Xavier Head Coaching Search 2025

[Caveat]

Might as well start a thread.

I'm team "Go get Chris Mack right now and hit the portal hard..." as opposed to dragging this out and having a lengthy search. The longer this goes, the more likely 2025-2026 is going to be a dumpster fire.

[GoMuskies]

No interest in Chris Mack, personally.

[Xavier]

Give me Mack.

But if not him, let’s say we spend 4 million on a coach. I can see bringing the SF coach in for 2.5 and using an extra 1.5 towards NIL. Do we get to use the buyout money towards NIL too?

[drudy23]

No retreads.

It's time to turn the page and build the "new" program with eyes to the future. It requires new ideas and a fresh approach.

The administration has to elevate its thinking. Their careers depend on it, because if it doesn't go well, it's going to have huge impacts on not just the basketball program, but the shine of the university as a whole (and they are already struggling).

This could be very, very bad.

[Caveat]

No retreads.

It's time to turn the page and build the "new" program with eyes to the future. It requires new ideas and a fresh approach.

The administration has to elevate its thinking. Their careers depend on it, because if it doesn't go well, it's going to have huge impacts on not just the basketball program, but the shine of the university as a whole (and they are already struggling).

This could be very, very bad.

Trouble is, I don't trust the university admin / athletic director to hire someone who doesn't have a track record of success with the program.

[drudy23]

Trouble is, I don't trust the university admin / athletic director to hire someone who doesn't have a track record of success with the program.

No one does. That's why the money is going to start to dry up.

They will be forced to make major changes.

[Xavier]

I heard Sean and the President had conversations and couldn’t agree on the commitment level/resources committed to the program. I’ve also heard Greg hasn’t even put flyers out on anyone yet. Typically would happen if you had any concern at all if Coach was leaving.

All rumors, no source. In these times everyone is mad at everyone. Take with grain of salt

[Caveat]

I heard Sean and the President had conversations and couldn’t agree on the commitment level/resources committed to the program. I’ve also heard Greg hasn’t even put flyers out on anyone yet. Typically would happen if you had any concern at all if Coach was leaving.

All rumors, no source. In these times everyone is mad at everyone. Take with grain of salt

Portal opens tomorrow. You're punting on next season if you don't have your plan in place within the next few days.

[Xville]

I heard Sean and the President had conversations and couldn’t agree on the commitment level/resources committed to the program. I’ve also heard Greg hasn’t even put flyers out on anyone yet. Typically would happen if you had any concern at all if Coach was leaving.

All rumors, no source. In these times everyone is mad at everyone. Take with grain of salt

Wouldn’t surprise me. I don’t think this administration knows wtf they are doing. And yeah the school is in financial decline and has been for over a decade now.

[drudy23]

I heard Sean and the President had conversations and couldn’t agree on the commitment level/resources committed to the program. I’ve also heard Greg hasn’t even put flyers out on anyone yet. Typically would happen if you had any concern at all if Coach was leaving.

All rumors, no source. In these times everyone is mad at everyone. Take with grain of salt

I'd really love to uncover the truth on Sean's trust in the X administration getting them to the next level. It needs to be exposed if that was truly the reason Miller left.

You can't be this feel good Midwest story anymore. The new landscape doesn't allow it. You go big or you go home.

[xudash]

[QUOTE=Xville;801151]Wouldn’t surprise me. I don’t think this administration knows wtf they are doing. And yeah the school is in financial decline and has been for over a decade

The school is not in decline. Enough with your idiotic statements. We have every right to be upset about Miller leaving, but there’s no reason to get carried away with your apocalyptic statements.

This administration has a very clear idea of what it’s doing.

[drudy23]

[QUOTE=Xville;801151]Wouldn’t surprise me. I don’t think this administration knows wtf they are doing. And yeah the school is in financial decline and has been for over a decade

The school is not in decline. Enough with your idiotic statements. We have every right to be upset about Miller leaving, but there’s no reason to get carried away with your apocalyptic statements.

They've been bleeding enrollment for years. I guess that was all made up?

[bjf123]

I'd really love to uncover the truth on Sean's trust in the X administration getting them to the next level. It needs to be exposed if that was truly the reason Miller left.

You can't be this feel good Midwest story anymore. The new landscape doesn't allow it. You go big or you go home.

I doubt you’ll hear Sean come right out and say that. The administration sure as hell won’t say it while trying to hire a new coach.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[drudy23]

[QUOTE=Xville;801151]Wouldn’t surprise me. I don’t think this administration knows wtf they are doing. And yeah the school is in financial decline and has been for over a decade

The school is not in decline. Enough with your idiotic statements. We have every right to be upset about Miller leaving, but there’s no reason to get carried away with your apocalyptic statements.

This administration has a very clear idea of what it’s doing.

They've been bleeding enrollment for years. I guess that was all made up?

[Section 200]

[QUOTE=xudash;801161]

They've been bleeding enrollment for years. I guess that was all made up?

Every school in the midwest is lowering enrollment - there are just fewer high school students. Be excited we are adding a medical school!

[xudash]

Drudy, you’re right. The demographic cliff has only affected Xavier University. Every other university in United States has not been affected whatsoever by the demographic cliff. Only Xavier and its massive mismanagement of itself has caused this issue to occur.

Just stop already.

Oh, by the way, as I’ve mentioned before, we have made strategic decisions around enrollment where we reduced it on purpose. That might have something to do with our goals for retention, which affects overall ratings.

[xudash]

As I think you can tell, I had nothing to do with that idiotic statement.

[drudy23]

Drudy, you’re right. The demographic cliff has only affected Xavier University. Every other university in United States has not been affected whatsoever by the demographic cliff. Only Xavier and its massive mismanagement of itself has caused this issue to occur.

Just stop already.

Oh, by the way, as I’ve mentioned before, we have made strategic decisions around enrollment where we reduced it on purpose. That might have something to do with our goals for retention, which affects overall ratings.

Not sure you quite understand the impact the basketball program has had on rise of the university.

The school doesn't survive long term without a thriving and ever improving basketball program.

[sirthought]

Yeah, this school isn't closing any time soon, but they are not doing well. Fewer families willing to pay these sky high tuitions, and those families that do aren't focused on sports. They want money going into research and training opportunities.

NIL has ruined the dream of the little school ascending to glory.

[Xville]

[QUOTE=Xville;801151]Wouldn’t surprise me. I don’t think this administration knows wtf they are doing. And yeah the school is in financial decline and has been for over a decade

The school is not in decline. Enough with your idiotic statements. We have every right to be upset about Miller leaving, but there’s no reason to get carried away with your apocalyptic statements.

This administration has a very clear idea of what it’s doing.

lol sure. Operating decline for years but all is well.

[Xville]

[QUOTE=drudy23;801168]

Every school in the midwest is lowering enrollment - there are just fewer high school students. Be excited we are adding a medical school!

Oh yay! Who cares?

[chico]

Please do not bring back Mack.

Basketball is intrinsically tied to the school's identity. As far as enrollment, many small, private schools are hurting for students. I have no inside information but just assuming that the administration knows this and addressing it, including steps like the medical school.

This is probably a stupid question but what about taking the fundraising you do for the endowment and funnel it into an NIL fund. I know you cannot use existing endowments for NIL but what about new contributions? Now maybe a lot of alums would be up in arms but I'm guessing a fair amount would understand, because basketball was one of the reasons they went to X.

