Fickell GONE!

[Xuperman]

In a complete stunner....Luke Fickell reported to be announced as University of Wisconsin Head Coach!!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hate to see it.......:laugh:

[Xville]

But but but I was told he would only leave for Ohio state? Or, maybe he knows what we all know… uc is second rate and will be in a second rate conference even with the move to the big 12.

[noteggs]

Bet Jim Leonhard is pissed.

[GoMuskies]

Bet Jim Leonhard is pissed.

That's who UC should go get.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If they could have it all over again, I am sure they would prefer Fickell had left last year for ND and they could have hired Marcus Freeman.

[GoMuskies]

They may have another shot at Freeman before too long.

[XUGRAD80]

Considering that X has lost multiple coaches to higher profile programs and leagues, I don’t think that we have any reason to throw stones at UC for losing a coach to a Big 10 school.

There are only a very few jobs in college football that can be considered final destination jobs….Alabama and OSU for sure, possibly ND as a 3rd. But even at those we have seen coaches leave for retirement, or the pros, and later return to college coaching at a different school. It happens. It’s the nature of the business. I think that anyone assuming that Miller is at X for the remainder of his college coaching career is bound to be disappointed.

[Xville]

Considering that X has lost multiple coaches to higher profile programs and leagues, I don’t think that we have any reason to throw stones at UC for losing a coach to a Big 10 school.

There are only a very few jobs in college football that can be considered final destination jobs….Alabama and OSU for sure, possibly ND as a 3rd. But even at those we have seen coaches leave for retirement, or the pros, and later return to college coaching at a different school. It happens. It’s the nature of the business. I think that anyone assuming that Miller is at X for the remainder of his college coaching career is bound to be disappointed.

Yeah everyone knows that, except for the common uc fan. Or, well I guess now they know lol.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not throwing stones here, I just find it hilarious he bailed on them for Wisconsin right before they are going to the Big 12.

There is NO WAY anyone at or a fan of UC saw that coming. That has to sting like hell.

Regardless of conference affiliation UC is just at a massive disadvantage competing at the top of college football. That isn't a bad thing as long the school and fans realize it and realize that seasons like the one last year are almost once in a lifetime for a football program like UC. They have a really solid program who will should always go to some decent bowl games which is a long way from where they came.

And I am the never say never guy when it comes to coaches leaving. I have fully expected every XU coach to leave at some point and they all did. However this is why I was so ecstatic to hire Miller. A great coach, who had an incredibly difficult time leaving the 1st time, saw the other side of things, made tons of money, and came back. I actually will be shocked if Miller leaves again. I do fully expect him to retire from XU, unless he isn't successful and they X fires him or they mutually part ways. But I don't see that happening.

[Xville]

Not throwing stones here, I just find it hilarious he bailed on them for Wisconsin right before they are going to the Big 12.

There is NO WAY anyone at or a fan of UC saw that coming. That has to sting like hell.

Regardless of conference affiliation UC is just at a massive disadvantage competing at the top of college football. That isn't a bad thing as long the school and fans realize it and realize that seasons like the one last year are almost once in a lifetime for a football program like UC. They have a really solid program who will should always go to some decent bowl games which is a long way from where they came.

And I am the never say never guy when it comes to coaches leaving. I have fully expected every XU coach to leave at some point and they all did. However this is why I was so ecstatic to hire Miller. A great coach, who had an incredibly difficult time leaving the 1st time, saw the other side of things, made tons of money, and came back. I actually will be shocked if Miller leaves again. I do fully expect him to retire from XU, unless he isn't successful and they X fires him or they mutually part ways. But I don't see that happening.

I think it’s funny because wisconsin is nowhere near the top of college football. I’m sure they have a lot of money, and it’s a big ass school with a big ass alumni base. They had a few good years in the ‘10s but have basically never been relevant in the national conversation , and he still left for them.

[xudash]

Not throwing stones here, I just find it hilarious he bailed on them for Wisconsin right before they are going to the Big 12.

There is NO WAY anyone at or a fan of UC saw that coming. That has to sting like hell.

Regardless of conference affiliation UC is just at a massive disadvantage competing at the top of college football. That isn't a bad thing as long the school and fans realize it and realize that seasons like the one last year are almost once in a lifetime for a football program like UC. They have a really solid program who will should always go to some decent bowl games which is a long way from where they came.

And I am the never say never guy when it comes to coaches leaving. I have fully expected every XU coach to leave at some point and they all did. However this is why I was so ecstatic to hire Miller. A great coach, who had an incredibly difficult time leaving the 1st time, saw the other side of things, made tons of money, and came back. I actually will be shocked if Miller leaves again. I do fully expect him to retire from XU, unless he isn't successful and they X fires him or they mutually part ways. But I don't see that happening.

I agree with you word for word.

[SM#24]

Considering that X has lost multiple coaches to higher profile programs and leagues, I don’t think that we have any reason to throw stones at UC for losing a coach to a Big 10 school.

There are only a very few jobs in college football that can be considered final destination jobs….Alabama and OSU for sure, possibly ND as a 3rd. But even at those we have seen coaches leave for retirement, or the pros, and later return to college coaching at a different school. It happens. It’s the nature of the business. I think that anyone assuming that Miller is at X for the remainder of his college coaching career is bound to be disappointed.
Spoken like a true UC fan.

[paulxu]

I think it’s funny because wisconsin is nowhere near the top of college football. I’m sure they have a lot of money, and it’s a big ass school with a big ass alumni base. They had a few good years in the ‘10s but have basically never been relevant in the national conversation , and he still left for them.

Play on Saturday against OSU, Michigan, et al.
Or...play in a Big 12 without Texas and Oklahoma.
Not a tough choice.

[xudash]

Play on Saturday against OSU, Michigan, et al.
Or...play in a Big 12 without Texas and Oklahoma.
Not a tough choice.

PLUS:

1. Flagship, land grant university in Wisconsin.

2. $90 millionish per year media deal.

3. Camp Randall Stadium and a rabid fan base.

4. All with B1G affiliation, per your competition point (though it will be difficult to give up the opportunity to lose to a program like Tulane at home).

[X-band '01]

It's okay, JP Macura will despise him either way.

[JTG]

Considering that X has lost multiple coaches to higher profile programs and leagues, I don’t think that we have any reason to throw stones at UC for losing a coach to a Big 10 school.

There are only a very few jobs in college football that can be considered final destination jobs….Alabama and OSU for sure, possibly ND as a 3rd. But even at those we have seen coaches leave for retirement, or the pros, and later return to college coaching at a different school. It happens. It’s the nature of the business. I think that anyone assuming that Miller is at X for the remainder of his college coaching career is bound to be disappointed.

