AD resignation shocked Buzz Williams

[4everwarriors]

They have Walmarts in th O.C.?

[Tugg Speedman]

i've put a considerable amount of time and research into looking at hiring practices of entities that rank out the highest in retention, production, etc.  i've also worked with reputable search firms that have also assisted in the interviewing process.  imho, buzz should be on the final interview team for this one.  it gives the university the right to look at buzz and say "you had input, you agreed it was a good hire, now you make it work" if problems arise.

what i've never done is hire someone to oversee an employee who makes more money...so i get that buzz holds the power, but it's almost all the more reason for the university to use a consensus approach with an interview team that includes buzz.  it forces buzz to get a long with the hire (sometimes i get the feeling buzz just likes a little consternation), and the university sets the details of the power the AD has over the coaches from the start of the process, and in the interviews.  or just hire buzz's wife as the associate athletic director and move on. 

Yes Buzz can interview at the end of the process (once the decision has largely been made) but so can the women's soccer and Men's lacrosse coaches.  They will all get input at the end.

Yes Buzz will carry the most weight, but it would be a huge mistake to have Buzz "decide" who the next AD will be.  If Buzz does get to decide, why not close all sports at MU except for women's basketball (title IX), it makes the job of AD much better for Buzz.

[mu_hilltopper]

Head scratcher that this is even being asked still. An entire administration has been summarily wiped out only two years in. It has been "dePilarzed" completely in the MIDDLE of the school year, with many major leadership voids. The university was on the brink, people.

There is no smoke, it was a full flame out. It wasn't because Todd Mayo's suspension was one game vs. three.  Or just Buzz's happy.  It was about the university's happy. Follow the money.  Who sits next to Bill Cords or Fr. Wild at basketball games? Who sat next to Larry or Pilarz?

But, see, we all could come to all those conclusions too, with what's been "reported" on the internet.   

The question is, Doctor B, do you have direct knowledge from a first hand (or even second hand) source, or are you doing what most of us are doing: reading the boards, filling in the "facts" like one uses a Ouija board?

[Goose]

Hilltopper


I believe Hunt mentioned in article there was tension beteen LW and Buzz. Would hope the beat writer knows something of what was going on. Give the guy credit, he broke the JT starting news.

[NersEllenson]

So .. curious.   For all those who think Buzz is happy (or had a part in) Larry's departure because of "some rift" .. out of sheer curiosity, do you have actual knowledge of that rift?  And "I know a guy who knows a guy who drives the team bus" doesn't count.

Has Buzz (or LW) ever said to anyone that there is a rift?  

I take the article at its word, that Buzz was "shocked," which would tend to mean he didn't have an inkling this was going to happen, or that he'd asked/wished it to happen.   

I can't rid myself of the nagging feeling the interwebs have played a massive game of telephone, taking a kernel of irritation and exploding it into something that it's not.    Anyone here with actual knowledge beyond the "smoke, must be fire" theories?

Yes....there was a rift, no ifs, ands, buts about it.  A few examples - read the tweet Jeff Goodman (Buzz's closest confidant in the basketball writer community) sent out after the LW resignation - paraphrasing - Marquette AD Larry Williams resigns.  I'm sure Buzz Williams isn't shedding a tear over this one.  Secondly, Buzz's statements on Larry are about as impersonal and short as you can get - no remarks about he'll be missed...I enjoyed working with him...wish him the best in his next endeavor...sometimes it's not what's said that says more.

Lastly, though I've gotten hazed about it - Buzz sent me an e-mail response to an e-mail I wrote him, about my annoyance and how inappropriate I thought the remarks LW made to the Journal Sentinel were - which basically threw Buzz under the bus - though I did write that perhaps though said wrongly and in the wrong forum, perhaps the statement of him tying his tie too tight (working too hard) could be taken constructively to ward off possible burnout.  Buzz's response was fairly cryptic - but it simply said quote- I agree with ALL you wrote.  Thanks for taking the time to write and for caring.

[Newsdreams]

Yes, lay prez seems likely.

Beautiful day here in the O.C.....been standing in line since 6:00am at a Walmart (please shoot me) because they were getting shipments of PS4s today.  Went in when it was dark, just came outside to lovely sunshine.  Need to mow the grass.  See, you guys bitching about blowing snow don't have to cut the grass year round.   

Yesterday you said you were going to mow the lawn, falling behind schedule?

[mu_hilltopper]

Yes....there was a rift, no ifs, ands, buts about it.  A few examples - read the tweet Jeff Goodman (Buzz's closest confidant in the basketball writer community) sent out after the LW resignation - paraphrasing - Marquette AD Larry Williams resigns.  I'm sure Buzz Williams isn't shedding a tear over this one.  Secondly, Buzz's statements on Larry are about as impersonal and short as you can get - no remarks about he'll be missed...I enjoyed working with him...wish him the best in his next endeavor...sometimes it's not what's said that says more.