[Section 200]

[QUOTE=Section 200;801172]

Oh yay! Who cares?

Well, if you love Xavier, you want to see the university thrive in all aspects. Adding a medical school is a very big deal that will also help to address the shortage of doctors we have. Basketball is fun and brings us all together but ultimately Xavier is a university and not a pro sports franchise.

[Xville]

[QUOTE=Section 200;801210][QUOTE=Xville;801207]

Well, if you love Xavier, you want to see the university thrive in all aspects. Adding a medical school is a very big deal that will also help to address the shortage of doctors we have. Basketball is fun and brings us all together but ultimately Xavier is a university and not a pro sports franchise.[/QUOTE


Yeah maybe in 50 years x will get the roi back on it. Again, who cares? Basketball is the only reason the school isn’t fucking Regis university in the Midwest. Again, who cares. A medical school whooppe do

[drudy23]

[QUOTE=Xville;801207]

Well, if you love Xavier, you want to see the university thrive in all aspects. Adding a medical school is a very big deal that will also help to address the shortage of doctors we have. Basketball is fun and brings us all together but ultimately Xavier is a university and not a pro sports franchise.

This attitude is where declines start.

When "we're a University first, our jobs is to educate" becomes the narrative to cover up athletic mis-steps. Scary narrative to hold onto. It's almost always a way to save face for failures.

[bjf123]

[QUOTE=Xville;801207]Basketball is fun and brings us all together but ultimately Xavier is a university and not a pro sports franchise.

The incompetence of the NCAA and the Wild West of NIL has essentially made D1 universities pro sports franchises.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[drudy23]

[QUOTE=Section 200;801210][QUOTE=Xville;801207]

Well, if you love Xavier, you want to see the university thrive in all aspects. Adding a medical school is a very big deal that will also help to address the shortage of doctors we have. Basketball is fun and brings us all together but ultimately Xavier is a university and not a pro sports franchise.[/QUOTE


Yeah maybe in 50 years x will get the roi back on it. Again, who cares? Basketball is the only reason the school isn’t fucking Regis university in the Midwest. Again, who cares. A medical school whooppe do

It's amazing how people don't realize the impact basketball has had on this university.

[xudash]

Not sure you quite understand the impact the basketball program has had on rise of the university.

The school doesn't survive long term without a thriving and ever improving basketball program.

I actually believe I understand that as well as anybody.

[HenryMuto]

Damn this sucks I thought when Miller came back he would be here for a long while. The grass isn't always green on the other side I thought he learned getting fired from Arizona.

[drudy23]

Damn this sucks I thought when Miller came back he would be here for a long while. The grass isn't always green on the other side I thought he learned getting fired from Arizona.

He played us.

Fake crocodile tears for self serving purposes. He was never learning a lesson, he was just being an asshat.

[Section 200]

[QUOTE=Section 200;801210]

This attitude is where declines start.

When "we're a University first, our jobs is to educate" becomes the narrative to cover up athletic mis-steps. Scary narrative to hold onto. It's almost always a way to save face for failures.

What missteps are being covered up? The courts allowed unlimited free agency and immediate transfer eligibility. Xavier took a risk and hired Miller - we got a sweet sixteen and a tourney bid and a bunch of publicity. Yes Texas has money than Xavier. Texas probably has the most money of all universities to spend. What was Xavier supposed to do?

[CP05XU08CU13]

Adding a med school should help Xavier, but the running joke while I was at Creighton law school was that that law students paid for the dental and medical schools. Takes a lot more money to educate doctors and dentists than lawyers. I never thought Miller was going to finish his career at Xavier. He was waiting for the right opportunity, and he knows if he wants a chance to compete for national championships then he needs to be a a bigger school with more NIL money. Yes, it sucks, but Xavier needs to get creative. How do you explain the continued success of Gonzaga? Small Jesuit school in Spokane. Marquette has been improving as well. Pretty sure Shaka Smart left Texas to go to Marquette. I think Xavier is desirable job for the right coach. It may not be a destination job for a lot, but should still be able
To bring in a decent coach.

[drudy23]

[QUOTE=drudy23;801213]

What missteps are being covered up? The courts allowed unlimited free agency and immediate transfer eligibility. Xavier took a risk and hired Miller - we got a sweet sixteen and a tourney bid and a bunch of publicity. Yes Texas has money than Xavier. Texas probably has the most money of all universities to spend. What was Xavier supposed to do?

What missteps?

We've been irrelevant for the most part of the last 8 seasons. We've made the tournament twice in 8 years! A coaching hire that set the program back at least 5 years, probably more.

An administration that can't retain coaches. You don't think Miller had conversations with his bosses before all of this went down???

[xukeith]

Adding a med school should help Xavier, but the running joke while I was at Creighton law school was that that law students paid for the dental and medical schools. Takes a lot more money to educate doctors and dentists than lawyers. I never thought Miller was going to finish his career at Xavier. He was waiting for the right opportunity, and he knows if he wants a chance to compete for national championships then he needs to be a a bigger school with more NIL money. Yes, it sucks, but Xavier needs to get creative. How do you explain the continued success of Gonzaga? Small Jesuit school in Spokane. Marquette has been improving as well. Pretty sure Shaka Smart left Texas to go to Marquette. I think Xavier is desirable job for the right coach. It may not be a destination job for a lot, but should still be able
To bring in a decent coach.

Best post of the day.

[SkyWalker]

[QUOTE=Xville;801212][QUOTE=Section 200;801210]

It's amazing how people don't realize the impact basketball has had on this university.

Xavier basketball has had an immense impact on this university. I graduated in '79. Remember the Tay Baker years. How about Xavier(OH)? Stack, Gillen, Prosser, Matta, Miller, Mack, and Miller put Xavier on the map. I fear NIL and the transfer portal may push Xavier back to the Tay Baker era. It looks that the way this is going.

[drudy23]

[QUOTE=drudy23;801215][QUOTE=Xville;801212]

Xavier basketball has had an immense impact on this university. I graduated in '79. Remember the Tay Baker years. How about Xavier(OH)? Stack, Gillen, Prosser, Matta, Miller, Mack, and Miller put Xavier on the map. I fear NIL and the transfer portal may put Xavier back to the Tay Baker era. It looks that the way this is going.

As others have mentioned, the university is a boring commuter Midwest liberal arts college without the spotlight brought on it.

Basketball elevated it.

[bjf123]

I’m afraid we’re going to become a revolving door for head coaches going forward. They’ll be here for a few years, have a little success, and jump at the first chance to go to a Power 4 conference and big NIL bucks. The only way out of this is if Congress gets involved and allows some kind of salary cap / anti trust exemption to exist. As long as schools can spend whatever they want, we can’t compete on a consistent basis. The players are nothing more than mercenaries. The days of watching a player grow from a tentative freshman to a dominating senior for their school is gone.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

We were a revolving door for coaches before. It's just that they actually accomplished something before leaving prior to Steele and Miller 2.0. I'm all for another procession of winners leaving for higher paying gigs compared to the bullshit of the last 8 years.

