Coack Mack Back to X?

[drudy23]

Most of us have probably seen the video this weekend with Coach Mack saying it's time for him to get back into coaching.

My guess is that he would only entertain head coaching positions, but I think it would be great to have someone of Coach Mack's coaching caliber on the bench with Miller's staff. Not sure that's even possible with the way the current staff is constructed and paid, but I would be all for it if that is indeed what Coach Mack is looking for.

I'm sure Coach Mack would get plenty of interest, but is it the interest he is looking for? Pushing away any personal dislike or bias based on perceptions of how he left, would that excite you to get him back on the bench? Could he be another weapon for high level big men (he recruited them well and it's an obvious hole) and an asset to Coach Miller with his X and O acumen?

Miller and Mack seem to be good buddies, but does a return screw with the chemistry of the current guys on the staff? I think it would be worth a shot if that is what Mack is looking for.

[X-band '01]

We won't have to worry about that if Ohio State and/or Kentucky potentially open up for him during the offseason.

[Xville]

We won't have to worry about that if Ohio State and/or Kentucky potentially open up for him during the offseason.

My guess is that no big time program is giving him a job. He’s going to have to prove himself again, and I’m guessing the ego is too big for an assistant job. My guess is he ends up at a mid major either around Nashville where his one daughter is going or in Florida.

Or maybe he can take the Miami oh job once Steele inevitably gets canned

[zippin']

There is a 0% chance he comes back to X to be an assistant. That isn't happening.

I also don't buy the Vanderbilt rumors that have been floating around. It is very difficult to win there and getting fired again would probably be the death knell for his career. I don't have a great idea of where he'd go, but I think it's going to be somewhere like Ole Miss if Beard leaves. Maybe not there specifically, but somewhere like that.

[Xville]

There is a 0% chance he comes back to X to be an assistant. That isn't happening.

I also don't buy the Vanderbilt rumors that have been floating around. It is very difficult to win there and getting fired again would probably be the death knell for his career. I don't have a great idea of where he'd go, but I think it's going to be somewhere like Ole Miss if Beard leaves. Maybe not there specifically, but somewhere like that.

Probably only rumors since that’s where his daughter is going. But I could see Belmont or any of the mid majors that are there. I really don’t think a big five/six conference is hiring the guy right now. Maybe I’m wrong but the way he literally quit at Louisville was a really bad look and effing Luke Murray over for the Charleston job.

[MHettel]

anyone have a link to the comments? I always thought he was saying hes content right now. wasnt he on the SM podcast just a few weeks ago and said pretty much that?

I think the Dino situation is a bad look. What did he do with Luke Murray and Charleston?

[Xville]

anyone have a link to the comments? I always thought he was saying hes content right now. wasnt he on the SM podcast just a few weeks ago and said pretty much that?

I think the Dino situation is a bad look. What did he do with Luke Murray and Charleston?

It was in the enquirer yesterday.

Regarding Murray, from what I heard, Murray was hired at Charleston first before Kelsey but the day before he was to be announced, Mack fired Murray so then Charleston said they couldn’t hire someone who had just been canned. In other words it would have been a bad look. Mack couldn’t just wait a couple days. This all comes from someone very high up in the Louisville sports administration.

Murray and Mack were butting heads that last year all year long. Did not like each other at the end at all

[noteggs]

anyone have a link to the comments? I always thought he was saying hes content right now. wasnt he on the SM podcast just a few weeks ago and said pretty much that?

I think the Dino situation is a bad look. What did he do with Luke Murray and Charleston?

https://x.com/fox19joe/status/1756357357490044961?s=42&t=U5TyKr_wshJKowj_nNzfHg

[Xavgrad08]

Assistant coaches typically work longer hours than the head coach and assistants get a lot less money. I doubt Mack wants to go back to that and I doubt Miller would want the awkwardness of Xavier's all time wins leader next to him. Only way it would likely be proposed, if Sean told Mack he was leaving in one season. Then Mack could be an assistant for 1 year then take over to ensure a seamless transition.

I have no idea the type of Jobs that will inquire about Mack. I think Vanderbilt would hire him, but as mentioned above that is a tough job. I don't think OSU would hire Mack at this point. I think he would be a great fit at Saint Louis if they fire Ford.

[waggy]

Florida state or Georgia tech type job.

[Xavier]

I think a school like DePaul would love him. But he wouldn’t do that, he wont go somewhere that isn’t set up to be successful. He wouldn’t come back to X, but he brought an intensity and attitude I really liked. I think he built some of the more well rounded teams X has had, but that Sean is much better at development and getting the most out of guys. (IE, Sean is the better coach)

[bleedXblue]

I would just like to add that he made a colossally stupid move leaving X to go to a program that was in the middle of an absolute dumpster fire. I thought he was going to be the guy that stayed for 15-20 years and really solidified the HC spot for X. Hometown guy and graduate of Xavier. F you Mack.

[sirthought]

Mack could turn things around at DePaul. It would be a very different situation than Xavier or Louisville, but he'd offer a great track record to sell them, with knowledge of playing AND winning in the Big East. He's familiar with the recruiting region. The program would get as much media attention, or possibly more, than what Xavier has had for years.

Yes, the arena situation is a mess. But someone is going to eventually steer that ship in the right direction, and when they do they are a LOT of positives going for the school.

After the mistakes he's made with his most recent jobs, paired with DePaul's lack of success hiring a winning coach, I think the two parties would really appreciate the opportunity to move forward together. And I think he'd have more leeway than at some other schools in big conferences. Yes, he could be comfortable at a smaller program. But every challenge that would bring would be just as hard as doing it at DePaul. Might as well be at basketball school in the Big East.

[Xavier]

Maybe pre-NIL. But I’ve seen rumors that they have extremely extremely low NIL stuff. The job is considered the worst among big 6 schools. He’s be better off going to a mid major program that’s typically in top half of their league and building that up.

[bleedXblue]

Mack could turn things around at DePaul. It would be a very different situation than Xavier or Louisville, but he'd offer a great track record to sell them, with knowledge of playing AND winning in the Big East. He's familiar with the recruiting region. The program would get as much media attention, or possibly more, than what Xavier has had for years.

Yes, the arena situation is a mess. But someone is going to eventually steer that ship in the right direction, and when they do they are a LOT of positives going for the school.

After the mistakes he's made with his most recent jobs, paired with DePaul's lack of success hiring a winning coach, I think the two parties would really appreciate the opportunity to move forward together. And I think he'd have more leeway than at some other schools in big conferences. Yes, he could be comfortable at a smaller program. But every challenge that would bring would be just as hard as doing it at DePaul. Might as well be at basketball school in the Big East.

I think he will want to stay somewhat close to home AND a situation where he can win within 2-3 years at most.

