Wojo's next stop

[Warrior of Law]

All of these options seem reasonable to me, although I'm thinking returning to MU may not be a choice for him.

[5DollarPitcher]

He will be back at MU.  The school will be completely silent to the gnashing of teeth from fed-up fans and students.  The program is what they intended it to be.

[Johnny B]

lol dumb. hes back at mu next year barring like only 1 more win this year

[CountryRoads]

The move for Wojo should be to go back to Duke as Associate Head Coach and then roll the dice and maybe K will quit mid year and wojo can take over and pull a Gard.

[mug644]

The move for Wojo should be to go back to Duke as Associate Head Coach and then roll the dice and maybe K will quit mid year and wojo can take over and pull a Gard.

Actually, while watching a bit of Duke game last night, I wondered about why Chris Carrawell opted to leave Wojo and MU to go back to Duke, for the equal position. Did he feel that Wojo was not a branch of K’s tree that he wanted to be out on, so he went back to the trunk? Did he realize that Wojo is not the leader that he expected?

Then again, maybe the noon games just weren’t as good as when Travis was there.

[cheese ball chaser]

Remember when people actually thought he would "bolt" for Duke 😂😂😂

[Dr. Blackheart]

Actually, while watching a bit of Duke game last night, I wondered about why Chris Carrawell opted to leave Wojo and MU to go back to Duke, for the equal position. Did he feel that Wojo was not a branch of K’s tree that he wanted to be out on, so he went back to the trunk? Did he realize that Wojo is not the leader that he expected?

Then again, maybe the noon games just weren’t as good as when Travis was there.

Carrawell wanted to be near his son who was playing in NC in high school and now plays for UNCC

[Silent Verbal]

Actually, while watching a bit of Duke game last night, I wondered about why Chris Carrawell opted to leave Wojo and MU to go back to Duke, for the equal position. Did he feel that Wojo was not a branch of K’s tree that he wanted to be out on, so he went back to the trunk? Did he realize that Wojo is not the leader that he expected?

Then again, maybe the noon games just weren’t as good as when Travis was there.

I think Carrawell was generally considered dead weight anyway, and being at Duke is better than being at Marquette under any circumstances, especially with Wojo running the show at MU.  Losing Stan and Brad "The Shot Doctor" Nelson (Physician, heal thyself!) probably actually hurt, but Carrawell's departure just meant one less guy lacing them up in the lunchtime league.

I do believe I recall seeing Carrawell with Scheyer and Coach K posing with Jalen Johnson in Johnson's living room, Carrawell looking fat and happy that he was back inside the soft bubble of the Duke program under K.

[mug644]

Carrawell wanted to be near his son who was playing in NC in high school and now plays for ECU.

Useful tidbit that could be an explanation. Thanks.

[dgies9156]

For the upteenth time, Wojo isn't going anywhere this year.

1) Big Buyout. Bad time.

2) Revenue -- what the impact will be is anyone's guess.

3) Covid-19 year. Limited practice, exceptional uncertainty.

Candidly, if you're going to sack him, after next year will be the time. A new coach has a fighting chance of holding the team together and could walk in and make this team really hum. The transition would be accelerated.

[brewcity77]

A new coach has a fighting chance of holding the team together and could walk in and make this team really hum. The transition would be accelerated.

Who cares about holding the team together? Wojo held the 2014 team together, what was that worth? And with new transfer rules, it's even less likely.

The only new coach worth having is the one that can build their own team. If we get rid of Wojo, I'm not counting on anyone staying, nor should the new hire be motivated by that.

[panda]

I think Wojo needs to start seriously considering his next job prospects. It's not going to work here and he's basically interviewing for his next stop. The next couple of months will be interesting.

[Silent Verbal]

Who cares about holding the team together? Wojo held the 2014 team together, what was that worth? And with new transfer rules, it's even less likely.

He held it together until mid-December of his first season, when the best basketball player on the team transferred.  But I agree with your point.

[jutaw22mu]

LMAO at the notion he could be an analyst for any network—you sorta have to understand the game in order to land such a gig.

