Who Goes to Marquette?

[xeus]

I am very interested to see who gets the Marquette job. I have to think there are some coaches who have never considered Marquette because they didn't think it would open up. Crean has turned down several other jobs - and frankly, that has really buoyed MU's reputation over the past 5 or so years.

Anyway, as I posted in another thread, I think it's a peach of an opening. It's a great school with a great tradition. They have solid fan support and the Big East. They were paying Crean a ton. Nice little job.

I'm interested to hear the early names ... and do NOT turn this into a debate on whether Sean is a candidate. For purposes of this thread, and for all other rational purposes, Sean Miller is not going to Marquette.

But who is? Nice little job for someone ...

[PM Thor]

Andy Kennedy.

I have no insight, no real angle to that, just had a revelation about it.

[AdamtheFlyer]

Brad Brownell is my guess, only because I'm a sucker for a long shot.

I'd love it to be Majerus. Get that whale out of our league.

[ford]

Keno Davis from Drake?
I seriously think Gregory might get a look

[XUglow]

Andy Kennedy.

I have no insight, no real angle to that, just had a revelation about it.

I was thinking AK earlier tonight. Ole Miss, in general, could care less about basketball. AK is from MS, and his dad drives about 100 miles to every game, but dad made it to every gig the year he ran UC as well. AK could put in a $20K request for travel for his dad, and someone would probably pay it.

[ATL Muskie]

Travis Ford.


Hell I don't know.

[xeus]

I think Majerus is a very interesting candidate for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, he has coached there in the 80s. He's an Al McGuire disciple. He went to school at Marquette. He went to Marquette High. He's a Milwaukee guy.

He has a six year contract with SLU - but I have to wonder how much they would really miss him. He had a terrible year relative to most reasonable expectations, he has pissed off the administration (at least the Jebbies) with his publicly stated opinions, and he has recently dismissed a number of guys from the team.

But, fthe reasons he has been a loser at SLU may be held against him at Marquette. But it's a different dynamic because he's an insider. So we'll see - I think he's an interesting candidate and would not be surprised to see that happen.

[xubrew]

ole miss cares about basketball when they're good.

rick majerus is a guy that i can't get out of my head, for obvious reasons, although i don't know how serious of a candidate he is after just being at SLU for one year.

dana altman...maybe

fran mccafferty. i think this guy is terrific. i'd LOVE to see him get it. if miller leaves, i'd love for xavier to call up siena. then again, if he goes to marquette, i may not be able to cheer for him anymore. xavier should play siena again.

i like brad brownell too, but i kind of hope he ends up staying where he's at.

scott sutton is a guy that has been at oral roberts for awhile. it seems like someone would be interested in him for obvious reasons. he's done great there.

that's a halfway decent list of candidates. whether you like it or not, it makes a lot of sense that marquette would want miller. i'm not saying he's leaving, but they'd be idiots if he wasn't a candidate, and i don't think they're idiots.

[Masterofreality]

Sean Miller would never, ever go to Marquette.

If for no other reason that if Pitt really is his dream job, he could never get it, because you couldn't transfer from school to school in the Big Greased.

[ATL Muskie]

ole miss cares about basketball when they're good.

rick majerus is a guy that i can't get out of my head, for obvious reasons, although i don't know how serious of a candidate he is after just being at SLU for one year.

dana altman...maybe

fran mccafferty. i think this guy is terrific. i'd LOVE to see him get it. if miller leaves, i'd love for xavier to call up siena. then again, if he goes to marquette, i may not be able to cheer for him anymore. xavier should play siena again.

i like brad brownell too, but i kind of hope he ends up staying where he's at.

scott sutton is a guy that has been at oral roberts for awhile. it seems like someone would be interested in him for obvious reasons. he's done great there.

that's a halfway decent list of candidates. whether you like it or not, it makes a lot of sense that marquette would want miller. i'm not saying he's leaving, but they'd be idiots if he wasn't a candidate, and i don't think they're idiots.


If I remember correctly, Bobinski interviewed Fran McCaffrey around the same time he interviewed Matta for the X job.

[xeus]

Oh, surely Marquette would be interested in Sean. Just like I'm interested in Drew Barrymore.

Someone mentioned Mike Montgomery, any thoughts on his prospects?

[Muskie]

Montgomery would be a great hire.

[Muskie]

MUSCOOP.com alleges Miller is in Milwaukee as we speak... (not an April Fool's Joke).

However, it appears Marquette's AD is in Colorado... so i'm not exactly sure who he'd meet. There's even a little airplane tracking discussion. Fun stuff.

[xeus]

Fran McCaffery is a good call.

Interesting fact: His nickname at Wake was "White Magic".

[xuab]

MUSCOOP.com alleges Miller is in Milwaukee as we speak... (not an April Fool's Joke) .

Okay, you scared me when I mis-read that as musketeerscoop...

[Masterofreality]

MUSCOOP.com alleges Miller is in Milwaukee as we speak... (not an April Fool's Joke).

However, it appears Marquette's AD is in Colorado... so i'm not exactly sure who he'd meet. There's even a little airplane tracking discussion. Fun stuff.

Yeah, its fun stuff. Nobody on that board really believes that Sean is somehow in Milwaukee.

Think Mark Few would consider it?

[Muskie]

I don't think so... Few seems content to coach Gonzaga and fly fish... i'm being serious.

[xeus]

I think Few is in a similar position as Crean - had been at a good program for awhile but maybe is looking for a new challenge. Few has turned down jobs in the past like Crean, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him as an interested candidate.

[Strange Brew]

The only good time to be in Milwaukee is during summerfest. Period.:D

[Muskie]

from muscoop:
"I'm so sick of college athletics right about now. This is not even a lateral move. Let's leave the biggest (and one of the best) conferences in the country with the most media exposure for a conference that is just above mid-major. You know what, take the $1.6 million and put it into education and screw the basketball priogram. I really don't give a crap if we even field a team ever again-- that's how sick I am of the whole thing. "

....

[AdamtheFlyer]

Milwaukee is the only town I've been to that was more boring than Dayton. Other than the two universities, it would be completely worthless. My dad and I grabbed one of those tourist brochures when we got there...just hoping for something to do during the downtime. Nothing at all. We drove around aimlessly on day, and hung out at the indoor pool the next.

