Sell Me On Travis Steele Remaining HC in 2022/2023

[nuts4xu]

If you are Greg Christopher, and plan to keep Travis Steele as your head coach, how would you sell Xavier Nation on the idea of keeping Travis Steele next season?

Give me the upside.

Personally, I don't see how this continues. What will be different?

[markchal]

The recruiting class.

Maybe one of the incoming freshmen also knows how to coach Division I basketball.

[Xville]

I will say that the recruiting class is exciting. I’m just not convinced this staff will be able to develop them. I’m also wondering where a strong 4 or 5 is, that can be developed.

[JTG]

Yea ! 3 more skinny guys who can't shoot and get pushed around the whole game, that is IF they get any playing time.

[CP05XU08CU13]

Anybody can recruit decent players in this day and age. Selling players on playing time, tradition, and media exposure generally attracts decent players. Star ratings only mean so much. Player development is the key. Look at the programs that do not get near the talent as Xavier, but still find a way to win and advance in March. Look at the teams that have all 5-star athletes, but play selfishly and underachieve. Raw talent only gets you so far in college athletics. Molding and developing young players into unselfish, hardworking and solid team players is the key to success in college athletics. Look at Villanova and Creighton. Opposite sides of the spectrum in terms of tradition and recruiting. However, both coaches consistently find ways to create a cohesive unit that achieves consistent results and a winning culture.

[xu82]

The recruiting class.

Maybe one of the incoming freshmen also knows how to coach Division I basketball.

Recruiting and coaching are two different skill sets. I thought he was very good in his previous role. Some people are just better as #2 guys.

[American X]

Like socialism, the Travis Steele basketball vision has never truly been tried.

[boozehound]

Like socialism, the Travis Steele basketball vision has never truly been tried.

They also both work in theory, but not in practice.

[GoMuskies]

"HI, I'm Greg Christopher, and I don't know my ass from a hole in the ground, so if I fire Steele, the person I hire to replace him will probably be worse."

[Blue Blooded-05]

They also both work in theory, but not in practice.

Actually, it works really well in practice, as proven by Jason Carter and Jerome Hunter: Back-to-back-to-back NCAA practice points champions!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

If X keeps Steele, wont they also have to extend him for recruiting purposes? Can't wait for the reaction to that press release.

[xubrew]

Greg McDermott used to always have the same issues. Even in his days at Northern Iowa his teams would fade badly down the stretch. But, he seems to have come out of that trend now!! After about twenty years, he got it right!! So in about 15 more years Steele should be to a point to where he's worked his way through the late season collapses!!

[GoMuskies]

McDermott's Iowa State tenure was pretty similar to Steele's Xavier tenure. And they canned his ass after 4 years.

[xubrew]

McDermott's Iowa State tenure was pretty similar to Steele's Xavier tenure. And they canned his ass after 4 years.

You know, it really was!

[xavierj]

Greg McDermott used to always have the same issues. Even in his days at Northern Iowa his teams would fade badly down the stretch. But, he seems to have come out of that trend now!! After about twenty years, he got it right!! So in about 15 more years Steele should be to a point to where he's worked his way through the late season collapses!!

McDermott also has done really well recruiting last couple of years. Had the 9th ranked class last year, which would have been higher if Tyty would not have ended up at Kentucky. He has brought in 7 4 stars and 6 top 100 players the last two years.

[McX]

If you are Greg Christopher, and plan to keep Travis Steele as your head coach, how would you sell Xavier Nation on the idea of keeping Travis Steele next season?

Give me the upside.

Personally, I don't see how this continues. What will be different?

Sorry Nuts, looks like nobody's gonna bite.
Me, I'm (still, always have been) on the fence. Kinda like with Kelly at ND.

[markchal]

Brian Kelly resurrected a struggling Notre Dame program and led them to success they hadn't seen in two decades, and put them consistently among the top 10 teams in all of college football.

Travis Steele has not made the NCAA tournament once.

[OTRMUSKIE]

There is zero upside, zero. You're going to lose a lot of fans next year and if he doesn't make the dance convincingly then you're really going to piss people off and you will lose your job. So Greg. Do you want to keep your job? FIRE STEELE.

[xukeith]

Steele is a nice man. Players love how nice he is.

Of the current 3 recruits , one will probably have an impact. This is the success rate of Steele.

Is everyone ready for 2 more years of this nightmare?

[drudy23]

Anybody can recruit decent players in this day and age. Selling players on playing time, tradition, and media exposure generally attracts decent players. Star ratings only mean so much. Player development is the key. Look at the programs that do not get near the talent as Xavier, but still find a way to win and advance in March. Look at the teams that have all 5-star athletes, but play selfishly and underachieve. Raw talent only gets you so far in college athletics. Molding and developing young players into unselfish, hardworking and solid team players is the key to success in college athletics. Look at Villanova and Creighton. Opposite sides of the spectrum in terms of tradition and recruiting. However, both coaches consistently find ways to create a cohesive unit that achieves consistent results and a winning culture.

This.

[drudy23]

No more excuses.

He's had time. No program development, no player development. And what's most annoying is that nothing really changes. Hard to believe things will change next year.

We've been excited about every one of his recruiting classes. His needs to be forced to look at the program from a different lens. Get outside input. Evolve. That's part of the AD's job too.

[nuts4xu]

Sorry Nuts, looks like nobody's gonna bite.
Me, I'm (still, always have been) on the fence. Kinda like with Kelly at ND.

This is exactly what I thought would happen. I have been sales my entire career. I have made a living finding an angle that would be attractive to my audience and I am struggling to see a story I can spin to make this product something I can pitch. I have been told I can sell ice to eskimos...but I have met my match in this situation.