I'll be stunned if Miller leaves. He's made his fortune. I truely believe he loves the place, and knows he can win big @ X. And now that Wright is gone there's a chance he can rule the Big East.

[X-band '01]

Except now Danny Hurley and UConn replace Villanova as a potential flagship.

[nickgyp]

In a complete stunner....Luke Fickell reported to be announced as University of Wisconsin Head Coach!!!

Dang, I thought he was going to coach the Muskies in the PFL…..

[Masterofreality]

Notre Dame gonna fire Marcus Freeman & SucKS will hire him.
(Not gonna happen)
BRING BACK TUBERVILLE!!! (I know. He’s a pol now)

[drudy23]

PrimeTime!!!

[paulxu]

Except now Danny Hurley and UConn replace Villanova as a potential flagship.

It was hard to dislike Jay Wright as they have essentially owned us since we joined.

It will NOT be hard to dislike Danny Hurley.

[joe titan]

Quote Originally Posted by D-West & PO-Z View Post
Not throwing stones here, I just find it hilarious he bailed on them for Wisconsin right before they are going to the Big 12.

"There is NO WAY anyone at or a fan of UC saw that coming. That has to sting like hell.

Regardless of conference affiliation UC is just at a massive disadvantage competing at the top of college football. That isn't a bad thing as long the school and fans realize it and realize that seasons like the one last year are almost once in a lifetime for a football program like UC. They have a really solid program who will should always go to some decent bowl games which is a long way from where they came.

And I am the never say never guy when it comes to coaches leaving. I have fully expected every XU coach to leave at some point and they all did. However this is why I was so ecstatic to hire Miller. A great coach, who had an incredibly difficult time leaving the 1st time, saw the other side of things, made tons of money, and came back. I actually will be shocked if Miller leaves again. I do fully expect him to retire from XU, unless he isn't successful and they X fires him or they mutually part ways. But I don't see that happening.

I agree with you word for word."

Well not really; astute UC fans have been well aware of Fickell's interest to varying degrees in other jobs and realize at some point the grass would look green enough to jump. Heading to Big 12 and recent contract extension(s) with commensurate budget increases may have alleviated some concerns, but the bigger picture never changed that Big 10 was his primary objective.

IMO, a realistic assessment from the coach and a fan sees that last 2 seasons are not likely to be duplicated @ UC notwithstanding Big 12 affiliation; further the current roster even with a heralded incoming recruiting class is not on par with better Big 12 teams like Baylor, TCU, Kansas St, Ok St.

Finally Wisconsin appears to be low risk job as they recognize need to re-build their once-proud program. 7-4 looks pretty good to those guys at this point so expectations are not CFP for the foreseeable future. UC is not unfamiliar with the scenario, and even AD Cunningham has shown he can handle the search process. Not to be surprised when the program re-collects itself, but overall will find its way to compete in Big 12.

[xudash]

Quote Originally Posted by D-West & PO-Z View Post
Not throwing stones here, I just find it hilarious he bailed on them for Wisconsin right before they are going to the Big 12.

"There is NO WAY anyone at or a fan of UC saw that coming. That has to sting like hell.

Regardless of conference affiliation UC is just at a massive disadvantage competing at the top of college football. That isn't a bad thing as long the school and fans realize it and realize that seasons like the one last year are almost once in a lifetime for a football program like UC. They have a really solid program who will should always go to some decent bowl games which is a long way from where they came.

And I am the never say never guy when it comes to coaches leaving. I have fully expected every XU coach to leave at some point and they all did. However this is why I was so ecstatic to hire Miller. A great coach, who had an incredibly difficult time leaving the 1st time, saw the other side of things, made tons of money, and came back. I actually will be shocked if Miller leaves again. I do fully expect him to retire from XU, unless he isn't successful and they X fires him or they mutually part ways. But I don't see that happening.

I agree with you word for word."

Well not really; astute UC fans have been well aware of Fickell's interest to varying degrees in other jobs and realize at some point the grass would look green enough to jump. Heading to Big 12 and recent contract extension(s) with commensurate budget increases may have alleviated some concerns, but the bigger picture never changed that Big 10 was his primary objective.

IMO, a realistic assessment from the coach and a fan sees that last 2 seasons are not likely to be duplicated @ UC notwithstanding Big 12 affiliation; further the current roster even with a heralded incoming recruiting class is not on par with better Big 12 teams like Baylor, TCU, Kansas St, Ok St.

Finally Wisconsin appears to be low risk job as they recognize need to re-build their once-proud program. 7-4 looks pretty good to those guys at this point so expectations are not CFP for the foreseeable future. UC is not unfamiliar with the scenario, and even AD Cunningham has shown he can handle the search process. Not to be surprised when the program re-collects itself, but overall will find its way to compete in Big 12.

Jason Williams published a brutally honest look at UC's position in college football in an article dated yesterday. Here is a key excerpt:

Fickell, a Columbus native, and his large, Catholic family love Cincinnati. The Ohio State alum spurned Michigan State and Notre Dame. The latter happened last year. Finally, a coach who didn't just take the first (or second) one-way ticket out of town. It sent a message that UC was no longer a stepping stone.

College football today isn’t what it was a year ago. That undoubtedly contributed to Fickell leaving Sunday to become head coach at Wisconsin.

He goes on in the article to point out two very huge things:

1. College football moving forward is going to be about the B1G and the SEC, then everyone else; and

2. Closely related to that, NIL is going to hurt any program outside of those conferences.

He literally warned UC fans to understand that there is no more "P5" once USC and UCLA join the B1G and once Texas and OU move over to the SEC.

I mentioned a little while ago that UC was clearly improving its position by moving to the Big 12 from the AAC, and doing so as a result of its program investments and success on the field. However, you can't win a race if you are driving a torqued up 6-cylinder going 70 MPH while 32 other schools are in advanced V8's cruising along at 100 MPH.

UC fans can and should enjoy from where it came, but they'll do much better managing their sanity if they understand the new pecking order of things. It's the "P2" and everyone else. It's the P2 soaking up most of the 12 playoff bids with the Big 12 probably only getting its champion in every year.

[GoMuskies]

With a 12 team playoff, it's going to be fine to be outside the Big Ten and SEC. It may well be easier to make the playoffs as Cincinnati in the Big XII compared to Wisconsin in the Big 10. Sure, the Big 10 is going to get at least three bids every year, but those are going to be Ohio State, Michigan and USC. Maybe there's a fourth bid, but everyone else is scrambling for that one. Ditto the SEC where LSU, Alabama and Georgia are going to continue to dominate things until Oklahoma decides to get good again. The real winners if they stay put are Notre Dame, They get to laugh through 5 or 6 ACC games, play Navy, Stanford and a couple of other stinkers, maybe lose to USC and end up #8. Ho hum, another playoff berth achieved.