The only good thing about it was the hotel within walking distance of Miller Park. Came in handy, seeing as how I was there for the Reds/Brewers series that opened the park.

[joe titan]

just for discussion consideration: Pete Gillen might be satisfied w/Marquette's commitment to wining; Dan Munson; Ron Hunter, but I would think Altman is primary choice.

Cannot see consideration for any assistant coaches; need head coach, preferably D I experience. Ralph Williard, Jerry Wainright possibilities.

[Muskie]

After last year, I'd be surprised if Dana Altman ever leaves Creighton.

[JAPER]

I predict the glorious return of one Mr. Kevin O'Neil to the sidelines for the MU Warriors, his first stint as a head coach?

[joe titan]

the fact Altman went through the process to be hired at Arkansas would suggest he does not hold CU as his end of the line job; they struggled this year which reinforces what it takes to maintain top level in MVC. Marquette does not have the obstacles which Arkansas did to turn Altman back to Omaha.

[XtremeXfan]

ESPN just mentioned that Brian Gregory might be headed to Marquette. That would be one of the stupidest moves by Marquette, because I think he is a terrible coach, but that would be a blessing for UD.

[XU Dozer]

ESPN just mentioned that Brian Gregory might be headed to Marquette. That would be one of the stupidest moves by Marquette, because I think he is a terrible coach, but that would be a blessing for UD.

I was over on the IU board seeing what they thought of the Crean hire and someone said there was talk on ESPN NEWS of Miller to Marquette??? Was this a specific Miller only disucssion or was it more of along the lines of listing possible candidates for the job????

[XU-XHI]

ESPN just mentioned that Brian Gregory might be headed to Marquette. That would be one of the stupidest moves by Marquette, because I think he is a terrible coach, but that would be a blessing for UD.

Oh I would hate to see Gregory leave ud. With Gregory at the helm in dayton we should pass ud in wins in no time flat, a replacement might delay the inevitable....slightly.

[AdamtheFlyer]

Like macaroni against a wall...

Keep throwing, something will stick eventually. Then you can claim to be right.

Gregory, Miller, Anderson (Mizzou), Majerus, Kennedy, Stevens, Dambrot, Bennett, Altman, or Ford may or may not be Marquette's next coach.

[D-West & PO-Z]

After last year, I'd be surprised if Dana Altman ever leaves Creighton.

Exactly what I was thinking. I dont think he will leave for quite some time, if ever.

[principal]

I was over on the IU board seeing what they thought of the Crean hire and someone said there was talk on ESPN NEWS of Miller to Marquette??? Was this a specific Miller only disucssion or was it more of along the lines of listing possible candidates for the job????

Sounds like someone's wishful thinking. Why would anyone with zero interest in the IU job want the Marquette job? Receiving a couple hundred thousand dollar raise from what he is likely going to get from XU to be a coach for a middle-of-the-pack Big East team does not seem like a good move to me. Miller strikes me as more intelligent than to make a fairly latteral move in relation to program and pay and a downgrade in facilities. The only thing Marquette has going for it is the Big East. As someone else pointed out, who knows what the Big East looks like in 5 years from now. It would be risky to assume it will include Marquette.

This is nothing to worry about at all. If this somehow spirals into the Pitt job opening up it may be time to worry. Until then there is nothing to fret over.

[Muskie]

I was over on the IU board seeing what they thought of the Crean hire and someone said there was talk on ESPN NEWS of Miller to Marquette??? Was this a specific Miller only disucssion or was it more of along the lines of listing possible candidates for the job????

Some guy for a Milwauke paper claimed Sean was already in Milwauke in an interview. If you read the Marquette board it appears Marquette's AD isn't even in Milwaukee at the moment, which begs the question: Who would Miller be talking to in Milwaukee. According to my sources, Miller is in San Anton.

[Stonebreaker]

Wouldn't surprise me to see the Davidson coach get a look. Plus the Vanderbilt coach is getting a name for himself, tho not sure the move is to Marquette.

[XtremeXfan]

Why would Sean leave X to go to Marquette? They are very similar universities and I guess the only positive I can find is that Marquette is in a much better conference.

[XU Dozer]

Thanks principal. I thought it was more along the lines of some talking head listing potential candidates for the job, but the way they made it sound over on the board I was on was like it was all about Miller. That's what was confusing me, b/c IU with all it's problems is still better than MU w/o them, IMO.

[xudash]

Marquette could use a dose of humility.

I'd say they're in a tough spot right now - there just doesn't seem to be as deep a pool as strong candidates as there have been in past years.

Seriously, every year this silly switching game takes place. I do believe Sean is tired of it. I do believe he had a very, very close career call under Herb Sendek at NC State and was rescued off that sinking, angry ship in the knick of time.

As Bud Fox said to Gordon Gecko in Wall Street, "how much is enough, how many yachts can you water ski behind?"

Make your mark at X Sean. Make it long-term, suffering on a seven digit income per year while your kids grow up in the Queen City.

[wkrq59]

After last year, I'd be surprised if Dana Altman ever leaves Creighton.

I'll be even more surprised if somebody asks him...

Re the title of the thread--I'll repeat the most famous movie quote in history:
FRANKLY MY DEAR, I DON'T GIVE A DAMN.

[Muskie]

Oh c'mon the coaching carousel is fun fun fun... hop aboard for a few spins.

[xu95]

Milwaukee has a kick ass Indian Casino. That is about it.

xu95

[GuyFawkes38]

Yeah, I'm from the area and Milwaukee is economically depressed.

The state and all of its money gravitates towards Madison.

[PM Thor]

I actually liked Milwaukee. I guess it's because I like massive breweries.

[GuyFawkes38]

And I don't know if anyone cares, but I strongly dislike Miller park. It's a bad idea to try to build an indoor/outdoor stadium. The stadium doesn't have a good feel to it.