To trot out Travis Steele as the head coach next year makes zero sense. The best pitch is "he has learned for 4 years what doesn't work, so hopefully he has figured out what will work, and will be making changes to demonstrate his growth as a coach".

Not exactly a ringing endorsement for the guy or the program. Greg Christopher looks worse each day he doesn't come out and fire him...or come up with some BS to show an endorsement. His silence is deafening.

[GoMuskies]

I thought I made a pretty compelling case for Steele.

[xu82]

"HI, I'm Greg Christopher, and I don't know my ass from a hole in the ground, so if I fire Steele, the person I hire to replace him will probably be worse."

This is indeed compelling. And probably true!

One reason I’m so firm in my conviction is Miller being out there. I’m very confident he can turn things around in short order.

[markchal]

The problem with keeping him is there's little hope of turning it around next season. We desperately need shooting and lose our only reliable shooter. Scruggs was our primary playmaker and had the ball in his hands a LOT. We bring back a lot of players, but outside of a superstar transfer (or a former coach returning to take over), I can't see how this isn't a bottom-third BE team. At which point he'll definitely be fired next year.

So...what are they waiting for?

[MHettel]

I have to imagine that Christopher knows that if he gives Steele on more year, then he's essentially putting his own job on the line.

If he cut Steele now, he'd insulate his own job for several years. Keeping Steele and then having to fire him next year would mean he's gonna get the axe as well.

Part of me wonders if Christopher is smart enough to play both sides here.

Take this issue to the BOD (or whatever it's called) and let them know that you'd like to fire Steele NOW. But, make the biggest issue be about the buyout money and make the BOD decide on that. If they provide the money, then he can fire Steele. But if they DONT, and Christopher finds himself back in this same spot next year, he can remind the BOD that he wanted to fire him LAST year. Christopher may be able to stay out of the line of fire on this, and not have to stick his neck out. Weasel move, for sure. I've obviously seen some slimy stuff in Corporate America over the last 25 years...

[OTRMUSKIE]

Rumor has it that Free an Scruggs got into it after Butler game and Colby is transferring.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Also free is said to be transferring too. From what I have heard the donors will have to pay for Steeles buyout otherwise he is returning.

[markchal]

ZF makes sense with how much better Nunge is at everything ZF does. Colby leaving doesn't make as much sense. He's not going to get nearly the role he has here anywhere else, unless he goes to a mid-major.

[GoMuskies]

If Colby transfers, shut it all down.

[xdude]

It's hard to imagine any top tier college player getting excited about coming to Xavier. Great campus, venue and tradition, but four years of Travis Steele's 'Xavier Way' has tarnished our image. I'm sure part of his past pitch is going to the Dance. Now we go Nitting. Not inspiring to 18 year olds.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I think first you have to go after kids who love to Knit. I mean I assume that how VD gets recruits.

Recruits:"Hey Mom I like to knit so what schools do too?"

Mom: Dayton

Recruit:" they like to knit a little too much"

Mom: well I heard Xavier just joined knitting"

Recruit: "I'm going to X"

[American X]

The local hoodie industry would be devastated if he left. Think of the children, man.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Free wants to go play overseas. This obviously is just frustration. This can be fixed with the right coach. Can the AD meet with the players individually and ask them who they want as a head coach for 2022-23? I think team can be very very good with the right coach. Miller being that coach of course. Or Murray state or Loyola.

[Xavier]

I think you may be making that up. Free won’t go overseas. I can see transferring but “oversees” is not happening. Makes me question Colby rumor too.

But I still won’t be shocked at a lot leaving. Playing for X is a grind now, depressing. They don’t look like they are having any fun at all

[Xville]

Also free is said to be transferring too. From what I have heard the donors will have to pay for Steeles buyout otherwise he is returning.

His buyout can not possibly be that much. I’m guessing 3 at most and that’s probably pushing it. This is something that can be paid out over the length of the contract if not more. Time has come

[OTRMUSKIE]

I'm not making any of this up. Somebody else could be though. I'm just reporting what I am hearing from the pay site.

[Xville]

I think you may be making that up. Free won’t go overseas. I can see transferring but “oversees” is not happening. Makes me question Colby rumor too.

But I still won’t be shocked at a lot leaving. Playing for X is a grind now, depressing. They don’t look like they are having any fun at all

Let’s think about this rationally for a second. Why on earth if you are Colby jones, and Steele is the coach next year that you would stay?

The kid has tons of potential but he probably looks around and understands no one is getting better here, and He better get the heck out before his college career is over. Seems like a good kid with some brains so I wouldn’t be shocked at all if he left if this is the staff

[OTRMUSKIE]

I have never bought out a coach but I would be willing to drop $100 to get rid of him in exchange for the skyline chili parachute drop to be dropped in the upper section. It's like they tease us with that crap. And they always bring up the weak arm cheerleader to throw the balls just a few seats in front of the non-seat license people.

[boozehound]

His buyout can not possibly be that much. I’m guessing 3 at most and that’s probably pushing it. This is something that can be paid out over the length of the contract if not more. Time has come

You would think that one of the perks of hiring an unproven assistant as the HC for a major program would be that his buyout would be minimal and easily afforded if things went wrong. Somebody really screwed up that contract if we are somehow on the hook for a significant buyout for Travis fucking Steele. Especially after his 4th year. What the hell did he do to earn any type of significant buyout?