[Xville]

Jason Williams published a brutally honest look at UC's position in college football in an article dated yesterday. Here is a key excerpt:

Fickell, a Columbus native, and his large, Catholic family love Cincinnati. The Ohio State alum spurned Michigan State and Notre Dame. The latter happened last year. Finally, a coach who didn't just take the first (or second) one-way ticket out of town. It sent a message that UC was no longer a stepping stone.

College football today isn’t what it was a year ago. That undoubtedly contributed to Fickell leaving Sunday to become head coach at Wisconsin.

He goes on in the article to point out two very huge things:

1. College football moving forward is going to be about the B1G and the SEC, then everyone else; and

2. Closely related to that, NIL is going to hurt any program outside of those conferences.

He literally warned UC fans to understand that there is no more "P5" once USC and UCLA join the B1G and once Texas and OU move over to the SEC.

I mentioned a little while ago that UC was clearly improving its position by moving to the Big 12 from the AAC, and doing so as a result of its program investments and success on the field. However, you can't win a race if you are driving a torqued up 6-cylinder going 70 MPH while 32 other schools are in advanced V8's cruising along at 100 MPH.

UC fans can and should enjoy from where it came, but they'll do much better managing their sanity if they understand the new pecking order of things. It's the "P2" and everyone else. It's the P2 soaking up most of the 12 playoff bids with the Big 12 probably only getting its champion in every year.

There’s a whole lot of wtf in that article. For one, I’d really like to know where he got that Fickell spurned notre dame. I find that extremely hard to believe, and I don’t like notre dame at all. Yeah he was linked to it because journalists love to speculate, but never saw where he was ann anctual candidate or turned it down. Also, it makes zero sense that nil would hurt any program outside of the big two conferences. Only thing that affects nil is rich alumni and businesses around the school.

With all that said uc is always going to be a middling player. I really don’t think the events of the last two couple of years has changed that. Heck, as go pointed out above, it’s going to be much easier for them to make the playoff.

[Strange Brew]

With a 12 team playoff, it's going to be fine to be outside the Big Ten and SEC. It may well be easier to make the playoffs as Cincinnati in the Big XII compared to Wisconsin in the Big 10. Sure, the Big 10 is going to get at least three bids every year, but those are going to be Ohio State, Michigan and USC. Maybe there's a fourth bid, but everyone else is scrambling for that one. Ditto the SEC where LSU, Alabama and Georgia are going to continue to dominate things until Oklahoma decides to get good again. The real winners if they stay put are Notre Dame, They get to laugh through 5 or 6 ACC games, play Navy, Stanford and a couple of other stinkers, maybe lose to USC and end up #8. Ho hum, another playoff berth achieved.

Sneaky smart those Domers..:)

[D-West & PO-Z]

There’s a whole lot of wtf in that article. For one, I’d really like to know where he got that Fickell spurned notre dame. I find that extremely hard to believe, and I don’t like notre dame at all. Yeah he was linked to it because journalists love to speculate, but never saw where he was ann anctual candidate or turned it down. Also, it makes zero sense that nil would hurt any program outside of the big two conferences. Only thing that affects nil is rich alumni and businesses around the school.

With all that said uc is always going to be a middling player. I really don’t think the events of the last two couple of years has changed that. Heck, as go pointed out above, it’s going to be much easier for them to make the playoff.

That guy insists Fickell said no to ND.

What more than likely happened is they expressed some interest and he didn't want to leave until after UC's playoff appearance. If that even happened. But I could see that scenario.

[GoMuskies]

All that said, Wisconsin's chances of winning a national title are about the same as UC's: zero. There will be 12 playoff spots, and we can debate whether UC or Wisconsin is likely to appear next, but the national champions are still going to come from a group about about 5 or six teams every year. Texas may have a chance to join that group occassionally. Perhaps UCLA now and then. But pretty doubtful Wisconsin or Cincinnati are going to have a chance to join that conversation more than once per blue moon.

[drudy23]

In the day of going back to the well to resurrect very good coaches, I could honestly see UC hiring Urban Meyer. It's in the same vein as the Sean Miller and Thad Matta hires - guys who have been through some stuff that just want another shot, and in places where they like and are familiar.

If I was a betting man, I'd put my cash down here. It would be a huge hire for UC, assuming Urban doesn't do anything blatantly stupid and is willing to work to improve his image. His prowess as a college football coach is unquestioned.

[xudash]

With a 12 team playoff, it's going to be fine to be outside the Big Ten and SEC. It may well be easier to make the playoffs as Cincinnati in the Big XII compared to Wisconsin in the Big 10. Sure, the Big 10 is going to get at least three bids every year, but those are going to be Ohio State, Michigan and USC. Maybe there's a fourth bid, but everyone else is scrambling for that one. Ditto the SEC where LSU, Alabama and Georgia are going to continue to dominate things until Oklahoma decides to get good again. The real winners if they stay put are Notre Dame, They get to laugh through 5 or 6 ACC games, play Navy, Stanford and a couple of other stinkers, maybe lose to USC and end up #8. Ho hum, another playoff berth achieved.

We will have to wait and see how it all turns out, but you are talking about 32 teams who are going to be stuffed full of cash. 3 to 4 apiece for the B1G and SEC? 25% of the combined group, assuming 4 from each?

Again, anything can happen, but what about this:

SEC
- Bama
- LSU
- Georgia
- Tennessee
- Plus one of A&M, Florida, see where this is headed?

B1G
- Ohio State
- Michigan
- USC
- One of Penn State, MSU, Whisky, parallel to above.

9 out of 10 spots.

Now, Clemson and/or FSU. Oregon.

I’m not sure it’s going to be all that better for UC.

[Xville]

This year as of now the sec and big ten would take 7 of the spots and that includes usc. That leaves 5 spots… pretty good actually. 5 of 12 is better than 1 of 4.

Plus, I really doubt the 12 are going to be selected as you describe. My guess is that big 5 conferences will have automatic bids plus a group of five and then the rest will be at large. Better to have a 100% chance at a playoff shot rather than the about 1% chance uc has now.

[xudash]

This year as of now the sec and big ten would take 7 of the spots and that includes usc. That leaves 5 spots… pretty good actually. 5 of 12 is better than 1 of 4.