Lastly, though I've gotten hazed about it - Buzz sent me an e-mail response to an e-mail I wrote him, about my annoyance and how inappropriate I thought the remarks LW made to the Journal Sentinel were - which basically threw Buzz under the bus - though I did write that perhaps though said wrongly and in the wrong forum, perhaps the statement of him tying his tie too tight (working too hard) could be taken constructively to ward off possible burnout.  Buzz's response was fairly cryptic - but it simply said quote- I agree with ALL you wrote.  Thanks for taking the time to write and for caring.

I understand this "does it" for you.  In my opinion, that doesn't prove the narrative.    A tweet by a sports opinion guy doesn't rise to the level of an actual article, vetted by actual sources and printed.   For all we know, he's conjecturing as much as "we" are.  Then ..  Buzz's "impersonal" comments about LW are an interpretation that you've made.   That could also be read that he's careful about talking about his boss, but they aren't dinner party friends.

Buzz's email back to you is indeed a first hand report, and it holds some merit, but .. he gave a short response to a complex issue to (I assume) a total stranger, albeit fan.  It's not completely invalid, I agree, but I don't read it as solid evidence, where the actual words came out of his mouth "yes, LW and I do not see eye to eye, and I would rather he not be working at MU" (or some such.)  I could fathom Buzz irked over the quote, but he's a well paid man who is all about character -- and likely, forgiveness.  He's got bigger issues to worry about.

This isn't directed at you Ners, but to anyone who espouses this narrative.  -- Can't anyone step forward and say "Yes.  I have spoken to Buzz, LW, Fr. Pilarz, Mike Broeker, Craig K, a BoT member, Dick Strong, (insert big donor here) and I heard words out of their mouths: Buzz has a big issue with LW (or vice versa)/ prefers another do the job" .. ?   

So far (most) of what I've heard is conjecture, with nearly zero first hand info.   

[real chili 83]

I infer the same thing as Ners on what Buzz DIDN'T say. 

Topper, you're right...me, Ners, et al really don't know how Buzz truly feels about LW.

Like most things in life, the truth is probably somewhere in the middle. 

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

LW would still be here if Buzz was the only personality conflict he had. Less than 2 years in a position is not a lot, guys.

[Goose]

Topper

With all due respect, and I mean that, I do not believe most on here would be believe that someone on here spoke to the folks you mentioned. It is a very old argument and really no winner.

Time look ahead and focus on landing Diamond Stone.

[chapman]

Hilltopper


I believe Hunt mentioned in article there was tension beteen LW and Buzz. Would hope the beat writer knows something of what was going on. Give the guy credit, he broke the JT starting news.

And let's not forget this winner: http://www.gomarquette.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/032712aac.html
You've got issues when the school is pretty much forced to issue a response to confirm your coach won't be leaving to take a big step down just to get away from the AD.  No way that was released based only on internet rumors, even if the MU community gets tweeked out over every little thing.

[brandx]

So .. curious.   For all those who think Buzz is happy (or had a part in) Larry's departure because of "some rift" .. out of sheer curiosity, do you have actual knowledge of that rift?  And "I know a guy who knows a guy who drives the team bus" doesn't count.

Has Buzz (or LW) ever said to anyone that there is a rift?  

I take the article at its word, that Buzz was "shocked," which would tend to mean he didn't have an inkling this was going to happen, or that he'd asked/wished it to happen.   

I can't rid myself of the nagging feeling the interwebs have played a massive game of telephone, taking a kernel of irritation and exploding it into something that it's not.    Anyone here with actual knowledge beyond the "smoke, must be fire" theories?

+1000. Common sense still reigns for some.

[Litehouse]

Time look ahead and focus on landing Diamond Stone.

Bob Stone for AD!

[keefe]

So .. curious.   For all those who think Buzz is happy (or had a part in) Larry's departure because of "some rift" .. out of sheer curiosity, do you have actual knowledge of that rift?  And "I know a guy who knows a guy who drives the team bus" doesn't count.

Has Buzz (or LW) ever said to anyone that there is a rift?  

I take the article at its word, that Buzz was "shocked," which would tend to mean he didn't have an inkling this was going to happen, or that he'd asked/wished it to happen.   

I can't rid myself of the nagging feeling the interwebs have played a massive game of telephone, taking a kernel of irritation and exploding it into something that it's not.    Anyone here with actual knowledge beyond the "smoke, must be fire" theories?

Are you kidding? An entire administration was just wiped out like the Vandals sacking Rome. There is no more compelling proof that the Scott Pilarz - Larry Williams era met an ignominious end.

[Galway Eagle]

Should Buzz also be present in the room when MU is interviewing for the new university president? How about for all trustees? Buzz might not like to be the "underling," but that's what he is.

It would be like a college letting a star returning player help interview prospective coaches. It might be done occasionally (but rarely) on the pro level, but it would be preposterous on the college level.