[onepost]

Candidly, if you're going to sack him, after next year will be the time. A new coach has a fighting chance of holding the team together and could walk in and make this team really hum. The transition would be accelerated.

Like Carton, Garcia, and Lewis aren't gonna want to bolt the moment their names are even hinted at in the draft.

[Billy Hoyle]

Like Carton, Garcia, and Lewis aren't gonna want to bolt the moment their names are even hinted at in the draft.

Carton will have to sit. Minnesota will be all over Garcia and plenty of east Coast majors (e.g. Maryland, Rutgers) will be courting Lewis.

[HutchwasClutch]

Carton will have to sit. Minnesota will be all over Garcia and plenty of east Coast majors (e.g. Maryland, Rutgers) will be courting Lewis.

I was thinking earlier tonight, when will dominos start falling of our players, especially the good ones, say enough of this crap, I can do so much better than this empty suit.  I’m surprised it hasn’t happened yet.  These guys seem as dispirited as the people here are, how could you not be?

[HutchwasClutch]

LMAO at the notion he could be an analyst for any network—you sorta have to understand the game in order to land such a gig.

Have you really listened to some of these analysts? He could talk a good enough game and he looks good. I could see it happening. 

[jutaw22mu]

Have you really listened to some of these analysts? He could talk a good enough game and he looks good. I could see it happening.

True, some of the analysts are really bad. But he doesn’t have the personality to make up for lack of bball IQ.

[brewcity77]

He's got enough basketball IQ. Just because he doesn't have the ability to manage a high-major team to our level of expectations doesn't mean he can't convey X's & O's to a rudimentary audience.

[HutchwasClutch]

True, some of the analysts are really bad. But he doesn’t have the personality to make up for lack of bball IQ.

He would need a veteran and solid play by play guy to overcome his general dullness.

[We R Final Four]

Who cares about holding the team together? Wojo held the 2014 team together, what was that worth? And with new transfer rules, it's even less likely.

The only new coach worth having is the one that can build their own team. If we get rid of Wojo, I'm not counting on anyone staying, nor should the new hire be motivated by that.

I agree. We’ve seen enough. Chico’s loves to tell us who will be leaving etc. so it’s not wise. We have a young talented roster this year....can’t play the well wait til this guy( and his rankings)  comes in next year.

[Silent Verbal]

The issue isn’t basketball IQ, it’s charisma.  Wojo has none, he’s one of the blandest, most boring speakers I’ve seen.  Wright and Cooley have charisma, they’d be good in the booth or studio.  Wojo?  Not so much.

[We R Final Four]

The issue isn’t basketball IQ, it’s charisma.  Wojo has none, he’s one of the blandest, most boring speakers I’ve seen.  Wright and Cooley have charisma, they’d be good in the booth or studio.  Wojo?  Not so much.

Dumb. The issue is W’s. You’re hatred of Wojo is clouding your mind now.
Charisma? That’s what you’re going with? Ok

[Silent Verbal]

Dumb. The issue is W’s. You’re hatred of Wojo is clouding your mind now.
Charisma? That’s what you’re going with? Ok

I was referring to him getting a job as a network analyst or color commentator.

[We R Final Four]

I was referring to him getting a job as a network analyst or color commentator.

Ha—my bad.
By the end of your posting tonight he’ll not only be fired from mu, never coach again......to getting booed off the set of a streamed college basketball game in th e future cuz he’s so boooiring.
I hate MUBB so much....I wish I could just post about t on every thread all the time

[Silent Verbal]

Ha—my bad.
By the end of your posting tonight he’ll not only be fired from mu, never coach again......to getting booed off the set of a streamed college basketball game in th e future cuz he’s so boooiring.
I hate MUBB so much....I wish I could just post about t on every thread all the time

Having charisma is part of the job of a color commentator.  Pete Gillen is a charismatic and upbeat guy, but his commentary is bad because he’s a dinosaur and the game has passed him by.  Steve Lavin is also charismatic, but he’s far better in the studio than doing a game, where he’s pretty awful.

I don’t think Wojo would be cut out for the job.  That’s what I’m saying.

