Top of the Food Chain

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I don't know who said it, but a poster did make an argument for firing Wojo this season that made sense to me. If Shaka were to somehow keep his job at Texas, MU could very well be the top job available on the market this season. That does give me some pause as it could that theoretically mean that we would have our pick of coaches. And despite my skepticism at Keefe' Beilein carpet bombing last night, maybe if he is desperate to get back into college coaching (he certainly can afford to wait a year if he wants), we could land him. So what jobs could legitimately come open that MU would have to compete with? This is what I came up with:

Texas
Miami (FL)
Kansas State
Wake Forest
Utah
Georgia Tech (unlikely)
Oregon State (unlikely)
Boston College (unlikely)
Northwestern (unlikely)

Did I miss anyone? There's usually one surprise departure that no one is expecting (though I think the national media would say MU is that surprise departure if it were to happen). I don't think any of the big name coaches are looking at retiring. Maybe the NBA picks off one of the top coaches but that usually doesn't happen until mid-summer. If Shaka hangs on and if this is the competition, then we may be at the top of the coaching search food chain.

All this being said, I think the point is moot. Wojo won't be fired this season. I don't think he will leave for another job either. I think Wojo is more of the stubbornly prove them wrong type then the cut and run type.

Here's hoping I'm looking back at this thread in late March and early April feeling silly after a deep postseason run.

[LAZER]

Minnesota

[MUDPT]

I was also going to say Minnesota. Also, lots of Indiana fans have been making similar coaching complaints for months...

[Silent Verbal]

"I think Wojo is more the stubbornly prove them wrong type than the cut and run type."

The morning the Hausers transferred, there was a thread about the possibility of it happening.  IIRC, you dug in and gave a bunch of reasons why their transfer wouldn't make sense.  And then that ten minute window occurred where everybody with sources found out before it was officially announced, and you posted something to the effect of, "I may need to take that last post back."  And sure enough, right after that the news came out.  Just saying.

To the point of your thread, even if the Texas job opens up, they'll probably go after someone like Beard before anyone else.  So MU may well be in the unique position of being the most attractive job on the market.

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

I don't know who said it, but a poster did make an argument for firing Wojo this season that made sense to me. If Shaka were to somehow keep his job at Texas, MU could very well be the top job available on the market this season. That does give me some pause as it could that theoretically mean that we would have our pick of coaches. And despite my skepticism at Keefe' Beilein carpet bombing last night, maybe if he is desperate to get back into college coaching (he certainly can afford to wait a year if he wants), we could land him. So what jobs could legitimately come open that MU would have to compete with? This is what I came up with:

Texas
Miami (FL)
Kansas State
Wake Forest
Utah
Georgia Tech (unlikely)
Oregon State (unlikely)
Boston College (unlikely)
Northwestern (unlikely)

Did I miss anyone? There's usually one surprise departure that no one is expecting (though I think the national media would say MU is that surprise departure if it were to happen). I don't think any of the big name coaches are looking at retiring. Maybe the NBA picks off one of the top coaches but that usually doesn't happen until mid-summer. If Shaka hangs on and if this is the competition, then we may be at the top of the coaching search food chain.

All this being said, I think the point is moot. Wojo won't be fired this season. I don't think he will leave for another job either. I think Wojo is more of the stubbornly prove them wrong type then the cut and run type.

Here's hoping I'm looking back at this thread in late March and early April feeling silly after a deep postseason run.

It doesn't matter if you're the best program available.  What matters is if the right fit is available.  MU would most likely hire another assistant or a young coach from a mid major who's turned things around.  That's what they've always done historically.  For those thinking an assistant will get the job......please.  They'll let Wojo play out his contract before that happens.

[Aughnanure]

I would be shocked at Kansas State opening. They literally won the Big 12 last year and had 3 straight tourney appearances (including an Elite 8). That has basically quieted the voices calling for his head pre-2018.