[drudy23]

I would just like to add that he made a colossally stupid move leaving X to go to a program that was in the middle of an absolute dumpster fire. I thought he was going to be the guy that stayed for 15-20 years and really solidified the HC spot for X. Hometown guy and graduate of Xavier. F you Mack.

He got bags on cash and had every leverage angle he could have hoped for during the Louisville mess. He set his family up for life financially and has enjoyed the high life for the last 2 years because of it. And now he can pick and choose knowing he has that stability. Sucked for us, but pretty good for him, even with getting fired.

[Xville]

Maybe pre-NIL. But I’ve seen rumors that they have extremely extremely low NIL stuff. The job is considered the worst among big 6 schools. He’s be better off going to a mid major program that’s typically in top half of their league and building that up.

Agree. Obviously no idea what his mindset is, but something like a A-10 or Missouri Valley upper echelon school would be more attractive to me, than a dumpster fire like a Depaul or Vanderbilt.

As someone else mentioned, a SLU type job I think would be extremely attractive. Good recruiting ground, good facilities, decent conference with more resources available than most of the other teams in the league.

Not that they are going to fire their coach, but someone else like a Belmont in the Missouri Valley that has had a good run would make sense to me.

I'm just really curious as to what programs he attracts interest from, how people view him right now. Maybe enough time has passed, but he turned what was a small dumpster fire into a five alarm send in the troops type situation at Louisville do to him literally quitting on the team. The administration of course had a hand in that but still, it was a bad look.

[Xville]

He got bags on cash and had every leverage angle he could have hoped for during the Louisville mess. He set his family up for life financially and has enjoyed the high life for the last 2 years because of it. And now he can pick and choose knowing he has that stability. Sucked for us, but pretty good for him, even with getting fired.

He didn't get fired, he literally quit. I understand that that is what was presented in the national media, or a "mutual parting of ways" but the local people here in and around the administration, media all said he quit.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Agree. Obviously no idea what his mindset is, but something like a A-10 or Missouri Valley upper echelon school would be more attractive to me, than a dumpster fire like a Depaul or Vanderbilt.

As someone else mentioned, a SLU type job I think would be extremely attractive. Good recruiting ground, good facilities, decent conference with more resources available than most of the other teams in the league.

Not that they are going to fire their coach, but someone else like a Belmont in the Missouri Valley that has had a good run would make sense to me.

I'm just really curious as to what programs he attracts interest from, how people view him right now. Maybe enough time has passed, but he turned what was a small dumpster fire into a five alarm send in the troops type situation at Louisville do to him literally quitting on the team. The administration of course had a hand in that but still, it was a bad look.

OMG. I never even thought of Mack to SLU. That would be a homerun hire for my Billikens. We have seen what a really good coach can do at SLU (Majerus who had SLU in the top 10). They have the fan support, the facilities, and the location, they just need a good coach.

[sirthought]

I would always choose DePaul over the lower conference because the media dollars for the athletic program are going to be that much better with a Big East school. Plus, althought there are some lower conference schools that do pretty well at the box office, the potential to have a strong schedule each year is so much more possible in the upper conferences. Easier to get a good overall strength of schedule. More opportunities for Q1 games.

Let's face it, being in the A10 got to be such a slog. I think Mack could improve things in 2-3 years at DePaul.

[bleedXblue]

He got bags on cash and had every leverage angle he could have hoped for during the Louisville mess. He set his family up for life financially and has enjoyed the high life for the last 2 years because of it. And now he can pick and choose knowing he has that stability. Sucked for us, but pretty good for him, even with getting fired.

On the flip side, he was making good dough at X (plenty to set up his family for generations), took the program to its highest level it has ever been, could have stayed home and been a legend here for the next 10-15 years. He bailed, took the easy way out and for that I will never forgive him. Happiness isnt always about the paycheck.

[bleedXblue]

He didn't get fired, he literally quit. I understand that that is what was presented in the national media, or a "mutual parting of ways" but the local people here in and around the administration, media all said he quit.

Yeah was tired of the scrutiny that you get when you're at that dumpster fire of a school and aren't winning big. He KNEW what he was getting into. Add to that, he botched the Gaudio situation in a big way (a guy who he admitted was a close friend)......

[JTG]

I would always choose DePaul over the lower conference because the media dollars for the athletic program are going to be that much better with a Big East school. Plus, althought there are some lower conference schools that do pretty well at the box office, the potential to have a strong schedule each year is so much more possible in the upper conferences. Easier to get a good overall strength of schedule. More opportunities for Q1 games.

Let's face it, being in the A10 got to be such a slog. I think Mack could improve things in 2-3 years at DePaul.

Really, being a punching bag for all the teams you routinely beat twice a year or split with? At a remote arena with no fans. Like someone else said it may be the worst job in major college basketball.

[OTRMUSKIE]

No way in hell is he going to a mid major. He didn’t leave Louisville because they sucked. Wherever he goes it will be a power 6. UCLA will be firing YTG here soon, he could go there.

[GoMuskies]

Yeah was tired of the scrutiny that you get when you're at that dumpster fire of a school and aren't winning big. He KNEW what he was getting into. Add to that, he botched the Gaudio situation in a big way (a guy who he admitted was a close friend)......

On the flilp side, before Mack arrived Louisville had literally had two coaches in the span of 46 years. Mack is really the guy who turned the Louisville coaching position into a revolving door.

[D-West & PO-Z]

No way in hell is he going to a mid major. He didn’t leave Louisville because they sucked. Wherever he goes it will be a power 6. UCLA will be firing YTG here soon, he could go there.

UCLA isn't firing Cronin. At least not soon. They have now won 5 in a row and 7 of their last 8 after what looked like a disaster of a season. I hate the guy but he's had enough success there so far to avoid being fired after one down year.

[GoMuskies]

I think Cronin wants out to the right job, but yeah he's not getting fired.

[bleedXblue]

On the flilp side, before Mack arrived Louisville had literally had two coaches in the span of 46 years. Mack is really the guy who turned the Louisville coaching position into a revolving door.

Padgett was there for a year...

To be fair, the university was in the midst of major turmoil with the football shit show and the Pitino situation and then they had to forfeit the NCAA championship.

[STL_XUfan]

On the flip side, he was making good dough at X (plenty to set up his family for generations), took the program to its highest level it has ever been, could have stayed home and been a legend here for the next 10-15 years. He bailed, took the easy way out and for that I will never forgive him. Happiness isnt always about the paycheck.

Or things could have regressed, in which case the fans would have (rightfully) called for his head.

[drudy23]

On the flip side, he was making good dough at X (plenty to set up his family for generations), took the program to its highest level it has ever been, could have stayed home and been a legend here for the next 10-15 years. He bailed, took the easy way out and for that I will never forgive him. Happiness isnt always about the paycheck.

I don't disagree - but make no mistake, he left for the money.

And now that's put him in a position to have complete freedom for his next role, and that's where anyone wants to be.

Money doesn't buy happiness, but it does buy freedom.

