them, Xavier had this game in hand!!


6:00 Fllorida State Deadball Team Rebound. 56 - 65
6:00 Braian Angola made Free Throw. 57 - 65
5:37 Foul on Mfiondu Kabengele. 57 - 65
5:37 Trevon Bluiett missed Free Throw. 57 - 65
5:37 Xavier Deadball Team Rebound. 57 - 65
5:37 Trevon Bluiett made Free Throw. 57 - 66 - MACK TELLS THE TEAM HE IS LEAVING
5:31 Terance Mann made Jumper. 59 - 66
5:13 Paul Scruggs missed Layup. 59 - 66
5:13 Mfiondu Kabengele Defensive Rebound. 59 - 66
5:04 Trent Forrest made Layup. 61 - 66
4:27 Trevon Bluiett Turnover. 61 - 66
4:27 Trent Forrest Steal. 61 - 66
4:21 Trent Forrest made Layup. 63 - 66
4:21 Foul on Paul Scruggs. 63 - 66
4:21 Trent Forrest made Free Throw. 64 - 66


My point is that if you believe the reason X lost to Florida State was because their heads just weren't in the game because they knew Mack was leaving (as ludicrious as that is), then you must also believe that for the first 34 minutes of that game they had no clue. For the first 34 minutes of that game, Xavier played really well. There was a sequence where it was a score-stop-score-stop-score for FSU, and that got them back into it. They were a long team that played good defense and rebounded well. I still feel that Xavier was the better team, and I still think they could have (and perhaps should have) won, but I also think the reason FSU won was because of the plays they made down the stretch and not because X wasn't prepared or that the coach was checked out. That's actually objectively insane. Had that been the case, then X would have never been in the game, much less in control of the game with less than six minutes to go.

[paulxu]

That must be it Brew.
He needed a cover story to go to UL, and the cover story is to purposefully lose.

Good lord. You are right. It's objectively insane.

[boozehound]

Coaches have big egos. Mack is no exception. Thinking you will retire at 55 and ride off into the sunset after a successful decade (almost) at a major program in your wife's hometown is a very different scenario than being forced out at 52 after 4 completely underwhelming years (as a whole, I know he had a good year in there).

I will be shocked if Mack never coaches again. Only way I could see it is if he gets no major program offers and he decides he doesn't want to move to coach in the mid majors. I could also see him only wanting to coach in the midwest or SEC/ACC areas.

That's what I think. I don't doubt that the $3MM number is accurate, nor do I doubt that Mack has said he doesn't intend to coach past 55. I think he believed/believes that. It's hard for me to see him going out like this at age 52. Having said that, I also don't know what he does or where he goes. I'm not sure he would step into a good coaching job right now, and I don't really think he wants to spend 3-4 years rebuilding at a 'lesser' school to get another shot. Maybe he just turns his focus toward some kind of business venture?

[MHettel]

That must be it Brew.
He needed a cover story to go to UL, and the cover story is to purposefully lose.

Good lord. You are right. It's objectively insane.

Really? in the heat of battle, you look up at your coach and you wonder if HIS head is in the game or not. Major distraction. Mack quit on his team.

[XU_Lou]

It's official - Mack gone: https://www.si.com/college/2022/01/26/chris-mack-fired-louisville-basketball-official

[xu82]

Really? in the heat of battle, you look up at your coach and you wonder if HIS head is in the game or not. Major distraction. Mack quit on his team.

I don’t think there was anything purposeful about losing, just like I don’t think he consciously decided not to recruit. I agree FSU is often long and a difficult matchup, but with the right frame of mind and focus things might have gone differently. We will never know.

[xubrew]

The reason Xavier beat Arizona in the Sweet Sixteen the year before was because Lauri Markkanen was checked out. He knew he was a first round pick, everyone knew he was leaving, and he just didn't care anymore. He actually didn't have that good of a game. I guess he just quit on his team.

Now that's obviously total nonsense, but so is saying Mack quit on the team. After seeing what he did at Louisville, I'm surprised everyone who thought that he had hasn't reconsidered the issue. (I believe) Leonard Hamilton's record against Chris Mack is 6-1. The only win Mack had was in the NCAA Tournament against Florida State the year before. The issue isn't that Mack quit on the team. The issue is that Hamilton is obviously just better.

