Steele Is Out!!!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Lets go!!!

[94GRAD]

https://twitter.com/RickBroering/status/1504149488428068870

[XU 23]

Yes

[SCMuskie]

Wowza. Great news. Let the fun begin...

[OTRMUSKIE]

I feel bad now! Bring him back.

[muskiefan82]

Oh Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[xeus]

Let's pack the house Sunday.

[muskiefan82]

I have been going to games since 1982. For the first time as a fan I am EXCITED to be looking for a new coach instead of reacting to one leaving.

[Muskie in dayton]

Thank God!!!!!!!

[Xville]

F yes!!!!! Thank gawd! So glad to hear this admin cares! Emails helped im sure :)

[X Factor]

I'm actually shocked. Happy as can be, but shocked.

Let's go!!

[murray87]

An early start to our St. Patrick's Day celebrating!

[UCGRAD4X]

Step 1: DONE

Step 2: TBD

[XUBANDGRAD]

Step 1: DONE

Step 2: TBD

Step 2: MILLER TIME PLEASEEEEEEE

[muskiefan82]

Clearly it was the emails, the few of us at the game last night laughing when we saw the same garbage, and I have to say it, the bag man in the upper deck. Clearly, not all heros wear capes. some wear a grocery bag. LOL.

[whopper]

mixed emotions but the speed of this means something was up long before.. Good luck and God help Xavier..

[Three Point Pete]

Yeah, but I heard the same story about Brady.[emoji16]

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[XUGRAD80]

I am totally shocked by………the timing.

[HAAS_U]

Best news I’ve heard all day

[OTRMUSKIE]

So who is the coach Sunday? Are they letting the fans coach? Def need to pack the house and chant we want MILLER !! We want Miller

[xavierj]

Would imagine Jonas will coach the game. Feel bad for Travis. Hope we can hang on to the recruits. Would hate to see them tear it up at a place like North Carolina, which had offered Craft.

[X Factor]

So who is the coach Sunday? Are they letting the fans coach? Def need to pack the house and chant we want MILLER !! We want Miller

LMAO! Yes. I can't wait to watch the game Sunday! Hope is back.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Was seriously expecting this to be click bait.

Well, I think we can all take back our previous comments about the administration not having the guts to make a move. Even if this does not pan out, they at least earned my respect.

Good luck to Travis. Everyone falls on their ass at some point in their life. I hope he learns from this and experience and I wish him success, so long as his interests do not conflict with mine.

#MillerTime

[xukeith]

It is time to pound the pavement and hope Miller answers the call.

[Olsingledigit]

So who is the coach Sunday? Are they letting the fans coach? Def need to pack the house and chant we want MILLER !! We want Miller

We don't all want Miller or any other specific person. Do not chant that and let the powers to be do their job, and pray for them.

[SkyWalker]

It's not April 1 yet, is it?

[MHettel]

This doesnt feel nearly as good as I thought it would...

Ok, I'm over it now.

Thoughts and Next Steps

1. Why today? Weird timing that we didnt cut him before the NIT Game, but Didnt wait until the NIT was over.

2. Did these events impact the decision: lack of fans at the NIT game? Bag Man? Ben Stanley demonstration?

3. Overall timing again. One of the KEY things here would be to keep the recruits. So, fire and hire very quickly before they can get talked out of de-committing. I'm wondering if we have a candidate in mind already? Would we wait until the NCAA is over if we wanted to hire a coach still playing, or possibly a key assistant? Seems risky to have such a potentially long window where the roster could get picked apart...

4. Miller time???

[XUBANDGRAD]

We don't all want Miller or any other specific person. Do not chant that and let the powers to be do their job, and pray for them.

Fuck that shit. We let them “do their job” last time and got screwed. We need a PROVEN coach who wants to be at X till they are done coaching.

[XUBANDGRAD]

Duplicate

[muethibp]

It's not going to be Miller or Mack. You all can just stop going down that path. Those dudes have far too many red flags right now, no (new) President or AD wants to hire a coach that in 8 months has a major show cause order hanging over him. Maybe it would be better from an Xs and Os standpoint - maybe theoretically they would be most successful - but they're not hiring those guys. They're just not. Anyone that thinks so is being just a touch head-in-the-sandish.

[drudy23]

Bag man statue needed asap!!!!

Seriously, bag man was funny as hell. If you are bag man, please come forward and take a bow.

I really hope it's Miller. I didn't think they'd fire him, so I guess Miller isn't out of the question.

[JTG]

So who is the coach Sunday? Are they letting the fans coach? Def need to pack the house and chant we want MILLER !! We want Miller

I won 4 CYO City Championships in Indy, I'll do it, if you guys promise not to boo me.

[muskiefan82]

Watch the tourney. Find one of these mid-major coaches who knows what they are doing and bring them in for an interview

[XUBANDGRAD]

It's not going to be Miller or Mack. You all can just stop going down that path. Those dudes have far too many red flags right now, no (new) President or AD wants to hire a coach that in 8 months has a major show cause order hanging over him. Maybe it would be better from an Xs and Os standpoint - maybe theoretically they would be most successful - but they're not hiring those guys. They're just not. Anyone that thinks so is being just a touch head-in-the-sandish.

Miller does not have a show cause and never will. The ncaa levied a level 1 charge at him for failing to control the assistants. No chance anything more serious comes of it.

[muethibp]

This doesnt feel nearly as good as I thought it would...

Ok, I'm over it now.

Thoughts and Next Steps

1. Why today? Weird timing that we didnt cut him before the NIT Game, but Didnt wait until the NIT was over.

2. Did these events impact the decision: lack of fans at the NIT game? Bag Man? Ben Stanley demonstration?

3. Overall timing again. One of the KEY things here would be to keep the recruits. So, fire and hire very quickly before they can get talked out of de-committing. I'm wondering if we have a candidate in mind already? Would we wait until the NCAA is over if we wanted to hire a coach still playing, or possibly a key assistant? Seems risky to have such a potentially long window where the roster could get picked apart...

4. Miller time???

You ask of the timing. That again suggests it's not going to be Miller or Mack. There are going to be hot assistants and head coaches that are going to be free to be hired as early as tomorrow. If they knew they were making a change - and they did - then they don't want to wait 10 days while we keep playing in the NIT, only to fire Travis then having missed on the top outside candidates.

[xuphan]

It's not April 1 yet, is it?

