[Cracked Sidewalks] New Marquette AD faces daunting task

[CrackedSidewalksSays]

New Marquette AD faces daunting task

Written by: NY Warrior

Now that Tom Crean has cast his lot with the Indiana Hoosiers, Marquette faces the unenviable task of starting anew.

Steve Cottingham, Marquette's newly minted AD, will lead the effort to find a new head basketball coach just 36 days after taking over the reigns of an athletic department for the first time.  Cottingham has never hired a coach before  (a scenario which made Cracked Sidewalks ask "Why Cottingham" when he was originally announced).  Cottingham now faces the daunting challenge of replacing the man who, along with strong support from the administration and alumni, rebuilt the Marquette program to heights only surpassed by the legendary Al McGuire.

Given MU's willingness to pay Tom Crean top-dollar to run the program, there's no reason to believe that the administration will pare back its commitment to maintaining a high level of success with the men's basketball program.  In the past, Marquette University President Robert Wild has indicated that a successful men's basketball program is a key aspect of his overall strategy for the university.   As long as Father Wild remains at MU, expect the Golden Eagles to invest in hoops.

Considering the administration's long-term commitment to hoops, Cottingham should have the resources to land a very desirable candidate.  Of course, he'll need to because this hire will define his tenure at Marquette.

With first-class facilities, strong support from the administration, a large budget, a burgeoning fan base, expanded online coverage, and a strong roster of returning talent (we hope), the Marquette coaching job is as appealing as it's been in a long time.  Now it's time to fill it with a candidate who can continue the momentum the program has built during the past nine seasons.

Steve Cottingham is on the clock.

......much more to come here on Cracked Sidewalks, check back often!

http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2008/04/new-marquette-ad-faces-daunting-task.html

[mwbauer7]

Nice plug for CS!

[NYWarrior]

Nice plug for CS!

hahaa......well, a bit of smart assery is fun once in a while.

Cottingham - - man, what a spot he's in right now