[xu82]

You would think that one of the perks of hiring an unproven assistant as the HC for a major program would be that his buyout would be minimal and easily afforded if things went wrong. Somebody really screwed up that contract if we are somehow on the hook for a significant buyout for Travis fucking Steele. Especially after his 4th year. What the hell did he do to earn any type of significant buyout?

If we weren’t in the driver’s seat negotiating that deal, that’s yet another strike against Christopher.

[D-West & PO-Z]

you would think that one of the perks of hiring an unproven assistant as the hc for a major program would be that his buyout would be minimal and easily afforded if things went wrong. Somebody really screwed up that contract if we are somehow on the hook for a significant buyout for travis fucking steele. Especially after his 4th year. What the hell did he do to earn any type of significant buyout?

ha, amen!

[OTRMUSKIE]

Well keep in Mind, X has hired two unproven assistants and we have been lucky Each time. X did what we all assumed would be the case. Steele was the guy to lead is you the final 4. It back fired.

[OTRMUSKIE]

How about all ticket sales go towards the Travis Steele Buyout fund? This would def help towards paying for it. I bet we could get 10.200 if that were the case. They make more money on concessions that way.

[xubrew]

If you are Greg Christopher, and plan to keep Travis Steele as your head coach, how would you sell Xavier Nation on the idea of keeping Travis Steele next season?

Give me the upside.

Personally, I don't see how this continues. What will be different?

Hasn't lost any NCAA Tournament games!!!

[GIMMFD]

Free wants to go play overseas. This obviously is just frustration. This can be fixed with the right coach. Can the AD meet with the players individually and ask them who they want as a head coach for 2022-23? I think team can be very very good with the right coach. Miller being that coach of course. Or Murray state or Loyola.

McMahon at Murray State would be a great hire, not so sure about Drew Valentine from Loyola considering he had a good roster come back and it's his first year, plus he's only 30 and definitely still raw. Think he probably has a lot of potential and relates well with recruits, but no idea about his coaching chops like man management, adjustments, etc. That is unless you're talking about Porter Moser, but he just got to Oklahoma, so A. don't see him moving after a year, or B. no way we can probably match or improve that salary.

[Dblue]

His buyout can not possibly be that much. I’m guessing 3 at most and that’s probably pushing it. This is something that can be paid out over the length of the contract if not more. Time has come

If Christopher called asking for a somewhat significant amount to buy out the coach he hired so he can hire a replacement coach, I'd give him no more than the loose change in my pocket. Would anyone have a feeling that their money would be going to good use?

[Masterofreality]

I'm not making any of this up. Somebody else could be though. I'm just reporting what I am hearing from the pay site.

Just cause you pay to access a site doesn’t make the info any more reliable.
See: Washington Post

[UCGRAD4X]

Hasn't lost any NCAA Tournament games!!!

give that man a chicken dinner

[OTRMUSKIE]

If Steele fires his coaching Staff and brings in both Miller Brothers , I would be 100% okay with Steele coming back as long as it is written in the contract tbat if you fail to make the NCAA in year 5, not only will you be fired but you will pay for your own buyout.

[xukeith]

Actually, it works really well in practice, as proven by Jason Carter and Jerome Hunter: Back-to-back-to-back NCAA practice points champions!!

We might have a winner! If things go negative with Miller bros, I blame Steele. He must have dirt on somebody to keep his job for 4 years.

[bobbiemcgee]

after depuke loss-

"Again, there's a lot of season left here. A lot. And we want to peak at the right time. I have complete belief in our locker room in there. We will absolutely figure it out and we're gonna finish really strong."

Never peaked. Never finished. Everyone else got better. 3rd year collapsing.

[Backyard Champ]

I have never bought out a coach but I would be willing to drop $100 to get rid of him in exchange for the skyline chili parachute drop to be dropped in the upper section. It's like they tease us with that crap. And they always bring up the weak arm cheerleader to throw the balls just a few seats in front of the non-seat license people.

It’s a $5.00 skyline gift card. Drop the $100 either way

[Masterofreality]

after depuke loss-

"Again, there's a lot of season left here. A lot. And we want to peak at the right time. I have complete belief in our locker room in there. We will absolutely figure it out and we're gonna finish really strong."

Never peaked. Never finished. Everyone else got better. 3rd year collapsing.

Guy is a salesman, a used car salesman at that.
He can sell anything, including a recruit to go to X.
The problem is, when you get that car home, you find it's a junker and the guy was feeding you a line of crap.
Empty words epitomize Travis Steele.

[UCGRAD4X]

after depuke loss-

"Again, there's a lot of season left here. A lot. And we want to peak at the right time. I have complete belief in our locker room in there. We will absolutely figure it out and we're gonna finish really strong."

Never peaked. Never finished. Everyone else got better. 3rd year collapsing.

So true.

I recall more than a few times him saying things like, "I guarantee that will not happen again"!

Guess what happened the next game...and the one after...and the one after that...

[Cornbread1190]

I have never bought out a coach but I would be willing to drop $100 to get rid of him in exchange for the skyline chili parachute drop to be dropped in the upper section. It's like they tease us with that crap. And they always bring up the weak arm cheerleader to throw the balls just a few seats in front of the non-seat license people.

I hate those weak arm cheerleaders! That’s what exactly happened to me. I just missed those free promotional balls by 2 rows. These cheerleaders must have the same strength coach as the basketball team. Very disappointing!! I’ll add that to my list of Christopher’s failures.

[bleedXblue]

I predicted 3 weeks ago that Steele's biggest challenge is going to be preventing some key players from transferring. We shall see. If we lose 2-3 key returners, I simply do not know how you continue to keep Steele employed. Problem is, you cant "wait" for this to happen. The time to get your guy or the best guy to take over is now through the end of March.