Does he regret leaving X as that's his current reality? Probably not.

[drudy23]

At the end of the day, Mack did his job here. He elevated us even further. Bottom line.

Guys move on, that's life.

Mack Giveth, Tin Man Taketh Away

[Xville]

I don't disagree - but make no mistake, he left for the money.

And now that's put him in a position to have complete freedom for his next role, and that's where anyone wants to be.

Money doesn't buy happiness, but it does buy freedom.

Does he regret leaving X as that's his current reality? Probably not.

More than just money. I know it’s a dumpster right now but you’re talking about a top 10-15 historical program, with unlimited resources, arguably nicest venue in college basketball if not top threeish, one side of the family is here, close to cincy etc. anyways, don’t blame him for going, not a fan of how he did it and dealt with it way before the season ended whether he wants to admit that or not.

[XUMIOH12]

Not happening

[D-West & PO-Z]

More than just money. I know it’s a dumpster right now but you’re talking about a top 10-15 historical program, with unlimited resources, arguably nicest venue in college basketball if not top threeish, one side of the family is here, close to cincy etc. anyways, don’t blame him for going, not a fan of how he did it and dealt with it way before the season ended whether he wants to admit that or not.

Yeah, money was a big factor I am sure but it was a lot more than that. It was the perfect opportunity for him and one of the few jobs I was truly worried about with regards to Mack leaving. If it was only about money he would have taken the Cal job years before.

[Xavier]

Mick definitely wants out. UCLA athletics are a disaster. That’s going to be a brutal job for anyone until the NIL money gets going. Obviously they had to do it but the move to the Big 10 will hurt, too.

There’s zero chance Mack would turn DePaul around. It’s a dead end job and only getting worse. There are a ton of mid major programs that are much much more desirable all the way around (NIL, attendance, chances of succeeding) It’s not even close.

[drudy23]

I'm sure Cooley isn't happy Georgetown sucks, but the bags of cash make it much easier to stomach, I'm sure. He's even said so himself.

You win, you're a hero and can write your ticket. You fail, you're rich. Win win.

[bleedXblue]

[QUOTE=D-West & PO-Z;776823]Yeah, money was a big factor I am sure but it was a lot more than that. It was the perfect opportunity for him and one of the few jobs I was truly worried about with regards to Mack leaving. If it was only about money he would have taken the Cal job years before.[/QUOTE


Totally agree except for the state of the program at the time......It was reeling from a huge amount of negative press, NCAA sanctions, losing a NATTY etc.

[bleedXblue]

Agree, but if there was a guy to stick around and make this a destination job, it was Mack.

[webxu]

Mick definitely wants out. UCLA athletics are a disaster. That’s going to be a brutal job for anyone until the NIL money gets going. Obviously they had to do it but the move to the Big 10 will hurt, too.

There’s zero chance Mack would turn DePaul around. It’s a dead end job and only getting worse. There are a ton of mid major programs that are much much more desirable all the way around (NIL, attendance, chances of succeeding) It’s not even close.

Mick is refusing to play the NIL game, and his success was with guys that stuck around 3-4 years to build a culture (much like the Xavier blueprint), those days sadly are gone. Its the same reason Jay Wright left. Wonder if UCLA is dictating that to an extent with Chip Kelly leaving to be a coordinator..

[drudy23]

Agree, but if there was a guy to stick around and make this a destination job, it was Mack.

He needed career (and personal) perspective. Louisville gave it to him. Same thing happened with Miller with what he went through at AZ.

Both will be better because of it, but neither is likely to look at the profession the same ever again.

If this all happened before Xavier, Mack would still be here. Miller isn't going anywhere because of it. And if he does, it will be straight to retirement.

[drudy23]

Mick is refusing to play the NIL game, and his success was with guys that stuck around 3-4 years to build a culture (much like the Xavier blueprint), those days sadly are gone. Its the same reason Jay Wright left. Wonder if UCLA is dictating that to an extent with Chip Kelly leaving to be a coordinator..

LA would seem to be an NIL hotbed. I don't get it, except for the part that insecure Mick feels he won't be able to bully and berate to keep control.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Mick is refusing to play the NIL game, and his success was with guys that stuck around 3-4 years to build a culture (much like the Xavier blueprint), those days sadly are gone. Its the same reason Jay Wright left. Wonder if UCLA is dictating that to an extent with Chip Kelly leaving to be a coordinator..

UCLA wanted to fire Chip Kelly but would have owed him 8.5 million. Instead they get 1.5 million for a guy they didnt want anymore to leave to go elsewhere.

[drudy23]

He didn't get fired, he literally quit. I understand that that is what was presented in the national media, or a "mutual parting of ways" but the local people here in and around the administration, media all said he quit.

I can promise you a cash settlement was discussed before he "quit" - if he just walked out, he wouldn't have gotten a bag of cash to leave.

If he didn't get that bag of cash, he wouldn't have "quit", he would have played it out until they fired him to ensure his bag of cash.

So basically, he got fired.

[Xville]

I can promise you a cash settlement was discussed before he "quit" - if he just walked out, he wouldn't have gotten a bag of cash to leave.

If he didn't get that bag of cash, he wouldn't have "quit", he would have played it out until they fired him to ensure his bag of cash.

So basically, he got fired.

His cash settlement was around 4 mil, had he been fired without cause the number was 12. He went to the administration and told them he was done. He said If you wanna fire me, fine ill take 12, or we can just make it look like it was "mutual" and ill take my 4. Both sides wanted to save a bit of face.

[muethibp]

Most of us have probably seen the video this weekend with Coach Mack saying it's time for him to get back into coaching.

My guess is that he would only entertain head coaching positions, but I think it would be great to have someone of Coach Mack's coaching caliber on the bench with Miller's staff. Not sure that's even possible with the way the current staff is constructed and paid, but I would be all for it if that is indeed what Coach Mack is looking for.

I'm sure Coach Mack would get plenty of interest, but is it the interest he is looking for? Pushing away any personal dislike or bias based on perceptions of how he left, would that excite you to get him back on the bench? Could he be another weapon for high level big men (he recruited them well and it's an obvious hole) and an asset to Coach Miller with his X and O acumen?

Miller and Mack seem to be good buddies, but does a return screw with the chemistry of the current guys on the staff? I think it would be worth a shot if that is what Mack is looking for.

As others have said, he's not going to be an assistant anywhere and surely not at Xavier.

His comments last week are obviously him trying to let Ohio St. and Vanderbilt know that he's open for business. Those are the kind of places he will consider (as head coach).

[zippin']

Miller isn't going anywhere because of it. And if he does, it will be straight to retirement.

Getting real annoying seeing Trilly Donovan repeatedly push narratives of SM leaving though. Last year it was Texas and this year it appears to be Ohio State. Guess that's what comes with having an elite coach, though.