I’m not focused on this year. You are making a fair point, but I am of the opinion that things are going to change when these two massive conferences start dishing out about $90 million per school per year. They are simply going to have remarkable advantages, which should result in more than seven out of 32 schools grabbing a slot.

[Xville]

I’m not focused on this year. You are making a fair point, but I am of the opinion that things are going to change when these two massive conferences start dishing out about $90 million per school per year. They are simply going to have remarkable advantages, which should result in more than seven out of 32 schools grabbing a slot.

I really don’t think so. The sec beats themselves up thru the season and the big ten will as well if anyone actually wants to join in the Ohio state-Michigan fun. Theee won’t be enough teams winning enough games to have almost all of the top 12 be in those conferences.

Anyways, I don’t think that’s how it is going to work anyways. My guess is as described above. Top 5 get auto bids, group of five auto bid and then 6 at large. Now, will a sec team win the playoff 95% of the time? Yeah probably but not any different than now, and a 12 team playoff at least gives the illusion of a more equitable distribution of power.

[xudash]

I really don’t think so. The sec beats themselves up thru the season and the big ten will as well if anyone actually wants to join in the Ohio state-Michigan fun. Theee won’t be enough teams winning enough games to have almost all of the top 12 be in those conferences.

Anyways, I don’t think that’s how it is going to work anyways. My guess is as described above. Top 5 get auto bids, group of five auto bid and then 6 at large. Now, will a sec team win the playoff 95% of the time? Yeah probably but not any different than now, and a 12 team playoff at least gives the illusion of a more equitable distribution of power.

Good point about how they are thinking about structuring it (i.e. champion from each conference of 5 conferences, and then go from there).

The “beat each other up” thing may be an issue. However, the flip side is that all of their money may ensure even deeper rosters for the premier programs. Worse yet for the other conferences, all that money may attract much of the rest of the best talent to the other SEC and B1G teams.

One other thing- let’s look at the Big 12, specifically. Do you honestly believe that it could get two teams into a 12 team playoff (its champions plus one more) in the 12 team format? I believe that outcome will be very rare.

[XUGRAD80]

The real key will be this……will the Big 10 and SEC remain a part of the NCAA or will they break away and form their own organization? (And if they do break away, will others join them?) Right now, under current NCAA rules, all schools have to limit how many scholarship players they have. Theoretically that means that no one school, or conference, can stockpile all of the best talent and it theoretically creates some parity. But if they form their own organization, without the scholarship limits, that goes out the window. If there continues to be scholarship limits, and accounting for the idea that players want to play and not just sit on the bench, the talent should be somewhat spread out among the top 50-60 schools (including most BiG 12 schools) and there should be potential for schools outside the B10 and SEC to fill some of the at-large bids in the 12 team tourney.

5 conference champions
1 group of 5 team
6 at-large

6 at-large…..2 from B10, 2 from SEC (which means the top 3 teams in each of those conferences probably makes it) and 2 from all the rest. OOC schedule and wins are going to be important. The B10 and SEC will fill out 1/2 the tourney, with all other schools fighting it out for the other half. Everyone sees that……one reason that Fickell might have chosen to leave now, and for a B10 school.

BUT……college football is different than college BB. It’s not ALL about playing in the national championship tourney. Regular season, conference championships, rivalry games really matter to most fans. The social aspect of game days is at least as important as the games themselves to hundreds of thousands of fans. Even if a school has 0 chance of winning a national championship, as long as they continue to be competitive within their league they will continue to have a large and loyal fan base. This is true for virtually every school playing in a top conference. Game days are an experience that is greater than any single game. College football will continue to be the big dog when it comes to college sports.

[nuts4xu]

Lot of good reasons for Luke Fickell to stay at UC, but Wisconsin is giving Luke an extra 2.9 million reasons a year to move his large catholic family to Madison WI.

I feel for UC and their fans, it is tough to admit your program will likely always be a stepping stone program.

When Matta left for Ohio State, Miller left for Arizona, and Mack left for UofL I felt the same way about X. While I am optimistic Sean Miller is going to be with us for the rest of his career, part of me realizes he could decide to pull a Bob Huggins and end his career at Pitt (his alma mater). We may always be a stepping stone program, and for the exception of the last 4 years, that has worked out fine for Xavier. I would rather have a coach for the long term, but I’m no longer offended when X is called a stepping stone program.

I can give UC and it’s fans a hard time about a lot of things, but this type of news isn’t it.

This will be an interesting hire for UC, stakes are higher than ever for them to get it right. They get this wrong and it could hurl them back to irrelevance.

[94GRAD]

Lot of good reasons for Luke Fickell to stay at UC, but Wisconsin is giving Luke an extra 2.9 million reasons a year to move his large catholic family to Madison WI.

I feel for UC and their fans, it is tough to admit your program will likely always be a stepping stone program.

When Matta left for Ohio State, Miller left for Arizona, and Mack left for UofL I felt the same way about X. While I am optimistic Sean Miller is going to be with us for the rest of his career, part of me realizes he could decide to pull a Bob Huggins and end his career at Pitt (his alma mater). We may always be a stepping stone program, and for the exception of the last 4 years, that has worked out fine for Xavier. I would rather have a coach for the long term, but I’m no longer offended when X is called a stepping stone program.

I can give UC and it’s fans a hard time about a lot of things, but this type of news isn’t it.

This will be an interesting hire for UC, stakes are higher than ever for them to get it right. They get this wrong and it could hurl them back to irrelevance.

*West Virginia

**I'm an idiot

[GoMuskies]

Sean Miller graduated from West Virginia? Weird.

[94GRAD]

Sean Miller graduated from West Virginia? Weird.

I no good with comprehension.

[xudash]

The real key will be this……will the Big 10 and SEC remain a part of the NCAA or will they break away and form their own organization? (And if they do break away, will others join them?) Right now, under current NCAA rules, all schools have to limit how many scholarship players they have. Theoretically that means that no one school, or conference, can stockpile all of the best talent and it theoretically creates some parity. But if they form their own organization, without the scholarship limits, that goes out the window. If there continues to be scholarship limits, and accounting for the idea that players want to play and not just sit on the bench, the talent should be somewhat spread out among the top 50-60 schools (including most BiG 12 schools) and there should be potential for schools outside the B10 and SEC to fill some of the at-large bids in the 12 team tourney.

5 conference champions
1 group of 5 team
6 at-large

6 at-large…..2 from B10, 2 from SEC (which means the top 3 teams in each of those conferences probably makes it) and 2 from all the rest. OOC schedule and wins are going to be important. The B10 and SEC will fill out 1/2 the tourney, with all other schools fighting it out for the other half. Everyone sees that……one reason that Fickell might have chosen to leave now, and for a B10 school.