[wkrq59]

Muskie,
You be right. He is heading for San Antonio or there already.
Here is an old fart's idea of why Crean left Marquette...His team was a big fish in the Great Midwest and C-USA. Now, he's struggling to be the king. Yeah, he was high on the hog this year, but that league will always be cutthroat and there is one other factor.
I am hearing there are a helluva lot of people at Marquette who are questioning the value of paying the huge salary to Crean and not getting better results. Now as far as I can see, the results this season were pretty good, but the fans in Milwaukee are even more critical than those of the Muskies--some that is. I just think Crean got tired of the urban college scene and plans to enjoy the bucolic surroundings of Bloomington, Ind.
But hey, guys, for real kicks in Bloomington you can always go out in the surrounding counties and explore some of the most beautiful and challenging caves, real live f---ing caves. Honest to goodness. Been there, done that, too damned old and creaky to ever do it again.
For those of you of an adventuresome bend, try Sullivan's cave, where you crawl about a quarter mile on your belly, then get up on your knees and crawl some more until you can stand up on the ledge above a rushing stream and turn off your carbide light and enjoty the sounds of the water and the darkness. . Damn those were fun times. Oh, and to get out of ye cave, you walked in waist deep water for about half a mile. Whooopppeee!

[Cheesehead]

Couldn't stay quiet any longer on this. As many know by now, born & raised in Milwaukee and grew up W/ Marquette; my Dad was a MU professor for 28 years. I know the program and town.

1) Please don't ever and I mean, ever, compare Dayton to Milwaukee. That's a joke, right?

2) Miller Park is a great park and has more character than Great American. It's an excellent idea for a town w/ the weather that Milwaukee gets. Ever go to a game in April when it snows? Not fun. It's very fan friendly and there's not a bad seat in that place.

3) Milwaukee is a great town. Festival every weekend in the summer on the Summerfest grounds. There are many bar districts w/ very cool pubs and restaurants: Water Street area, East Side near UWM. Also has excellent Zoo, Symphony, Theatre scene, History Museum, great park system, The Domes, etc., There's plenty to do, you just didn't know where to look.

4) Like Cincinnati, there's no coherent downtown plan but there are many very nice areas to do things. Now, the winters suck unless you like to ski. It's also actually windier on the average than Chicago.

5) Majerus won't be back at Marquette. His record there wasn't that great. I think they will go after a big name but I don't Sean will be the guy.

[GuyFawkes38]

Call me old fashion, but I don't like the aesthetics of Miller park:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/2375479780_c122cc7a68.jpg?v=0


Now I'm much less sure about the city of Milwaukee itself. I've only been to downtown and a couple other areas.

[GuyFawkes38]

Just for a noteworthy comparison, look at what an incredible job the Detroit Tigers did with their stadium:

http://www.walldecorshops.com/wall_murals/images/SB2028Slarge.jpg

[Xman95]

Here's my list of candidates:

Travis Ford, UMass
Brad Stevens, Butler
Keno Davis, Drake
Bob McKillop, Davidson
Brad Brownell, Wright State

I think Ford is the guy at the top of the list, although he might feel the future is better at a strong UMass program in the A-10 than it would be at Marquette in a deeper Big East. Ford may feel he can create a better name for himself with the Minuteman, while waiting for a bigger gig to open up.

Stevens will probably be one of the first they contact, but he seems like the kind of guy who is happy at Butler and willing to stick around a couple more years. He also wouldn't want to be like Matt Doherty when he went to UNC before he was ready.

Keno Davis has produced at Drake and has received a fair amount of pub this year. Being only 36, he will provide the young, energetic type that so many programs are looking for. The older, seasoned coaches don't seem to be as sexy to the "big" programs and they are always looking for the next, big, young thing.

McKillop recently said Rice was after him, but with Curry returning, I don't see this guy going anywhere. I think there might be some mutual interest, but ultimately he'll be back at Davidson with Curry.

Brownell is another fast riser, but I think the lack of an NCAA appearance this year might hurt. But he'll be high on the list.


My guess is it winds up being Keno Davis. Second choice would be Brownell.


Two other coaching notes:
1.) Sean Sutton is a very creepy looking cat.
2.) Bill Self is a great coach but incredibly annoying to listen to.

[DC Muskie]

Like macaroni against a wall...

Keep throwing, something will stick eventually. Then you can claim to be right.

Gregory, Miller, Anderson (Mizzou), Majerus, Kennedy, Stevens, Dambrot, Bennett, Altman, or Ford may or may not be Marquette's next coach.

Seriously. This is what I love about coaching searches. I'll give you 15 names and one of them might get it.

Your list is not nearly long enough.

[Muskie]

On Marquettes board there seems to be a large contigency for Bruce Weber.

[dc_x]

On Marquettes board there seems to be a large contigency for Bruce Weber.

Illinois fans would be happy to see him go.

[xuwin]

Couldn't stay quiet any longer on this. As many know by now, born & raised in Milwaukee and grew up W/ Marquette; my Dad was a MU professor for 28 years. I know the program and town.

1) Please don't ever and I mean, ever, compare Dayton to Milwaukee. That's a joke, right?

2) Miller Park is a great park and has more character than Great American. It's an excellent idea for a town w/ the weather that Milwaukee gets. Ever go to a game in April when it snows? Not fun. It's very fan friendly and there's not a bad seat in that place.

3) Milwaukee is a great town. Festival every weekend in the summer on the Summerfest grounds. There are many bar districts w/ very cool pubs and restaurants: Water Street area, East Side near UWM. Also has excellent Zoo, Symphony, Theatre scene, History Museum, great park system, The Domes, etc., There's plenty to do, you just didn't know where to look.

4) Like Cincinnati, there's no coherent downtown plan but there are many very nice areas to do things. Now, the winters suck unless you like to ski. It's also actually windier on the average than Chicago.

5) Majerus won't be back at Marquette. His record there wasn't that great. I think they will go after a big name but I don't Sean will be the guy.

There are also some of the finest public golf courses in the country within short driving distance (Blackwolf Run for example).

[GoMuskies]

I see McKillop "pulling a Tom Brennan". That is, riding his star (Stephan Curry/Taylor Coppenrath) as long as he can and then immediately getting out when that star leaves. Brennan never went to the NCAA without Coppenrath. McKillop had never beaten a ranked team until 10 days ago.