[Xville]

Mick is refusing to play the NIL game, and his success was with guys that stuck around 3-4 years to build a culture (much like the Xavier blueprint), those days sadly are gone. Its the same reason Jay Wright left. Wonder if UCLA is dictating that to an extent with Chip Kelly leaving to be a coordinator..

Interesting, I get the sense (from what he has publicly said) that Mick is willing to play the NIL game, but there isn't much of a game there to play at UCLA.

[drudy23]

Someone help me understand how one can complain about NIL when living in LA? It's a top 3 market in the country.

And they would seem to have plenty of booster money. As with most things with Mick, I don't get it. He just likes to whine to push attention away from his own shortcomings.

Did Bronny get all the NIL money?

[GoMuskies]

Did Bronny get all the NIL money?

That's really paying off for USC.

[Xville]

Someone help me understand how one can complain about NIL when living in LA? It's a top 3 market in the country.

And they would seem to have plenty of booster money. As with most things with Mick, I don't get it. He just likes to whine to push attention away from his own shortcomings.

Did Bronny get all the NIL money?

I could be wrong, but I feel that I have heard it’s not just nil with ucla. Thought I have heard a few times even before nil that ucla basketball was not supported all that well and their facilities were pretty mediocre.

Maybe I dreamt that.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That's really paying off for USC.

Bronny had ton's of money and deals way before USC.

[GoMuskies]

I don't doubt it. But Bronny being on that team means that it's a circus in addition to being a miserable losing season. Quite the combo.

[Xavier]

I could be wrong, but I feel that I have heard it’s not just nil with ucla. Thought I have heard a few times even before nil that ucla basketball was not supported all that well and their facilities were pretty mediocre.

Maybe I dreamt that.

Yep. I get the same sense. There isn’t that much support, especially from students. It’s not a campus arena. And NIL must be an issue, because his brother complains about it all the time on Twitter. “Need to pay up if you want capable guards….shocking” statements like that all the time.

Not to completely derange the topic but isn’t NIL partly why McDermott is rumored to leave? The two guys who left the elite 8 team didn’t get paid which is why they left. That’s the rumor at least. Kinda shocking because of how beloved creighton bball is that they’d have those issues. I won’t be surprised to see him at OSU in near future

[GoMuskies]

Not disputing the rest of the post, but Pauley Pavilion is on campus at UCLA.

[noteggs]

His cash settlement was around 4 mil, had he been fired without cause the number was 12. He went to the administration and told them he was done. He said If you wanna fire me, fine ill take 12, or we can just make it look like it was "mutual" and ill take my 4. Both sides wanted to save a bit of face.

This is correct. His actual payout was 4.8 million. He gets roughly 133,000 a month until January 2025. Hence the reason he’s looking to get a job next year.

[xubrew]

Chris Mack will only be out of coaching as long as he wants to be. I don't see him returning to X in any capacity. At least not when he initially gets back into it. I would imagine he'd be a near shoe-in for a lot of A10, AAC, or WCC types of jobs.

And Miami OH may soon be open!

[bleedXblue]

Maybe he can get Gaudio to return with him :laugh:

[xubrew]

If Anthony Grant leaves for a big P5 job, and Chris Mack winds up at Dayton, I will not stop laughing for at least a week!!

[drudy23]

And Miami OH may soon be open!

The natives are restless in Oxford already?

He's honestly doing better than I thought he would.

[xudash]

If Anthony Grant leaves for a big P5 job, and Chris Mack winds up at Dayton, I will not stop laughing for at least a week!!

I'm trying to wrap my head around a P5 job wanting Anthony Grant. When was the last time VD played in the NCAAT? And they still can't manage to control a very watered down A10.

[xubrew]

I'm trying to wrap my head around a P5 job wanting Anthony Grant. When was the last time VD played in the NCAAT? And they still can't manage to control a very watered down A10.

Are you kidding??

It happens all the time. Hell, BRIAN GREGORY got the job at Georgia Tech!! BRIAN GREGORY!!!. Now granted, that was an extreme example of someone being overvalued, but it still happens all the time. Coaches who win a lot at places that simply out-resource their competition get hired to the P5 level all the time.

Grant was the associate head coach at Florida under Donovon, he had good runs at VCU and Alabama, he's a former national coach of the year, and he's currently coaching a team that's ranked in the top 20. If you're a school like Vanderbilt that probably sounds fantastic. If Mississippi State will hire Chris Jans, then someone will hire Anthony Grant.

[GoMuskies]

Does New Mexico State outresource their non-Grand Canyon conference mates?

Jesus, they're in C-USA now? Make it stop! I can only imagine how proud C-USA's leadership was watching their coming attraction's 2022-23 dumpster fire.

[xubrew]

Does New Mexico State outresource their non-Grand Canyon conference mates?

Jesus, they're in C-USA now? Make it stop! I can only imagine how proud C-USA's leadership was watching their coming attraction's 2022-23 dumpster fire.

When they were in the WAC they did. New Mexico State was just one of those places where a magic 8 ball could win 20+ games every year. Well, that was before they got involved in brawls that led to shootings while on road trips that coaches allegedly tried to cover up, so they've digressed some since Jans left.

[X-band '01]

Nowadays NMSU just sucker punches other players on the court. Bad, yes, but at least they're no longer getting involved in literal gunfights and team buses fleeing Albuquerque at over 100 MPH. (and yes, that actually happened last year)

[X-band '01]

The natives are restless in Oxford already?

He's honestly doing better than I thought he would.

Now just because he lost to Northern Illinois and a Paul McMillan-led Central Michigan team is no reason to put the Tin Man on the hot seat.

[sirthought]

The natives are restless in Oxford already?

He's honestly doing better than I thought he would.

I noticed Miami lost to Jonas Hayes' GA State team by 20. I would be surprised if he can coach them to a .500 record this year. The MAC is pretty tough because of parity between teams, but I thought he would have done much better.

[X-band '01]

That must have felt good for Jonas and Dwon Odom.

[xubrew]

Nowadays NMSU just sucker punches other players on the court. Bad, yes, but at least they're no longer getting involved in literal gunfights and team buses fleeing Albuquerque at over 100 MPH. (and yes, that actually happened last year)

It was a sign that the Battle of I-25 may have been getting a little out of hand.

https://www.ktsm.com/sports/college-sports/nmsu/after-tragic-year-2023-nm-state-new-mexico-football-game-can-be-olive-branch/

[bleedXblue]

I noticed Miami lost to Jonas Hayes' GA State team by 20. I would be surprised if he can coach them to a .500 record this year. The MAC is pretty tough because of parity between teams, but I thought he would have done much better.

he cant coach?

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't doubt it. But Bronny being on that team means that it's a circus in addition to being a miserable losing season. Quite the combo.

I can imagine that being the case, although surprisingly, I feel like I have heard very little about USC this year.