I feel like Travis was given every chance to prove himself as a head coach and he didn’t get the job done. The same mistakes and the same end of the year collapse showed that he wasn’t willing to change and adapt for the betterment of the program when it wasn’t working. His comments about not seeking advice and don’t care about your opinions didn’t sit well with fans who were already tired of the same old same old from this program. Xavier Basketball is bigger than one coach or one player.

I do want to thank Travis for his time at Xavier. While it didn’t work out for him as a head coach, he was a valuable recruiter and assistant coach to this program.

While we may lose most if not all the recruits, we have to rebuild this program which starts with the coach. The transfer portal will help fill the gaps until the new coach has time to get his recruiting class in. Much needed change and hopefully a return to where this program belongs.

[Michigan Muskie]

Bag man statue needed asap!!!!

Seriously, bag man was funny as hell. If you are bag man, please come forward and take a bow.

I really hope it's Miller. I didn't think they'd fire him, so I guess Miller isn't out of the question.

Maybe the bag man was Miller.

[JTG]

I'd guess they have someone lined up, or they wouldn't have done it this way. I heard Jonas was offered asst coach at Ga., maybe they offered him, but I hope it's Miller, or an interim for a season with Miller lined up for 23-24.

[muethibp]

Miller does not have a show cause and never will. The ncaa levied a level 1 charge at him for failing to control the assistants. No chance anything more serious comes of it.

You obviously can make no guarantees what will happen in the future so almost all of your post is take-XUBANDGRAD's-word-for-it. Whether we know or not whether there is fire to it, there is plenty of smoke around both of them, and that smoke will prevent them from being hired.

[xavierj]

Friend of mine made a good point. Christopher reached out to a search firm before the Big East tourney, which could have been to see if Sean was hireable. My guess is that he got that answer if he moved this quick. The other thing is if it is Sean or someone else not employed, they can start recruiting before the hire is official….

[drudy23]

This is gonna thud really loudly if they announce Jonas Hayes - no disrespect Jonas, but we need an exorcism.

[American X]

WOOHOO!!!

Never underestimate the power of complaining on the internet at XavierHoops.com!!!

[MHettel]

You ask of the timing. That again suggests it's not going to be Miller or Mack. There are going to be hot assistants and head coaches that are going to be free to be hired as early as tomorrow. If they knew they were making a change - and they did - then they don't want to wait 10 days while we keep playing in the NIT, only to fire Travis then having missed on the top outside candidates.

thats kind of my point. I think they know who they want and realize they can act quickly. That means the coach is NOT currently still playing. Otherwise, just wait until they are done playing. Dont leave the recruits and players in a state of uncertainty.

[markchal]

You ask of the timing. That again suggests it's not going to be Miller or Mack.

I think it means they know who they want, and that person is not currently coaching in the NCAA tournament (and most of the hot prospects are).

[xuphan]

Friend of mine made a good point. Christopher reached out to a search firm before the Big East tourney, which could have been to see if Sean was hireable. My guess is that he got that answer if he moved this quick. The other thing is if it is Sean or someone else not employed, they can start recruiting before the hire is official….

He reached out to a search firm?

[Blue Blooded-05]

Fuck that shit. We let them “do their job” last time and got screwed. We need a PROVEN coach who wants to be at X till they are done coaching.

Amen. Gotta shoot your shot.

My optimism suggests they put a hypothetical out to Miller and received word back that other job had already reached out to him and we better show we're serious.

The admin is clearly not as stuck in their ways as many on here, myself included, suspected. Firing Steele secures their jobs for at least another 3-4 years. Hiring Miller secures them for as much as 10 years. Make the selfish decision!!

#MillerTime

[Wheelhouse]

I feel for Steele but this had to be done. He is a very good recruiter but the in-game coaching and overall leadership just never seemed to be there. I wish him well in the future.

While I think they made the right move, the timing is absolutely bizarre. This should have been done on either Sunday or Monday or they justy shoyuld have waited until after the NIT run ended. It makes me wonder if there is an outside chance that Miller or Mack is about to take another job and they canned Steele now to give themselves a shot at one of those guys.

Overall, I'd love Miller or Mack back but it's probably unlikely. I'm excited/nervous to watch the search play out. With that said, I have very little confidence in Christopher to make the right hire. I think there's a chance he's next on the chopping block.

Overall, I don't think the program was headed in the right direction and they made the right move. Let's hope the next hire starts a new streak of great Xavier coaches.

[xavierj]

He reached out to a search firm?

Yes…

[Caf]

Friend of mine made a good point. Christopher reached out to a search firm before the Big East tourney, which could have been to see if Sean was hireable. My guess is that he got that answer if he moved this quick. The other thing is if it is Sean or someone else not employed, they can start recruiting before the hire is official….

Alternate theory, Dennis Gates. Season just ended so the clock is ticking, saw him coach in person and got to talk when in town...

[chico]

You ask of the timing. That again suggests it's not going to be Miller or Mack. There are going to be hot assistants and head coaches that are going to be free to be hired as early as tomorrow. If they knew they were making a change - and they did - then they don't want to wait 10 days while we keep playing in the NIT, only to fire Travis then having missed on the top outside candidates.

Miller is rumored to be in the running for the South Carolina job. He's not on an island - the man is in demand so timing would be an issue with him. Not saying it is him, just saying your timing argument doesn't work with Miller.

[T-Time]

We don't all want Miller or any other specific person. Do not chant that and let the powers to be do their job, and pray for them.

You are right, we all don't want Miller......just 99% of us!

[bjf123]

While I’m glad the administration had the guts to make this move, I’m truly sorry it didn’t work out for Travis. I wanted him to be successful and be our head coach for the next 10-20 years.

Now we wait.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[T-Time]

Reports are Miller is at Cintas right now

[xavierj]

Alternate theory, Dennis Gates. Season just ended so the clock is ticking, saw him coach in person and got to talk when in town...

Not sure what the attraction is with him. I hope he is not the next Xavier coach. His record as a head coach is 50-40 and has lost 21, 8 (in a shortened season, and 11. He returned one of the oldest and most experienced teams in the country and lost 11 games, 6 coming in the horizon league. Please pass.

[muethibp]

Miller is rumored to be in the running for the South Carolina job. He's not on an island - the man is in demand so timing would be an issue with him. Not saying it is him, just saying your timing argument doesn't work with Miller.

That's fine. You all might be right. We'll see.

[X Factor]

Hire Miller and Xavier instantly has the 2nd best HC in the BE behind Wright.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Reports are Miller is at Cintas right now

My wife's cousin's former roommate's insurance agent's wife is a real estate agent. She just sent out a text saying "Shawn Miller is looking at houses in Cincinnati today"

[drudy23]

Reports are Miller is at Cintas right now

Stop.