As for Buzz being coach/AD, those times have passed. Each job is far too all-encompassing now. A coach's day used to have a start and an end; now, it's practically a 24-hour profession. And a good athletic director doesn't work a 40-hour week. Even if you say Buzz could hire several associate ADs to whom he could delegate, it would be a near-impossible task.

Just hire an AD with good people skills and a proven record of working well with revenue-sport coaches.

Yeah letting a former College star basketball player into a leadership position like say on a board of trustees would be absolutely insane! Good thing Doc Rivers isn't on ours...

[Dr. Blackheart]

But, see, we all could come to all those conclusions too, with what's been "reported" on the internet.   

The question is, Doctor B, do you have direct knowledge from a first hand (or even second hand) source, or are you doing what most of us are doing: reading the boards, filling in the "facts" like one uses a Ouija board?

Listen, if you don't like what I (or any other poster) am selling, don't buy it. It is the freaking internet and I am not a professional journalist. You are the mod on this board and on Cracked Sidewalks, figure it out yourself.  I put it out here in a way so not to divulge where this comes from, yet all this time later, after a complete collapse of a MU administration, you still aren't buying. Don't really care, other that I find it funny that you Doubting Thomases are incredibly still doubting. 

With that, I am out.

[real chili 83]

I maintain there is a bigger question that remains...bigger than LW v BW.

What was the process used that resulted in the BOT to hire SP, and in turn, cause widespread turnover in so many key positions in such a short period of time?

I suspect that 30+ BOT's, probably based on the size check they can write, instead of their grasp on the concept of servant leadership, was in no small way, a huge contributing factor to this mess.  Picking BOT's based on the size of their bank account, or public persona, and letting them have a say in decision making is a recipe for.....

[keefe]

I maintain there is a bigger question that remains...bigger than LW v BW.

What was the process used that resulted in the BOT to hire SP, and in turn, cause widespread turnover in so many key positions in such a short period of time?

I suspect that 30+ BOT's, probably based on the size check they can write, instead of their grasp on the concept of servant leadership, was in no small way, a huge contributing factor to this mess.  Picking BOT's based on the size of their bank account, or public persona, and letting them have a say in decision making is a recipe for.....

Two Words: Zizzo Group

[real chili 83]

Two Words: Zizzo Group

Just went to their website. What an effin headache.

People's careers were derailed based on their recommendations. 

I hope the gang of 30+ get it right this time.

[GGGG]

I understand this "does it" for you.  In my opinion, that doesn't prove the narrative.    A tweet by a sports opinion guy doesn't rise to the level of an actual article, vetted by actual sources and printed.   For all we know, he's conjecturing as much as "we" are.  Then ..  Buzz's "impersonal" comments about LW are an interpretation that you've made.   That could also be read that he's careful about talking about his boss, but they aren't dinner party friends.

Buzz's email back to you is indeed a first hand report, and it holds some merit, but .. he gave a short response to a complex issue to (I assume) a total stranger, albeit fan.  It's not completely invalid, I agree, but I don't read it as solid evidence, where the actual words came out of his mouth "yes, LW and I do not see eye to eye, and I would rather he not be working at MU" (or some such.)  I could fathom Buzz irked over the quote, but he's a well paid man who is all about character -- and likely, forgiveness.  He's got bigger issues to worry about.

This isn't directed at you Ners, but to anyone who espouses this narrative.  -- Can't anyone step forward and say "Yes.  I have spoken to Buzz, LW, Fr. Pilarz, Mike Broeker, Craig K, a BoT member, Dick Strong, (insert big donor here) and I heard words out of their mouths: Buzz has a big issue with LW (or vice versa)/ prefers another do the job" .. ?   

So far (most) of what I've heard is conjecture, with nearly zero first hand info.   

I have second hand info from someone related to a Trustee.  Buzz and LW didn't really have much of a relationship and the athletic department's finances are a mess. 

If you choose not to believe me, that's your issue.  But how do you think a guy like Goodman gets his information and puts out there that Buzz isn't going to shed a tear over this...or whatever he said.

[real chili 83]

Topper's question is fair, based on the importance of the topic.

Your response and Doc's were well written....answered Topper's question.

Time to move on. 

Let's find a leader that understands and respects MU history and servant leadership.

[ChicosBailBonds]

They have Walmarts in th O.C.?

They do, though I actually went to one in L.A. County.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Yesterday you said you were going to mow the lawn, falling behind schedule?

Yes, decided not to do it yesterday and took the kids to see the Hobbit instead.  Long movie, but good.

[Lennys Tap]

Yes, decided not to do it yesterday and took the kids to see the Hobbit instead.  Long movie, but good.

Don't forget to post what you have for dinner tonight.

[wojosdojo]

Any chance Broeker gets the job? I've heard many people would not be a fan.