For those calling for his head

[Its DJOver]

I'm still convinced that it is just a vocal minority, but there have been more posts suggesting the dismissal of Wojo.  My question is, who exactly would you suggest replace him?

This offseason is likely to have the greatest amount of coaching movement in the history of college basketball, with many high profile jobs likely being up for grabs.  There is only a limited number of mid-to-high quality mid major coaches out there that will likely be attracting a lot of attention since many of the programs looking for new coaches won't be in a position to just promote assistants. 

If I'm a mid major coach that is looking to make the jump this offseason, I would rather go to a blue blood, where I will be given at least 3+ years with little to no expectations to completely rebuild the program the way that I want to.  Depending on which players leave with Wojo, assuming his dismissal, we would still be in a position to be competitive in the immediate future so expectations would likely be higher in the short term, even if the existing players don't fit the system that the coach wants to run.

Many people would like a coach with high major experience.  My thoughts are that we would already know their ceiling.  Crean reached his ceiling at MU, as did Buzz (I don't think he can get VT to an E8, you may disagree).  With Cuonzo, we already know his ceiling.  I would rather continue to roll the dice with a mid major coach/ high major assistant that would have a lower floor, but a higher potential ceiling, and the majority of the decent to good candidates will be moving to jobs that are "better" than MU.

The blue bloods under investigation will spend whatever it takes to remain there.  There are numerous examples of programs that were blue bloods that dropped off a cliff. MU from the end of Rick to the O'Neill. Vegas after Tarkanian.  As much as we spend, we will be unable to compete with both the money and the prestige of the current blue bloods.

This is by no means a defense of Wojo. Losing to DePaul is unacceptable no matter the circumstances, but the BOT shouldn't fire Wojo just to fire him.  If they decide to move on from the Wojo experiment, they need to make a hire that would be an improvement, and I think a lot of those candidates will also be interviewing for jobs such as Arizona, MSU, Louisville, etc.

[79Warrior]

Wojo gets 5 years. Next season will determine, IMO, whether he loses the fan base or not. The program must improve on this season.

[muguru]

I'm still convinced that it is just a vocal minority, but there have been more posts suggesting the dismissal of Wojo.  My question is, who exactly would you suggest replace him?

This offseason is likely to have the greatest amount of coaching movement in the history of college basketball, with many high profile jobs likely being up for grabs.  There is only a limited number of mid-to-high quality mid major coaches out there that will likely be attracting a lot of attention since many of the programs looking for new coaches won't be in a position to just promote assistants. 

If I'm a mid major coach that is looking to make the jump this offseason, I would rather go to a blue blood, where I will be given at least 3+ years with little to no expectations to completely rebuild the program the way that I want to.  Depending on which players leave with Wojo, assuming his dismissal, we would still be in a position to be competitive in the immediate future so expectations would likely be higher in the short term, even if the existing players don't fit the system that the coach wants to run.

Many people would like a coach with high major experience.  My thoughts are that we would already know their ceiling.  Crean reached his ceiling at MU, as did Buzz (I don't think he can get VT to an E8, you may disagree).  With Cuonzo, we already know his ceiling.  I would rather continue to roll the dice with a mid major coach/ high major assistant that would have a lower floor, but a higher potential ceiling, and the majority of the decent to good candidates will be moving to jobs that are "better" than MU.

The blue bloods under investigation will spend whatever it takes to remain there.  There are numerous examples of programs that were blue bloods that dropped off a cliff. MU from the end of Rick to the O'Neill. Vegas after Tarkanian.  As much as we spend, we will be unable to compete with both the money and the prestige of the current blue bloods.

This is by no means a defense of Wojo. Losing to DePaul is unacceptable no matter the circumstances, but the BOT shouldn't fire Wojo just to fire him.  If they decide to move on from the Wojo experiment, they need to make a hire that would be an improvement, and I think a lot of those candidates will also be interviewing for jobs such as Arizona, MSU, Louisville, etc.

You may be right, however, you have to keep in mind, that the NCAA very well may lower the boom on the "blue bloods" involved in this scandal..like, what if Louisville gets the death penalty?? What if Michigan state is banned from the tourney for a year or two and suffers scholarship reductions?? What if Arizona NEVER recovers from the punishment they may get?? With the black cloud hovering over them, those jobs may not be as attractive to someone as they would have been without all of this.