[We R Final Four]

Having charisma is part of the job of a color commentator.  Pete Gillen is a charismatic and upbeat guy, but his commentary is bad because he’s a dinosaur and the game has passed him by.  Steve Lavin is also charismatic, but he’s far better in the studio than doing a game, where he’s pretty awful.

I don’t think Wojo would be cut out for the job.  That’s what I’m saying.

So what you are saying is wojo’s:
Not a HM coach
He maybe a MM coach (if you like losing)
He best suited as an assistant...but not any more.
He can’t be a color guy cuz he’s boring.
He can’t be a play by play guy cuz he sux.
I was thinking he maybe safe as a postman but you may sic your pit bull on him.

[WarriorFan]

He and Dickie Simpkins can just trade places.

[willie warrior]

Equipment Manager at a D3 school.

[mileskishnish72]

He could be a commentator - hell, he's almost as good a coach as Lappas was.

[Hards Alumni]

He could be a commentator - hell, he's almost as good a coach as Lappas was.

He's got the coach speak and the ability to say words without meaning.  He would be a fine commentator.

[cheebs09]

He and Dickie Simpkins can just trade places.

Our social media team would have the best hashtags.

[WarriorPride68]

Is Wendy’s hiring?

[CTWarrior]

LMAO at the notion he could be an analyst for any network—you sorta have to understand the game in order to land such a gig.

Dickie Simpkins says hello.

[BrewCity83]

Is Wendy’s Arby's hiring?

FIFY

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Is Wendy’s hiring?

Sir, this is am Arby's.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

I don't think Wojo is going anywhere, but frankly, at this point I don't see how the admin can't make a move.

I've never been on the fire wojo bandwagon, but moreso because I was worried about what it would do to our recruiting class and returning players.  Well, next years recruiting class isn't impressive at all IMO, and I think that Carton/Garcia are probably a coinflip to stay regardless of what happens. 

It is time to move on.   

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

We are at the point after this year where they would have to extend for recruiting purposes.  So here are the options.

1. Fire him and pay out the buyout.  Obviously the negative here is the University's financial situation.
2. Keep him and extend him.  PR nightmare, even if you lower the guaranteed money.
3. Keep him and don't extend him.  Least expensive option but twists him in the wind recruiting wise.

IMO you have to do #1 or #2.  #3 signals you aren't sold on the guy but don't have the balls to make a change.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I don't think Wojo is going anywhere, but frankly, at this point I don't see how the admin can't make a move.

I've never been on the fire wojo bandwagon, but moreso because I was worried about what it would do to our recruiting class and returning players.  Well, next years recruiting class isn't impressive at all IMO, and I think that Carton/Garcia are probably a coinflip to stay regardless of what happens. 

It is time to move on.

Personally I'm excited about Aidoo and Mitchell. I think Aidoo ends up being a top 50 recruit by the time he gets here (already top 33 on Rivals) and I think Mitchell is currently underranked. Jones looks like a project. That being said, keeping a recruiting class together is never reason to keep a coach, especially with intsa-transfers becoming a thing.

In a normal year, I think Wojo would be gone at the end of the season (barring an incredible run to end the season).  Unfortunately, this isn't a normal year. Marquette is getting torched for laying off 1.3% of their staff and that's barely making a dent in the financial hardship brought on by COVID. Paying millions to fire a coach and hire a new one just isn't going to fly in the current climate.

I think the only path forward (barring a run to end the season) is to Harbaugh Wojo. Trade a recruiting extension for a lower buyout and give Wojo the chance to bet on himself next season to keep his job.

[4everwarriors]

Eye woodant keep any coach on da "what if" his incumin' recruits are da bomb. If a change iz warranted, ya make da change, hey?

[JTBMU7]

We are at the point after this year where they would have to extend for recruiting purposes.  So here are the options.

1. Fire him and pay out the buyout.  Obviously the negative here is the University's financial situation.
2. Keep him and extend him.  PR nightmare, even if you lower the guaranteed money.
3. Keep him and don't extend him.  Least expensive option but twists him in the wind recruiting wise.