[XUBoston]

Well Holtmann just got canned at OSU.
Sean's name is already being linked to OSU (among others Oates, McDermott, etc). I would be shocked if Sean left but if he did hiring Mack again would definitely be a really great option.

Sean's name is gonna get brought up for jobs like UoL, Kentucky, OSU etc. I cant see him leaving for anything other than the highest of high major jobs. Its also hard to see him leaving X after only 2 years but money talks and NIL money at OSU compared to X is night and day

[xubrew]

Well Holtmann just got canned at OSU.
Sean's name is already being linked to OSU (among others Oates, McDermott, etc). I would be shocked if Sean left but if he did hiring Mack again would definitely be a really great option.

Sean's name is gonna get brought up for jobs like UoL, Kentucky, OSU etc. I cant see him leaving for anything other than the highest of high major jobs. Its also hard to see him leaving X after only 2 years but money talks and NIL money at OSU compared to X is night and day

It would likely be AN option. I don't know about about a great option, or even a good option. Perhaps not even a decent option.

[XUBoston]

I mean yeah Mack would definitely be considered.
If Sean was not an option I think the list of names would not be very appealing to most X fans. So I reaaallly hope we dont have to go back to searching for our next HC again. Dont want to go backwards. We got beyond lucky that Sean came back

[American X]

hiring Mack again

...or we could just hire Matta from Butler again.

[GoMuskies]

Or we could just hire Steele from Miami and give up on the sport entirely.

[Xavier]

I don’t really think he’d leave for OSU. I really think Sean loves coaching in the BE. But it’s weird how different landscape is this time around. I’m not as worried about X paying Sean enough more so X having NIL dollars to compete. Anyways I’d bet McDermott is OSU next coach.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I wonder what kept McDermott from taking it last time as he was who they wanted before offering to Holtmann.

Wonder if things will be different this time?

[XUBoston]

OSU isnt really that good of a job.

NIL money goes to football.

You dont have a real home court advantage compared to the rest of the B1G. Sean always talks about how much he appreciates the crowd and how much of an asset the Cintas center crowd is for his team. OSU fans dont get a shit about basketball until football season is over. With OSU football getting their teeth kicked in the last couple years I bet most of their NIL money is being resourced there not basketball. X probably has more NIL money than OSU for basketball.

Sean also just loves the Big East. I dont see it happening but we've had our hearts broken before

[Xavier]

Yeah, I see some reports that X has better NIL money than OSU for bball. Color me shocked, but I guess that’s one advantage X has in regard to football schools. They don’t have to fund a football team, too.

[chico]

OSU has the worst arena of any big time program. Cavernous, seats far away from the court, a gentle slope meaning fans are far away from the court even in the "good" seats. They should've re-done St. John's arena - now that's a great place to watch a game.

OSU is a good job in that you don't have fans breathing down your throats each year if you don't make the tournament.

[Xville]

Yeah, I see some reports that X has better NIL money than OSU for bball. Color me shocked, but I guess that’s one advantage X has in regard to football schools. They don’t have to fund a football team, too.

Too lazy to look up historical numbers but if you look at the present Top 25...a majority of the teams either don't have football, or don't take football all that seriously. Maybe it's been that way for a while and I just haven't really thought about it. However, in this day and age it probably makes sense...there is only so much money to go around and football is PRICEY

[xubrew]

Too lazy to look up historical numbers but if you look at the present Top 25...a majority of the teams either don't have football, or don't take football all that seriously. Maybe it's been that way for a while and I just haven't really thought about it. However, in this day and age it probably makes sense...there is only so much money to go around and football is PRICEY

Okay, time to return to Planet Earth...

23 of the current top 25 teams have football at some level. 18 of the 25 play at the P5 level, and I assure you they take it quite seriously. Even places like Kentucky and Duke take football seriously. Both were in the rankings at some point this past season.

And the idea that "football schools" don't take basketball seriously is also a little misguided. I'm not saying it's the same animal as football because at "football" schools people will still be all in when the team is 4-6, but basketball is the ultimate fair weather sport pretty much everywhere. If a team is winning, they're sold out and the fans are excited, even if it's a "football" school. If they're not winning, then no one comes and people kind of stop caring. Even "basketball" schools like Maryland, and Syracuse, and Georgetown, and Iowa have seen huge attendance dips if they're teams are not in the rankings, or at least in the NCAA Tournament picture.

Ohio State just paid Chris Holtmann $15 million dollars to leave. A school that didn't care about basketball would have never spent that kind of money on it. They want to be a top 25 level basketball program. Believe me! They do. So does Auburn. So does Alabama. So does Clemson. So do Ole Miss, and Mississippi State, and Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State, and Texas, and Texas Tech, and Texas A&M, and Tennessee, and others that are considered to be "football" schools, but who still spend A TON of money on basketball.

Now, having said all that, I don't think Sean Miller will end up there, but that's largely because I don't think he's who Ohio State is going to target. If they do target him, I think anyone who doesn't think he'd at least listen to a school that just paid a guy $15 million to LEAVE is kidding themselves.

[Xville]

Okay, time to return to Planet Earth...

23 of the current top 25 teams have football at some level. 18 of the 25 play at the P5 level, and I assure you they take it quite seriously. Even places like Kentucky and Duke take football seriously. Both were in the rankings at some point this past season.

And the idea that "football schools" don't take basketball seriously is also a little misguided. I'm not saying it's the same animal as football, but basketball is the ultimate fair weather sport. If you're winning, you're sold out and the fans are excited, even if it's a "football" school. If you're not winning, then no one comes. Even "basketball" schools like Maryland, and Syracuse, and Georgetown, and Iowa have seen huge attendance dips if they're teams are not in the rankings, or at least in the NCAA Tournament picture.

Ohio State just paid Chris Holtmann $15 million dollars to leave. A school that didn't care about basketball would have never spent that kind of money on it. They want to be a top 25 level basketball program. Believe me! They do.

Now, having said all that, I don't think Sean Miller will end up there, but that's largely because I don't think that's who Ohio State is going to target. If they do target him, I think anyone who doesn't think he'd at least listen to a school that just paid a guy $15 million to LEAVE is kidding themselves.


You're never going to convince me that just because the below either have football and are in a P5 conference that they really care...at least not to the point where they are going to try to outspend their conference mates and are "football" schools. Sure They like the money that comes with being in a P5 conference, but care about football? Nah.


Purdue
Kansas---maybe two good seasons out of 50
Duke----see Kansas
Iowa State
Illinois
Virginia
Arizona---see Kansas, Duke


These teams also either don't have football or aren't in a position to care about football:

UCONN
Creighton
Dayton
Indiana State
Marquette
St. Mary's
FAU

[xubrew]

You're never going to convince me that just because the below either have football and are in a P5 conference that they really care...at least not to the point where they are going to try to outspend their conference mates and are "football" schools. Sure They like the money that comes with being in a P5 conference, but care about football? Nah.