[Its DJOver]

You may be right, however, you have to keep in mind, that the NCAA very well may lower the boom on the "blue bloods" involved in this scandal..like, what if Louisville gets the death penalty?? What if Michigan state is banned from the tourney for a year or two and suffers scholarship reductions?? What if Arizona NEVER recovers from the punishment they may get?? With the black cloud hovering over them, those jobs may not be as attractive to someone as they would have been without all of this.

No offense, but I'll believe it when I see it, in terms of the NCAA actually bringing down the hammer on someone.  The treatment of Louisville is definitely preferred to the treatment UNC got, but there's not a lot of precedent of harsh treatment. 

Money also speaks volumes and a lot of these potential punishments would just mean that any potential hire would have more time with less expectations.  I see your point that it could be a double edged sword, but there is enough money at blue bloods to get someone decent.

[skianth16]

I'm still convinced that it is just a vocal minority, but there have been more posts suggesting the dismissal of Wojo.  My question is, who exactly would you suggest replace him?

I have a feeling more than just a handful of alums shared doubts about Wojo's ability today over a beer after the debacle he put on the floor at Wintrust. He seems to be a stubborn person that doesn't learn from experience well. That doesn't bode well for the future. I'm excited about the incoming class, but I wish I had the same faith that Wojo would grow alongside his players. Time will tell, but four years in, his advancement feels awfully limited.

And at this point in the year, and even into his tenure, we already know who will defend him and who will be upset with him. For some, Wojo does no wrong, and for others, he does nothing right. Regardless of the camp you fall into, today was embarrassing. It's hard to find an upside.

[WhiteTrash]

IMO Wojo is not going anywhere. He is coming back, no doubt. While it is disappointing we missed the NCAA 3 of his first 4 years, this is a young team and there is real hope next year should be very good. Even if we don't play up to expectations next year and Wojo is fired, there will be some collateral benefit to MU by showing the coaching community that MU is good place to work and will give you time to get your program going.

As for the question of who's next if we ever fire Wojo? In my experience in business, that is the second question you answer. The first is; is the current person the right one for the job? if the answer is no, then you move on as quickly as possible (that's why I say Wojo's seat is ice cold until the day the he is fired). MU should not be worried about any current players leaving (or all of them as some chicken littles on this board have suggested, which I don't think has ever happened). MU will have plenty of great coaches to choose from if they have an opening. Except for weather, which every Big East and Big Ten team deals with, what is MU lacking?

[connie]

I think the number calling for firing is about the same as those crying "Stay calm.  All is well."  I am critical of the "wait until next year" crowd because I think they fail to give enough weight to where we actually are and what we have actually seen, even as I agree it is next year that should be decisive.  I look at next year because I agree any new hire likely leads to upheaval, and I want to give Wojo the chance, but don't think we have to be locked into low expectations simply because of the fear of the unknown.

[Anti-Dentite]

I think the number calling for firing is about the same as those crying "Stay calm.  All is well."  I am critical of the "wait until next year" crowd because I think they fail to give enough weight to where we actually are and what we have actually seen, even as I agree it is next year that should be decisive.  I look at next year because I agree any new hire likely leads to upheaval, and I want to give Wojo the chance, but don't think we have to be locked into low expectations simply because of the fear of the unknown.

I'm right there with you, well stated.

[Its DJOver]

I think the number calling for firing is about the same as those crying "Stay calm.  All is well."  I am critical of the "wait until next year" crowd because I think they fail to give enough weight to where we actually are and what we have actually seen, even as I agree it is next year that should be decisive.  I look at next year because I agree any new hire likely leads to upheaval, and I want to give Wojo the chance, but don't think we have to be locked into low expectations simply because of the fear of the unknown.

I think you are missing my point. On a normal off-season, if it were to open up, the MU job would be one of the best available. This off-season it may not even be top 5. Now if we were to do an internal hire, that would be a different story. But my guess is that Stan would be at about the same level as wojo so the BOT likely would want a nation wide search.

[hairy worthen]

You may be right, however, you have to keep in mind, that the NCAA very well may lower the boom on the "blue bloods" involved in this scandal..like, what if Louisville gets the death penalty?? What if Michigan state is banned from the tourney for a year or two and suffers scholarship reductions?? What if Arizona NEVER recovers from the punishment they may get?? With the black cloud hovering over them, those jobs may not be as attractive to someone as they would have been without all of this.