BUT……college football is different than college BB. It’s not ALL about playing in the national championship tourney. Regular season, conference championships, rivalry games really matter to most fans. The social aspect of game days is at least as important as the games themselves to hundreds of thousands of fans. Even if a school has 0 chance of winning a national championship, as long as they continue to be competitive within their league they will continue to have a large and loyal fan base. This is true for virtually every school playing in a top conference. Game days are an experience that is greater than any single game. College football will continue to be the big dog when it comes to college sports.

Great post. Good points.

[GoMuskies]

UC might hire Tom Herman, huh? Hey, every individual is different, but I'd invite them to look at the career path of the last coach to kill it in the Big East/American, take the Texas job and then return to the same level. THAT guy went 21-16 at USF and got fired.

[Masterofreality]

UC might hire Tom Herman, huh? Hey, every individual is different, but I'd invite them to look at the career path of the last coach to kill it in the Big East/American, take the Texas job and then return to the same level. THAT guy went 21-16 at USF and got fired.

That’s kinda what WE want.

Isn’t it??

[sirthought]

All this talk about the new P2. Note that the Big 12 had multiple teams in the top 25 this season. Losing TX and OK will not be as devastating as so many claim. (And it's not going to help SEC in the long run.) The Big 10 and SEC are clearly trying to make this the reality but other conferences may have some surprises.

With Fickell it's not just about conference. Yeah, any coach would like the opportunities available in the Big 10. But he was also running up against that delicate line of what every successful coach runs up against. And that's lack of success compared to expectations. When exactly have you been in one job too long?

He had one terrible first year, and then it took two or three seasons to really start seeing how they could elevate things in the national spotlight. But this year was a rebuild and next year might be even more of one. You risk the chance that recruits no longer view you as the rising power, and just maybe things don't lock in again for a while. Then it's not just your job, but your whole career is in the hot seat.

At Wisconsin he has a cushion of time with people forgiving that it might take a season or two. He'll be viewed as a rising hotshot bringing in word of mouth in recruiting circles. The trajectory of where he's headed is less risky.

And he might have continued to be strong with UC in the Big 12. They have an infrastructure to do well with almost any coach. But if he held on at UC and for whatever reason that didn't happen, this was the right time for him to move. His stock wasn't going to get any higher with the current trajectory.

Purely a preservation move, no matter what UC's circumstance is.

[GoMuskies]

That’s kinda what WE want.

Isn’t it??

I don't really care that much, honestly. UC football being good is no skin off my nose. They're not in any way a rival of Xavier and never will be again. But if they suck I also won't be heartbroken.

[XUGRAD80]

That’s kinda what WE want.

Isn’t it??

There are a lot of Cincinnati area residents, who are also Xavier BB fans, that follow UC football. Maybe if X hadn’t dropped FB decades ago it would be different. But there’s no way I’m going to root for OSU or UK, so that kinda leaves UC. Since so many of my friends are UC grads and fans, I guess I just followed along with them and because a UC fan over the years. My kids and grandkids are fans too, as is my wife. Doesn’t mean I love X any less, I’m a proud grad. But dropping FB meant them losing a couple of generations of potential fans. I’m certainly not the only XU grad that attends UC football games on a regular basis.

[D-West & PO-Z]

All this talk about the new P2. Note that the Big 12 had multiple teams in the top 25 this season. Losing TX and OK will not be as devastating as so many claim. (And it's not going to help SEC in the long run.) The Big 10 and SEC are clearly trying to make this the reality but other conferences may have some surprises.

With Fickell it's not just about conference. Yeah, any coach would like the opportunities available in the Big 10. But he was also running up against that delicate line of what every successful coach runs up against. And that's lack of success compared to expectations. When exactly have you been in one job too long?

He had one terrible first year, and then it took two or three seasons to really start seeing how they could elevate things in the national spotlight. But this year was a rebuild and next year might be even more of one. You risk the chance that recruits no longer view you as the rising power, and just maybe things don't lock in again for a while. Then it's not just your job, but your whole career is in the hot seat.

At Wisconsin he has a cushion of time with people forgiving that it might take a season or two. He'll be viewed as a rising hotshot bringing in word of mouth in recruiting circles. The trajectory of where he's headed is less risky.

And he might have continued to be strong with UC in the Big 12. They have an infrastructure to do well with almost any coach. But if he held on at UC and for whatever reason that didn't happen, this was the right time for him to move. His stock wasn't going to get any higher with the current trajectory.

Purely a preservation move, no matter what UC's circumstance is.

So Fickell left because he was or was going to start feeling heat at UC? Not sure I am buying that one.

I do buy that he was concerned about UC's QB situation and overall talent issue heading into the Big 12. So I guess in that regard he was maybe concerned about a lack of success over the next few years and his star not shining as bright. But he had plenty of time at UC regardless of outcomes due to what he had already done. But I do get other schools may have not looked at his as favorably.

[sirthought]

So Fickell left because he was or was going to start feeling heat at UC? Not sure I am buying that one.

I do buy that he was concerned about UC's QB situation and overall talent issue heading into the Big 12. So I guess in that regard he was maybe concerned about a lack of success over the next few years and his star not shining as bright. But he had plenty of time at UC regardless of outcomes due to what he had already done. But I do get other schools may have not looked at his as favorably.

So you just re-stated exactly my reasoning. I'm not saying he would feel the heat, but the potential is there and he knows if that happens he's not going to get opportunities like he might now. It's about self preservation and readjusting expectations so you are always on an upward trajectory.

Plenty of coaches have stayed where they are comfortable and the community loves them, but they then end up in a bad spot.

[D-West & PO-Z]

So you just re-stated exactly my reasoning. I'm not saying he would feel the heat, but the potential is there and he knows if that happens he's not going to get opportunities like he might now. It's about self preservation and readjusting expectations so you are always on an upward trajectory.

Plenty of coaches have stayed where they are comfortable and the community loves them, but they then end up in a bad spot.

Ok, I can totally get that he doesnt have faith UC is going to make a successful transition into the Big 12 and he wanted to leave while his stock was high. He also probably could have stayed his entire career at UC regardless of outcome, so if he never had plans to leave he would have been fine.

I am not sure if ND wanted Fickell last year or not but I am guessing Fickell would have taken that job if offered and it didn't interfere with UC CFP run.

[xubrew]

As far as this being a complete stunner, perhaps it was to the fans, but I don't think it was to Cunningham. Not only do I think he was not stunned, I think he actually saw it coming and at least has a plan of what he wants to do next. It wouldn't surprise me at all if it isn't a big name. UC is kind of in a unique situation. The program is highly successful, but the pressure to make a "safe" hire really isn't there. He can go with whoever HE feels is best without fearing the backlash from boosters and donors, and at the P5 level that's kind of not the norm.