[Cheesehead]

XU Win:

True, I've heard Marty B rave about the golf in Wisconsin while doing the games against the Brewers. I'm not going to pretend that Milwaukee is New York, LA, or Chicago but it's a very nice midwesern town if you can stand the winters. It has it's share of problems like any other urban city. If you don't like Cincinnati, then I can see how you may not like Milwaukee.

Guy Fawlkes: Different strategy w/ the stadiums. I think Detriot's park is great. I also think you will freeze your ass off for the first 2 months of the season. But then again, living in Cincy for about 20 years has turned me into a wimp, weather-wise.

[The Artist]

I just want to come out and say that I am not a candidate for the Marquette job.

[Muskie]

I however, am.

[XU05and07]

And I don't know if anyone cares, but I strongly dislike Miller park. It's a bad idea to try to build an indoor/outdoor stadium. The stadium doesn't have a good feel to it.

Saw this on CNN yesterday

Lego Miller Park (http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2008/04/01/paolantonio.lego.stadium.wisn?iref=videosearch)

[Cheesehead]

Wow, that was really cool! I couldn't even imagine the patience required for something like that.

[dfcapp]

Sweet Jesus -- building Miller Park out of Lego's. This guy needs to get out a little more often.

[The Cat Gafney]

I haven't heard his name mentioned as a candidate, but to me he is the biggest no-brainer of a hire for any school if they want to be successful - Steve Lavin. All the guy did at UCLA was recruit McDonald All-Americans and get to the Sweet Sixteen. Since he has left, recruiting has become so much more influential in the game with the advent of the internet and recruiting websites. While I realize he never moved further past the Sweet Sixteen which eventually led to his dismissal at UCLA, the guy would most certainly win ball games and put fans in the seats with high caliber talent.

Brownell is a flat out stud too who has won everywhere he has been. If Miller ever were to leave, in fact, these are the two gentlemen (Brownell and Lavin) I would like to see as his potential replacement.

I think Weber makes a lot of sense at Marquette as well since he is constantly criticized and under appreciated at Illinois. He has some serious committed talent with him as well.

[dc_x]

I haven't heard his name mentioned as a candidate, but to me he is the biggest no-brainer of a hire for any school if they want to be successful - Steve Lavin. All the guy did at UCLA was recruit McDonald All-Americans and get to the Sweet Sixteen. Since he has left, recruiting has become so much more influential in the game with the advent of the internet and recruiting websites. While I realize he never moved further past the Sweet Sixteen which eventually led to his dismissal at UCLA, the guy would most certainly win ball games and put fans in the seats with high caliber talent.

Brownell is a flat out stud too who has won everywhere he has been. If Miller ever were to leave, in fact, these are the two gentlemen (Brownell and Lavin) I would like to see as his potential replacement.

I think Weber makes a lot of sense at Marquette as well since he is constantly criticized and under appreciated at Illinois. He has some serious committed talent with him as well.

Lavin doesn't seem all that interested to get back into coaching. He turned down the NC State job a few years back. If anything, I would expect him to take the Cal job since he is a Cali guy.

[X-Fan]

I haven't heard his name mentioned as a candidate, but to me he is the biggest no-brainer of a hire for any school if they want to be successful - Steve Lavin. All the guy did at UCLA was recruit McDonald All-Americans and get to the Sweet Sixteen. Since he has left, recruiting has become so much more influential in the game with the advent of the internet and recruiting websites. While I realize he never moved further past the Sweet Sixteen which eventually led to his dismissal at UCLA, the guy would most certainly win ball games and put fans in the seats with high caliber talent.

Brownell is a flat out stud too who has won everywhere he has been. If Miller ever were to leave, in fact, these are the two gentlemen (Brownell and Lavin) I would like to see as his potential replacement.

I think Weber makes a lot of sense at Marquette as well since he is constantly criticized and under appreciated at Illinois. He has some serious committed talent with him as well.

I don't think much of Steve Lavin. I mean, how hard can it be to recruit at UCLA? "Let's go say hi to Coach Wooden". Yeah, that's not impressive...especially to a Cali kid.

[Smooth]

Robert Montgomery Knight with Vitale and Digger as assistants.

[xu drew]

if i'm not mistaken, lavin is still in the process of making millions per year from ucla as a result of the buy-out deal he got from the school to take a hike. he gets that money as long as he is out of coaching; once he takes on another coaching job, ucla would get out of the deal. most likely whatever school would hire him wouldn't be able to pay him what he's raking in from ucla, not to mention i'm sure he's doing ok with his espn broadcasting gig and that lifestyle has to be a hell of a lot better than that as a coach with the late nights, recruiting, etc. that deal with ucla is for a specific number of years, so at some point that deal runs out, but i don't know when that is. once that elapses, then you'll probably see him venture back into coaching but i'd be surprised if he did it before that.

[Xman95]

Sweet Jesus -- building Miller Park out of Lego's. This guy needs to get out a little more often.

How many LEGO blocks did it take to re-create the many years of losing?

And did he have to search for blocks that looked like a-holes to create a Bud Selig person?

[xuab]

I need Q to come and smack some sense into me over even thinking about this...but here's an excerpt from Dow's blog today.

.....Expect to hear a lot about Marquette's potential interest in Sean Miller. My cell phone tells me there's quite a bit of buzz in Milwaukee about Miller and that MU will target him with a lot of cash. But remember that Xavier is working on its own deal to push Miller above the million-dollar threshold, which certainly led to Miller's statement after the UCLA game, "I will be back at Xavier next year." Those words weren't said lightly, and they weren't said without Miller realizing all he has at Xavier in terms of an athletic director he loves working with and a recruiting class he's thrilled about bringing in.

[Muskie]

I'm hearing that at the end of the day, there's not enough interest on Sean's part to go to Milwauke


Here's a delightful post from muscoop.com
"From everything I've read, Miller wants to build a power at Xavier. However, that power is probably only going to be in the Final Four conversation every few years at best. At Marquette, he'd have a better chance to not only build a program, but make Marquette a national power and a part of the national championship conversation. Basically, the two programs are very similar, except Marquette is a bit more of a "name," and (a biggie IMO) is in the Big East, which is where I think Miller is headed eventually. Basically, Miller can do everything he wants to do at Xavier at Marquette, but Marquette is probably more likely to be able to reach the pinnacle."