[boozehound]

I predicted 3 weeks ago that Steele's biggest challenge is going to be preventing some key players from transferring. We shall see. If we lose 2-3 key returners, I simply do not know how you continue to keep Steele employed. Problem is, you cant "wait" for this to happen. The time to get your guy or the best guy to take over is now through the end of March.

This, plus he is going to have to kill it in the transfer portal. Right now next year doesn't look like a team that is going to make the NCAA tournament (especially with Steele coaching them). He needs to keep Odom, Jones, Nunge. I don't care about Freemantle that much. Then he needs to fill some holes with transfers. Finally, we will need the Freshmen to contribute early.

That's a tall order for a shitty coach.

[bleedXblue]

This, plus he is going to have to kill it in the transfer portal. Right now next year doesn't look like a team that is going to make the NCAA tournament (especially with Steele coaching them). He needs to keep Odom, Jones, Nunge. I don't care about Freemantle that much. Then he needs to fill some holes with transfers. Finally, we will need the Freshmen to contribute early.

That's a tall order for a shitty coach.

No doubt

[A Fan]

The problem with keeping him is there's little hope of turning it around next season. We desperately need shooting and lose our only reliable shooter. Scruggs was our primary playmaker and had the ball in his hands a LOT. We bring back a lot of players, but outside of a superstar transfer (or a former coach returning to take over), I can't see how this isn't a bottom-third BE team. At which point he'll definitely be fired next year.

So...what are they waiting for?

Xavier’s Administration and Major Donors know that Men’s Basketball is a Big Deal . This is not Greg Christopher’s decision. . There are 6 to 8 people who will reach a consensus and tell the others who will acquiesce . Among the 6 to 8 are the Donors who will be pay the buyout if there is concurrence Steele should be terminated.The major issue in keeping him is can they now get someone who they think can re- establish the Program. They will get no blowback on terminating Steele if they can get someone who (people like those who post here) think is the right person. Realistically, how many coaches are there who are “ available “ “ obtainable” that you would be excited about? You can offer names but you have no idea whether they are obtainable on acceptable terms. If they keep Steele it will ONLY be because you ( as a proxy) will say that they made a bad choice and the Program will sink or stagnate for another 4 years. They have to get it right. Getting rid of Steele is easy. Getting the right guy is the dilemma .

[GoMuskies]

Getting the right guy is always a risk. But NOT making a move because you're worried about picking wrong is a pathetic copout and means that the administration above needs to turn over. Xavier is a very attractive job. Has been for a long time. There will be quite a few choices. Yes, picking the right guy from those choices isn't a slam dunk proposition, but keeping a guy you know is the wrong one for fear of making an even worse choice is insane.

[A Fan]

Getting the right guy is always a risk. But NOT making a move because you're worried about picking wrong is a pathetic copout and means that the administration above needs to turn over. Xavier is a very attractive job. Has been for a long time. There will be quite a few choices. Yes, picking the right guy from those choices isn't a slam dunk proposition, but keeping a guy you know is the wrong one for fear of making an even worse choice is insane.
I did not say they would “ fear” making a bad choice. I said they would want to be confident they are making a good decision. You say “ there are quite a few choices. I assume you meant “ good choices” . It is easy to say hire Sean Miller or Matt McMahon . They may not be obtainable. Who are all of the good choices and are they available? And “ availability” means amenable to a contract that the Donors will pay for.

[GoMuskies]

I can assure you that there will be a lot of candidates available to Xavier. Many of whom will no doubt be better than Travis Steele. It's the administration's job to figure out the right guy who is available on terms they can afford. And their job to sell the donors on the move. If they aren't confident they can find a better option than Steele, they should find another line of work.

[XUGRAD80]

Xavier is always in a position where they might get out bid for a coaching candidate by a few other schools. But first off there are not a lot of schools with deep pockets that have openings right now, and 2ndly not all of them that do have openings will actually out bid X or will choose the exact same candidate. Xavier is a very attractive school for many reasons, so I don’t think that they will have any trouble getting quality candidates if or when a coaching opening happens. The chances of Xavier competing with another big time school for a candidate are limited. It will probably happen with a few candidates, but not with all.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Getting the right guy is always a risk. But NOT making a move because you're worried about picking wrong is a pathetic copout and means that the administration above needs to turn over. Xavier is a very attractive job. Has been for a long time. There will be quite a few choices. Yes, picking the right guy from those choices isn't a slam dunk proposition, but keeping a guy you know is the wrong one for fear of making an even worse choice is insane.

I can't scream this from the rooftops enough. It's just mind boggling that this might be their approach.

[bjf123]

If X announces that they’ve let Steele go, Christopher’s phone will start ringing non stop with coaches looking to move up to the Big East. They’ll have a boatload of candidates.


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[Blue Blooded-05]

Getting the right guy is always a risk. But NOT making a move because you're worried about picking wrong is a pathetic copout and means that the administration above needs to turn over. Xavier is a very attractive job. Has been for a long time. There will be quite a few choices. Yes, picking the right guy from those choices isn't a slam dunk proposition, but keeping a guy you know is the wrong one for fear of making an even worse choice is insane.


I can't scream this from the rooftops enough. It's just mind boggling that this might be their approach.

No kidding. This is like being in charge of flying a plane that is headed straight for the ground and the pilot is too afraid to do anything because the correction might be worse than doing nothing at all.

Sure, taking the initiative might fail. However, not taking the initiative will fail. Do something. Anything. Show us you care before it's too late.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I talked to the guy at the book store today he said he looked at stats and no 4 year coach at a major level has been fired with Steele record. Also the locker room is a mess and the posters don't want to play tonight.