[LAZER]

I don't know who said it, but a poster did make an argument for firing Wojo this season that made sense to me. If Shaka were to somehow keep his job at Texas, MU could very well be the top job available on the market this season. That does give me some pause as it could that theoretically mean that we would have our pick of coaches. And despite my skepticism at Keefe' Beilein carpet bombing last night, maybe if he is desperate to get back into college coaching (he certainly can afford to wait a year if he wants), we could land him. So what jobs could legitimately come open that MU would have to compete with? This is what I came up with:

Texas
Miami (FL)
Kansas State
Wake Forest
Utah
Georgia Tech (unlikely)
Oregon State (unlikely)
Boston College (unlikely)
Northwestern (unlikely)

Did I miss anyone? There's usually one surprise departure that no one is expecting (though I think the national media would say MU is that surprise departure if it were to happen). I don't think any of the big name coaches are looking at retiring. Maybe the NBA picks off one of the top coaches but that usually doesn't happen until mid-summer. If Shaka hangs on and if this is the competition, then we may be at the top of the coaching search food chain.

All this being said, I think the point is moot. Wojo won't be fired this season. I don't think he will leave for another job either. I think Wojo is more of the stubbornly prove them wrong type then the cut and run type.

Here's hoping I'm looking back at this thread in late March and early April feeling silly after a deep postseason run.

I think this scenario (along with the collapse the last couple weeks) changes MU's approach. I think they're much more inclined to start putting together a short list of candidates and putting feelers out there.  Also, it sounds like Beilein is pretty serious about getting back into NCAA.  If he's interested in talking, they've got to explore that avenue.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Minnesota

I was also going to say Minnesota. Also, lots of Indiana fans have been making similar coaching complaints for months...

Minnesota is a good catch. Tough break for Little Richard, I think he has a good team this season but is caught in a very very good year for the B1G.

Indiana I can't see. Their fans will complain about anything.

I would be shocked at Kansas State opening. They literally won the Big 12 last year and had 3 straight tourney appearances (including an Elite 8). That has basically quieted the voices calling for his head pre-2018.

You are probably right. I  should have put an "unlikely" by them. My impression of them was that they had been wanting to get rid of Bruce Weber for a year or two but needed a bad year from him in order to do it.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

I would be shocked at Kansas State opening. They literally won the Big 12 last year and had 3 straight tourney appearances (including an Elite 8). That has basically quieted the voices calling for his head pre-2018.

Would this be the time the Weber finally comes back to Milwaukee?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

"I think Wojo is more the stubbornly prove them wrong type than the cut and run type."

The morning the Hausers transferred, there was a thread about the possibility of it happening.  IIRC, you dug in and gave a bunch of reasons why their transfer wouldn't make sense.  And then that ten minute window occurred where everybody with sources found out before it was officially announced, and you posted something to the effect of, "I may need to take that last post back."  And sure enough, right after that the news came out.  Just saying.

I'm not sure what one has to do with the other.

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Would this be the time the Weber finally comes back to Milwaukee?

NO

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

I've been a quiet supporter of Wojo, and really didn't see the point in firing the guy based on the fact we'd likely just get another up and comer and have another 3-4 year rebuilding process.  But I am turning.  This is a crap show right now, and last night was inexcusable.  I frankly don't think there is enough time to turn this barge around before the NCAAT.  We'll get there - and likely a floor of a 10 seed with two more losses, but my expectations for any sort of run are now zilch. 

That being said, I highly doubt Beilen or any other needle moving coach is coming to Milwaukee.  If it were to happen (still an HUGE if in my mind), it is going to be a TJ Otzelberger, Niko Medved, or Craig Smith type. And then we're in for another shitty half decade.  Hard for me to get too excited about that. 

[f/k/a humanlung]

Give it to Stan.

He knows the program, the culture, the players and the recruits.  I have a limited data set but he sounds like he can coach - actually teaching as opposed to the endless cliches we have been hearing.  Not an expert at all, but from what I have seen and heard, he looks like a real coach. 

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Give it to Stan.