[Section 200]

I’m afraid we’re going to become a revolving door for head coaches going forward. They’ll be here for a few years, have a little success, and jump at the first chance to go to a Power 4 conference and big NIL bucks. The only way out of this is if Congress gets involved and allows some kind of salary cap / anti trust exemption to exist. As long as schools can spend whatever they want, we can’t compete on a consistent basis. The players are nothing more than mercenaries. The days of watching a player grow from a tentative freshman to a dominating senior for their school is gone.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Absolutely true - but haven’t we always been a revolving door for coaches? We have lost coaches to Providence, Wake Forest, Ohio State, Arizona, Louisville and now Texas in my lifetime. Notice the last few - elite of the elite programs with tons of cash. That’s fine with me as long as we keep winning. I’d much happier being in the NCAA tourney with the great win over Texas vs having Wes Miller and going to the Crown. Yes when our coaches win they get a chance to earn life changing money. Let’s go hire the next guy that will do that. Makes the Xavier job very enticing for ambitious coaches.

[sirthought]

Skip Prosser would be rolling in his grave over the state of things here...all the way to Wake Forrest.

[drudy23]

Skip Prosser would be rolling in his grave over the state of things here...all the way to Wake Forrest.

What's happened over the last 8 years has been pathetic, if we're all being honest.

And people still make excuses for the people that were in charge during this time.

[Xavgrad08]

Xavier's NIL budget is probably more important than who they hire as coach. That is the reality of the times. I am not sure who are realistic candidate for Xavier. Listed below in no order are names the GC should contact. I have no faith in GC to make the correct hire, but X can't get this wrong. I think the Big East requires someone with HC experience. Steele showed us that.

Chris Mack- Good X's & O's. Can he recruit in this era? Most importantly, is he still motivated?
Leon Rice Boise State. I don't think X can get, but worth a try. Former Mark few assistant but is older.
Chris Gerlfusen- Good X's O's coach at San Francisco & Spent 1 year as an assistant to Todd Golden.
John Groce- Steeles stepbrother so probably not happening, but I think he can coach.
Richard Pitino- I don't think he would take it, but he is still young.
Alan Huss- Former Creighton assistant has experience in the Big East. Has done really well at High Point.
Bob Richey-Done well at Furman.
Bucky Mcmilan- Done well at Stamford. Innovative offense but can he recruit at Big East level?
Bryce Drew- He stunk at Vanderbilt, but has done well at Grand Canyon. He gets talent.
Bryan Hogdson- Former Nate Oats assistant who has done well at Arkansas State. I really like him, but rumored UNLV candidate.
Ross Hodge North Texas. Former Grant Mccasland assistant who has done well so far.
Mitch Henderson- I am skeptical of Ivy League coaches because of recruiting. I do think he can coach.
Drew Valentine- He is still so young, but seems to be on a good trajectory.

I am assuming Niko Medved is off the board to Minnesota. Stay away from Anthony Grant at Dayton and Michael Lewis at Ball State. I don't like any of the MAC coaches besides Groce. I didn't list Porter Moser because I think the buyout is big. (I might be off on that.) I am not sure what Greg Gard's contract is, but might be worth seeing if he wants a change of scenery.

[XU 23]

Xavier's NIL budget is probably more important than who they hire as coach. That is the reality of the times. I am not sure who are realistic candidate for Xavier. Listed below in no order are names the GC should contact. I have no faith in GC to make the correct hire, but X can't get this wrong. I think the Big East requires someone with HC experience. Steele showed us that.

Chris Mack- Good X's & O's. Can he recruit in this era? Most importantly, is he still motivated?
Leon Rice Boise State. I don't think X can get, but worth a try. Former Mark few assistant but is older.
Chris Gerlfusen- Good X's O's coach at San Francisco & Spent 1 year as an assistant to Todd Golden.
John Groce- Steeles stepbrother so probably not happening, but I think he can coach.
Richard Pitino- I don't think he would take it, but he is still young.
Alan Huss- Former Creighton assistant has experience in the Big East. Has done really well at High Point.
Bob Richey-Done well at Furman.
Bucky Mcmilan- Done well at Stamford. Innovative offense but can he recruit at Big East level?
Bryce Drew- He stunk at Vanderbilt, but has done well at Grand Canyon. He gets talent.
Bryan Hogdson- Former Nate Oats assistant who has done well at Arkansas State. I really like him, but rumored UNLV candidate.
Ross Hodge North Texas. Former Grant Mccasland assistant who has done well so far.
Mitch Henderson- I am skeptical of Ivy League coaches because of recruiting. I do think he can coach.
Drew Valentine- He is still so young, but seems to be on a good trajectory.

I am assuming Niko Medved is off the board to Minnesota. Stay away from Anthony Grant at Dayton and Michael Lewis at Ball State. I don't like any of the MAC coaches besides Groce. I didn't list Porter Moser because I think the buyout is big. (I might be off on that.) I am not sure what Greg Gard's contract is, but might be worth seeing if he wants a change of scenery.

Interesting points on Mack. I always thought he was good Xs and Os for offense but not for defense. As far as motivation… it’s a petty point but… he looked pretty much dead inside at the end of his stint at Louisville. I’m still in favor of bringing him back and hoping we can be good for a minute before he leaves.

[xuphan]

Interesting points on Mack. I always thought he was good Xs and Os for offense but not for defense. As far as motivation… it’s a petty point but… he looked pretty much dead inside at the end of his stint at Louisville. I’m still in favor of bringing him back and hoping we can be good for a minute before he leaves.

Total gut punch if Miller leaves as this roster will be completely stripped in a few weeks and will be a ton of work for the new coach. Not sure who it will be but they have to basically rebuild a whole new roster for next season.

[bjf123]

Absolutely true - but haven’t we always been a revolving door for coaches? We have lost coaches to Providence, Wake Forest, Ohio State, Arizona, Louisville and now Texas in my lifetime. Notice the last few - elite of the elite programs with tons of cash. That’s fine with me as long as we keep winning. I’d much happier being in the NCAA tourney with the great win over Texas vs having Wes Miller and going to the Crown. Yes when our coaches win they get a chance to earn life changing money. Let’s go hire the next guy that will do that. Makes the Xavier job very enticing for ambitious coaches.

Mack & Gillen were here for 9 years. Prosser was here for 7. Miller was 5 years the first time. Steele was here for 4, but that was a mistake. I’m saying we’ll be replacing coaches every 2-4 years going forward.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[CP05XU08CU13]

What about Like Murray? Curious why he has not accepted a head coaching job at this point in his career. Could be risky if he is anything like Steele though.

[bjf123]

What about Like Murray? Curious why he has not accepted a head coaching job at this point in his career. Could be risky if he is anything like Steele though.

We can’t afford another misstep like Steele. Unless his father wants to make an 8 figure contribution to the NIL program for X, I’d say pass.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[stammina0721]

[QUOTE=Xville;801151]Wouldn’t surprise me. I don’t think this administration knows wtf they are doing. And yeah the school is in financial decline and has been for over a decade

The school is not in decline. Enough with your idiotic statements. We have every right to be upset about Miller leaving, but there’s no reason to get carried away with your apocalyptic statements.

This administration has a very clear idea of what it’s doing.

Yet we missed the tournament 5-6 years before this year and never took advantage of a 1 seed that should have catapulted this program to the next level. But sure the admin knows exactly what they are doing...