When did Marquette become the creme de le creme of the Big East?

[xuirish]

I wouldn't be suprised if Marquette makes a play for Sean.

[XU Dozer]

When did Marquette become the creme de le creme of the Big East?

Muskie, you see this kind of thinking with every program. People put on the homer glasses and have a hard time objectively looking at their team. Hell before IU hired Crean, they thought they could go get Pitno, Donavan (sp?) or some other big name coach. I'm not surprised that the Marquette people think they are a "big time" program. Remember they are probably still in shock from Crean leaving, so you'll have to forgive them.

[Muskie]

They cling to that National title in the 70's like a blanket (you see that from IU fans too). I hope when we grab our first title that we don't turn into those fanbases.

[DC Muskie]

Since they joined the BE they have won one tournament game.

Pinnacle.

Since they joined the BE we have been to two Elite Eights.

Can't do it at Xavier. But Marquette, hell you can practically get the parade started!

[GoMuskies]

Since they joined the BE we have been to two Elite Eights.



Depends on what you mean by "joined". They were still playing as a member of C-USA in 2004 (and even in 2005). The probably had accepted an invite to the Big East by the time of "The Run", though.

[DC Muskie]

Depends on what you mean by "joined". They were still playing as a member of C-USA in 2004 (and even in 2005). The probably had accepted an invite to the Big East by the time of "The Run", though.

They did.....

[xu drew]

Muskie, you see this kind of thinking with every program. People put on the homer glasses and have a hard time objectively looking at their team.

exactly right. truth be told, outsiders could look at our fans and messageboards and oftentimes say the same things. we think highly of our program just like others think highly of theirs. there's no wrong in thinking highly of what your school's accomplished.

[xuab]

Update from Dow...good stuff

**I just talked with Bobinski about all this Marquette/Indiana/Cal stuff. He said he and Miller were in Bobinski's office last night around 6:45 when a reporter from Milwaukee called. The reporter told Bobinski that word was that Miller was going to be in town (Milwaukee) that night and meeting with Marquette that night or Thursday morning. Bobinski and Miller, sitting three feet from each other on XU's campus, got a good laugh out of that. Miller doesn't appear to be going anywhere, and Bobinski said with "no disrespect to Marquette" but as far as Miller's concerned, the Marquette job isn't on par with the Xavier one. As I said in the comments of this post, he believes that big things can be achieved at Xavier and is committed to that goal. Xavier is probably in a more secure position now than it was five years ago in committing itself to making XU a destination type job for someone like Miller.

Anyway, Bobinski said Miller and the XU administration had a "first phase" discussion about Miller's new deal. They'll sit down again after the Final Four.

[boozehound]

Pay The Man!!!!

[jdm2000]

Interesting quote from the Marquette board:

"Here's the skinny on Miller.

XU is in their first phase of restructuring Miller's contract. They will be bumping him up to the neighborhood of 1.3-1.5 mil a year.

Also, and this is key, XU has a Nepotism clause in their system that has been holding back the hiring of Miller's brother from OSU. Word is that there will be a Board Exemption to negate the clause to clear the hiring of Miller's brother to an Assistant Coach, as one of XU's Assistants is leaving to head up a mid-major.

So, no Miller."

Is Sean's brother (Archie) on the way? I'm all for it.

[vee4xu]

I may be wrong, but do believe that Miller's brother is a Sendek assistant at ASU.

[BBC 08]

I may be wrong, but do believe that Miller's brother is a Sendek assistant at ASU.

No, I believe he left Sendek and went to OSU to be an assistant.

[vee4xu]

We have some openings in my department at work, I wonder if Sean is thinking about those posiitions. Hell, eveyone has him in line for every other job, why not my place?

[BBC 08]

Yep, just checked it, there is his brother Archie, link (http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17300&KEY=&SPID=10421&SPSID=87806).

[vee4xu]

No, I believe he left Sendek and went to OSU to be an assistant.

Wow, here in Columbus and I missed that. But, I wear that error as a badge of honor because if just shows how little attention I pay to OSU basketball.

[BBC 08]

Interesting quote from the Marquette board:

"Here's the skinny on Miller.

XU is in their first phase of restructuring Miller's contract. They will be bumping him up to the neighborhood of 1.3-1.5 mil a year.

Also, and this is key, XU has a Nepotism clause in their system that has been holding back the hiring of Miller's brother from OSU. Word is that there will be a Board Exemption to negate the clause to clear the hiring of Miller's brother to an Assistant Coach, as one of XU's Assistants is leaving to head up a mid-major.

So, no Miller."

Is Sean's brother (I think his name may be Brandon?) on the way? I'm all for it.

Ah, now we can all speculate on which assistant is moving up. Just for fun, here are the odds I'm thinking on each:

Mack: 5/1
Whitford: 12/1
Book: 20+/1
Mario: No Odds

Thoughts?

[jdm2000]

Two things --

1) How weird is it to get alleged inside information from the Marquette message board?

2) IF it's accurate, Mack would seem to be the most ready. Hmmmm...maybe Brownell to Marquette, and Mack to Wright State?

[GoMuskies]

I'm guessing the "inside info" on the Marquette board is made up, just like 99% of messageboard "inside info".

[BBC 08]

Two things --

1) How weird is it to get alleged inside information from the Marquette message board?

2) IF it's accurate, Mack would seem to be the most ready. Hmmmm...maybe Brownell to Marquette, and Mack to Wright State?

1) Very weird indeed. If it was the case, I'm surprised Scoop Snow didn't include it in his new All 4 One report (great read if you can access it) or Dow didn't blog about it.

2) As for Mack, for some reason I have a vision of him at WKU. Don't know why, but I just get that feeling.

[Frank D.]

Interesting quote from the Marquette board:

"Here's the skinny on Miller.

XU is in their first phase of restructuring Miller's contract. They will be bumping him up to the neighborhood of 1.3-1.5 mil a year.