He knows the program, the culture, the players and the recruits.  I have a limited data set but he sounds like a coach - actually teaching as opposed to the endless cliches we have been hearing.  Not an expert at all, but from what I have seen and heard, he looks like a real coach.

Sounds like a coach or looks like a coach isn't something you hang your hat on.  Then again, many people are susceptible to image vs. reality.

[f/k/a humanlung]

Sounds like a coach or looks like a coach isn't something you hang your hat on.  Then again, many people are susceptible to image vs. reality.

Very valid point, as proven by our current coaching situation. 

I edited my post.  Thank you for pointing out my poor choice of phrase.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Haven't there been rumors of Jay Wright to the Knicks? Wouldn't be surprised if Cal left either.

[Litehouse]

I'd be cool with TJ.  But everything else looks kinda meh right now, so I'd rather stick with the meh we know and hope Wojo can keep progressing with next years class.

[SaveOD238]

Would this be the time the Weber finally comes back to Milwaukee?

Would you trade Wojo for Weber?  Would Kansas St fans?

[GoldenWarrior11]

I'm not advocating or promoting, but going off of past searches and the searches that our current leadership has undergone with head coaches, anyone thinking we would go after a proven, successful head coach at the major level is fooling themselves.  If anything, we would likely hire an experienced, successful head coach from a lower conference (at best).  In the last year, Scholl has hired Megan Duffy (Women's Basketball), Andrew Stimmel (Men's Lacrosse) and Frank Pelaez (Women's Soccer); Stimmel and Pelaez had prior MU connections as assistant coaches, and Duffy had a connection to Scholl as a graduate of Notre Dame.  Each not only had been a part of successful, winning programs when they were hired, but they also had Catholic backgrounds at prior stops (Duffy - ND/SJU; Stimmel - MU; Pelaez - MU/Loyola-CHI). 

My guess is that a hypothetical pool would include Brian Wardle (MU alum), Porter Moser (success at Loyola), or T. J. Otzelberger (Milwaukee native).

[Billy Hoyle]

Give it to Stan.

He knows the program, the culture, the players and the recruits.  I have a limited data set but he sounds like he can coach - actually teaching as opposed to the endless cliches we have been hearing.  Not an expert at all, but from what I have seen and heard, he looks like a real coach.

yeah, hiring the top assistant of a coach you've just fired because he "looks the part" screams "high major"

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Would you trade Wojo for Weber?  Would Kansas St fans?

I'm not advocating for weber, i just know that he's been interested in the MU job for a long time.

He's an old meh, IMO.

[asdfasdf]

I'm not advocating or promoting, but going off of past searches and the searches that our current leadership has undergone with head coaches, anyone thinking we would go after a proven, successful head coach at the major level is fooling themselves.  If anything, we would likely hire an experienced, successful head coach from a lower conference (at best).  In the last year, Scholl has hired Megan Duffy (Women's Basketball), Andrew Stimmel (Men's Lacrosse) and Frank Pelaez (Women's Soccer); Stimmel and Pelaez had prior MU connections as assistant coaches, and Duffy had a connection to Scholl as a graduate of Notre Dame.  Each not only had been a part of successful, winning programs when they were hired, but they also had Catholic backgrounds at prior stops (Duffy - ND/SJU; Stimmel - MU; Pelaez - MU/Loyola-CHI). 

My guess is that a hypothetical pool would include Brian Wardle (MU alum), Porter Moser (success at Loyola), or T. J. Otzelberger (Milwaukee native).

Interesting read on the situation. Maybe Scholl would look at an assistant from ND? Rod Balanis fits the bill.

[asdfasdf]

Or, Martin Inglelsby. Former Assistant at Notre Dame from 09-16, current Head Coach at Delaware where he has improved the team every year for 4 years.

[The Sultan]

I think it may not be wise to assume Scholl would run a men's basketball search similar to one where the revenues are much less significant. 

[muguru]

I would be VERY curious to know what the biggest donors to the program are thinking/feeling right now, and just how much sway they might have with Lovell/Scholl.