[muskiefan82]

I talked to the guy at the book store today he said he looked at stats and no 4 year coach at a major level has been fired with Steele record. Also the locker room is a mess and the posters don't want to play tonight.
The posters don't want to play? I think most of us would suit up and play. It would be ugly, but we would do it. LOL. If you meant players, then X gets thrashed and hopefully that is the final straw

[Blue Blooded-05]

I talked to the guy at the book store today he said he looked at stats and no 4 year coach at a major level has been fired with Steele record. Also the locker room is a mess and the posters don't want to play tonight.

No 4th year major level coach with a .438 winning percentage in-conference has been fired? I call bullsh!t on that stat.

[Masterofreality]

I did not say they would “ fear” making a bad choice. I said they would want to be confident they are making a good decision. You say “ there are quite a few choices. I assume you meant “ good choices” . It is easy to say hire Sean Miller or Matt McMahon . They may not be obtainable. Who are all of the good choices and are they available? And “ availability” means amenable to a contract that the Donors will pay for.

This takes me back to the 80’s when XU actually had a group of people who would make the coach pick rather than the AD alone.
Dr. Bill Daily, Jim Mccafferty Art Schriberg and Mike Bachman were part of the Athletic Board Committee that selected Bob Staak. Many of the same guys, then Including Jeff Fogelson, made the decision to hire Pete Gillen over Tim Grgurich. An EXTREMELY wise choice!

I would hope that there is a good solid committee that Xavier would have in place to select a new coach rather than just trusting Christopher. This hire is way too important.

[OTRMUSKIE]

No 4th year major level coach with a .438 winning percentage in-conference has been fired? I call bullsh!t on that stat.

If you can't believe the cashier at the all for one shop who can you believe?

[GoMuskies]

I'm glad we hired Gillen, but Tim G. probably would have been a very good coach at Xavier, too. The situation at UNLV was just too hot when he took over. He's been a very well respected NBA assistant for over 20 years now.

[Masterofreality]

I'm glad we hired Gillen, but Tim G. probably would have been a very good coach at Xavier, too. The situation at UNLV was just too hot when he took over. He's been a very well respected NBA assistant for over 20 years now.

But he stunk at Pittsburgh before he was up for the X job. Fired after five years.

[JTG]

If X announces that they’ve let Steele go, Christopher’s phone will start ringing non stop with coaches looking to move up to the Big East. They’ll have a boatload of candidates.


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Ok, I'm curious what everyone thinks. If this would happen, should we immediately go to Miller, or wait to see who all applies ? I think my first call would still be to Miller, what about the rest of you ?

[GoMuskies]

Do you think there's a better candidate than Mlller? I don't, so I'd go Miller first. If Milller is a no, I think there are 15 willing candidates better than Steele. So post-Miller I dive into that pile.

[xukeith]

Do you think there's a better candidate than Mlller? I don't, so I'd go Miller first. If Milller is a no, I think there are 15 willing candidates better than Steele. So post-Miller I dive into that pile.

Never been more correct.

A courtesy call to Miller is a minimum. I would call today before the firing of Steele. Get an answer regarding Miller's interest.

[JTG]

Never been more correct.

A courtesy call to Miller is a minimum. I would call today before the firing of Steele. Get an answer regarding Miller's interest.

If that's the case, I'd call Miller this afternoon....

[chico]

Do you think there's a better candidate than Mlller? I don't, so I'd go Miller first. If Milller is a no, I think there are 15 willing candidates better than Steele. So post-Miller I dive into that pile.

Exactly. And if Christopher has any competency in his job, he has a list already of potential candidates, like Bobinski always did.

[XUBison]

So, the best defense of steel in response to the threat topic is his replacement would produce unknown results. Yikes. Retire this thread already.

[xudash]

So, the best defense of steel in response to the threat topic is his replacement would produce unknown results. Yikes. Retire this thread already.

Agreed.

BTW, my direct response to the thread question is that I cannot sell anyone on retaining Travis Steele. I can't do that with a straight face. I can't even do that in fake mode.

[A Fan]

Do you think there's a better candidate than Mlller? I don't, so I'd go Miller first. If Milller is a no, I think there are 15 willing candidates better than Steele. So post-Miller I dive into that pile.

So there exists 15 ( non identified) coaches out there better than Steele and any one of which would be an improvement. The donors that built the Cintas Center and elevated the basketball program are alive and not senile. Send them the 15 names ( through Christopher). I don’t think their standard is going to be choosing one who is “ better than Steele”. They are firing Steele because he was a huge failure . They want a coach who within two or three years can get the team into third or fourth in the Big East and a 8 or better in the NCAA seedings Give us the names of that group of 15. Firing Steele is easy. Getting the coach can reasonably be expected to meet the metrics is not. They are not firing Steele and advertising for an opening so everyone can apply. They will nail down the new coach before firing Steele.

[XUBison]

So there exists 15 ( non identified) coaches out there better than Steele and any one of which would be an improvement. The donors that built the Cintas Center and elevated the basketball program are alive and not senile. Send them the 15 names ( through Christopher). I don’t think their standard is going to be choosing one who is “ better than Steele”. They are firing Steele because he was a huge failure . They want a coach who within two or three years can get the team into third or fourth in the Big East and a 8 or better in the NCAA seedings Give us the names of that group of 15. Firing Steele is easy. Getting the coach can reasonably be expected to meet the metrics is not. They are not firing Steele and advertising for an opening so everyone can apply. They will nail down the new coach before firing Steele.

They are going to perform a national search before terminating Steele? I’m sorry, what the hell are you talking about?