[muskiefan82]

Can we all agree that no matter who is on the sidelines next year that X NO LONGER DOES THE WHOLE CASUAL WEAR THING?!?! Please. Suits again. Look like it is important and not a YMCA game

[JTG]

Miller is rumored to be in the running for the South Carolina job. He's not on an island - the man is in demand so timing would be an issue with him. Not saying it is him, just saying your timing argument doesn't work with Miller.

I'm obviously biased as an X fan, but Xavier is a better basketball job, than So Carolina. Not a better climate or lifestyle, but definitely a better job.

[American X]

Can we all agree that no matter who is on the sidelines next year that X NO LONGER DOES THE WHOLE CASUAL WEAR THING?!?! Please. Suits again. Look like it is important and not a YMCA game

Like sweating through white dress shirts?!?!?!?

[xuphan]

Reports are Miller is at Cintas right now

Source or link?

[bjf123]

Reports are Miller is at Cintas right now

Reports from…………


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xavierj]

Can we all agree that no matter who is on the sidelines next year that X NO LONGER DOES THE WHOLE CASUAL WEAR THING?!?! Please. Suits again. Look like it is important and not a YMCA game

If they want to wear a bathing suit I am fine as long as they win. The Arizona coach doesn’t wear a suit and he is doing just fine.

[murray87]

I've been wearing my 'Great eXpectations' shirt today before all this went down. Coincidence??

That was one of the best shirt designs they ever did

[SemajParlor]

It's Miller time.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq5ecBaOb6Y

[xudash]

Reports are Miller is at Cintas right now

Thanks for the info.

You certainly appear to be new here, judging from your number of posts. Simple question: are you on campus now, or did you get your information from someone who is on campus?

[Backyard Champ]

Can we all agree that no matter who is on the sidelines next year that X NO LONGER DOES THE WHOLE CASUAL WEAR THING?!?! Please. Suits again. Look like it is important and not a YMCA game

So so dumb. Take a chance and look around, suits are a thing if the past. Of all the things to be upset about with Steele, the fact that portions of our fan base were upset with him because of what he chose to wear while coaching is ridiculous.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It's not going to be Miller or Mack. You all can just stop going down that path. Those dudes have far too many red flags right now, no (new) President or AD wants to hire a coach that in 8 months has a major show cause order hanging over him. Maybe it would be better from an Xs and Os standpoint - maybe theoretically they would be most successful - but they're not hiring those guys. They're just not. Anyone that thinks so is being just a touch head-in-the-sandish.

Miller, if he gets anything, will get a slap on the wrist. What are you talking about??

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'd guess they have someone lined up, or they wouldn't have done it this way. I heard Jonas was offered asst coach at Ga., maybe they offered him, but I hope it's Miller, or an interim for a season with Miller lined up for 23-24.

If we hire any assistant of ours as head coach, all this excitement is instantly gone. So, nothing against Jonas, but no thanks. I hope we don't hire anyone's assistant. We need a coach with head coaching experience.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hire Miller and Xavier instantly has the 2nd best HC in the BE behind Wright.

I will be as excited about Xavier basketball as I have EVER been if we hire Sean Miller.

[muskiefan82]

So so dumb. Take a chance and look around, suits are a thing if the past. Of all the things to be upset about with Steele, the fact that portions of our fan base were upset with him because of what he chose to wear while coaching is ridiculous.

So, we can't all agree on this? LOL. I guess it was more about the failures of the staff than the actual casual wear that grated on me. I do agree that winning will likely make me care much less if at all. LOL

[Xville]

I feel bad in that someone lost their job today but not that bad because he’s set for life financially. It’s a great day for Xavier and it’s great to hear that mediocrity will never be accepted at this school. I take back what I said regarding Greg and the administration and am glad to eat this crow. Go X!!!

[paulxu]

To answer somebody's earlier question, Travis' name quickly gone from Athletic Dept. list.
Jonas Hayes noted as Interim Head Coach.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Stop.

I honestly think its Miller. I am hearing rumors (nothing I can for sure vouch for) that it's Miller's job to lose.

[XUBANDGRAD]

Alternate theory, Dennis Gates. Season just ended so the clock is ticking, saw him coach in person and got to talk when in town...

Lol no freaking chance in hell.

[Caf]

Not sure what the attraction is with him. I hope he is not the next Xavier coach. His record as a head coach is 50-40 and has lost 21, 8 (in a shortened season, and 11. He returned one of the oldest and most experienced teams in the country and lost 11 games, 6 coming in the horizon league. Please pass.

I don't know enough about him to think he should be it - just connecting dots. I think the appeal mainly has to do with Florida States' recruiting when he was there. An NBA Factory pumping out 6'10 guys who can shoot. Still surprised Georgia didn't take him

[GoMuskies]

Dennis Gates is turrible. But better than Steele!

[GoMuskies]

Very nice of Xavier to allow Steele to tie Tay Baker in career wins at Xavier before Tay Baker-ing him.

[xudash]

Very nice of Xavier to allow Steele to tie Tay Baker in career wins at Xavier before Tay Baker-ing him.

You can be a cold son-of-a-bitch, but you are a funny cold son-of-a-bitch!

[xu82]

Friend of mine made a good point. Christopher reached out to a search firm before the Big East tourney, which could have been to see if Sean was hireable. My guess is that he got that answer if he moved this quick. The other thing is if it is Sean or someone else not employed, they can start recruiting before the hire is official….

So, are you taking Miller, or the field? I have no idea what to expect, but I know what I’m hoping for.

[American X]

XavierHoops will be hosting a prayer vigil for the prodigal return and redemption of Sean Miller............like now. Let 'em fly!

[OTRMUSKIE]

Sean Miller was seen on campus today. It's all but dine. Also Archie going to RI

[XUBANDGRAD]

Sean Miller was seen on campus today. It's all but dine. Also Archie going to RI

Source?

[boozehound]

I honestly think its Miller. I am hearing rumors (nothing I can for sure vouch for) that it's Miller's job to lose.

I'm going to lose my shit (in a good way) if this happens.

[bjf123]

I honestly think its Miller. I am hearing rumors (nothing I can for sure vouch for) that it's Miller's job to lose.

Rumors from anyone not on this forum?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[murray87]

Let's get back to being Power Forward U again!

[muethibp]

Miller, if he gets anything, will get a slap on the wrist. What are you talking about??

You act as if I'm making this up out of thin air. When the truth is a major college basketball program decided within the last 12 months to fire him, in large part owing to the infractions hanging over him and the program; as if there isn't a wiretap with very hot info.