[XU 23]

Total gut punch if Miller leaves as this roster will be completely stripped in a few weeks and will be a ton of work for the new coach. Not sure who it will be but they have to basically rebuild a whole new roster for next season.

Mack is the guy to do it. Pulled in some pretty high caliber recruits when he was here, don’t see why he couldn’t do it again.

[waggy]

Xavier's NIL budget is probably more important than who they hire as coach. That is the reality of the times. I am not sure who are realistic candidate for Xavier. Listed below in no order are names the GC should contact. I have no faith in GC to make the correct hire, but X can't get this wrong. I think the Big East requires someone with HC experience. Steele showed us that.

Chris Mack- Good X's & O's. Can he recruit in this era? Most importantly, is he still motivated?
Leon Rice Boise State. I don't think X can get, but worth a try. Former Mark few assistant but is older.
Chris Gerlfusen- Good X's O's coach at San Francisco & Spent 1 year as an assistant to Todd Golden.
John Groce- Steeles stepbrother so probably not happening, but I think he can coach.
Richard Pitino- I don't think he would take it, but he is still young.
Alan Huss- Former Creighton assistant has experience in the Big East. Has done really well at High Point.
Bob Richey-Done well at Furman.
Bucky Mcmilan- Done well at Stamford. Innovative offense but can he recruit at Big East level?
Bryce Drew- He stunk at Vanderbilt, but has done well at Grand Canyon. He gets talent.
Bryan Hogdson- Former Nate Oats assistant who has done well at Arkansas State. I really like him, but rumored UNLV candidate.
Ross Hodge North Texas. Former Grant Mccasland assistant who has done well so far.
Mitch Henderson- I am skeptical of Ivy League coaches because of recruiting. I do think he can coach.
Drew Valentine- He is still so young, but seems to be on a good trajectory.

I am assuming Niko Medved is off the board to Minnesota. Stay away from Anthony Grant at Dayton and Michael Lewis at Ball State. I don't like any of the MAC coaches besides Groce. I didn't list Porter Moser because I think the buyout is big. (I might be off on that.) I am not sure what Greg Gard's contract is, but might be worth seeing if he wants a change of scenery.

I wouldn't bring Mack back. I'd hire the cheapest one from the list of up and comers, and put the xtra dollars to NIL.

[FishingXfan]

I heard Sean and the President had conversations and couldn’t agree on the commitment level/resources committed to the program. I’ve also heard Greg hasn’t even put flyers out on anyone yet. Typically would happen if you had any concern at all if Coach was leaving.

All rumors, no source. In these times everyone is mad at everyone. Take with grain of salt

Yeah, the second I saw Texas I remembered a couple years ago when they almost hired Mack but they went on a run to the E8 and stayed with Terry, the interim after he took over for Beard who was fired because of allegations he beat his gf or something. Then all the rumblings since the game???
Does this guy not have a phone with the internet on it??? The story was all over after the game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xuphan]

Mack is the guy to do it. Pulled in some pretty high caliber recruits when he was here, don’t see why he couldn’t do it again.

Well, if it is Mack which I would rather it not be but might be the only viable pick Greg needs to get it done as soon as possible. The new coach may need to go get a new starting 5 and several rotation players as well. Not an easy feat with the transfer window opening up tomorrow.

[xukeith]

Xavier's NIL budget is probably more important than who they hire as coach. That is the reality of the times. I am not sure who are realistic candidate for Xavier. Listed below in no order are names the GC should contact. I have no faith in GC to make the correct hire, but X can't get this wrong. I think the Big East requires someone with HC experience. Steele showed us that.

Chris Mack- Good X's & O's. Can he recruit in this era? Most importantly, is he still motivated?
Leon Rice Boise State. I don't think X can get, but worth a try. Former Mark few assistant but is older.
Chris Gerlfusen- Good X's O's coach at San Francisco & Spent 1 year as an assistant to Todd Golden.
John Groce- Steeles stepbrother so probably not happening, but I think he can coach.
Richard Pitino- I don't think he would take it, but he is still young.
Alan Huss- Former Creighton assistant has experience in the Big East. Has done really well at High Point.
Bob Richey-Done well at Furman.
Bucky Mcmilan- Done well at Stamford. Innovative offense but can he recruit at Big East level?
Bryce Drew- He stunk at Vanderbilt, but has done well at Grand Canyon. He gets talent.
Bryan Hogdson- Former Nate Oats assistant who has done well at Arkansas State. I really like him, but rumored UNLV candidate.
Ross Hodge North Texas. Former Grant Mccasland assistant who has done well so far.
Mitch Henderson- I am skeptical of Ivy League coaches because of recruiting. I do think he can coach.
Drew Valentine- He is still so young, but seems to be on a good trajectory.

I am assuming Niko Medved is off the board to Minnesota. Stay away from Anthony Grant at Dayton and Michael Lewis at Ball State. I don't like any of the MAC coaches besides Groce. I didn't list Porter Moser because I think the buyout is big. (I might be off on that.) I am not sure what Greg Gard's contract is, but might be worth seeing if he wants a change of scenery.

I think Pitino deserves a shot. I knows portal very well. 14 years of experience. 42

[OTRMUSKIE]

There isn’t one coach at the MAC I want. We can’t hire an up and comer we need a proven winner. Groce hell no. It’s very easy
Mack
Kelsey
Murray

[OTRMUSKIE]

Murray isn’t a proven winner at the HC position and he is my last choice but it’s possible.

[SkyWalker]

Well, if it is Mack which I would rather it not be but might be the only viable pick Greg needs to get it done as soon as possible. The new coach may need to go get a new starting 5 and several rotation players as well. Not an easy feat with the transfer window opening up tomorrow.

Not a big fan of bringing Mack back, but he is the one that can get us back to an upward trend the quickest unless coach K wants to come out of retirement for a couple years.

[bjf123]

Why would Kelsey leave Louisville? Didn’t he just sign an extension? X couldn’t afford the buyout anyway.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Caveat]

Murray isn’t a proven winner at the HC position and he is my last choice but it’s possible.

Yeah but his old man can agree to do like one AppleTV show and bankroll an entire roster for his kid.

[SkyWalker]

How about Little Pitino?

[xudash]

[QUOTE=xudash;801161]

Yet we missed the tournament 5-6 years before this year and never took advantage of a 1 seed that should have catapulted this program to the next level. But sure the admin knows exactly what they are doing...

I was referring to the academic side of the house.

[Caveat]

How about Little Pitino?

I’m into it just to get crazy.

[FishingXfan]

I’m into it just to get crazy.

Like the idea. Till ole daddy Dick Pitino retires from the Johnnies next year or two and guess who the natural pick will be, our new coach little Pitino


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

I thought we said no retreads? Pitino failed hard at Minny.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Has anyone said John Groce? Former assistant under Matta

[GoMuskies]

Another retread failure at Illinois.

[FishingXfan]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250323/eed920bf9a5da3357bd42bbe4dfdb539.jpg
Here we go. If Sean is gone let’s re live the magic with the hometown kid, grew up loving X, playing for St.X and X. He is less likely to leave after 3 seasons and will right the ship asap. He also brought us a lot of wins and great players.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Blue Blooded-05]

Another retread failure at Illinois.