IMO you have to do #1 or #2.  #3 signals you aren't sold on the guy but don't have the balls to make a change.

Assuming we continue on the trajectory this season has been headed on I can see them extending but restructuring, similar to what UM did with Harbaugh. You cant' have a coach on a one year deal as it ruins any ability to recruit so you're just screwing yourself. Set it up so it's 5 years, incentive-based and with a lower buyout so you can move on if needed. Next year is make/break, especially if we return DJ, Garcia and JL.

[Galway Eagle]

If 2 or all of Lewis Garcia and Carton leave then I say can Wojo no matter what. If they come back give Wojo his shot next year to avoid the optics of paying his buyout during the financial hardships.

[4everwarriors]

Herd Walmart's hirin' greeters, hey?

[hairy worthen]

Eye woodant keep any coach on da "what if" his incumin' recruits are da bomb. If a change iz warranted, ya make da change, hey?

Same goes for being afraid of losing existing players to transfer. All these so called high level recruits that everyone gets their panties wet for aren’t translating into wins.

[MU24]

As long as MU has a TV contract they will not care about how good the program is. As long as they are part of the big east and as long as other good teams are part of the conference, they will not care.

[GoldenWarrior11]

A lot, not much though, of basketball left, but the trajectory is neither inspiring nor acceptable.  Buyout aside, if a head coach is not the fit now, then why trust that coach to recruit another season?  If finances are driving the decision, the potential of lost revenues (between tournament credits, fan support and attendance) could very well be higher than the buyout.  I don’t think a number of posters are giving enough credit to our administration.  They recognize basketball as a very valuable tool to promote and represent the school.  It does not take an analytical basketball expert to see the growing list of concerns we have, and more that we will have as far as routine and regular roster turnover this season.

I do think Wojo returns to Duke as assistant head coach.  That will buy him time to rebuild his resume and pursue another mid-to-high major job in a few seasons.  IMO, Wojo needs to exit his Duke bubble and either take a mid-major job or even take lead assistant job from an outside circle.  He needs to diversify his understanding and instruction of the game.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Assuming we continue on the trajectory this season has been headed on I can see them extending but restructuring, similar to what UM did with Harbaugh. You cant' have a coach on a one year deal as it ruins any ability to recruit so you're just screwing yourself. Set it up so it's 5 years, incentive-based and with a lower buyout so you can move on if needed. Next year is make/break, especially if we return DJ, Garcia and JL.

I don't disagree with you.  I just hope MU understands that this will not be received well regardless and Fiserv could get pretty ugly next year.

[Warrior of Law]

Publicly, Scholl-Lovell will say that a one-year blip is to expected in the sport (see Wisconsin a few years ago, Duke & Kentucky this year).  Privately, they have to realize that the program is going nowhere and peaking at sub-.500 in conference play.

[HutchwasClutch]

I don't disagree with you.  I just hope MU understands that this will not be received well regardless and Fiserv could get pretty ugly next year.

For the fans that bother showing up, yes it will be very ugly. 

[WarriorFan]

Now is the time.  IMHO he's lost the team.  Extend the search and create some excitement by turfing him now.  Don't pay the buyout.  Give him a job teaching PE to freshman and mopping floors at Helfaer. 

I predict massive transfers and pro defections.  Sy will go down a level to where he can play.  Carton, Lewis and Garcia will go pro.  Dex will go somewhere that wants him.  In other words, now is the time. 

[HutchwasClutch]

Publicly, Scholl-Lovell will say that a one-year blip is to expected in the sport (see Wisconsin a few years ago, Duke & Kentucky this year).  Privately, they have to realize that the program is going nowhere and peaking at sub-.500 in conference play.

If they would use that as an argument, it would be comically stupid as there’s no comparison of our last 7 seasons to Kentucky, Duke, and Wisconsin to excuse a supposed one off season of ours.

[cheebs09]

Assuming we continue on the trajectory this season has been headed on I can see them extending but restructuring, similar to what UM did with Harbaugh. You cant' have a coach on a one year deal as it ruins any ability to recruit so you're just screwing yourself. Set it up so it's 5 years, incentive-based and with a lower buyout so you can move on if needed. Next year is make/break, especially if we return DJ, Garcia and JL.