Maybe they've decided it's not material or will do it anyway. But "what am I talking about?!" The same stuff that got Sean fired in the first place.

[OTRMUSKIE]

It's has been rumored that Miller was on campus today. South Carolina wanted him bad so X is moving fast. You guys all should take pride in this. We pushed hard and we are about to get our wish. Make us proud Coach Miller!!!! This is still not confirmed but this is what the Xavier sources are saying.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Rumors from anyone not on this forum?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes. Not guaranteeing any of the validity, a friend of a friend thing, but someone who has been in the know before.

[SC in DC]

Yeah, I'll be pig sh*t happy if it's Miller, but please hope he remembers to foul when you have a 3 pt lead with under 5 secs and not foul if it's only 2 pts!

[xavbball]

Miller, if he gets anything, will get a slap on the wrist. What are you talking about??

This. Note to the folks saying, "it can't happen"...Arizona wasn't the only school involved in the FBI investigation. Look at Creighton, which is currently under probation: they are doing just fine. Auburn, another program under probation now, is also doing just fine. Bruce Pearl, guilty of the highest level violation, got a two-game suspension. Not hiring Miller because of this "risk" is quite frankly ridiculous. We will be fine, just like every other program.

[JTG]

Let's get back to being Power Forward U again!

Speaking of Power Forward U, what if Miller were hired and hired D West to coach the bigs ?

[xukeith]

I don't have any inside knowledge regarding Miller.

Maybe Sean wants a challenge. Maybe he understands X and the culture. Maybe he is up for a bigger challenge. (I think the BE is a challenge, more difficult than Pac-12 but that's me)
Some unknown job opportunity....

[xukeith]

I don't think David West would want to coach. He has never done any coaching other than summer camps for XU in his hey day

[xudash]

You act as if I'm making this up out of thin air. When the truth is a major college basketball program decided within the last 12 months to fire him, in large part owing to the infractions hanging over him and the program; as if there isn't a wiretap with very hot info.

Maybe they've decided it's not material or will do it anyway. But "what am I talking about?!" The same stuff that got Sean fired in the first place.

And then along came a new paradigm called NIL. Does that excuse actions that were not permissible under a former structure? No, I get that. But if what he did would have otherwise fallen under the now legal umbrella of NIL today, can certain more lenient assessments or judgements be made, especially given the talent involved and the presumed fact that he wants the position badly?

This decision cannot and should not be made in a vacuum. It isn't an easy thing, I understand that. And our brand and reputation are valued. I understand that, too. But in the long run of time from here, especially if he comes in and delivers the Final 2%, those transgressions in the desert will melt into a distant memory.

[A Fan]

And then along came a new paradigm called NIL. Does that excuse actions that were not permissible under a former structure? No, I get that. But if what he did would have otherwise fallen under the now legal umbrella of NIL today, can certain more lenient assessments or judgements be made, especially given the talent involved and the presumed fact that he wants the position badly?

This decision cannot and should not be made in a vacuum. It isn't an easy thing, I understand that. And our brand and reputation are valued. I understand that, too. But in the long run of time from here, especially if he comes in and delivers the Final 2%, those transgressions in the desert will melt into a distant memory.

Well said and accurate. This is somebody you take a chance on.

[GoMuskies]

The crowd on Sunday needs to be big and loud. Electric atmosphere is a must. We're recruiting the current roster (who still have eligibility) right now.

[IM4X]

You ask of the timing. That again suggests it's not going to be Miller or Mack. There are going to be hot assistants and head coaches that are going to be free to be hired as early as tomorrow. If they knew they were making a change - and they did - then they don't want to wait 10 days while we keep playing in the NIT, only to fire Travis then having missed on the top outside candidates.

If this is the direction they are going, I hope they wait a little longer. I don’t want us snapping up a coach who can’t make it past the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

[American X]

Official Announcement - Steele Tenure Wraps Up for Xavier Men's Basketball (https://goxavier.com/news/2022/3/16/athletic-department-steele-tenure-wraps-up-for-xavier-mens-basketball.aspx)

By: Xavier Athletics

CINCINNATI --- Xavier University Athletics and Head Men's Basketball Coach Travis Steele have mutually agreed to part ways, Vice President and Director of Athletics Greg Christopher (https://goxavier.com/staff.aspx?staff=4) announced today.

"I appreciate the opportunity to lead Xavier Men's Basketball the past four years," said Steele. "I am excited for the next chapter in my life, and I wish Xavier nothing but success."

Steele finished 70-50 overall in four seasons as the head coach, including two NIT berths. Steele spent 14 seasons on the basketball staff at Xavier. Associate Head Coach Jonas Hayes (https://goxavier.com/coaches.aspx?rc=2423) will serve as the Interim Head Coach as Xavier prepares to face the winner of tonight's Iona/Florida game in the second round of the NIT on Sunday.

"I want to thank Travis and his staff for their tireless efforts on behalf of the Xavier Basketball program," said Christopher. "Travis led the team with the utmost character and in a first-class manner. He navigated us through a difficult time with Covid and always focused on what was best for our student-athletes. I have tremendous respect for Travis, and he's been a part of Xavier Basketball for more than a decade, playing an important role in some of the program's greatest accomplishments. We collectively appreciate all that Travis has given to Xavier and wish him the best moving forward.

"Our expectations for Xavier Basketball remain steadfast: we expect to compete for the BIG EAST Championship and to compete and advance in the NCAA tournament."

A national search will begin immediately.

[JTG]

I don't think David West would want to coach. He has never done any coaching other than summer camps for XU in his hey day

I believe he's been coaching young kids in the Carolinas since he left the NBA.

[X Factor]

Official Announcement - Steele Tenure Wraps Up for Xavier Men's Basketball (https://goxavier.com/news/2022/3/16/athletic-department-steele-tenure-wraps-up-for-xavier-mens-basketball.aspx)

By: Xavier Athletics

CINCINNATI --- Xavier University Athletics and Head Men's Basketball Coach Travis Steele have mutually agreed to part ways, Vice President and Director of Athletics Greg Christopher (https://goxavier.com/staff.aspx?staff=4) announced today.

"I appreciate the opportunity to lead Xavier Men's Basketball the past four years," said Steele. "I am excited for the next chapter in my life, and I wish Xavier nothing but success."