Purdue
Kansas---maybe two good seasons out of 50
Duke----see Kansas
Iowa State
Illinois
Virginia
Arizona---see Kansas, Duke


These teams also either don't have football or aren't in a position to care about football:

UCONN
Creighton
Dayton
Indiana State
Marquette
St. Mary's
FAU

You said that the majority either don't have football or don't take it seriously, and you believe that because you don't think Purdue, iowa State, Illiinois, Virginia, and Arizona don't take football seriously. I just want to make sure I understand what you're thinking. Is that what you're saying?? Just curious, have you ever actually been to any of those places or know anyone with any ties to any of those places??

Did you just overlook Kentucky?? or do you think they do care more about football than Purdue, Arizona, Virginia, and Iowa State?

Even at Duke, the Duke v Notre Dame game was not some non-event that no one cared about. It easily got more viewers than any regular season basketball game they'll play, and they know it.

And up until about 16 months ago, FAU cared a hell of a lot more about football than it did about basketball.



So, in looking ahead, Michigan and Arizona State have not yet fired their basketball coaches, but they very likely will at the end of the year. Let's all go ahead and start convincing ourselves now that those are football schools that don't care about basketball.

[Xville]

You said that the majority either don't have football or don't take it seriously, and you believe that because you don't think Purdue, iowa State, Illiinois, Virginia, and Arizona don't take football seriously. I just want to make sure I understand what you're thinking. Just curious, have you ever actually been to any of those places or know anyone with any ties to any of those places??

Even at Duke, the Duke v Notre Dame game was not some non-event that no one cared about. It easily got more viewers than any regular season basketball game they'll play, and they know it.

And up until about 16 months ago, FAU cared a hell of a lot more about football than it did about basketball.



So, in looking ahead, Michigan and Arizona State have not yet fired their basketball coaches, but they very likely will at the end of the year. Let's all go ahead and start convincing ourselves now that those are football schools that don't care about basketball.

Tell me about a time when those teams have been relevant in football? Yeah they may pop a season here or there, but in the grand scheme of things they have been mediocre to atrocious and thats mainly because they don't have the money to compete even being in a p5 with their insane media deals. I know plenty of people at Purdue, Illinois, Duke ( who called their own program pathetic just a few years ago).

Do those schools have football war chests with huge nil dollars attached to it?

[OTRMUSKIE]

Odds to replace Holtman

Lamont Paris +250
Sean Miller +400
Dusty May +500
Chris Mack +700
Buzz Williams +800
Wes Miller +900
Greg McDermott +1000
Scoonie Penn +1300
Anthony Grant +1500
Nate Oats +1700
Eric Musselman +1800
Josh Schertz +2000
Pat Kelsey +2000

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Miller was as near as a poison hire for anyone other than us when we pulled the trigger. It made sense for everyone involved. He is returning, it looks good to go back to your former school that just canned a bad hire, and it is good for us to get a great coach back.

I have zero insider source, but I would be surprised if Miller didn't know this especially after the audio leaked from the FBI case. He could absolutely leave, but it would be a bad look to leave so fast after the school gave you your shot at redemption.

Plus, OSU is not a good spot to go. Their expectation to win vs. their commitment to fund the program just don't quite jive. I could see OSU going after Chris Mack or someone like him. They did just cut a 15M check so a few years of a cheaper coach would help them out.

Don't be surprised if Holtman ends up back at Butler, depending on whether he burned bridges there. Matta just looks like he is at the end of his rope. He barely stands up anymore.

For the post above, I forgot about Buzz Williams. When he left VT, I could have swore he said never to stay at a school more than 7-8 years or you risk them hating you. This has to be his 5th or 6th at aTm.

[drudy23]

After all he's said, no chance Miller entertains this, right?

[xubrew]

Tell me about a time when those teams have been relevant in football? Yeah they may pop a season here or there, but in the grand scheme of things they have been mediocre to atrocious and thats mainly because they don't have the money to compete even being in a p5 with their insane media deals. I know plenty of people at Purdue, Illinois, Duke ( who called their own program pathetic just a few years ago).

Do those schools have football war chests with huge nil dollars attached to it?

If you've ever been to ANY of those places in the months of September and October, you would not leave there thinking "Geez, these people just don't care about football." Virtually EVERYONE at the P5 level cares about football! Even if they're not good at it, it's still a big deal. The games are basically festivals that's both widely attended and widely watched. Even the state of Kentucky, which may top the list as being the most college basketball state in the union, is highly invested in on football during the football season.

But, we're kind of getting off point. I guess the real question is whether or not a basketball coach would leave a basketball centric school for a school at the P5 level that's considered to be a "football" school. Well, generally speaking I think the answer yes, because it happens ALL THE TIME! Now, in this specific case that doesn't necessarily mean Sean Miller would leave, but to think it's a complete impossibility even if Ohio State, or Michigan, or even Arizona State decides to target him just strikes me as not being realistic.

[Xville]

If you've ever been to ANY of those places in the months of September and October, you would not leave there thinking "Geez, these people just don't care about football." Virtually EVERYONE at the P5 level cares about football! Even if they're not good at it, it's still a big deal. The games are basically festivals that's both widely attended and widely watched. Even the state of Kentucky, which may top the list as being the most college basketball state in the union, is highly invested in on football during the football season.

But, we're kind of getting off point. I guess the real question is whether or not a basketball coach would leave a basketball centric school for a school at the P5 level that's considered to be a "football" school. Well, generally speaking I think the answer yes, because it happens ALL THE TIME! Now, in this specific case that doesn't necessarily mean Sean Miller would leave, but to think it's a complete impossibility even if Ohio State, or Michigan, or even Arizona State decides to target him just strikes me as not being realistic.

We will just have to agree to disagree then. I don’t see a chance in hell of miller going to a school like Ohio state that has bb as second at best in priority.

[Smooth]

Most of us have probably seen the video this weekend with Coach Mack saying it's time for him to get back into coaching.

My guess is that he would only entertain head coaching positions, but I think it would be great to have someone of Coach Mack's coaching caliber on the bench with Miller's staff. Not sure that's even possible with the way the current staff is constructed and paid, but I would be all for it if that is indeed what Coach Mack is looking for.

I'm sure Coach Mack would get plenty of interest, but is it the interest he is looking for? Pushing away any personal dislike or bias based on perceptions of how he left, would that excite you to get him back on the bench? Could he be another weapon for high level big men (he recruited them well and it's an obvious hole) and an asset to Coach Miller with his X and O acumen?

Miller and Mack seem to be good buddies, but does a return screw with the chemistry of the current guys on the staff? I think it would be worth a shot if that is what Mack is looking for.

I'd rather dig up Prosser.

[X-band '01]

I think Bob Huggins and Ohio State are a match made in heaven.