Yeah, but he’s reproven himself at Akron

[bjf123]

Yeah, but he’s reproven himself at Akron

The MAC is not the Big East.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[OTRMUSKIE]

Anybody with Steele blood even if it’s from the mom side I want nothing to do with. How about this as a dark horse. Fucking SUIT! JAY MUTHA FUCKING WRIGHT? long shot and I don’t think he has any interest but why not.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Anybody with Steele blood even if it’s from the mom side I want nothing to do with. How about this as a dark horse. Fucking SUIT! JAY MUTHA FUCKING WRIGHT? long shot and I don’t think he has any interest but why not.

How long do you plan on visiting earth?

[xubrew]

My short list would be

-Alan Huss -High Point. He spent a lot of time at Creighton and is a strong recruiter. He also built a very talented roster at High Point (albeit with NIL help)

-Niko Medved - Colorado State. I know he hasn’t always killed it, but this year he had and he was good enough at Furman and Drake to get the chance at Colorado State. He’s also a quality guy. Not that everyone thinks that matters, but he seems to be

-Ben McCullum - Drake. Anyone with a brain knows why

-Eric Olen - UC San Diego. I know most people won’t like him, but he was there as they were transitioning and did a damn good job. And had X played them on a neutral floor this year; I’m not so sure they would have beat them. So, there’s that.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Been to caught up on twitter to post on the board since the news. Other may have said this but I am adamant that it not be an assistant coach. The program is in a conference and at a point where we have to have a coach who has a proven track record of success as a head coach. That eliminates Murray for me.

Cannot take a chance on another Steele or a Kyle Neptune type (I know he had a year at Fordham but got it since be was Jay's assistant). Xavier cannot afford to gamble on an assistant and miss.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Total gut punch if Miller leaves as this roster will be completely stripped in a few weeks and will be a ton of work for the new coach. Not sure who it will be but they have to basically rebuild a whole new roster for next season.

Good news is it has never been easier to quickly build a successful team for a new coach. There are tons of examples every year. The portal has helped immensely in that regard.

[D-West & PO-Z]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250323/eed920bf9a5da3357bd42bbe4dfdb539.jpg
Here we go. If Sean is gone let’s re live the magic with the hometown kid, grew up loving X, playing for St.X and X. He is less likely to leave after 3 seasons and will right the ship asap. He also brought us a lot of wins and great players.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Imagine the song return of the mack playing as the team comes out for the first game!

[chico]

I say we hire Archie and fire him the next day.

[Blue Blooded-05]

I say we hire Archie and fire him the next day.

Best laugh I’ve had all day. Thank you

[FishingXfan]

Imagine the song return of the mack playing as the team comes out for the first game!

That would be absolutely hilarious lmao. But I honestly think he makes sense, as long as he wants to coach like he did 10 years ago. I always thought his teams were tough.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[D-West & PO-Z]

My short list would be

-Alan Huss -High Point. He spent a lot of time at Creighton and is a strong recruiter. He also built a very talented roster at High Point (albeit with NIL help)

-Niko Medved - Colorado State. I know he hasn’t always killed it, but this year he had and he was good enough at Furman and Drake to get the chance at Colorado State. He’s also a quality guy. Not that everyone thinks that matters, but he seems to be

-Ben McCullum - Drake. Anyone with a brain knows why

-Eric Olen - UC San Diego. I know most people won’t like him, but he was there as they were transitioning and did a damn good job. And had X played them on a neutral floor this year; I’m not so sure they would have beat them. So, there’s that.

McCullum would be great but hes going to Iowa allegedly.

Schertz from SLU could be interesting. Was at Indiana State the year before. Conwell obvioulsy has a relationship with him. Bring Cream Abdul Jabar with him?

SLU wasn't great this year, would be my only concern.

[CP05XU08CU13]

If Miller leaves fine. I have no ill will towards him. I think the Illinois game was probably the last straw for Sean. He realizes his limitations at a school like Xavier and believes Texas presents him with an opportunity to “buy” more talent. A school like Xavier is a more “pure” coaching opportunity to build and shape young or overlooked players. I think Sean will find out, similar to Shaka Smart, that basketball will always be an afterthought at Texas. It is different from Arizona in that regard. He is essentially taking the John Calipari and Rick Pitino approach to his career. Loyalty is rare when it comes to college athletics these days.

[nickgyp]

Best laugh I’ve had all day. Thank you

Agreed but how about Doug Gottlieb? As long as he agrees not to use any of the players’ credit cards without their knowledge.

[waggy]

That would be absolutely hilarious lmao. But I honestly think he makes sense, as long as he wants to coach like he did 10 years ago. I always thought his teams were tough.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Give it a rest FishsOnMacksBoat

[Section 200]

If Miller leaves fine. I have no ill will towards him. I think the Illinois game was probably the last straw for Sean. He realizes his limitations at a school like Xavier and believes Texas presents him with an opportunity to “buy” more talent. A school like Xavier is a more “pure” coaching opportunity to build and shape young or overlooked players. I think Sean will find out, similar to Shaka Smart, that basketball will always be and afterthought at Texas. It is different from Arizona in that regard. He is essentially taking the John Calipari and Rick Pitino approach to his career. Loyalty is an afterthought.

Good comment - agree. Miller is very close to Cal so not a surprise to see him follow that path. My guess is he was really thankful to return to Xavier at the time, but ultimately missed the limelight of being at a blue blood. I know Texas isn’t considered a basketball blue blood but it’s certainly in the neighborhood now with NIL.

[xudash]

I say we hire Archie and fire him the next day.

That’s funny. Imagine the interesting media reactions to that.

[American X]

In 40 years, Xavier has hired outside the family once (Thad Matta). Everyone was an assistant already. The most typical Xavier thing to do would be to hire Dante Jackson. I have not kept tabs on where former assistants and players are now coaching, but would be completely not surprised to see one of them announced as the next head coach.

If truly inspired, they will announce David West as head coach (praying to overcome the complete flameout record of this approach, especially Big East programs).

[GoMuskies]

I don't believe West has ever coached. Not that I think hiring him would be a good idea, but James Posey is an NBA assistant coach, at least. We'd have our 9th man nailed down by Pose bringing over Pose, Jr from TCU.

[drudy23]

In 40 years, Xavier has hired outside the family once (Thad Matta). Everyone was an assistant already. The most typical Xavier thing to do would be to hire Dante Jackson. I have not kept tabs on where former assistants and players are now coaching, but would be completely not surprised to see one of them announced as the next head coach.

If truly inspired, they will announce David West as head coach (praying to overcome the complete flameout record of this approach, especially Big East programs).

I don't think there's any way we hire Dante as the HC. Great dude and rep of X, but no. He's not even the lead asst. We need a proven commodity.

[IM4X]

I don't believe West has ever coached. Not that I think hiring him would be a good idea, but James Posey is an NBA assistant coach, at least. We'd have our 9th man nailed down by Pose bringing over Pose, Jr from TCU.

Posey as head coach with West and Dante on his staff. Now that would be interesting.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't believe West has ever coached. Not that I think hiring him would be a good idea, but James Posey is an NBA assistant coach, at least. We'd have our 9th man nailed down by Pose bringing over Pose, Jr from TCU.