[GoMuskies]

Mack wore his Bengals hat to the final meeting with the team and to address the press afterwards. So perhaps he'll be coaching with the Bengals next year?

And when asked what was next for him, he said he was cooking dinner. If he's not watching the Xavier/Providence game with dinner (which I presume he will given that it's his alma mater, Steele is his mentee and Scruggs is one of his guys), then he's out of the Musketeer family for good!

[xubrew]

I don’t think there was anything purposeful about losing, just like I don’t think he consciously decided not to recruit. I agree FSU is often long and a difficult matchup, but with the right frame of mind and focus things might have gone differently. We will never know.

Losing in the Round of 32 was all part of the plan!!

I know I quoted you XU82, but none of the following is aimed at you...

I'll actually concede the point that Mack knew he was going to leave, or at the very least he was seriously considering it. At no point have I ever thought that to not be the case. The thing is that going deep into that NCAA Tournament would have put him in a position to demand A LOT more money, and Louisville is the kind of place that wouldn't have thought twice about paying it. I get being upset that he left, but it is utterly moronic to think Mack either wasn't totally dialed in to wanting to win the game, and it is even more moronic to suspect that he lost the game on purpose so as to not look like a fool for leaving. It's hard to not laugh at someone who says something as stupid as that.

[UCGRAD4X]

Mack wore his Bengals hat to the final meeting with the team and to address the press afterwards. So perhaps he'll be coaching with the Bengals next year?


Maybe he'll be playing on the offensive line.

[MHettel]

Losing in the Round of 32 was all part of the plan!!

I know I quoted you XU82, but none of the following is aimed at you...

I'll actually concede the point that Mack knew he was going to leave, or at the very least he was seriously considering it. At no point have I ever thought that to not be the case. The thing is that going deep into that NCAA Tournament would have put him in a position to demand A LOT more money, and Louisville is the kind of place that wouldn't have thought twice about paying it. I get being upset that he left, but it is utterly moronic to think Mack either wasn't totally dialed in to wanting to win the game, and it is even more moronic to suspect that he lost the game on purpose so as to not look like a fool for leaving. It's hard to not laugh at someone who says something as stupid as that.

I'm saying he was distracted and not focused. And there was nothing at stake, since he had already accomplished what he had set out to do and land that UofL job. And winning at XU just complicates the divorce. Mack wasn't there mentally and the team felt that.

And honestly. After what he just did at Louisville and LITERALLY quit on the team. If someone was even wondering about the impact Mack might have had on that late season skid...well the last couple days may provide you with an additional data point about him.

[JEHARDI]

He left X for money.

He's leaving U of L for money.

He has an out in his contract and he's taking it (or at least negotiating it) - it sounds like a complete sh*tshow down there right now. Without an AD and a President, who actually hires the new coach?

Any coach taking that job 3-4 years ago was in the complete leverage seat.

He did not have an out and lost all leverage with the Gaudio mess. He got $4.8 of the $12.7 they owed him. Neither side wanted a protracted legal mess while they waited to see if the NCAA found the Gaudio allegations legit.

[drudy23]

He did not have an out and lost all leverage with the Gaudio mess. He got $4.8 of the $12.7 they owed him. Neither side wanted a protracted legal mess while they waited to see if the NCAA found the Gaudio allegations legit.

He did in regards to avoiding a potential "firing for cause" - he avoided that by being willing to take a negotiated buy-out through a mutual separation. If I were a betting man, it was Steele's camp who initiated this.

[D-West & PO-Z]

He did in regards to avoiding a potential "firing for cause" - he avoided that by being willing to take a negotiated buy-out through a mutual separation. If I were a betting man, it was Steele's camp who initiated this.

Can Steele's camp initiate the same with Xavier now???

[GoMuskies]

Can Steele's camp initiate the same with Xavier now???

Come now, it's not quite that bad. It's certainly not GOOD, but it's not that bad either.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Come now, it's not quite that bad. It's certainly not GOOD, but it's not that bad either.

Joking....but miss the tournament and I will be 100000% serious.