Steele finished 70-50 overall in four seasons as the head coach, including two NIT berths. Steele spent 14 seasons on the basketball staff at Xavier. Associate Head Coach Jonas Hayes (https://goxavier.com/coaches.aspx?rc=2423) will serve as the Interim Head Coach as Xavier prepares to face the winner of tonight's Iona/Florida game in the second round of the NIT on Sunday.

"I want to thank Travis and his staff for their tireless efforts on behalf of the Xavier Basketball program," said Christopher. "Travis led the team with the utmost character and in a first-class manner. He navigated us through a difficult time with Covid and always focused on what was best for our student-athletes. I have tremendous respect for Travis, and he's been a part of Xavier Basketball for more than a decade, playing an important role in some of the program's greatest accomplishments. We collectively appreciate all that Travis has given to Xavier and wish him the best moving forward.

"Our expectations for Xavier Basketball remain steadfast: we expect to compete for the BIG EAST Championship and to compete and advance in the NCAA tournament."

A national search will begin immediately.

That last line of Christopher's statement. Boom!

[Murph85]

Official Announcement - Steele Tenure Wraps Up for Xavier Men's Basketball (https://goxavier.com/news/2022/3/16/athletic-department-steele-tenure-wraps-up-for-xavier-mens-basketball.aspx)

By: Xavier Athletics

CINCINNATI --- Xavier University Athletics and Head Men's Basketball Coach Travis Steele have mutually agreed to part ways, Vice President and Director of Athletics Greg Christopher (https://goxavier.com/staff.aspx?staff=4) announced today.

"I appreciate the opportunity to lead Xavier Men's Basketball the past four years," said Steele. "I am excited for the next chapter in my life, and I wish Xavier nothing but success."

Steele finished 70-50 overall in four seasons as the head coach, including two NIT berths. Steele spent 14 seasons on the basketball staff at Xavier. Associate Head Coach Jonas Hayes (https://goxavier.com/coaches.aspx?rc=2423) will serve as the Interim Head Coach as Xavier prepares to face the winner of tonight's Iona/Florida game in the second round of the NIT on Sunday.

"I want to thank Travis and his staff for their tireless efforts on behalf of the Xavier Basketball program," said Christopher. "Travis led the team with the utmost character and in a first-class manner. He navigated us through a difficult time with Covid and always focused on what was best for our student-athletes. I have tremendous respect for Travis, and he's been a part of Xavier Basketball for more than a decade, playing an important role in some of the program's greatest accomplishments. We collectively appreciate all that Travis has given to Xavier and wish him the best moving forward.

"Our expectations for Xavier Basketball remain steadfast: we expect to compete for the BIG EAST Championship and to compete and advance in the NCAA tournament."

A national search will begin immediately.


It is Miller. Will announce.

[XUBison]

So so dumb. Take a chance and look around, suits are a thing if the past. Of all the things to be upset about with Steele, the fact that portions of our fan base were upset with him because of what he chose to wear while coaching is ridiculous.

This post is so so dumb. Suits are a thing of the past? I want a coach who looks like an adult who takes our millions seriously. If he’s not wearing a suit, fine, but he better damn well look good. No hoodies.

[xu82]

This. Note to the folks saying, "it can't happen"...Arizona wasn't the only school involved in the FBI investigation. Look at Creighton, which is currently under probation: they are doing just fine. Auburn, another program under probation now, is also doing just fine. Bruce Pearl, guilty of the highest level violation, got a two-game suspension. Not hiring Miller because of this "risk" is quite frankly ridiculous. We will be fine, just like every other program.

I think this is the proper way to look at this situation.

[IM4X]

Official Announcement - Steele Tenure Wraps Up for Xavier Men's Basketball (https://goxavier.com/news/2022/3/16/athletic-department-steele-tenure-wraps-up-for-xavier-mens-basketball.aspx)

By: Xavier Athletics

CINCINNATI --- Xavier University Athletics and Head Men's Basketball Coach Travis Steele have mutually agreed to part ways, Vice President and Director of Athletics Greg Christopher (https://goxavier.com/staff.aspx?staff=4) announced today.

"I appreciate the opportunity to lead Xavier Men's Basketball the past four years," said Steele. "I am excited for the next chapter in my life, and I wish Xavier nothing but success."

Steele finished 70-50 overall in four seasons as the head coach, including two NIT berths. Steele spent 14 seasons on the basketball staff at Xavier. Associate Head Coach Jonas Hayes (https://goxavier.com/coaches.aspx?rc=2423) will serve as the Interim Head Coach as Xavier prepares to face the winner of tonight's Iona/Florida game in the second round of the NIT on Sunday.

"I want to thank Travis and his staff for their tireless efforts on behalf of the Xavier Basketball program," said Christopher. "Travis led the team with the utmost character and in a first-class manner. He navigated us through a difficult time with Covid and always focused on what was best for our student-athletes. I have tremendous respect for Travis, and he's been a part of Xavier Basketball for more than a decade, playing an important role in some of the program's greatest accomplishments. We collectively appreciate all that Travis has given to Xavier and wish him the best moving forward.

"Our expectations for Xavier Basketball remain steadfast: we expect to compete for the BIG EAST Championship and to compete and advance in the NCAA tournament."

A national search will begin immediately.


Thanks for sharing. It’s important the administration included their expectations. Just forgot this part “and we expect the type of toughness where every team fears the X!”

[xu82]

That last line of Christopher's statement. Boom!

I believe Sean Miller is in the nation. :-)

[OTRMUSKIE]

Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 9am. Sunday is going to be so much fun. I'm so glad we didn't make the tournament.

[bjf123]

I wonder what the players are thinking now? Their heads have to be spinning.


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[Irishjohn68]

Thank God. Now go get Miller or Mack.

[XUBANDGRAD]

It is Miller. Will announce.

I’ll believe it when it’s announced.

[HomerCecil]

The timing to me makes it clear that Xavier has a candidate in mind that they thought was going to get poached by another school if they continued to delay. Otherwise, pulling the trigger the day after an NIT win makes no sense. Also suggests to me that the candidate is someone who is not coaching in the tournament. Both of these things point me to Miller.

[GoMuskies]

Changes of me getting any more work done today: negative.

[OTRMUSKIE]

My new iPhone battery is draining quick!!! My poor patients will be waiting a little today.

[XUGRAD80]

Cincinnati.com story says that they started talking on Sunday and the announcement this afternoon was the culmination of those talks. I’m sure they were discussing the buyout as part of those discussions.