Also, and this is key, XU has a Nepotism clause in their system that has been holding back the hiring of Miller's brother from OSU. Word is that there will be a Board Exemption to negate the clause to clear the hiring of Miller's brother to an Assistant Coach, as one of XU's Assistants is leaving to head up a mid-major.

So, no Miller."

Is Sean's brother (Archie) on the way? I'm all for it.

I've seen Archie on the sidelines at OSU games this year and I heard him interviewed after one of the games this year. It got me to thinking . . . has anyone ever seen Archie and Sean in the same room at the same time? I swear Sean has been driving up to Columbus and is moonlighting as an assistant for OSU.

Seriously, those two look the same, they talk the same . . . I'm just saying. Maybe we can put the rumors to rest if Archie is, in fact, hired by Sean.

[Cheesehead]

Milwaukee Jounal Sentinel is reporting that MU is looking at asst. coach Buzz Williams, who was instrumental in signing 3 of 4 recruits for next season and would probably be able to convince McNeal and James to stay. He has 1 year head coaching experience at New Orleans & he as 13-17 or something like that. Article said MU didn't think it would be able to hire away Sean Miller or Tony Bennett.

[Cheesehead]

Same article also indicated that Marquette knew that XU is in the process of restructuring Miller's contract and it would put him in the 1.5 million a year range. Perhaps the the bigger hurdle for Marquette is the 2 million dollar buyout in Seans's contract. I had no idea it was that high until this article.

[LA Muskie]

Same article also indicated that Marquette knew that XU is in the process of restructuring Miller's contract and it would put him in the 1.5 million a year range. Perhaps the the bigger hurdle for Marquette is the 2 million dollar buyout in Seans's contract. I had no idea it was that high until this article.
Sean's not going to Marquette. But can we please stop talking about the buy-out as if it's ironclad? It is far more likely that a court would invalidate such a provision as an illegal "penalty" than enforce it. Which is why WVU had to settle with Beilein and is in litigation with Rodriguez. It's also why most programs are now moving toward longevity bonuses instead of penalties. (The carrot instead of the stick...)

[Muskie]

Sean's not going to Marquette. But can we please stop talking about the buy-out as if it's ironclad? It is far more likely that a court would invalidate such a provision as an illegal "penalty" than enforce it. Which is why WVU had to settle with Beilein and is in litigation with Rodriguez. It's also why most programs are now moving toward longevity bonuses instead of penalties. (The carrot instead of the stick...)

I somewhat disagree that they're per se unefoceable. The two cases you mentioned are both in West Virginia. That has no bearing on how an Ohio Court might rule on the enforceability. Of course Federal District's can differ from district to district as well. I'm always skeptical that these things "aren't' enforceable. After all it was a bargained for condition by Xavier that Sean received compensation for.

[LA Muskie]

I somewhat disagree that they're per se unefoceable. The two cases you mentioned are both in West Virginia. That has no bearing on how an Ohio Court might rule on the enforceability. Of course Federal District's can differ from district to district as well. I'm always skeptical that these things "aren't' enforceable. After all it was a bargained for condition by Xavier that Sean received compensation for.
It's not a matter of federal law. It's a matter of state contract law (although depending on the circumstances the case might be decided by a federal court). I'm not an OH lawyer (I practice in CA), but in general most states' contract laws provide that clauses imposing penalties for breach of contract (sometimes called liquidated damages provisions), as opposed to the actual damages for breach of contract, are looked on with disfavor. In many states, their use in employment contracts is even more questionable. I'm not saying how it would come out, but most companies use them to disincentive movement and rely far less frequently on actually believing they will be able to enforce the provisions.

[AdamtheFlyer]

On top of possible litigations, all it takes to cover a buyout is a booster or two that really wants the coach. Buyouts are an excuse to cover the fact that one side ultimately didn't want the other.

[Muskie]

It's not a matter of federal law. It's a matter of state contract law (although depending on the circumstances the case might be decided by a federal court). I'm not an OH lawyer (I practice in CA), but in general most states' contract laws provide that clauses imposing penalties for breach of contract (sometimes called liquidated damages provisions), as opposed to the actual damages for breach of contract, are looked on with disfavor. In many states, their use in employment contracts is even more questionable. I'm not saying how it would come out, but most companies use them to disincentive movement and rely far less frequently on actually believing they will be able to enforce the provisions.

True... I'm not admitted in Ohio either (Indiana). I just can't think of any other "test cases" besides the West Virginia cases. I'm not sure how Ohio treats liquidated damages either. At any rate, I agree they are for "show" many times. I'd actually be interested to see one go all the way through, just to see what the ruling is and the rationale. (Just not Sean's).

[Snipe]

It is amazing how many lawyers we have on the boards. You guys have more free time than any other profession.

[GoMuskies]

It is amazing how many lawyers we have on the boards. You guys have more free time than any other profession.

I don't think it's free time Snipe. I think we're trapped in front of our computers more than most.

[LA Muskie]

I don't think it's free time Snipe. I think we're trapped in front of our computers more than most.
I think our jobs tend to involve more personal flexibility, especially if you have your own practice (which I really love about it), but also more night and weekend work. Thankfully much of it can be done from home as well. But most of it is done in front of our computers. Now we're REALLY off topic...

[jdm2000]

True... I'm not admitted in Ohio either (Indiana). I just can't think of any other "test cases" besides the West Virginia cases. I'm not sure how Ohio treats liquidated damages either. At any rate, I agree they are for "show" many times. I'd actually be interested to see one go all the way through, just to see what the ruling is and the rationale. (Just not Sean's).

Well, in the liquidated damages clause's favor, this would be a pretty clear case where the damages are difficult to ascertain. (Just how much does a university "lose", money wise, when a coach bolts? How can you take into account what they put in to "training" him, for lack of a better word, and then all the peripherals--tickets sales, merchandising, recruiting, etc., that would be affected by departure?) So from that standpoint it seems in line with the purpose of a liquidated damages provision....

But LA is right, tough to forecast something like that being upheld.

[jdm2000]

Slightly back on topic--someone on muscoop.com is reporting that Davidson's Bob McKillop bought a house in Wisconsin today. They heard it from a realtor friend.

Man, I feel for schools going through this right now. And I dread the day that we have to deal with it again....knock on wood.

