Didn't Kevin O'Neill try to return to MU after he took the TN job?

[Avenue Commons]

I don't know if this is true or not, but I've heard that after Kevin O'Neal accepted the Tennessee job in 1994, that he had a change or heart and wanted to return to Marquette but MU said no. Anyone know if this actually happened? Obviously with what happened with Altman and Creighton, this came to mind.

[MarquetteFan94]

I'd be surprised is this actually happened....I seem to remember he (KO) had a pretty defiant "exit press conference" at MU when he left....but I may be wrong.

[augoman]

the story goes that KO called Bill Cords right after getting to Tenn and asked to come back.  some swear it's true.

[Avenue Commons]

the story goes that KO called Bill Cords right after getting to Tenn and asked to come back.  some swear it's true.

That's the story I heard as well. It's all water under the bridge now, but it is interesting. I wonder if KO ever wonders, "what if?"

[StillAWarrior]

the story goes that KO called Bill Cords right after getting to Tenn and asked to come back.  some swear it's true.

He probably got to Tenn and someone told him that he was needed at Pat Summitt's house to wash her car.

[marqfan22]

didn't he wear an orange sports jacket at his exit press conf?

[Virginia Warrior 77]

I seem to remember hearing that once he got to Knoxville his wife hated it there and he asked to return to MU but was told no.  This may have been just rumor, though.

[mosarsour]

didn't he wear an orange sports jacket at his exit press conf?

No, but I did hear he was covered in orange body paint...Oh wait, wrong guy!

[79Warrior]

I heard KO could not get out of Milwaukee fast enough. I think MU fans are living an urban myth. Anyone ever hear him comment on MU at all over the years??????   Just what I thought.

[MUMac]

I heard KO could not get out of Milwaukee fast enough. I think MU fans are living an urban myth. Anyone ever hear him comment on MU at all over the years??????   Just what I thought.

Not entirely true.  Let's just say that KO had some contact with MU when TC was hired.  He also did inquire (that may be too strong a word) about coming back right after he left, not certain how far it went on either end.