[GIMMFD]

Steele was a phenomenal guy, just a lousy coach, and I did not think our administration had the balls to pull this off. I do hope he lands on his feet somewhere and can get a good job, and maybe grow and improve as a coach. However, holy shit am I excited. It was getting anhedonic to watch Xavier basketball, finally have some excitement again, they could really knock this out of the park with a good hire.. *cough* Miller *cough*

[bobbiemcgee]

The timing to me makes it clear that Xavier has a candidate in mind that they thought was going to get poached by another school if they continued to delay. Otherwise, pulling the trigger the day after an NIT win makes no sense. Also suggests to me that the candidate is someone who is not coaching in the tournament. Both of these things point me to Miller.

My thoughts too. Can't negotiate with the new coach until you fire the old coach. Creighton killed it bringing in transfers. We could do the same.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 9am. Sunday is going to be so much fun. I'm so glad we didn't make the tournament.

While I always hope we make the tournament, if not limping in this year results in Sean Miller as our next head coach, it will be the greatest non tournament mad season in Xavier history.

[Strange Brew]

Step 1: DONE

Step 2: TBD

Step 3: Profit

[D-West & PO-Z]

Changes of me getting any more work done today: negative.

Same. I saw the news then had to go into an important meeting. That was brutal!

[xudash]

The timing to me makes it clear that Xavier has a candidate in mind that they thought was going to get poached by another school if they continued to delay. Otherwise, pulling the trigger the day after an NIT win makes no sense. Also suggests to me that the candidate is someone who is not coaching in the tournament. Both of these things point me to Miller.

I love the way you think.

[xavierj]

My thoughts too. Can't negotiate with the new coach until you fire the old coach. Creighton killed it bringing in transfers. We could do the same.

Creighton killed it bringing in three top 60 freshman that made all big east freshman team. They did add the D2 transfer. Hopefully the three guys scheduled to come in make it to Campus.

[IM4X]

Friend of mine made a good point. Christopher reached out to a search firm before the Big East tourney, which could have been to see if Sean was hireable. My guess is that he got that answer if he moved this quick. The other thing is if it is Sean or someone else not employed, they can start recruiting before the hire is official….

Interesting.

I hope the administration had some assurance players would stay at X with the new coach. I also wonder if someone like Dante knew about this and asked if they though he could keep the players on board, letting him know he will be staying and that the new coach will be someone they will want coaching them.

[Strange Brew]

Like sweating through white dress shirts?!?!?!?

There’s enough sweat to put out this dumpster fire!

[American X]

This. Note to the folks saying, "it can't happen"...Arizona wasn't the only school involved in the FBI investigation. Look at Creighton, which is currently under probation: they are doing just fine. Auburn, another program under probation now, is also doing just fine. Bruce Pearl, guilty of the highest level violation, got a two-game suspension. Not hiring Miller because of this "risk" is quite frankly ridiculous. We will be fine, just like every other program.

C.J. Anderson, Mark Lyons & Tu Holloway torched whatever was left of our choirboy image. We have to get over any hangups about Sean Miller.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I have been texted the following:

"Sean Miller to XU deal being finalized, numbers being negotiated now."

[chico]

C.J. Anderson, Mark Lyons & Tu Holloway torched whatever was left of our choirboy image. We have to get over any hangups about Sean Miller.

Exactly. Xavier is a Catholic institution after all and we do believe in forgiveness and atonement.

[boozehound]

C.J. Anderson, Mark Lyons & Tu Holloway torched whatever was left of our choirboy image. We have to get over any hangups about Sean Miller.

I like winning a lot more than some pussy choirboy image anyways.

[Strange Brew]

C.J. Anderson, Mark Lyons & Tu Holloway torched whatever was left of our choirboy image. We have to get over any hangups about Sean Miller.

When did X have a choirboy image?

[bjf123]

Same. I saw the news then had to go into an important meeting. That was brutal!

I was in a Teams meeting with 8-9 people when my wife, also an X alum, called. I texted back that I was in a meeting and would call her back. She replied that she just heard that Travis was out. Good thing my webcam decided to not play nice with Teams today and no one could see me digging through Twitter and this forum on my phone! Luckily, I was last on the agenda and had time before needing to unmute!


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[Strange Brew]

I have been texted the following:

"Sean Miller to XU deal being finalized, numbers being negotiated now."

Playin’ around with Miller is like Playin’ with my emotions. :)

[American X]

Exactly. Xavier is a Catholic institution after all and we do believe in forgiveness and atonement.

Fuck yeah for Lent!

[GoMuskies]

When did X have a choirboy image?

Way back when we used to have good kids like Andre Smith in the program.

[bjf123]

I have been texted the following:

"Sean Miller to XU deal being finalized, numbers being negotiated now."

Hope your source is right!


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[D-West & PO-Z]

Hope your source is right!


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Same!

[American X]

When did X have a choirboy image?

When Xavier was the little Catholic school that could against evil, corrupt & cheating UC and Huggins. Gonzaga took that torch and lapped the field on us.

[SemajParlor]

I think we're going to get him guys. Holy crap.

[Masterofreality]

I’m only saying that I’m on pins & needles waiting for official word…
What. A. Day!!!!!

[Strange Brew]

When Xavier was the little Catholic school that could against evil, corrupt & cheating UC and Huggins. Gonzaga took that torch and lapped the field on us.

Eh, if the image was true back then (probably wasn’t) it may have worked in the MCC but it’s not going to fly in the BE.

[boozehound]

This is going to be epic.

[xukeith]

I have been texted the following:

"Sean Miller to XU deal being finalized, numbers being negotiated now."

You are puling our chains.

How would anyone know this??

[Strange Brew]

You are puling our chains.

How would anyone know this??

I tend believe something has been in the works since the UCONN game where Miller was everywhere.

[boozehound]

You are puling our chains.

How would anyone know this??

I absolutely believe that there are people who know these things. In the past the 'day before' type of information on this board has been pretty good. I have heard similar to this from people who I absolutely know have close connections to the program.

[xukeith]

I tend believe something has been in the works since the UCONN game where Miller was everywhere.

I can only hope.
Remember in 2002 or 2001, when DFW announce his return to X for another year, the number of posts and views on some X message board?

If this is true, then it will go down as a gigantic milestone for X.

[xukeith]

Ok so thanks for the context and details.

I am glad I am a man of prayer.

[GoMuskies]

I can only hope.
Remember in 2002 or 2001, when DFW announce his return to X for another year, the number of posts and views on some X message board?

If this is true, then it will go down as a gigantic milestone for X.

I am here. I want to hear.

[xu82]

Same. I saw the news then had to go into an important meeting. That was brutal!