As far as "stepping stones," those still exist. For sure. But we're also sort of in a new era now where coaches will look to make lateral moves. We've seen it with Brian Kelly, and Jimbo Fischer. We've sort of seen it with Mike Leach because while Wazzu may not be a football blue blood, while he was there their brand was arguably as good or better than Mississippi State's. And, there are some other examples too. You get the idea. You're seeing it more and more, and I think you're going to continue to see it. The reason is coaches have learned that if they make a move while they're still hot they sort of reset the "honeymoon" period, and can actually secure more long term money by making the school they're moving laterally to make it worth their while. I'm pretty sure Cunningham also realizes that this is a growing trend.

So this move wasn't THAT out of the blue. Perhaps it was to the fans. But UC was not totally depanted by this. I think they knew.

[xudash]

All this talk about the new P2. Note that the Big 12 had multiple teams in the top 25 this season. Losing TX and OK will not be as devastating as so many claim. (And it's not going to help SEC in the long run.) The Big 10 and SEC are clearly trying to make this the reality but other conferences may have some surprises.

With Fickell it's not just about conference. Yeah, any coach would like the opportunities available in the Big 10. But he was also running up against that delicate line of what every successful coach runs up against. And that's lack of success compared to expectations. When exactly have you been in one job too long?

He had one terrible first year, and then it took two or three seasons to really start seeing how they could elevate things in the national spotlight. But this year was a rebuild and next year might be even more of one. You risk the chance that recruits no longer view you as the rising power, and just maybe things don't lock in again for a while. Then it's not just your job, but your whole career is in the hot seat.

At Wisconsin he has a cushion of time with people forgiving that it might take a season or two. He'll be viewed as a rising hotshot bringing in word of mouth in recruiting circles. The trajectory of where he's headed is less risky.

And he might have continued to be strong with UC in the Big 12. They have an infrastructure to do well with almost any coach. But if he held on at UC and for whatever reason that didn't happen, this was the right time for him to move. His stock wasn't going to get any higher with the current trajectory.

Purely a preservation move, no matter what UC's circumstance is.

What we're seeing now performance wise versus what we'll see in a few years could - most likely will - change. The Big 12 having multiple teams in the polls this season has nothing to do with how many it may have in the polls 5 or 10 years from now - I assume we're taking a more long-term strategic view of all of this. Losing Texas and Oklahoma will be at least about $20 million per year per school devastating to Big 12 members. And stating that picking up Texas and OU is not going to help the SEC in the long run is your opinion. Texas is a formidable athletic program. College football is facing such substantial change - at least economic change - in the near future that there will be some shifting in status taking place between the programs.

Here we are in 2022 with the so-called "P5" in full force and valid order. We sit here as of today with TCU making it into the playoff. How well will TCU be doing in football after the Big 12 resets? How well can it do in football with around $20 million less in its athletic budget and with a base of less than 15,000 students (i.e. "student fee subsidy opportunities")?

On the other hand, IMHO, XUGRAD80's following insight is spot on:

If there continues to be scholarship limits, and accounting for the idea that players want to play and not just sit on the bench, the talent should be somewhat spread out among the top 50-60 schools (including most BiG 12 schools) and there should be potential for schools outside the B10 and SEC to fill some of the at-large bids in the 12 team tourney.

I agree with your analysis as to why Fickell left now. In essence, it was a preservation move based upon making a delicate timing play.

However, that at least somewhat recognizes the key factor that his upside at UC was limited. Ohio State doesn't rebuild. It reloads. If the perception of being a rising power is fragile, then the underlying program that generates the perception is itself lacking somewhere. Example: Nippert is a beautiful setting for a college football stadium and it has history, but it also simply is not a major league collegiate stadium. Another example is UC presently chasing funding for a $100 million practice facility.

Perhaps the other conferences will have some surprises as you suggest. But then again, with about $90 million per school per year, both the SEC and B1G may pop a few surprises out of the cake as well.

I arrive back at 80's point: supply and demand of talent. On a relative basis, the best of the best are mostly going to migrate to the top schools in the top two conferences, and those truly major college programs will be very deep on their bench strength. Nonetheless, assuming there is enough around, the remaining conferences will still be able to field competitive football teams. There will still be hope for snagging a playoff spot for some of those teams, while the others will otherwise play their games for their traditions, weekend experiences, etc.

[chico]

In this age of the NIL, schools with money like Texas and Oklahoma will most definitely have an advantage, so saying they're going to fail may not be accurate.

As for Fickel, I wonder if this isn't an audition for the OSU job.

[D-West & PO-Z]

In this age of the NIL, schools with money like Texas and Oklahoma will most definitely have an advantage, so saying they're going to fail may not be accurate.

As for Fickel, I wonder if this isn't an audition for the OSU job.

I get the sense OSU seems pretty uninterested in Fickell. Maybe that changes if he does great things at Wisconsin though. I also think its possible that going to Wisconsin is maybe him conceding his lack of chances at OSU but his desire to be in the Big Ten.

[xubrew]

What we're seeing now performance wise versus what we'll see in a few years could - most likely will - change. The Big 12 having multiple teams in the polls this season has nothing to do with how many it may have in the polls 5 or 10 years from now - I assume we're taking a more long-term strategic view of all of this. Losing Texas and Oklahoma will be at least about $20 million per year per school devastating to Big 12 members. And stating that picking up Texas and OU is not going to help the SEC in the long run is your opinion. Texas is a formidable athletic program. College football is facing such substantial change - at least economic change - in the near future that there will be some shifting in status taking place between the programs.

Here we are in 2022 with the so-called "P5" in full force and valid order. We sit here as of today with TCU making it into the playoff. How well will TCU be doing in football after the Big 12 resets? How well can it do in football with around $20 million less in its athletic budget and with a base of less than 15,000 students (i.e. "student fee subsidy opportunities")?

On the other hand, IMHO, XUGRAD80's following insight is spot on:

If there continues to be scholarship limits, and accounting for the idea that players want to play and not just sit on the bench, the talent should be somewhat spread out among the top 50-60 schools (including most BiG 12 schools) and there should be potential for schools outside the B10 and SEC to fill some of the at-large bids in the 12 team tourney.

I agree with your analysis as to why Fickell left now. In essence, it was a preservation move based upon making a delicate timing play.