And given our players could have coached themselves to the results of the past 4 seasons, yes, there are certainly 15 more qualified candidates who would be interested in the Xavier job.

[UCGRAD4X]

The goal should not be just to get a coach that is better than Steele, that's easy.

[Smooth]

I hate those weak arm cheerleaders! That’s what exactly happened to me. I just missed those free promotional balls by 2 rows. These cheerleaders must have the same strength coach as the basketball team. Very disappointing!! I’ll add that to my list of Christopher’s failures.

In the summer of '90 I claimed that I was going to be a cheerleader next year so that I didn't have to pay $15 to use the Sports Center during the summer. I was my own strength coach. As I recall it I got pretty buff that summer. Definitely had an upper deck arm. I also recall getting better looking and more intelligent that summer.

Fire Steele. That opinion isn't clouded by the fog of time and alcohol. Ok, not by the fog of time.

[GoMuskies]

So there exists 15 ( non identified) coaches out there better than Steele and any one of which would be an improvement. The donors that built the Cintas Center and elevated the basketball program are alive and not senile. Send them the 15 names ( through Christopher). I don’t think their standard is going to be choosing one who is “ better than Steele”. They are firing Steele because he was a huge failure . They want a coach who within two or three years can get the team into third or fourth in the Big East and a 8 or better in the NCAA seedings Give us the names of that group of 15. Firing Steele is easy. Getting the coach can reasonably be expected to meet the metrics is not. They are not firing Steele and advertising for an opening so everyone can apply. They will nail down the new coach before firing Steele.

It's not my job to find all the qualified candidates to replace Steele. But you can be assured there are plenty out there. Christopher and company may whiff, but if they decide to do nothing for fear of picking the wrong guy for the job, it's embarrassing and anyone involved should be sent packing.

[GoMuskies]

The goal should not be just to get a coach that is better than Steele, that's easy.

Of course not. But as long as you get anyone better than him you should act. We should be shooting much higher, though. The bar is low enough that the risk in acting is minimal.

[xudash]

From the Cincy paper, and this really rather P's me off:

Doubt centers around Steele's future and if he's the right coach to bring Xavier back to the level where it expects to be.

"I don't let that bother me at all," Steele said Monday when asked about the doubt circling around him and his job. "If I'm not going to seek out their advice, why would I listen to their opinion. I'm gonna work hard. I've had people doubt me my entire life and I have that chip on my shoulder wherever I go. So we're gonna keep on working ... and we'll get this thing turned around."

[Masterofreality]

From the Cincy paper, and this really rather P's me off:

Doubt centers around Steele's future and if he's the right coach to bring Xavier back to the level where it expects to be.

"I don't let that bother me at all," Steele said Monday when asked about the doubt circling around him and his job. "If I'm not going to seek out their advice, why would I listen to their opinion. I'm gonna work hard. I've had people doubt me my entire life and I have that chip on my shoulder wherever I go. So we're gonna keep on working ... and we'll get this thing turned around."

Ok in Year 1. Not in Year 4. Have some freaking self reflection.

[Xville]

From the Cincy paper, and this really rather P's me off:

Doubt centers around Steele's future and if he's the right coach to bring Xavier back to the level where it expects to be.

"I don't let that bother me at all," Steele said Monday when asked about the doubt circling around him and his job. "If I'm not going to seek out their advice, why would I listen to their opinion. I'm gonna work hard. I've had people doubt me my entire life and I have that chip on my shoulder wherever I go. So we're gonna keep on working ... and we'll get this thing turned around."

He’s full of bs. There’s no chip on his shoulder. Are you effing kidding me steele? Your team plays the way you coach, chipless

[A Fan]

They are going to perform a national search before terminating Steele? I’m sorry, what the hell are you talking about?

And given our players could have coached themselves to the results of the past 4 seasons, yes, there are certainly 15 more qualified candidates who would be interested in the Xavier job.

Not sure how you interpreted my comments to mean they were going to conduct a national search before firing Steele. I said the opposite. They would not fire Steele until they secured his replacement. Many of of our fellow posters are ( understandably) so displeased with Steele they will dance in the streets when he is fired. But good governance demands you have his replacement lined up before you pull the trigger. That does not mean you say “ Steele is fired John Smith is hired”. It means you may terminate Steele and say you will find his replacement .. .That is HR speak for : We will soon be announcing his replacement”.

[xuphan]

From the Cincy paper, and this really rather P's me off:

Doubt centers around Steele's future and if he's the right coach to bring Xavier back to the level where it expects to be.

"I don't let that bother me at all," Steele said Monday when asked about the doubt circling around him and his job. "If I'm not going to seek out their advice, why would I listen to their opinion. I'm gonna work hard. I've had people doubt me my entire life and I have that chip on my shoulder wherever I go. So we're gonna keep on working ... and we'll get this thing turned around."

How do you go four years and continue to tell people that you are going to get it turned around without actually addressing why you haven’t got it turned around?

[Xavier]

He only has to convince one person- and unfortunately Greg has a lot of Steele in him. He (Greg) is good at talking a lot without saying much. I think Travis outsmarts Greg…he has him in his pocket. Probably sells him on the direction of the program and Greg buys it every time

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not sure how you interpreted my comments to mean they were going to conduct a national search before firing Steele. I said the opposite. They would not fire Steele until they secured his replacement. Many of of our fellow posters are ( understandably) so displeased with Steele they will dance in the streets when he is fired. But good governance demands you have his replacement lined up before you pull the trigger. That does not mean you say “ Steele is fired John Smith is hired”. It means you may terminate Steele and say you will find his replacement .. .That is HR speak for : We will soon be announcing his replacement”.