[GoMuskies]

Slightly back on topic--someone on muscoop.com is reporting that Davidson's Bob McKillop bought a house in Wisconsin today. They heard it from a realtor friend.


I hope that's true. Wow, what an awful hire he would be.

[LA Muskie]

Well, in the liquidated damages clause's favor, this would be a pretty clear case where the damages are difficult to ascertain. (Just how much does a university "lose", money wise, when a coach bolts? How can you take into account what they put in to "training" him, for lack of a better word, and then all the peripherals--tickets sales, merchandising, recruiting, etc., that would be affected by departure?) So from that standpoint it seems in line with the purpose of a liquidated damages provision....

But LA is right, tough to forecast something like that being upheld.
This will be my last "legal" post on this topic because I'm nauseating even myself. Anyway, I agree that damages would be difficult to ascertain (element #1), but I somewhat doubt that a court would decide that the amount is a reasonable estimation of the potential harm (element #2) -- especially, in Coach's case, where the amount exceeds 2 years' worth of his salary. Adding in the wide disparity as to the figure used in similar provisions contained in other coaches' contracts across the country, and the fact that other "comparable" coaches may be obtained about the same (or lower) salary, and I think the provision probably would be seen as punitive in nature. Ultimately, this is an employment contract, for which provisions like these in other industries routinely are struck down. But there certainly are counter-arguments, which is why the issue is rarely resolved by courts and most disputes end in settlements.

[LA Muskie]

Slightly back on topic--someone on muscoop.com is reporting that Davidson's Bob McKillop bought a house in Wisconsin today. They heard it from a realtor friend.

Man, I feel for schools going through this right now. And I dread the day that we have to deal with it again....knock on wood.
Since Curry said he was returning, I somewhat doubt the veracity of that report. I also think the guy's gotta be smart enough to make an announcement before buying a house -- it's not like buying a house is so urgent that it couldn't possibly wait for the press conference. But if he is leaving, then Curry must be declaring. And Marquette must be making a big mistake.

[jdm2000]

This will be my last "legal" post on this topic because I'm nauseating even myself. Anyway, I agree that damages would be difficult to ascertain (element #1), but I somewhat doubt that a court would decide that the amount is a reasonable estimation of the potential harm (element #2) -- especially, in Coach's case, where the amount exceeds 2 years' worth of his salary. Adding in the wide disparity as to the figure used in similar provisions contained in other coaches' contracts across the country, and the fact that other "comparable" coaches may be obtained about the same (or lower) salary, and I think the provision probably would be seen as punitive in nature. Ultimately, this is an employment contract, for which provisions like these in other industries routinely are struck down. But there certainly are counter-arguments, which is why the issue is rarely resolved by courts and most disputes end in settlements.


Oh, I agree with your analysis, LA. But I couldn't help but throw in my two legal cents.....

[jdm2000]

Since Curry said he was returning, I somewhat doubt the veracity of that report. I also think the guy's gotta be smart enough to make an announcement before buying a house -- it's not like buying a house is so urgent that it couldn't possibly wait for the press conference. But if he is leaving, then Curry must be declaring. And Marquette must be making a big mistake.


Agree on all points. The biggest thing to me is how crazy this coaching search stuff gets--tracking airplanes, talking to local realtors, all that crap. It's brutal.

[Muskie]

This will be my last "legal" post on this topic because I'm nauseating even myself. Anyway, I agree that damages would be difficult to ascertain (element #1), but I somewhat doubt that a court would decide that the amount is a reasonable estimation of the potential harm (element #2) -- especially, in Coach's case, where the amount exceeds 2 years' worth of his salary. Adding in the wide disparity as to the figure used in similar provisions contained in other coaches' contracts across the country, and the fact that other "comparable" coaches may be obtained about the same (or lower) salary, and I think the provision probably would be seen as punitive in nature. Ultimately, this is an employment contract, for which provisions like these in other industries routinely are struck down. But there certainly are counter-arguments, which is why the issue is rarely resolved by courts and most disputes end in settlements.

All valid points. I just wonder if a court wouldn't decide the buy out was valid due to the loss of income to the Athletic Department. it'd be interesting to see if X or another school could come up with a defensible figure as to how much a season like this one generates in revenue. Then argue that the buyout is meant to protect that certain figure... i'm done with the legal analysis on that note... good discussion guys.

[Masterofreality]

Memo to Marquette-

Forget Buzz. Hire John Groce the lead assistant at Ohio State. I can't believe that he hasn't been snatched up by a big program yet. The guy does a great job holding up those cards with offensive play calls on them.

He's a legend in the making. You'll be missing the barge if you go with anyone else.

[Muskie]

Memo to Marquette-

Forget Buzz. Hire John Groce the lead assistant at Ohio State. I can't believe that he hasn't been snatched up by a big program yet. The guy does a great job holding up those cards with offensive play calls on them.

He's a legend in the making. You'll be missing the barge if you go with anyone else.

It doesn't appear at this stage that they're going to take that advice MOR. The Marquette Fans are tripping all over themselves to find a "name" or someone with a connection to Wisconsin. I could see Groce going to WSU if Brownell moves up.

[LA Muskie]

I agree, MOR. A number of folks are really missing the boat with Groce, and someone soon is going to figure that out. According to muscoop.com, he is on their list. But Muskie's also right that they (at least the fans who post on their chatboard) seem to be concentrating nearly exclusively on the big names. Yesterday's topic included John Calipari, for example. I mean, seriously...

Then some other folks decided to put him down as a slimeball since it's obvious he'd never go there. That's right, he's a slimeball because his star center was greedy and took money from an agent.

I think they're in a tough position -- a middle-of-the-road BCS team looking for a coach who is probably looking to move only to a top-of-the-heap BCS school and is willing to wait it out until then.

