I realize this might be a tortuous question of "what if's" for some older folks on the board.
But when thinking about the coaching carrousel last night I began to wonder if after McGuire retired from coaching he was ever encouraged to go back into coaching, especially since he retired so young. Anyone have any insights?
Never heard of any interest on his part. Once he was on TV, I don't think he ever looked back.
Murf or some of the other Al insiders can comment...but he did "flirt" with returning to coaching in the pros after.
SPORTS PEOPLE; Bulls Shun McGuire
Published: March 24, 1982
Illustrations: Photo of Al McGuire
Al McGuire, the former Marquette coach turned television analyst, is not going to be the new coach of the Chicago Bulls or even a consultant to the team.
Arthur Wirtz, the Bulls' owner, made that clear when he described overtures by McGuire's son-in-law and agent, Charles Besser, as ''absurd.'' McGuire had publicly offered to join the Bulls' staff as an adviser on player-management relations provided he received a percentage of the returns from any attendance gains the club might have. ''He wants to be an owner but have no money invested,'' said Wirtz.
http://www.nytimes.com/1982/03/24/sports/sports-people-bulls-shun-mcguire.html?sec=&spon=
Quote from: Pardner on March 29, 2009, 12:57:30 PM
Murf or some of the other Al insiders can comment...but he did "flirt" with returning to coaching in the pros after.
SPORTS PEOPLE; Bulls Shun McGuire
Published: March 24, 1982
Illustrations: Photo of Al McGuire
Al McGuire, the former Marquette coach turned television analyst, is not going to be the new coach of the Chicago Bulls or even a consultant to the team.
Arthur Wirtz, the Bulls' owner, made that clear when he described overtures by McGuire's son-in-law and agent, Charles Besser, as ''absurd.'' McGuire had publicly offered to join the Bulls' staff as an adviser on player-management relations provided he received a percentage of the returns from any attendance gains the club might have. ''He wants to be an owner but have no money invested,'' said Wirtz.
http://www.nytimes.com/1982/03/24/sports/sports-people-bulls-shun-mcguire.html?sec=&spon=
Now, that sounds like Al. The article does not speak as to coaching though.
There was speculation in the NY media from time to time that Al might be persuaded to coach the Knicks. But I never heard or read anything to suggest he was at all interested in the NBA. When asked, I recall him making joking comments, like he would never coach players who made more $$$ than he did. I imagine he realized that he and TV were made for each other.