You misread his post. He is saying you are wrong, not agreeing with you.

I am sure its somewhere in the middle. Yes, you have a medium list of names, you maybe put some feelers out there but you probably don't go full out until you have fired Steele. Doesn't mean they won't have a solid idea yet though.

[D-West & PO-Z]

He only has to convince one person- and unfortunately Greg has a lot of Steele in him. He (Greg) is good at talking a lot without saying much. I think Travis outsmarts Greg…he has him in his pocket. Probably sells him on the direction of the program and Greg buys it every time

How in the world could he sell him on the direction of the program?

[SM#24]

From the Cincy paper, and this really rather P's me off:

Doubt centers around Steele's future and if he's the right coach to bring Xavier back to the level where it expects to be.

"I don't let that bother me at all," Steele said Monday when asked about the doubt circling around him and his job. "If I'm not going to seek out their advice, why would I listen to their opinion. I'm gonna work hard. I've had people doubt me my entire life and I have that chip on my shoulder wherever I go. So we're gonna keep on working ... and we'll get this thing turned around."
Textbook little man syndrome.

[boozehound]

From the Cincy paper, and this really rather P's me off:

Doubt centers around Steele's future and if he's the right coach to bring Xavier back to the level where it expects to be.

"I don't let that bother me at all," Steele said Monday when asked about the doubt circling around him and his job. "If I'm not going to seek out their advice, why would I listen to their opinion. I'm gonna work hard. I've had people doubt me my entire life and I have that chip on my shoulder wherever I go. So we're gonna keep on working ... and we'll get this thing turned around."

I really wonder how Steele comes back from this. I understand that you have to have thick skin when you are coaching, especially when things aren't going well. Having said that, mixing it up with the fans rarely ends well when a majority of fans want you gone and the student section is booing you at home games. This isn't 2% of UK fans calling for Calipari to be fired after one down season. He has lost the majority of the fan base, and for good reason: 4 years of shitty results. He doesn't seem to acknowledge that there is anything wrong with the performance, which is where the problem starts. Assuming we aren't going to get rid of him, he needs to publicly acknowledge that the program has not met expectations and offer the fan base some kind of hope that he can turn it around. This is particularly important since next year isn't likely to be a Final 4 team (to put it mildly), so he is going to need some patience from the fans or it's going to get ugly early. Basically just telling the fans to fuck off isn't going to build bridges there.

But... he is mini-Mack to a T. We all saw how well Chris handled things going south in Louisville. Douchebags of a feather flock together?


How in the world could he sell him on the direction of the program?

I imagine he will blame the players. It's what he does during the season, no reason to think it wouldn't continue through the offseason.

[xavierj]

How in the world could he sell him on the direction of the program?

Probably selling him that he basically just landed the best recruiting class on paper that Xavier has ever had. That is the biggest unknown for me. If they could get miller, which I don’t think that can work this year, you do it now. If not then not sure if you take that plunge and risk losing exactly what you probably need… better talent coming into the program. My fear is you bring a guy in with no understanding of what Xavier is, lose your best recruits, lose 20 games and then it never gets better. Shit needs to change, just not sure what is the best route to go. Uneasy times for sure.

[drudy23]

Is there any sense that ANYTHING needs to change?

I'm in the camp that would be surprised if he's fired, but how can no one in charge be worried that this thing could really take a turn for the disastrous?

Are they really going to just continue to let him do his thing, or is there evidence he will be forced to look at some things differently (recruiting profiles, offensive philosophy, coaching staff, etc, etc)?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Probably selling him that he basically just landed the best recruiting class on paper that Xavier has ever had. That is the biggest unknown for me. If they could get miller, which I don’t think that can work this year, you do it now. If not then not sure if you take that plunge and risk losing exactly what you probably need… better talent coming into the program. My fear is you bring a guy in with no understanding of what Xavier is, lose your best recruits, lose 20 games and then it never gets better. Shit needs to change, just not sure what is the best route to go. Uneasy times for sure.

I saw a stat on twitter about the high school recruits Steele has brought in during his tenure. It is not good.

He has had 10 HS recruits, 8 inside the top 150.

4 have hit the transfer portal.
3 have "contributed" thus far.

Not great, Bob.

I would take great caution in expecting all 3 freshman to pan out and to contribute in a meaningful way right off the bat. I hope so, but keeping Steele, just to keep the recruits is very shortsighted.

[GoMuskies]

The players seemed to want to play last night, the guy who some are rumoring to transfer (Freemantle) wanted to play and they didn’t mail it in. Colby made a great effort last night too. If TIN had lost the lockerroom it would have shown up last night but it didn’t.

Holy shit. That was the team WANTING to play?!? Yikes.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Holy shit. That was the team WANTING to play?!? Yikes.

Yeah, I was there, and very close to the court. The players seemed completely disinterested in the first half especially.

I'd say Steele has definitely lost Stanley who has now called him out on twitter and been kicked off the bench to the locker room for refusing to stand in the huddle.

[Xavier]

. My fear is you bring a guy in with no understanding of what Xavier is, lose your best recruits, lose 20 games and then it never gets better. Shit needs to change, just not sure what is the best route to go. Uneasy times for sure.

That’s what Steele will sell. “It could be worse”. And it’s unfortunate but there is no more Xavier culture. Steele understood Xavier and turned it into an NIT powerhouse. These are the softest teams X has had in a long time. Travis killed the Xavier culture that was so successful.

Here is the bright spot. Next year is a rebuilding year. Let the three freshman play a ton, get them ready for the new Era. Whomever takes over after next year should have a decent start.