Who lowers  the boom on the ncaa? If the problem is this wide spread then the governing entity is doing a piss poor job of governing. A new system needs to be implemented and who knows how that will shake out. Power conferences may say screw it we will do this ourselves leaving everyone else outside looking in.

[Mu2323]

I am giving WOJO one more year or I am done with this team/the future. Next years team will be the best team MU has had since the Elite 8 Run 5 years ago. This team with the size additions next year + Hauser should be in contention to win the Big East outright and battling for a 3-4 Seed in the NCAA tournament. If they fail to make the tournament next year WOJO needs to be fired.

IMO Rausey leaving is a wash with Howard playing. You cannot have both on the floor at the same time so its a wash having one leave.

What is most upsetting to me is that we find ways to win @ Seton Hall, @ Providence and @ Creighton but find a way to lose @ St.Johns, @ Depaul. Those are just inexcusable losses if we want to be a good team again.

Also for next year we should lose maybe 1 game at home the whole year.

[willie warrior]

OK. So it is a given by the experts here that Wojo needs 5 years to make or break. Many seem to believe that we have the talent. We all know that Wojo has lots of resources. In addition, it looks that there may be a big upheaval in college BB with the FBI scandal. (We will see about that). So what should be the minimum acceptable results for next year to put out the red carpet for Wojo. This would be a good scenario:
1. Compete for BEast regular season title--at least a top 3 finish.
2. A deep run in BEast tourney
3. A top 15 ranking
4. Regular season record of at least 23-7
5. NCAA tourney regional seed of 4 or better
6. No one and done in tourney
7. Improved home attendance.
The above should be easily attainable given the assets Wojo/MU has, and the support many on this board have advocated on Wojo, and their reasons why we should be so good.

[brewcity77]

I'm not on the fire Wojo train, but my list starts with Dan Hurley. Knows the East Coast where our league is most present, is a solid coach on both offense and defense, and is a proven winner.

[Its DJOver]

OK. So it is a given by the experts here that Wojo needs 5 years to make or break. Many seem to believe that we have the talent. We all know that Wojo has lots of resources. In addition, it looks that there may be a big upheaval in college BB with the FBI scandal. (We will see about that). So what should be the minimum acceptable results for next year to put out the red carpet for Wojo. This would be a good scenario:
1. Compete for BEast regular season title--at least a top 3 finish.
2. A deep run in BEast tourney
3. A top 15 ranking
4. Regular season record of at least 23-7
5. NCAA tourney regional seed of 4 or better
6. No one and done in tourney
7. Improved home attendance.
The above should be easily attainable given the assets Wojo/MU has, and the support many on this board have advocated on Wojo, and their reasons why we should be so good.

I think that these are reasonable for next year, but if we only reach the rank of 16, and get a 5 seed in the tourney, but achieve the other goals listed (semi final appearance in NYC, top 3 finish etc.) Would you say that he underavieved?

[nyg]

I'm not on the fire Wojo train, but my list starts with Dan Hurley. Knows the East Coast where our league is most present, is a solid coach on both offense and defense, and is a proven winner.

His name is now being bantered for Louisville job. 

[brewcity77]

His name is now being bantered for Louisville job.

He'll be rumored for any big jobs, but I think the Big East is the best fit for him. Louisville will be interesting, I'd think any smart coach would ask for 10 years guaranteed because that could be a really tough and long rebuild depending on what the NCAA does with them.

[WarriorDad]

I have a feeling more than just a handful of alums shared doubts about Wojo's ability today over a beer after the debacle he put on the floor at Wintrust. He seems to be a stubborn person that doesn't learn from experience well. That doesn't bode well for the future. I'm excited about the incoming class, but I wish I had the same faith that Wojo would grow alongside his players. Time will tell, but four years in, his advancement feels awfully limited.

And at this point in the year, and even into his tenure, we already know who will defend him and who will be upset with him. For some, Wojo does no wrong, and for others, he does nothing right. Regardless of the camp you fall into, today was embarrassing. It's hard to find an upside.

I have yet to meet someone that says Wojo does no wrong.  Next year is critical.  Yesterday was embarrassing every bit as much as beating Creighton last week in Omaha was exciting (ask Nova how they did in Omaha yesterday).  Young teams are inconsistent, which I believe most fans knew that was the situation this year. NIT.  Some highs, some lows.  Some Oh My God moments (both good and bad).   Next year he won't have that luxury and will need to get to NCAAs, finish in top 5 of conference. 