Darnell Williams was on twitter pushing for James Posey or Chalmers (who apparently works in the NBA).

Doesn't usually work out and the NBA and college are so different. I hate the idea of an all time X player tarnishing their legacy at the school too.

[XUBand]

[QUOTE=Xville;801151]Wouldn’t surprise me. I don’t think this administration knows wtf they are doing. And yeah the school is in financial decline and has been for over a decade

The school is not in decline. Enough with your idiotic statements. We have every right to be upset about Miller leaving, but there’s no reason to get carried away with your apocalyptic statements.

This administration has a very clear idea of what it’s doing.

Yes it is. It was $30 million in the hole.

[sirthought]

One former assistant no one has mentioned is Ben Johnson, who was one of Steele's original assistants, and then he got hired as head coach at Minnesota. They just fired him. That was a pretty high pressure first HC job.

[bjf123]

Chalmers is an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic. Think he’s been there 5 or 6 years.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Caveat]

Flight Tracking SZN:

https://x.com/SEisbergWCIV/status/1903985352563478984

[D-West & PO-Z]

One former assistant no one has mentioned is Ben Johnson, who was one of Steele's original assistants, and then he got hired as head coach at Minnesota. They just fired him. That was a pretty high pressure first HC job.

Huh? Minnesota was high pressure?

And the reason no one has mentioned him is no one wants him.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Chalmers is an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic. Think he’s been there 5 or 6 years.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good to know. Thanks.

[drudy23]

Flight Tracking SZN:

https://x.com/SEisbergWCIV/status/1903985352563478984

Someone start doing a campus walk!!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Byron with some interesting comments on an interview with Local 12 posted to Twitter. I love Byron. He is shocked.

He thinks Mack would be a home run hire and X's only shot at retaining the current guys.

Interesting comments among others.

[Xavier]

I couldn’t care less about retaining current guys. We did that with Steele where it was slightly more understandable even tho the roster wasn’t even that good. I like Mack. If you want a coach to come with his players, New Mexico has some studs with availability. Not a big pitino guy but still

Also Mack brings Lazar with him???? Dude has great potential. (Making fun of myself for being really high on him during his time at X)

[Xville]

I couldn’t care less about retaining current guys. We did that with Steele where it was slightly more understandable even tho the roster wasn’t even that good. I like Mack. If you want a coach to come with his players, New Mexico has some studs with availability. Not a big pitino guy but still

Also Mack brings Lazar with him???? Dude has great potential. (Making fun of myself for being really high on him during his time at X)

Brzovic would be the welcome addition. I’ll also take Boyd and Tavarez. Those last two can shoot.

[GoMuskies]

The only guy I would really care about keeping is Swain, anyway. Conwell is fine, too, but he's not the kind of guy you worry TOO much about losing. Swain might be a lottery pick if he comes back next year minimally competent as an outside shooter.

[Caveat]

I don’t care about retaining guys — but I do know that Mack can coach, that he can coach specifically in the Big East, and that he can hit the ground running without a need to learn the area or the program.

No brainer hire to me. Get it done quickly and we move on.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The only guy I would really care about keeping is Swain, anyway. Conwell is fine, too, but he's not the kind of guy you worry TOO much about losing. Swain might be a lottery pick if he comes back next year minimally competent as an outside shooter.

Yeah, I actually was arguing with a guy who thought Conwell was more important to retain than Swain (this was before the Miller news). I thought I was losing my mind!

I agree with no caring too much about retaining current players. You hire the best coach you possibly can as that is the longer lasting impact.

The hope is also the coach you hire has some guys from his current job who are worth brining or has connections with players around basketball.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don’t care about retaining guys — but I do know that Mack can coach, that he can coach specifically in the Big East, and that he can hit the ground running without a need to learn the area or the program.

No brainer hire to me. Get it done quickly and we move on.

I generally agree. I don't think we let the hurt of one retread burning us keep us from doing it again.

Maybe there is someone better out there interested in the job, but no one I know of. Just get the best coach you can, if that is Mack, that is good with me.

Also do it quickly!

[drudy23]

Brzovic would be the welcome addition. I’ll also take Boyd and Tavarez. Those last two can shoot.

Brzovic would be a good get. A Euro with actual talent and high level skill.

Probably wouldn't be able to dominate like his does the lower conferences, but would be a great piece.

[Xavier]

I don’t know, I’d actually think conwell. I’d expect him to go with Miller….every year in college his coach has left or been fired at the end of the year. Rough. He was all big east for a reason. A competent coach can build an offense around screen games with Conwell.

Swain has more upside because of his defense, but the way people talk about swain it’s like they missed 80% of the season. He had a really good stretch to spark our run, got injured and was never the same until Illinois. There’s not a chance in hell he’s a lottery pick. Naji was much further along at this stage. (If I remember correctly he was 2nd team all big east his sophomore year)

[JEHARDI]

To keep the program from falling into the abyss, need a strong statement from the President with any new hire regarding the resources the school is committing to ensure they are able to compete at the top of the BE.

[bjf123]

To keep the program from falling into the abyss, need a strong statement from the President with any new hire regarding the resources the school is committing to ensure they are able to compete at the top of the BE.

My take is that’s exactly the reason Sean is leaving. The university is either unwilling or unable to provide the necessary resources in the NIL era. He’s leaving purely because he knows he can’t succeed here. Who knows how much money some of the current players might be asking to stay at X. Can we afford them?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hoopster68]

My take is that’s exactly the reason Sean is leaving. The university is either unwilling or unable to provide the necessary resources in the NIL era. He’s leaving purely because he knows he can’t succeed here. Who knows how much money some of the current players might be asking to stay at X. Can we afford them?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The question of "Can we afford them (players)?' raises the issue of transparency for me. In my mind, I'm hoping that one result of the NIl mess is an awakening by supporters and schools as to how much it costs to run a D1 men's b-ball program. Why not have the costs known by the public? After all, the public (ticket purchasers, annual fund donors, mega-donors) are paying the freight. Could the NCAA make such a requirement stick? Or, is this just an attitude of a supporter?

[LOLmickcronin]

The question of "Can we afford them (players)?' raises the issue of transparency for me. In my mind, I'm hoping that one result of the NIl mess is an awakening by supporters and schools as to how much it costs to run a D1 men's b-ball program. Why not have the costs known by the public? After all, the public (ticket purchasers, annual fund donors, mega-donors) are paying the freight. Could the NCAA make such a requirement stick? Or, is this just an attitude of a supporter?

I think until they just make the players university employees and have a CBA and contracts and everything else this will be a total cluster.

The question is with a lot of NIL funds coming in through private $$ like you’re saying how sustainable is it? I know there are lots of wealthy people but handing out millions in what amounts to one year deals for 18-22 year old boys seems to come with very poor ROI for a lot of these programs. Take Texas who has a huge budget (evidently) and finished 14th in their conference.or UC, how happy can their wealthy donors be about paying millions for the last 5 years with zero tourney appearances?

There’s gotta be a breaking point.

[Xavier]

I really don’t get the push for Luke Murray. But seems like some in the department want Murray and some want Mack.

[Xville]

I really don’t get the push for Luke Murray. But seems like some in the department want Murray and some want Mack.

he is the architect of Uconn's offense and hes young and hungry. I get the appeal, as he also was in charge of the development of big men there. It'd be a huge risk, but fuck could daddy round up some more nil dollars?