However, that at least somewhat recognizes the key factor that his upside at UC was limited. Ohio State doesn't rebuild. It reloads. If the perception of being a rising power is fragile, then the underlying program that generates the perception is itself lacking somewhere. Example: Nippert is a beautiful setting for a college football stadium and it has history, but it also simply is not a major league collegiate stadium. Another example is UC presently chasing funding for a $100 million practice facility.

Perhaps the other conferences will have some surprises as you suggest. But then again, with about $90 million per school per year, both the SEC and B1G may pop a few surprises out of the cake as well.

I arrive back at 80's point: supply and demand of talent. On a relative basis, the best of the best are mostly going to migrate to the top schools in the top two conferences, and those truly major college programs will be very deep on their bench strength. Nonetheless, assuming there is enough around, the remaining conferences will still be able to field competitive football teams. There will still be hope for snagging a playoff spot for some of those teams, while the others will otherwise play their games for their traditions, weekend experiences, etc.

The Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC have all inked new media deals in the past several months after all of the realignment announcements took place.

Big Ten is $8 billion for ten years ($800 million per year, $50 million per school per year. That's with UCLA and USC assuming UCLA is still able to come, which is turning into its own entertaining shit show.)

SEC is $7.1 billion for ten years with ESPN/ABC exclusively ($710 million per year, $44.3 million per school per year. That's with Texas and Oklahoma).

Big 12 is $2.28 billion for six years ($380 million a year, $31.67 million per school per year once it goes out to 12. There is also language in the contract for that value to increase if the league goes out to either 14 or 16 teams).

I honestly cannot believe the Big 12 got that kind of a deal AFTER Texas and Oklahoma left. They're not getting as much as the SEC or B1G, but they're still getting more than what they were getting before, and if they end up poaching the Arizona schools along with Colorado and Utah from the Pac 12, which MAY very well be their plan, that dollar amount will go up even more.

Do I think the Big 12 will routinely be as good as the SEC or Big Ten in football?? No, I don't.

Do I think the Big 12 will be so far behind the SEC and Big 12 that it will not have a solid footing in the CFP and not be able to produce potential national champions?? No to that as well. I think they are actually working to position themselves pretty well.

[xudash]

The Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC have all inked new media deals in the past several months after all of the realignment announcements took place.

Big Ten is $8 billion for ten years ($800 million per year, $50 million per school per year. That's with UCLA and USC assuming UCLA is still able to come, which is turning into its own entertaining shit show.)

SEC is $7.1 billion for ten years with ESPN/ABC exclusively ($710 million per year, $44.3 million per school per year. That's with Texas and Oklahoma).

Big 12 is $2.28 billion for six years ($380 million a year, $31.67 million per school per year once it goes out to 12. There is also language in the contract for that value to increase if the league goes out to either 14 or 16 teams).

I honestly cannot believe the Big 12 got that kind of a deal AFTER Texas and Oklahoma left. They're not getting as much as the SEC or B1G, but they're still getting more than what they were getting before, and if they end up poaching the Arizona schools along with Colorado and Utah from the Pac 12, which MAY very well be their plan, that dollar amount will go up even more.

Do I think the Big 12 will routinely be as good as the SEC or Big Ten in football?? No, I don't.

Do I think the Big 12 will be so far behind the SEC and Big 12 that it will not have a solid footing in the CFP and not be able to produce potential national champions?? No to that as well. I think they are actually working to position themselves pretty well.

What are your info sources?

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/34417911/big-ten-completes-7-year-7-billion-media-rights-agreement-fox-cbs-nbc?platform=amp

[xubrew]

What are your info sources?

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/34417911/big-ten-completes-7-year-7-billion-media-rights-agreement-fox-cbs-nbc?platform=amp

My sources are the same ones I've always had Dash. It's not the kind of thing I can simply post a link for, but ESPN is my source. Not the first time we've done this...

http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?33402-The-AAC-Just-Put-A-Gun-To-Its-Head

[xubrew]

I guess I can link it. At least some of it...

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/34910144/big-12-nears-six-year-228b-tv-extension-deal-espn-fox

[paulxu]

These big deals are only possible because we all are paying LOTS of dollars for cable TV.
Not counting ESPN+, ESPN and ESPN2 at $10.00/month cable access would, with 75 million subscriptions, equal $9 billion.
That doesn't even count ad revenue.
ESPN+ is up to $9.99/month I think, and that's more money.

Brew can correct this basic stuff if I'm off base.

[GoMuskies]

My sources are the same ones I've always had Dash. It's not the kind of thing I can simply post a link for, but ESPN is my source. Not the first time we've done this...

http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?33402-The-AAC-Just-Put-A-Gun-To-Its-Head

That deal was the death of all American teams. 3+ years later UC has been to the College Football Playoff and Houston is #1 in the country in basketball.

These contracts may put schools at disadvantages, but it's pretty clear they're not a death knell.

[xubrew]

That deal was the death of all American teams. 3+ years later UC has been to the College Football Playoff and Houston is #1 in the country in basketball.

These contracts may put schools at disadvantages, but it's pretty clear they're not a death knell.

Given the contract the Big 12 just got, it’s also pretty clear that ESPN values American/Soon-to-be-Big12 schools. That includes the school who’s death knell many on here have been predicting for the past…oh…fifteen years or so??

[Xavgrad08]

Tom Herman is accepting the Florida Atlantic job. Did UC not want him, or he didn’t want UC? Will be interesting who UC hires.

[joe titan]

Tom Herman is accepting the Florida Atlantic job. Did UC not want him, or he didn’t want UC? Will be interesting who UC hires.

He was told more interviews of others to be held with no definitive timeline to decide; he took the bird in hand.

UC wants Jesse Minter.

[xubrew]

So two questions for everyone this A.M.....

1) Did you see who UC hired?

2) Are you now making plans to watch the Fenway Bowl??

[Xville]

So two questions for everyone this A.M.....

1) Did you see who UC hired?

2) Are you now making plans to watch the Fenway Bowl??

I would feel bad for UC, if I could stand them. What a terrible hire...better get used to being irrelevant again

[xubrew]

I absolutely love this hire!

Either UC crashes and burns, or they continue to perform at the level they have been and the storyline becomes "You just can't win at Louisville!" Either one is rather satisfying!!

Satterfield was a good coach at App State. To be honest I'm a little surprised he didn't do better at Louisville. When he got the job I remember thinking that the team he was leaving was currently a lot better than the team he was going to, but that he'd get them going. He did AVERAGE. I don't want to get carried away and say he did horrendously bad, but it certainly didn't jump off the page as being GOOD.

[drudy23]

Boring hire. At this point with expanded playoffs, the only goal for a team like UC, assuming they truly want to be with big boys, is to make that final 12 each year. Obviously, that won't happen every year, but that's the measuring stick.