[xavierj]

Yeah, I was there, and very close to the court. The players seemed completely disinterested in the first half especially.

I'd say Steele has definitely lost Stanley who has now called him out on twitter and been kicked off the bench to the locker room for refusing to stand in the huddle.

Stanley is as soft as the rest of the team. Was too soft to play early in the year. And I don’t want to hear about the injury. He was fully cleared to play. Then quit because things are not going his way. Hope he learns you don’t quit in life when things don’t go your way. Jonas did the right thing telling him to hit the locker room.

[xavierj]

That’s what Steele will sell. “It could be worse”. And it’s unfortunate but there is no more Xavier culture. Steele understood Xavier and turned it into an NIT powerhouse. These are the softest teams X has had in a long time. Travis killed the Xavier culture that was so successful.

Here is the bright spot. Next year is a rebuilding year. Let the three freshman play a ton, get them ready for the new Era. Whomever takes over after next year should have a decent start.

That is where I am too. I would add a couple of athletic bigs too. Unless we see huge improvement the next coach can come in after next season with some decent talent and get it turned around fairly quickly. Hopefully Sean will have all the NCAA stuff at Arizona resolved so he can be hireable.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That’s what Steele will sell. “It could be worse”. And it’s unfortunate but there is no more Xavier culture. Steele understood Xavier and turned it into an NIT powerhouse. These are the softest teams X has had in a long time. Travis killed the Xavier culture that was so successful.

Here is the bright spot. Next year is a rebuilding year. Let the three freshman play a ton, get them ready for the new Era. Whomever takes over after next year should have a decent start.


That is where I am too. I would add a couple of athletic bigs too. Unless we see huge improvement the next coach can come in after next season with some decent talent and get it turned around fairly quickly. Hopefully Sean will have all the NCAA stuff at Arizona resolved so he can be hireable.

We'll just be getting those young players time, experience, and ready to contribute at another program.

Don't waste another year, we know Steele sucks, he isn't the guy, make a move now and don't waste a year of rebuilding. Hopefully by year 2 a new coach will have us back in the tournament. That would be a lot better if that was only after 5 straight missed tourneys and not 6.

[Xavier]

I fully want him gone today. My point was at least we know since next year is rebuilding we won’t make the tournament and Steele will be gone then

[drudy23]

I saw a stat on twitter about the high school recruits Steele has brought in during his tenure. It is not good.

He has had 10 HS recruits, 8 inside the top 150.

4 have hit the transfer portal.
3 have "contributed" thus far.

Not great, Bob.

I would take great caution in expecting all 3 freshman to pan out and to contribute in a meaningful way right off the bat. I hope so, but keeping Steele, just to keep the recruits is very shortsighted.

I thought I remember hearing a quote from Steele talking about how recruiting the high school kids isn't as important with the portal. I think he's enamored with the portal, as are many coaches.

It's another reason I think this program is going in the wrong direction under his leadership. You can build sustained success with an over-emphasis on renting a player for 1-2 years. It's great to supplement your core, but when the portal becomes your core, it's a recipe for problems. It's just another area that seems super popular in the college basketball landscape, but won't work necessarily well in a program like Xavier.

You have to develop the foundation first. Honestly, it's kind of a cop out and a disservice to your recruits.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I fully want him gone today. My point was at least we know since next year is rebuilding we won’t make the tournament and Steele will be gone then

Yeah, I just don't see any bright spot I guess is what I am saying.

1. There is no guarantee the freshman will be good.
2. There is no guarantee Steele will play them significant mins.
3. There is no guarantee they stay after we miss a 5th straight tourney and Steele is canned.

[XUBison]

Maybe just competitive juices?
Anyway. WELCOME BACK TRAVIS STEELE!

If that shit show last night was the admin‘s impetus for keeping Steele, we have much bigger problems than we thought.

[Masterofreality]

If the uneasiness stems from uncertainty who the coach will be next year, that ship has sailed.
Honestly, all these threads can be shut down right now. Xavier ain’t changing anything. Coach TIN/NIT is back next year.
The players seemed to want to play last night, the guy who some are rumoring to transfer (Freemantle) wanted to play and they didn’t mail it in. Colby made a great effort last night too. If TIN had lost the lockerroom it would have shown up last night but it didn’t.
Year 5 will be in the books, and so will my Season Ticket cancellation. Same iish, different year.
The only thing that’s probably gonna change is Jonas Hayes going to Georgia then Gawd knows what?
Sorry boys, It’s Over, Johnny. It’s OVER!

Post deleted. …………

[GoMuskies]

Well, I hope the post was delete for happy reasons!

[Masterofreality]

Maybe just competitive juices?
Anyway. WELCOME BACK TRAVIS STEELE!

Post deleted…..

[bobbiemcgee]

Coach deleted.

[xukeith]

Stanley is as soft as the rest of the team. Was too soft to play early in the year. And I don’t want to hear about the injury. He was fully cleared to play. Then quit because things are not going his way. Hope he learns you don’t quit in life when things don’t go your way. Jonas did the right thing telling him to hit the locker room.

I agree. Stay for the good of the team. Don't quit. There is a time and a place to air frustrations. Ben picked the wrong opportunity.

[X-band '01]

Post deleted. …………


Post deleted…..

I'm gonna need another post from MOR so the mods can get a kill.

(barking ensues)

[Masterofreality]

Well, I hope the post was delete for happy reasons!

As you now know it was. #Sources

[Masterofreality]

I'm gonna need another post from MOR so the mods can get a kill.

(barking ensues)


Does the above work Band? ;-)