Did you consider quitting? :-)

[OTRMUSKIE]

Better get those tix at 9am tomorrow!! This might be the biggest crowd of the year if they let him coach which they won't hit at least let him speak at half

[Backyard Champ]

Why the hell would he coach this game tomorrow? Lol

[OTRMUSKIE]

Why the hell would he coach this game tomorrow? Lol

He wouldn't coach tomorrow. But Sunday I say coach these MOFO's. They will then go on to win the NIT and we will throw a parade!!!! I know he ain't coaching but it would be cool if he did.

[Strange Brew]

He wouldn't coach tomorrow. But Sunday I say coach these MOFO's. They will then go on to win the NIT and we will throw a parade!!!! I know he ain't coaching but it would be cool if he did.

Be a lot cooler if he did…

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I understand people’s reservations about Miller, but I e have to remember he has had tourney success at multiple coaching stops. He just caved abit under the pressure at UA of which it is heavy. He got dinged for not knowing Book was taking kickbacks. Miller is proven to at least Elite 8. If we hire him, he gets to coach and recruit in an area right in his wheelhouse and in a conference he could want to finish his career.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Be a lot cooler if he did…

He won’t but if he did and there was success it would be a massive slap in Travis’ face.

[xukeith]

Better get those tix at 9am tomorrow!! This might be the biggest crowd of the year if they let him coach which they won't hit at least let him speak at half

Hilarious! That would be so stunning.

[xudash]

You are puling our chains.

How would anyone know this??

You need to consider how this is going down. It is very likely that the news about Travis was not supposed to leak out today, but someone let it out of the bag earlier than planned. That left the University in a position of having to formally announce his departure today - after winning a sloppy NIT game, but with Xavier still in the NIT.

That doesn't mean that issues relating to having to be in a position to offer a targeted new coach that is otherwise being pursued by another party don't exist. But consider that all of that particular communication would be done in back channel mode anyway (i.e. you don't need to make a public announcement about releasing a current coach in order to keep a targeted new coach interested and positioned for negotiation).

Imagine had this not gotten out today. Imagine that business with Travis was wrapped up well (today) and that they had successfully snuck Sean in through the loading dock, because no one would have been watching for anything like that without a major announcement having occurred.

Imagine settling with Travis and coming to an agreement with Sean in fast sequence. Had it occurred more like that, then the announcement could have been a rather explosive proceeding.

- - - - - - - - -

Now for a slight change in angle of topic:

Why go through a "National Search" if it is to be Sean Miller? The answer to that, at a minimum, is that that is the prudent approach; that is how you should conduct things at this level. It's proper due diligence. Regardless of how OBVIOUS Sean Miller MAY be as the next head coach of Xavier, it is the obvious thing to do. Greg Christopher will also take that seriously; he won't go through the motions with it. Assuming he has the time to take (as provided by Sean's patience and Sean not going elsewhere), he'll consider at least a few other top candidates.

All that assumes the University is willing to consider Sean Miller for the job. It seems like an obvious choice to many here. We'll see how this turns out in terms of Sean's resume of transgressions and whether or not they're nasty enough to keep X from moving forward with him.

I believe Sean Miller wants the job. I am confident that Greg and Sean can get to a mutually acceptable and beneficial agreement if they're allowed to pursue one.

BTW, Greg may have been conducting a very quiet national search since the debacle in MSG.

Geez, all this is fun. Step One taken through strong leadership. Step Two key hiring decision pending.

[HenryMuto]

Glad to hear now go get Miller or Mack back !

[GreatWhiteNorth]

How about hiring Miller and keeping Steele as assistant?

[xu82]

Be a lot cooler if he did…

Be coolest yet if he hops on a jet and goes to save our great recruiting class! What he could do with our existing players plus those new guys would be exciting. There will be a shake up and a transition period, but Miller coaching those guys would crush Steele coaching the same guys.

[xukeith]

I hope due diligence is warranted.

[GoMuskies]

How about hiring Miller and keeping Steele as assistant?

I'd rather keep Ben Stanley for another year.

[xu82]

How about hiring Miller and keeping Steele as assistant?


I’d like to go back to those days, myself. Travis is a terrific recruiter and has a lot to offer, he’s just not a #1 (yet). I doubt it’s a real possibility, but hard not to imagine.

[XUGRAD80]

Any top business manager will keep a list of potential employees and/or managers in their desk, and will update and add to it on a regular basis. A college AD is no different. I’ve no doubt that an experienced AD like Christopher has been thinking about this move for much longer than a week or two and had already enquired through others about people’s on the list level of interest. So the “national search” has probably been going on for some time now. At this point it’s probably more about mutual interest, face to face interviews, and contract negotiations than anything else. I certainly hope that X doesn’t make the Tommy T mistake that UC football did a few years back before Fickell. Don’t jump at a “name”, make sure you get someone that has something to prove and wants to do it at X. Don’t take someone on the road to retirement.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Yes that person you speak of is Sean Miller. There is no other candidate. There is only Miller. Miller is the new coach. Anybody else is a failure. Unless Miller big times us and demands more money.

[bjf123]

Any top business manager will keep a list of potential employees and/or managers in their desk, and will update and add to it on a regular basis. A college AD is no different. I’ve no doubt that an experienced AD like Christopher has been thinking about this move for much longer than a week or two and had already enquired through others about people’s on the list level of interest. So the “national search” has probably been going on for some time now. At this point it’s probably more about mutual interest, face to face interviews, and contract negotiations than anything else. I certainly hope that X doesn’t make the Tommy T mistake that UC football did a few years back before Fickell. Don’t jump at a “name”, make sure you get someone that has something to prove and wants to do it at X. Don’t take someone on the road to retirement.

I was at an event years ago where the previous AD, whose name I’m completely spacing on, spoke. He said exactly that. Any AD worth this salt keeps a list of potential coaching replacements at the ready so you’re not caught completely flat footed if your head coach quits, or you have to let him go.


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[Masterofreality]

I was at an event years ago where the previous AD, whose name I’m completely spacing on, spoke. He said exactly that. Any AD worth this salt keeps a list of potential coaching replacements at the ready so you’re not caught completely flat footed if your head coach quits, or you have to let him go.


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Mike Bobinski or Jeff Fogelson

[bjf123]

It was Bobinski. I remembered Fogelson’s name and knew it wasn’t him.


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[Masterofreality]

Let us all take a moment to express our deep thanks to Travis Steele for leading Xavier Basketball to, not one, but TWO Sweet 16’s! (In that other Tournament gathering).

[bjf123]

https://twitter.com/thegcinsider/status/1504207268769792003?s=21

Interesting thread.