[Caveat]

I really don’t get the push for Luke Murray. But seems like some in the department want Murray and some want Mack.

I imagine the wound of Mack leaving is probably more raw for some people in the administration.

[paulxu]

Maybe this is all a Cremins or Kelsey move.

[Xavier]

he is the architect of Uconn's offense and hes young and hungry. I get the appeal, as he also was in charge of the development of big men there. It'd be a huge risk, but fuck could daddy round up some more nil dollars?

They said Steele was the mastermind behind X offense. So i take it with a grain of salt when i hear that stuff. But I do like the sets UConn runs, it’s challenging to guard. Probably Also leaves bad taste after Steele with the guy who has never been a head coach. But I do think X might have to take big risks, find a gem/young coach who is a bit of a risk/reach and be ahead of the curve on.

[Final4]

IIRC with one of our new coaching hires years ago didn't we announce the new coach before the departing coach was formally announced at his new destination? I really like that move.

[LOLmickcronin]

I gotta say I’m totally confused at the amount of people wanting Mack back.

So we rehired a previous coach who left for greener pastures and then left the next destination under very ugly circumstances thinking he’d stay here forever only for him to leave again for greener pastures again….

And to show we learned our lesson we’re going to rehire a previous coach who left for greener pastures and then left the next destination under very ugly circumstances hoping he’ll stay forever?

[Caveat]

I gotta say I’m totally confused at the amount of people wanting Mack back.

So we rehired a previous coach who left for greener pastures and then left the next destination under very ugly circumstances thinking he’d stay here forever only for him to leave again for greener pastures again….

And to show we learned our lesson we’re going to rehire a previous coach who left for greener pastures and then left the next destination under very ugly circumstances hoping he’ll stay forever?

You have to accept that no coach is going to stay at Xavier forever, absent some improbable set of circumstances that likely involves a multi-billion dollar alum leaving some endowment to the athletics department that enables the team to have a top-25 salary budget.

Mack is a proven winner in the Big East and at Xavier. He led Xavier to a #1 seed and some of the biggest wins in program history .He's way, way more of a "sure thing" than hiring some mid-major guy who has never had to recruit high-level talent or compete in big games or getting an assistant who has never been in charge before.

[Xavier]

I don’t care if he stays forever. He brought X to its highest point as a program, he has a giant chip on his shoulder (always does) and the attitude that brings is reminiscent of what X had in A-10. And in this new NIL era, that might be needed and how X can compete today. He left and Louisville was ranked #1 for a little before covid shut down the tournament. I think he’d be a great hire.

But not the only candidate

[Xville]

Drudy, you’re right. The demographic cliff has only affected Xavier University. Every other university in United States has not been affected whatsoever by the demographic cliff. Only Xavier and its massive mismanagement of itself has caused this issue to occur.

Just stop already.

Oh, by the way, as I’ve mentioned before, we have made strategic decisions around enrollment where we reduced it on purpose. That might have something to do with our goals for retention, which affects overall ratings.

Nothing says thriving and financially sound university like an almost 90% acceptance rate!

[fellahmuskie]

Guys, we're in the perfect spot. We get Mack for a few years and once he leaves, Steele should be ready to step back in and bring some big NIL with him.

[GoMuskies]

Guys, we're in the perfect spot. We get Mack for a few years and once he leaves, Steele should be ready to step back in and bring some big NIL with him.

And once Steele is ready to move on, Miller will have done something stupid to get fired at TX, and we'll be ready for Sean Miller 3.0!

[American X]

I don't believe West has ever coached. Not that I think hiring him would be a good idea, but James Posey is an NBA assistant coach, at least. We'd have our 9th man nailed down by Pose bringing over Pose, Jr from TCU.


I don't think there's any way we hire Dante as the HC. Great dude and rep of X, but no. He's not even the lead asst. We need a proven commodity.


Posey as head coach with West and Dante on his staff. Now that would be interesting.

I am NOT advocating hiring Dante Jackson, but observing it would be a typical Xavier move.

Now that we have one retread under our belt, hiring Mack who is both a Xavier guy and a retread would be the ultimate Xavier move.

It may not be a good idea, but bringing James Posey home would be a great story and help keep season ticket holders.

[GoMuskies]

The first thing we'd need Posey to do as head coach is head over to the current cafeteria (no idea where that is anymore) and review the thickness of the soft serve ice cream.

[A Fan]

I don’t care if he stays forever. He brought X to its highest point as a program, he has a giant chip on his shoulder (always does) and the attitude that brings is reminiscent of what X had in A-10. And in this new NIL era, that might be needed and how X can compete today. He left and Louisville was ranked #1 for a little before covid shut down the tournament. I think he’d be a great hire.

But not the only candidate
Xavier’s administration isn’t in a position to hire the next best thing. Luke Murray has been passed over so many times he has tire marks on his back, and he’d be a far bigger risk than Chris Mack. If Mack leaves us in the lurch, it’ll be less of a surprise than when Miller did. Miller sold me on the idea that he was coming home to stay. Someone on this Board always repeated the mantra: “ In Sean we Trust” . Our sense of betrayal is justified by any standard.

[Xavier]

Nothing says thriving and financially sound university like an almost 90% acceptance rate!

I’ll let you and dash go back and forth but I do think these two things can be true

1)The university is struggling financially.
2) because of that, and the new commitment to the medical school, Xavier president has to consider the overall school and can’t commit every extra $ of donor money towards the bball program. (Especially with the small chance the football schools break from the NCAA in 2032 as some predict) Thats likely where Sean and the admin aren’t seeing eye to eye.

[drudy23]

I’ll let you and dash go back and forth but I do think these two things can be true

1)The university is struggling financially.
2) because of that, and the new commitment to the medical school, Xavier president has to consider the overall school and can’t commit every extra $ of donor money towards the bball program. (Especially with the small chance the football schools break from the NCAA in 2032 as some predict) Thats likely where Sean and the admin aren’t seeing eye to eye.

Again, if #2 is the case, then the future is doomed.

Basketball put the university on the map and funded it's success. Father Hoff rolling over in his grave.

Nancy Zimpher part 2.

This is beyond frustrating.

If you're GC and you don't go out kicking and screaming with this decision, then you suck as an AD. It's time to clean house.

[D-West & PO-Z]

he is the architect of Uconn's offense and hes young and hungry. I get the appeal, as he also was in charge of the development of big men there. It'd be a huge risk, but fuck could daddy round up some more nil dollars?

Steele was the architect of Mack's offense.

Don't like that comparison bc X wasn't a national champion? OK.... Neptune was Wrights top assistant and groomed predecessor at Nova.

NO ASSISTANT COACHES......

[drudy23]

Steele was the architect of Mack's offense.

Don't like that comparison bc X wasn't a national champion? OK.... Neptune was Wrights top assistant and groomed predecessor at Nova.

NO ASSISTANT COACHES......

Did Bill drum up any NIL for UCONN?

[D-West & PO-Z]

I gotta say I’m totally confused at the amount of people wanting Mack back.

So we rehired a previous coach who left for greener pastures and then left the next destination under very ugly circumstances thinking he’d stay here forever only for him to leave again for greener pastures again….