You’d almost have to leak through Ben Steele or a Dodds that the buyout was renegotiated to temper the reactions of fans.

I don’t know that MU would that as it would undercut Wojo on the recruiting trail and put a cloud over the team.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Now is the time.  IMHO he's lost the team.  Extend the search and create some excitement by turfing him now.  Don't pay the buyout.  Give him a job teaching PE to freshman and mopping floors at Helfaer. 

He hasn't lost the team.  And giving him another job makes no sense since you have to pay the buyout anyway.

[HutchwasClutch]

He hasn't lost the team.

Really? How do you come to that conclusion? Team’s effort has been spotty at best, a telltale sign a coach has lost the players and their confidence in him. 

[panda]

Really? How do you come to that conclusion? Team’s effort has been spotty at best, a telltale sign a coach has lost the players and their confidence in him.

Saying he’s lost the team implies poor chemistry. I don’t see that necessarily.

What I do see is a disconnect between players and coach on how to execute. That has been getting worse and worse all season.

The players haven’t quit on their coach or their teammates, it’s just a rudderless ship.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Really? How do you come to that conclusion? Team’s effort has been spotty at best, a telltale sign a coach has lost the players and their confidence in him. 

I don't think the effort has been a problem at all.

Saying he’s lost the team implies poor chemistry. I don’t see that necessarily.

What I do see is a disconnect between players and coach on how to execute. That has been getting worse and worse all season.

The players haven’t quit on their coach or their teammates, it’s just a rudderless ship.

Yes.  This I agree with.  Whatever he is coaching, not all of it is getting through.

[tower912]

His teams have never taken on the personality he had as a player.   

[dinger]

We are at the point after this year where they would have to extend for recruiting purposes.  So here are the options.

1. Fire him and pay out the buyout.  Obviously the negative here is the University's financial situation.
2. Keep him and extend him.  PR nightmare, even if you lower the guaranteed money.
3. Keep him and don't extend him.  Least expensive option but twists him in the wind recruiting wise.

IMO you have to do #1 or #2.  #3 signals you aren't sold on the guy but don't have the balls to make a change.

4. Gently nudge him toward a MWC or A10 job like Iowa did with a middling Steve Alford (not totally fair because Steve Alford was a huuuuuuuge tool and I don't hate Wojo personally). Cancel his buyout to help make it happen. Honestly I think Wojo would do well at that level (much like Alford did at New Mexico)

Their records and fan approval are similar. Besides with the MU restructuring, they'll want to get as much liability off the books as they can all at once this year. I can't imagine the athletic department wanting to go back to the well for a buyout a year after a huge university restructuring.

[cheebs09]

His teams have never taken on the personality he had as a player.   

When he was hired, I thought we’d be a tough nosed defensive team. I worried he’d be able to recruit offensive talent to Marquette.

We’ve pretty much been the opposite.

[tower912]

He has recruited offensive talent to Marquette.    He has not recruited tough minded defenders and switchables to Marquette.   

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Yeah, I don't see where the "lost the team" or "lack of effort" narratives have come from. I think we are seeing an inexperienced team not executing well. Which is fine at the beginning of the season. The problem is that I'm not seeing improvement on the execution as the season goes along.

Personally, I think he overcoaches. Makes it too complicated in an effort to avoid making mistakes...which of course leads to mistakes.

I did like the defense last night. There was a higher level of intensity and the rotations and close outs were more crisp. Obviously not on a 100% of plays but I think we made Providence uncomfortable and jack up a lot of bad shots. Couldn't get it to result in turnovers though.

[GooooMarquette]

When he was hired, I thought we’d be a tough nosed defensive team. I worried he’d be able to recruit offensive talent to Marquette.

We’ve pretty much been the opposite.

I thought the same thing - in fact, I assumed one of the biggest perks would be a continuation of the scrappy, hard-nosed style we developed under Buzz.

[4everwarriors]

Yeah, haven't seen anyone get down and slap the floor a few times, hey?