[webxu]

The only real advantage OSU has over X is that they can pay Miller more salary. NIL for bball is probably similar. The Big East is a better bball conference and Miller already got his bag from Zona so I don't think $ would necessarily be a huge motivator for him. His wife loves Cincy and Xavier, so I just cant see him spurning us twice. Clearly i could be wrong, but just my gut.

[bleedXblue]

At what point in a career do you say .....I like it here....my family likes it here......we have plenty of money and I don't want to start over again? I would think this and hope this is where Miller is.

[xubrew]

At what point in a career do you say .....I like it here....my family likes it here......we have plenty of money and I don't want to start over again? I would think this and hope this is where Miller is.

In D1 college basketball I think this might happen perhaps one percent of the time. Coaches will either decide they want to leave, or a school will decide they want to get rid of them.

[STL_XUfan]

At what point in a career do you say .....I like it here....my family likes it here......we have plenty of money and I don't want to start over again? I would think this and hope this is where Miller is.
For a normal person, or for a person that has the type of obsession and competitive mindset it takes to get to the highest level of Division 1 coaches?

[xubrew]

I mean yeah Mack would definitely be considered.
If Sean was not an option I think the list of names would not be very appealing to most X fans. So I reaaallly hope we dont have to go back to searching for our next HC again. Dont want to go backwards. We got beyond lucky that Sean came back

Wouldn't hiring Chris Mack be doing exactly that??

I'm not worried about Xavier being an attractive job to a lot of good coaches. I think it always will be. At least for the foreseeable future.

I personally tend to be drawn to coaches that have won big at places that don't have a history of winning big and aren't operating with a huge surplus of resources when compared to their competition.

Amir Abdur-Rahim. If you win big at Kennesaw State, which he did last year and damn near beat Xavier in the Round of 64, and then win big at South Florida, which he's doing this year, then that's a guy that can freakin' win!! Winning at Memphis is one thing. Winning at Kennesaw and South Florida is far more impressive.

Josh Scherts. Although the timing is bad because Indiana State just suffered their worst loss in several years, this guy is outperforming the rest of the Missouri Valley despite having fewer resources than a lot of those other programs. He got them into the rankings for the first time in 45 years. That's pretty incredible.

Bucky McMillian. Although I thought Samford was out of their minds when they hired him, and even said he was less experienced than the towel boy, sometimes you're just wrong. The guy is dominating the SoCon, and he's doing it at a place that hasn't been good in basketball for hte last several decades and who doesn't put as much into basketball as a lot of other SoCon programs.


What I'd stay away from, or at least be quicker to question, is guys that win big at places that should win big. Dayton (I don't want to say it, but I will) always seems to have coaches that go on to bigger jobs, even if htey aren't that good. Dayton can completely outresource their conference and they play six home buy games a year. A stuffed animal should be able to win 20 games a year at Dayton. So a guy that wins 20+ games a year there for several years in a row really isn't doing anything extraordinary.

Same with Grand Canyon

Same with Memphis

Same with a lot of places that can completely out-resource the teams in their conference.

I'm just would not excited about the idea of bringing Chris Mack back. I think it would be going backwards, and I think there are other coaches out there that can do better IF Xavier were to open, and that would also have a high level of interest in coming here.

[Xville]

At what point in a career do you say .....I like it here....my family likes it here......we have plenty of money and I don't want to start over again? I would think this and hope this is where Miller is.

I think this is probably his mindset unless the bluest of the bluebloods call. He's not taking the Ohio State job. If it's Kentucky, Kansas, Duke then yeah I could see him going and trying to reach the pinnacle, but hes not leaving X to go to Ohio State.

[Xville]

Wouldn't hiring Chris Mack be doing exactly that??

I'm not worried about Xavier being an attractive job to a lot of good coaches. I think it always will be. At least for the foreseeable future.

I personally tend to be drawn to coaches that have won big at places that don't have a history of winning big and aren't operating with a huge surplus of resources when compared to their competition.

Amir Abdur-Rahim. If you win big at Kennesaw State, which he did last year and damn near beat Xavier in the Round of 64, and then win big at South Florida, which he's doing this year, then that's a guy that can freakin' win!! Winning at Memphis is one thing. Winning at Kennesaw and South Florida is far more impressive.

Josh Scherts. Although the timing is bad because Indiana State just suffered their worst loss in several years, this guy is outperforming the rest of the Missouri Valley despite having fewer resources than a lot of those other programs. He got them into the rankings for the first time in 45 years. That's pretty incredible.

Bucky McMillian. Although I thought Samford was out of their minds when they hired him, and even said he was less experienced than the towel boy, sometimes you're just wrong. The guy is dominating the SoCon, and he's doing it at a place that hasn't been good in basketball for hte last several decades and who doesn't put as much into basketball as a lot of other SoCon programs.


What I'd stay away from, or at least be quicker to question, is guys that win big at places that should win big. Dayton (I don't want to say it, but I will) always seems to have coaches that go on to bigger jobs, even if htey aren't that good. Dayton can completely outresource their conference and they play six home buy games a year. A stuffed animal should be able to win 20 games a year at Dayton. So a guy that wins 20+ games a year there for several years in a row really isn't doing anything extraordinary.

Same with Grand Canyon

Same with Memphis

Same with a lot of places that can completely out-resource the teams in their conference.

I'm just would not excited about the idea of bringing Chris Mack back. I think it would be going backwards, and I think there are other coaches out there that can do better IF Xavier were to open, and that would also have a high level of interest in coming here.

First call is to Kelsey if this kidn of thing occurs in the next five years. He should have been the hire when Mack left, not Aluminum.

Yeah hes a local guy which is nice, but he's been around the block a bit, but he's not too old, and most importantly, he's won.

He also has a bit of an edge to him, which plays well in the big east.

Having said that, I do like your other selections up top. I'm guessing all three will be moving up after the season is over.

[xubrew]

First call is to Kelsey if this kidn of thing occurs in the next five years. He should have been the hire when Mack left, not Aluminum.

Yeah hes a local guy which is nice, but he's been around the block a bit, but he's not too old, and most importantly, he's won.

He also has a bit of an edge to him, which plays well in the big east.

I'm a fan of Pat Kelsey and is someone else I'd favor him over Chris Mack at this point.

I think Mack is a good coach, and that he can get back into coaching and will be successful when he does, and I actually don't think he's at all responsible for how things are at Louisville right now. If anything, I think getting rid of him when they did was probably too hasty. I just don't like the idea of him coming back X rather than looking at some other really good current coaches.

[GoMuskies]

Well, if the unthinkable happens and Miller finds another job, the good news is that we'll have Greg Christopher on the case. If he can convince Billi Chambers to lead our women's program, just imagine what he can do on the men's side!

[D-West & PO-Z]

The only real advantage OSU has over X is that they can pay Miller more salary. NIL for bball is probably similar. The Big East is a better bball conference and Miller already got his bag from Zona so I don't think $ would necessarily be a huge motivator for him. His wife loves Cincy and Xavier, so I just cant see him spurning us twice. Clearly i could be wrong, but just my gut.