When we try to look for an upside in one game, that isn't going to bode well overall.  Look at the season, not 1/30th.  Younger teams have wilder swings.

[Its DJOver]

I have yet to meet someone that says Wojo does no wrong.  Next year is critical.  Yesterday was embarrassing every bit as much as beating Creighton last week in Omaha was exciting (ask Nova how they did in Omaha yesterday).  Young teams are inconsistent, which I believe most fans knew that was the situation this year. NIT.  Some highs, some lows.  Some Oh My God moments (both good and bad).   Next year he won't have that luxury and will need to get to NCAAs, finish in top 5 of conference. 

When we try to look for an upside in one game, that isn't going to bode well overall.  Look at the season, not 1/30th.  Younger teams have wilder swings.

Agree with everything here except that with the steps back that other programs are likely to take, we should be top 3.

Now if we finish 4th but win a game or two in the tourney that makes up for it, but no reason we shouldn't expect top 3 with the roster we'll have.

[burger]

Hurley......

[willie warrior]

I think that these are reasonable for next year, but if we only reach the rank of 16, and get a 5 seed in the tourney, but achieve the other goals listed (semi final appearance in NYC, top 3 finish etc.) Would you say that he underavieved?

I would say that we are very near where we should be. remember...we are not even close to that now.

[Galway Eagle]

OK. So it is a given by the experts here that Wojo needs 5 years to make or break. Many seem to believe that we have the talent. We all know that Wojo has lots of resources. In addition, it looks that there may be a big upheaval in college BB with the FBI scandal. (We will see about that). So what should be the minimum acceptable results for next year to put out the red carpet for Wojo. This would be a good scenario:
1. Compete for BEast regular season title--at least a top 3 finish.
2. A deep run in BEast tourney
3. A top 15 ranking
4. Regular season record of at least 23-7
5. NCAA tourney regional seed of 4 or better
6. No one and done in tourney
7. Improved home attendance.
The above should be easily attainable given the assets Wojo/MU has, and the support many on this board have advocated on Wojo, and their reasons why we should be so good.

Attendance improvement would be nice but if ticket prices increase then you can't expect it. Usually an increase comes the year after a successful season like the White Sox averaged 15k less fans when they won the World Series than they did the next year without making the playoffs

[GoldenDieners32]

This season is over. Next year is our year

[GoldenWarrior11]

There's still basketball left to be played this year, but when it is time to reflect on this season and review the current state of the program, this has to be reinforced: from the resources that Marquette puts into its program, to its tradition and history, to its conference affiliation, to its fan support and to its continued ability to be a top-25 program each and every year, having four of five years missing the NCAA Tournament is simply unacceptable.  Blaming Buzz, stressing the rebuild, promoting the notion that our coaching staff is still learning and growing or going back to the excuse that our team is too young, simply won't cut it anymore.  The days of making excuses should be over. 

[Galway Eagle]

There's still basketball left to be played this year, but when it is time to reflect on this season and review the current state of the program, this has to be reinforced: from the resources that Marquette puts into its program, to its tradition and history, to its conference affiliation, to its fan support and to its continued ability to be a top-25 program each and every year, having four of five years missing the NCAA Tournament is simply unacceptable.  Blaming Buzz, stressing the rebuild, promoting the notion that our coaching staff is still learning and growing or going back to the excuse that our team is too young, simply won't cut it anymore.  The days of making excuses should be over.

Those days will be over after mid March... or early March if we choke and don't even make the NIT

[WarriorDad]

There's still basketball left to be played this year, but when it is time to reflect on this season and review the current state of the program, this has to be reinforced: from the resources that Marquette puts into its program, to its tradition and history, to its conference affiliation, to its fan support and to its continued ability to be a top-25 program each and every year, having four of five years missing the NCAA Tournament is simply unacceptable.  Blaming Buzz, stressing the rebuild, promoting the notion that our coaching staff is still learning and growing or going back to the excuse that our team is too young, simply won't cut it anymore.  The days of making excuses should be over.

Georgetown, Butler, Xavier, Creighton, none are top 25 every year.  There are only 25 slots, and about 120 schools legitimately fighting for that top 25 each year.   Excuse or not, is our team not young?  Is Markus not 18?  Are we small but getting bigger next year with recruits and transfers?  Why call them excuses when they are also factual?  Next year is big, but this year is exactly how many thought it would be.  NIT team, young with ups and downs.