You upgrade the conference, you upgrade the expectations. Not much different than us getting to a Final Four.

[D-West & PO-Z]

So two questions for everyone this A.M.....

1) Did you see who UC hired?

2) Are you now making plans to watch the Fenway Bowl??

Hilarious.

Seems Louisville fans are not too sad to be losing him, but no idea if that is just sour grapes or not?

[Xville]

Hilarious.

Seems Louisville fans are not too sad to be losing him, but no idea if that is just sour grapes or not?

Full disclosure I’m a Louisville football season ticket holder. No one is sad to see him go, he’s an average medicore coach with zero personality. Nice guy, not much else.. sounds a lot like Steele.

Brohm wi probably be coming home and will get the fan base energized

[GoMuskies]

I'm a Louisville fan, and I think he was fine. Didn't deserve to get fired. But not sad to see him go. After four years, I'm still not sure what the identity of Louisville football was supposed to be under him.

As for 'Brew's point about people saying "You just can't win at Louisville", I suppose people have short memories these days, so maybe they'd forget that a number of different coaches have won a lot at Louisville. Hell, I've watched Louisville win a Fiesta Bowl, a Sugar Bowl and an Orange Bowl under three different coaches.

[xubrew]

I'm a Louisville fan, and I think he was fine. Didn't deserve to get fired. But not sad to see him go. After four years, I'm still not sure what the identity of Louisville football was supposed to be under him.

As for 'Brew's point about people saying "You just can't win at Louisville", I suppose people have short memories these days, so maybe they'd forget that a number of different coaches have won a lot at Louisville. Hell, I've watched Louisville win a Fiesta Bowl, a Sugar Bowl and an Orange Bowl under three different coaches.

Yes, they have. I do remember that. It was a short time ago. But now there seem to be people that occupy key leadership roles that...well...are less than ideal. I bet Satterfield WANTED out. The fans may have wanted him out too, and if that's the case then I guess it's a win-win. And it wouldn't shock me (as hard as this is to believe) to learn that Brohm does not want in. At least not right now.

IF Satterfield goes to UC and keeps winning like they have been, and is routinely in the 12 team playoff hunt, then can one assume that whatever it was that was wrong with Louisville wasn't actually him?? Maybe that won't happen. But, I wouldn't be ENTIRELY shocked if it did.

[GoMuskies]

Well, this is it for Brohm. If he wants to come home, it's now or never.

I was looking at his staff over the weekend, and it's littered with people with connections to Louisville. Including brother Brian. Brother Greg was part of Louisville's staff foever and surely would be again. And dad Oscar (also a Louisville football legend like his three sons - okay, Greg was just a pretty good WR) is getting up there. Jeff wants the job he was born to have or he doesn't. Find out soon.

[Xville]

Yes, they have. I do remember that. It was a short time ago. But now there seem to be people that occupy key leadership roles that...well...are less than ideal. I bet Satterfield WANTED out. The fans may have wanted him out too, and if that's the case then I guess it's a win-win. And it wouldn't shock me (as hard as this is to believe) to learn that Brohm does not want in. At least not right now.

IF Satterfield goes to UC and keeps winning like they have been, and is routinely in the 12 team playoff hunt, then can one assume that whatever it was that was wrong with Louisville wasn't actually him?? Maybe that won't happen. But, I wouldn't be ENTIRELY shocked if it did.

Who are these people in key leadership roles that you are talking about? Leadership has turned over in the last couple of years, president is brand new and ad is a year in his role, and seems to know what he is doing. Yeah payne could end sup being a bad hire, but that happens everywhere cough cough steele

Satterfield is way too nice of a guy for this level of football

[GoMuskies]

Reminder for those who may have forgotten: Mike Bobinski is the AD at Purdue. He's been down this road a few times! LOL

[D-West & PO-Z]

Reminder for those who may have forgotten: Mike Bobinski is the AD at Purdue. He's been down this road a few times! LOL

I didn't realize that. How long has he been there?

[GoMuskies]

I didn't realize that. How long has he been there?

2016

[drudy23]

I'm a Louisville fan, and I think he was fine. Didn't deserve to get fired. But not sad to see him go. After four years, I'm still not sure what the identity of Louisville football was supposed to be under him.

As for 'Brew's point about people saying "You just can't win at Louisville", I suppose people have short memories these days, so maybe they'd forget that a number of different coaches have won a lot at Louisville. Hell, I've watched Louisville win a Fiesta Bowl, a Sugar Bowl and an Orange Bowl under three different coaches.

Louisville's athletic program is a cesspool - it's why they've crashed and burned over the past 5 years. Full of corruption and greed.

[xubrew]

Who are these people in key leadership roles that you are talking about? Leadership has turned over in the last couple of years, president is brand new and ad is a year in his role, and seems to know what he is doing. Yeah payne could end sup being a bad hire, but that happens everywhere cough cough steele

Satterfield is way too nice of a guy for this level of football

I'm not even sure if it's Heird in particular, but does this seem like a normal sequence of events (granted its' basketball related, but still)...

-The President leaves for Penn State
-The AD, who had been the interim AD, suddenly resigns
-They appoint Heird as an interim AD, where he remains for six months.

At this point Louisville has both an interim president and an interim AD. So the first order of business, of course, is to....fire the basketball coach in the middle of the season??

-Kenny Payne is later hired. By the interim AD. Kenny Payne, to date, has won as many college basketball games as a head coach as I have, has no qualifications at all that suggest he's capable of coaching at this level, and the way things are playing out...it shows.

-The AD is finally hired full time. I guess they were quite impressed with the handling of how Chris Mack was replaced with Kenny Payne.

And now they finally have a new president.


That's just....NO THANKS!!! It actually appears as if they are taking direction from boosters. I said that half kidding in another thread, but it I'm only HALF kidding. Who the hell is making decisions at Louisville?? And why are seemingly all of them bad??

[xubrew]

Louisville's athletic program is a cesspool - it's why they've crashed and burned over the past 5 years. Full of corruption and greed AND STUPIDITY.

...edited this for you.

This is kind of hard to believe, and maybe it ends up getting turned around, but right now, at present day, Louisville is a COMPLETE MESS!! And is showing no signs of it getting better any time soon.

[drudy23]

Reminder for those who may have forgotten: Mike Bobinski is the AD at Purdue. He's been down this road a few times! LOL

Do they care about football there? They're not bad but obviously basketball is killing it and very consistently.

Always liked Bobo - seemed like a great AD.

[GoMuskies]

OK 'Brew, was the problem Satt or was the problem Louisville?