[wkrq59]

I think the whole thing sorts itself out by Tuesday or late Monday night. And I think we'll all be as surprised as we were when Crean was hired by Indiana.
NO, I DON'T MEAN SEAN, EITHER.
I think Bobby Lutz, Karl Hobbs, Bruce Webber, the coach of the year at Drake, or even Few. A guy like Sean Sutton might be a big enough name. Maybe even Gregory, but I think that train already pulled out of the station. :D:):eek:

[LA Muskie]

I think the whole thing sorts itself out by Tuesday or late Monday night. And I think we'll all be as surprised as we were when Crean was hired by Indiana.
NO, I DON'T MEAN SEAN, EITHER.
I think Bobby Lutz, Karl Hobbs, Bruce Webber, the coach of the year at Drake, or even Few. A guy like Sean Sutton might be a big enough name. Maybe even Gregory, but I think that train already pulled out of the station. :D:):eek:
Right now I'd have to say that Buzz has to be the frontrunner. I get the impression most of those other guys (save perhaps Karl Hobbs) have much higher aspirations and justifiably would be concerned about fading into obscurity at Marquette. Now there could be worse places for that to happen, but that's a distinct possibility a school that is probably going to be a perennial middle-of-the-pack Big East program.

PS: I think Hobbs probably has the same aspirations, but from what I've seen they are not as realistic as the others. If I were him I'd make the jump if he can. But I haven't heard his name mentioned particularly often in connection with the Marquette job.

[jdm2000]

Poster at muscoop.com is now saying it's been reported over the radio that Marquette will promote assistant Buzz Williams to the top spot. Take that for what it's worth. Marquette fans don't seem too pleased generally.

[LA Muskie]

Marquette fans don't seem too pleased generally.
That's putting it nicely...

[jdm2000]

That's putting it nicely...

Press conference for Marquette apparently tomorrow at 2:00. Their board is not pleased with the hire at all. It's going to be ugly.

[xudash]

Press conference for Marquette apparently tomorrow at 2:00. Their board is not pleased with the hire at all. It's going to be ugly.

Good. They need some deflating over there.

Having to replace a coach is one thing. What do you think it is going to look like there when they are transitioned out of their overblown, over-bloated BCS conference.

[Muskie]

They're actually calling for a protest over at muscoop.

[jdm2000]

^Yeah, I saw that. I also liked the "Buzz: Yes or No?" thread. I'd peg the response over there as 90-10 against the hiring, and putting support at 10% may be pushing it. Hope Buzz likes a fanbase that's going to be rooting for him to fail.....

On the plus side, maybe MU fans who were talking about how great their job was and how guys like Miller and Bennett would be beating down their door have gotten a dose of reality. Sometimes we all need that.

[LA Muskie]

On the plus side, maybe MU fans who were talking about how great their job was and how guys like Miller and Bennett would be beating down their door have gotten a dose of reality. Sometimes we all need that.
Those folks were in the extreme minority. The vast majority of people on muscoop agreed that Miller and Bennett had no reason to take the Marquette job. It's just that those that said otherwise are more controversial over here, so we tend to make more out of their comments.

[ford]

does MU have any top tier recruits for 09 or 10 that X might want to give a "Buzz"?

[jdm2000]

Those folks were in the extreme minority. The vast majority of people on muscoop agreed that Miller and Bennett had no reason to take the Marquette job. It's just that those that said otherwise are more controversial over here, so we tend to make more out of their comments.

I agree they wre in the minority, but I don't know if I'd say it was the extreme minority. I've been checking out muscoop pretty regularly this week, and they generally seem pretty reasonable--but there were quite a few that have let the Big East go to their heads....

[LA Muskie]

I agree they wre in the minority, but I don't know if I'd say it was the extreme minority. I've been checking out muscoop pretty regularly this week, and they generally seem pretty reasonable--but there were quite a few that have let the Big East go to their heads....
Fair enough. At any rate, I think it's very interesting the reaction they're having to Crean leaving. From an outsider's perspective, I think he stuck around for quite a while. But I guess nobody likes being dumped for the high school sweetheart...

[Xman95]

WHAT???? BUZZ???? But the DDN reported that Gregory was going to be next because Izzo was going to make it happen. I mean, since when do schools ignore stories about coaches from other universities picking their coach?

[LA Muskie]

WHAT???? BUZZ???? But the DDN reported that Gregory was going to be next because Izzo was going to make it happen. I mean, since when do schools ignore stories about coaches from other universities picking their coach?
Actually, my understanding of the report is that Crean took the IU job because he realized that Izzo intends to recommend Gregory for the MSU job when Izzo leaves, over Crean (who apparently cherished the MSU job). And supposedly Izzo IS expected to have a good deal of say about his successor...

[LA Muskie]

It's apparently official now: Marquette is going with Buzz Williams. At least, not only is ESPN reporting it but they are quoting folks from the athletic department as well:

Marquette picks assistant coach Williams to replace Crean (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3335281)

For those who despise ESPN and distrust anything printed there, here's the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal's report as well:

Williams hired as next MU coach (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=736536)

[Cheesehead]

I think I reported this 2 days ago. Thank you very much. :)

[Muskie]

"MU apparently tried to get Bennett and Miller. No doubt those would both be a reach and not surprising MU couldn't land them. They have their own wonderful programs in play, one is at state school with it's own built in advantages and the other plays in a watered down league which he can dominate. So, was option three Buzz Williams?"

More handwringing over at MUscoop. Apparently Sean would rather coach n a watered down conference.

[GoMuskies]

I prefer to focus on the wonderful program remark.

[DC Muskie]

They could have hired me.

[Xman95]

Actually, my understanding of the report is that Crean took the IU job because he realized that Izzo intends to recommend Gregory for the MSU job when Izzo leaves, over Crean (who apparently cherished the MSU job). And supposedly Izzo IS expected to have a good deal of say about his successor...

The post by Chick Ludwig (I guess maybe it wasn't an official "report" because it was a blog entry) stated that Gregory was going to Marquette. Talked about Izzo helping Crean get that gig and now he was recommending Gregory. It had nothing to do with Gregory going to MSU. In fact, it talked about how Gregory was at a coaches' meeting and wasn't wearing UD apparel, depsite the fact that it's the norm for coaches to wear their school's gear. Unfortunately I can no longer find the post. It seems old Chick may have deleted it...perhaps because it was so far off.

FYI - I have seen some things similar to what you were talking about, Gregory to MSU. But there was a Ludwig post talking about Gregory going to Marquette based on the recommendation of Izzo.