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[xu82]

https://twitter.com/thegcinsider/status/1504207268769792003?s=21

Interesting thread.


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Interesting indeed, and explains the urgency.

[Masterofreality]

https://twitter.com/thegcinsider/status/1504207268769792003?s=21

Interesting thread.


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Says it all. Their 24/7 Board is in meltdown

[Strange Brew]

Says it all. Their 24/7 Board is in meltdown

Is this really happening……:)

[bjf123]

These two tweets are even better. At least the second guy gets it.

https://twitter.com/atlantasportguy/status/1504198416229928964?s=21

https://twitter.com/stevea2222/status/1504205947253800962?s=21


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[xu82]

Is this really happening……:)

No. Now go back to sleep and you will wake up to Travis Steele coaching another uninspired NIT game.

[Strange Brew]

No. Now go back to sleep and you will wake up to Travis Steele coaching another uninspired NIT game.

You’re pure evil…:)

[Masterofreality]

These two tweets are even better. At least the second guy gets it.

https://twitter.com/atlantasportguy/status/1504198416229928964?s=21

https://twitter.com/stevea2222/status/1504205947253800962?s=21


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The “Second Guy” is a Xavier Guy who has a private suite.
He might be brought in for murder though. ;-)

[IM4X]

These two tweets are even better. At least the second guy gets it.

https://twitter.com/atlantasportguy/status/1504198416229928964?s=21

https://twitter.com/stevea2222/status/1504205947253800962?s=21


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Ha… this guy s calling X a “Mid Major.” Atlanta Sports Guy doesn’t seem to have a clue about sports… at least when it comes to college hoops. Funny, how I was thinking, “Why would Sean be interested is South Carolina. He can do way better than that program.

[bjf123]

Says it all. Their 24/7 Board is in meltdown

And we wont be if we don’t get Sean?


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[XU_Lou]

NM

[Xville]

NM

Oh good you’re back to tell me how wrong I was about steele and how he was going to take us to the second weekend, right?

[xavierj]

Oh good you’re back to tell me how wrong I was about steele and how he was going to take us to the second weekend, right?

This should be good…

[GIMMFD]

And we wont be if we don’t get Sean?


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The meltdown would be Chernobyl levels.

[GoMuskies]

I'll definitely be disappointed if we don't get Miller, but I'll still be happy Travis is gone!

[xdude]

I like winning a lot more than some pussy choirboy image anyways.

Here! Here!

[fellahmuskie]

My 3 year old's response to the Steele news was that now he could coach one of the other sports at Xavier. Who knows, maybe he could get the women's team turned around.

[Cornbread1190]

Christopher not out of the Woods yet.. he still might need to go next.. time will tell.

[American X]

BTW, Greg may have been conducting a very quiet national search since the debacle in MSG.

I really wonder if that was the final straw. I suspect Steele would still be head coach if not for the appallingly spectacular collapse against Butler. It took the maelstrom so far that it could no longer be ignored.

[Xavier]

I’m convinced the final straw was Sean pushing the issue. Reports of Steele and Greg on same page as of Sunday and he was blindsided yesterday.

[xukeith]

Perhaps X can’t afford Miller. He is being promised the sun and the moon by now with South Carolina and USC.
No surprise if Florida and LSU step up

[Xavier]

Yeah, LSU firing one FBI coach to bring in another? No chance.

[markchal]

If we find out we wanted Sean Miller but couldn't get Sean Miller, you'd have to think that's the last straw for Christopher. I actually thought they might have this all settled yesterday. The timing is just weird and I don't think they'd get rid of him just be in a bidding war

[UCGRAD4X]

I’m convinced the final straw was Sean pushing the issue. Reports of Steele and Greg on same page as of Sunday and he was blindsided yesterday.

I missed it if he got the dreaded "Vote of Confidence" which is often a precursor to the door that swings one way.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

That story came from Steele who lives in fantasyland. The guy thinks he can turn this thing around. It feels very Dumb and Dumber, so you saying there is a chance!

[CP05XU08CU13]

The fact that Steele inherited a team that was a previous #1 seed in the NCAA tournament and could never win 20 or more games in a season is very telling. The program had all the momentum at that time to continue on an upward trajectory. Going from a #1 seed to not making the NCAA tournament was the beginning of the end. Steele went 70-50 overall and 31-37 against Big East play from 2018-22. There is no reason Xavier should ever finish league play below .500 and should never finish lower than 4th or 5th in the league in my opinion. The expectations are not unrealistic. A change had to be made, and I certainly wish Steele all the best wherever he lands next. The right hire needs to be in order to get the program back to where it belongs.

[boozehound]

That story came from Steele who lives in fantasyland. The guy thinks he can turn this thing around. It feels very Dumb and Dumber, so you saying there is a chance!

Yeah, that is 100% the most likely source. The meeting was likely between Steele and Christopher without a whole bunch of other people present, so the accounts of what transpired almost certainly come from one of those two sources.

In reality based on past performance and looking ahead at the roster for next year it seems really hard to believe that next season would have been much better. Maybe they would have started out rough and come together later in the season instead of the opposite, but it's hard to rationally believe that Steele would have been able to make a good case for that.

[xuphan]

I have a feeling that Christopher was set to let Steele finish out the NIT before removing him and going after his top targets (Miller, etc). However, something must have happened Monday night with his top candidate in order to remove Steele after coaching/winning the NIT game the night before. Maybe it was Miller who nudged Christopher that he was being pursued by other university or Christopher was told he needed to act fast to get in the Miller race. It’s the only way to justify the odd timing of Steele being removed.

[Caveat]

I really wonder if that was the final straw. I suspect Steele would still be head coach if not for the appallingly spectacular collapse against Butler. It took the maelstrom so far that it could no longer be ignored.

The final straw was a very influential donor coming forward and saying "This is unacceptable and needs to change, now."

Xavier isn't in a financial position, currently, to lose any of their whales.

[xavbball]

Yesterday, we saw a bold move by the administration that showed that we take our basketball program very seriously. I didn't think they would do it. I'm looking at crow recipes because I'm about to eat many of them.

We learned Steele wasn't getting another year regardless. The plan was to let him finish the NIT, but schools looking for new coaches also realized that Sean (our top target) is low-risk and one of the best candidates available without a buyout. This moved up the hiring process, and we had to let go of Steele.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I’m convinced the final straw was Sean pushing the issue. Reports of Steele and Greg on same page as of Sunday and he was blindsided yesterday.

Which would make Miller the ultimate villain if just using X for leverage. I just can't see this not happening.