I don't think Miller will leave.

What I have heard though is one of the biggest disadvantages is staff salaries. Heard they are bottom 3 of the Big East in that department.

[XUBoston]

Well, if the unthinkable happens and Miller finds another job, the good news is that we'll have Greg Christopher on the case. If he can convince Billi Chambers to lead our women's program, just imagine what he can do on the men's side!

Is this sarcasm? Chambers has this team is 1-21 and not competitive at all

[D-West & PO-Z]

Is this sarcasm? Chambers has this team is 1-21 and not competitive at all

You must be new here....

[XUBoston]

Lol fairly new. Long time fan new time message board poster

[Xavier]

Grabbing Miller was good timing but did require some tricky things for Greg to pull off, it’s the one coaching thing he’s done that has been solid. (I think Cintas transformed well under his guidance. Just, he has an awful head coach track record all the way back to his BG days)

I’m not convinced he wouldn’t have moved on from Steele if Miller wasn’t available.

[bjf123]

I don't think Miller will leave.

What I have heard though is one of the biggest disadvantages is staff salaries. Heard they are bottom 3 of the Big East in that department.

I’ve heard the same thing. If true, that’s an embarrassment.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Miller is a loyalty guy. He was before and he is now. He told fans he would give it five full years and despite interest from bigger programs he stayed in the A10. We gave him a second shot when he was a poison hire, Big East, and he knows we will pay him. I don't believe he entertains other offers especially from OSU.

Miller also knows this season would have been a whole lot better with Hunter or Free much less both. Losing those two for the year was a gut punch.

[xukeith]

Miller is a loyalty guy. He was before and he is now. He told fans he would give it five full years and despite interest from bigger programs he stayed in the A10. We gave him a second shot when he was a poison hire, Big East, and he knows we will pay him. I don't believe he entertains other offers especially from OSU.

Miller also knows this season would have been a whole lot better with Hunter or Free much less both. Losing those two for the year was a gut punch.

Maybe Miller all along has has a NIL package just for himself.

[Xavier]

Just be prepared, every job that opens will be another “we need more money for NIL to compete and keep (insert coach)” push. Like agents who take the opportunity to get clients a raise. I don’t blame it, but I definitely feel like that’s what’s going on in this situation. Now, if kentucky moved on from Cal then I’d start looking into other coaches. Not sure Sean would be first but he’d be in the top 5 for sure

[xubrew]

Just be prepared, every job that opens will be another “we need more money for NIL to compete and keep (insert coach)” push. Like agents who take the opportunity to get clients a raise. I don’t blame it, but I definitely feel like that’s what’s going on in this situation. Now, if kentucky moved on from Cal then I’d start looking into other coaches. Not sure Sean would be first but he’d be in the top 5 for sure

No he wouldn't.

[Xville]

I love Sean but uk would eat that man alive. I wouldn’t say he wilted under the pressure at Arizona, but I wouldn’t say he did a great job at handling it. Uk is a thousand times the pressure of what that job is. Someone like cal is really the kind of person that can handle it.

[GoMuskies]

I love Sean but uk would eat that man alive. I wouldn’t say he wilted under the pressure at Arizona, but I wouldn’t say he did a great job at handling it. Uk is a thousand times the pressure of what that job is. Someone like cal is really the kind of person that can handle it.

He and Pitino are the only two to really have managed it since Joe B. retired in like 1985.

[Xville]

He and Pitino are the only two to really have managed it since Joe B. retired in like 1985.

Yep, and really that's the kind of guy they will always have to hire from here on. Not only wins a lot, but can maybe stretch the truth a bit here and there and be a shmoozer.

[xubrew]

He and Pitino are the only two to really have managed it since Joe B. retired in like 1985.

When Pitino got the job they were in the midst of a multi-year postseason ban and a TV ban. They actually could not play on TV. Yet, they still got Pitino.

When Calipari got the job he had just come off a 38 win season, was the national runner up, had been to multiple Flnal Fours, had signed the #1 recruiting class, and his team would have undoubtedly been #1 in the preseason poll the next year. Other candidates they targeted included guys like Billy Donovan.

Bruce Pearl would probably get a call. Nate Oates would probably get a call. Kelvin Sampson may be contacted. Brad Stevens may even get a call. Basically, guys who are coaching teams that are in the top 10/top 15 more than they're out of it, and who have been competing with Kentucky head to head and even outperforming them. And...maybe someone like Brad Stevens who has both college and NBA chops. Sean Miller will almost assuredly not be on their list, nor will he be on their list of guys to contact if everyone on their list turns down the gazillions they are going to be willing to pay.

[Xville]

When Pitino got the job they were in the midst of a multi-year postseason ban and a TV ban. They actually could not play on TV.

When Calipari got the job he had just come off a 38 win season, was the national runner up, had been to multiple Flnal Fours, had signed the #1 recruiting class, and his team would have undoubtedly been #1 in the preseason poll the next year. Other candidates they targeted included guys like Billy Donovan.

Bruce Pearl would probably get a call. Nate Oates would probably get a call. Kelvin Sampson may be contacted. Brad Stevens may even get a call. Basically, guys who are coaching teams that are oftentimes in the top five, and rarely outside the top ten. And...maybe someone like Brad Stevens who has both college and NBA chops. Sean Miller will almost assuredly not be on their list, nor will he be on their list of guys to contact if everyone on their list turns down the gazillions they are going to be willing to pay.

I can't think of a better marriage than Bruce Pearl and Kentucky. That's absolutely perfect and something I had not thought of.

[xubrew]

I can't think of a better marriage than Bruce Pearl and Kentucky. That's absolutely perfect and something I had not thought of.

I believe he would take it. I like Bruce Pearl, and I don't like Kentucky, so I hope he doesn't, but I'm almost certain that if they offered it to him he would go.

[GIMMFD]

I think this is probably his mindset unless the bluest of the bluebloods call. He's not taking the Ohio State job. If it's Kentucky, Kansas, Duke then yeah I could see him going and trying to reach the pinnacle, but hes not leaving X to go to Ohio State.

Wouldn't even blame him if it's one of those three, you get that type of opportunity, you have to take it.

[Drew]

Wouldn't even blame him if it's one of those three, you get that type of opportunity, you have to take it.

Fickle left UC for Wisconsin, weirder things have happened. That being said, it would be such a shameful move to leave so quickly after returning I'd be shocked if it happened.

[XUBoston]

Kentucky is a job that basically everyone is on the table.
Brad Stevens, Jay Wright, Bruce Pearl, Sampson, Few, Drew, Painter. Heck even a Pitino reunion.

I dont think Sean would be in the top 5 and yes he would be eaten alive there. The fans are insane. Only chance theyd land them if it was a Mick/UCLA situation where basically everyone turned the job down and he was the best available.