And to show we learned our lesson we’re going to rehire a previous coach who left for greener pastures and then left the next destination under very ugly circumstances hoping he’ll stay forever?

Can't let what scum Miller did cloud your judgment for the next coach. If Mack is the best choice, hire him. If someone else is, hire them.

Mack also has a lot more ties to Xavier and Cincinnati than Miller did. I hated that Mack left but it made a lot of sense for his family given the school/location.

Whether is is MAck or someone else, I will never believe a single coach say they will stay here forever, or think that even if they don't say that. Mack is no more likely to leave X high and dry than any other coach we hire.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Did Bill drum up any NIL for UCONN?

Not sure, but if he's going to bankroll our NIL fund, then that could be a different story.

Although, the person still needs to be able to coach. Rutgers has 2 lottery picks and didn't make the tourney.

[IM4X]

Sean said he was staying at X. He left.
Mack said he was staying at X. He left.
Sean returned, saying Xavier is like home - that he learned his lesson and now he really is stay at X this time. He left.
Mack will make the case that Xavier (unlike Sean) literally is his home and he has learned his lesson. He too could leave.


So if we do rehire Mack to get us back on track, it won’t mean jack, if we allow him the same kind of slack.

He should have to prove his loyalty this time around by taking less money so more can go to NIL to help bring in more talent and build a better team. He should also agree to include a $25 million buyout clause in his contract so X Will be in good financially shape to hire a replacement should he leave before reaching a Final Four. It’s one way to help a coach stay loyal who seems to struggle with integrity.

[UCGRAD4X]

Sean said he was staying at X. He left.
Mack said he was staying at X. He left.
Sean returned, saying Xavier is like home - that he learned his lesson and now he really is stay at X this time. He left.
Mack will make the case that Xavier (unlike Sean) literally is his home and he has learned his lesson. He too could leave.


So if we do rehire Mack to get us back on track, it won’t mean jack, if we allow him the same kind of slack.

He should have to prove his loyalty this time around by taking less money so more can go to NIL to help bring in more talent and build a better team. He should also agree to include a $25 million buyout clause in his contract so X Will be in good financially shape to hire a replacement should he leave before reaching a Final Four. It’s one way to help a coach stay loyal who seems to struggle with integrity.

And even then we should expect, every year, for him to leave.

[kxblue]

No coach is going to be loyal to Xavier in this environment. I think Mack has a better chance than anyone of being loyal but either way it shouldnt matter.

If the options are GC finding us a coach or hiring Chris Mack, Ill take Mack every time. A large buyout clause seems reasonable step for all parties, hopefully they get that done.

[Dblue]

Might be a different concept, I'd like to see a non-compete clause that requires a payout penalty for taking any players from XU if said coach goes to another school (imagine Miller taking Swain and Conwell but required to drop $1 mil each to the XU NIL, it would then be Miller's choice if he wants to drop the cash for recruiting those players).

[Xavier]

What about Huss? Lead guy at Creighton for recruiting and took high point to the tournament. Thing is if you go with someone like that, it’s going to be a full process. It will take probably 4-5 days to interview candidates and stuff. But I’m not really in the camp you have to make a hire in next 24 hours though

[Caveat]

What about Huss? Lead guy at Creighton for recruiting and took high point to the tournament. Thing is if you go with someone like that, it’s going to be a full process. It will take probably 4-5 days to interview candidates and stuff. But I’m not really in the camp you have to make a hire in next 24 hours though

You don't have to make a hire in the next 24 hours, but you're punting next season if you wait.

You might already be punting next season as it is -- but it'd be an absolute certainty.

[boozehound]

Forgot about loyalty. No one is loyal, and I'm tired of worrying about getting coaches that are going to stay. Just get the best coach we can get and worry about the rest later. I'm generally on board with the 'no assistant coaches' philosophy as well.

Chris Mack coming back is certainly an interesting thought exercise. I'd probably be more in favor of it if we hadn't just tried that with Miller. What do we do after Mack, try Steele again? (kidding, of course). I also don't really know how to assess Chris Mack as a candidate. His tenure at Xavier was reasonably lengthy and pretty good (with some stinker teams mixed it, but good overall), but Louisville was a complete and total dumpster fire and now he is coaching at CoC after taking a couple of years off.

[Caveat]

Forgot about loyalty. No one is loyal, and I'm tired of worrying about getting coaches that are going to stay. Just get the best coach we can get and worry about the rest later. I'm generally on board with the 'no assistant coaches' philosophy as well.

Chris Mack coming back is certainly an interesting thought exercise. I'd probably be more in favor of it if we hadn't just tried that with Miller. What do we do after Mack, try Steele again? (kidding, of course). I also don't really know how to assess Chris Mack as a candidate. His tenure at Xavier was reasonably lengthy and pretty good (with some stinker teams mixed it, but good overall), but Louisville was a complete and total dumpster fire and now he is coaching at CoC after taking a couple of years off.

He led Xavier through the transition to the Big East and to a #1 seed in the tournament. That's better than "pretty good" IMO.

And after he leaves? Who the hell knows / cares. The B10/SEC might break off from the NCAA by then and we'll go back to playing YMCA ball. Focus on the future you can control.

[D-West & PO-Z]

What about Huss? Lead guy at Creighton for recruiting and took high point to the tournament. Thing is if you go with someone like that, it’s going to be a full process. It will take probably 4-5 days to interview candidates and stuff. But I’m not really in the camp you have to make a hire in next 24 hours though

Not 24, but anything past 72 hours is going to feel like an eternity and do some damage.

That being said, getting the hire right is the most important thing long term, so if thats what it takes, thats what it takes, but it will suck.

[boozehound]

He led Xavier through the transition to the Big East and to a #1 seed in the tournament. That's better than "pretty good" IMO.

And after he leaves? Who the hell knows / cares. The B10/SEC might break off from the NCAA by then and we'll go back to playing YMCA ball. Focus on the future you can control.

Fair point. I'm fine with Mack coming back if he is best coach available to us, but only if he is the best available option. I don't expect that he will stay long term either, although to be fair he did stay for a long time the first tenure and turned down several offers before eventually going to Louisville.

[Xville]

Just give me mack and be done with it. Yeah he will prolly leave again in three years, but he’s a solid coach and knows the lay of the land.

[GoMuskies]

Fair point. I'm fine with Mack coming back if he is best coach available to us, but only if he is the best available option. I don't expect that he will stay long term either, although to be fair he did stay for a long time the first tenure and turned down several offers before eventually going to Louisville.

I guess if he wins again at X this will change, but Mack never really has the same cred nationally as Miller in the coaching department. Maybe because of Archie hanging around or their dad or the fact that Sean was on TV as a little kid or because he threw the pass to Jerome Lane, whatever. So Mack is not as likely to quickly get better offers like Miller did.

Plus, Miller won a lot of games over quite a few years even though he was ultimately a huge failure at Arizona. Mack, on the other hand, had a tenure that was basically a laughingstock at Louisville starting pretty early on.

[Xville]

I guess if he wins again at X this will change, but Mack never really has the same cred nationally as Miller in the coaching department. Maybe because of Archie hanging around or their dad or the fact that Sean was on TV as a little kid or because he threw the pass to Jerome Lane, whatever. So Mack is not as likely to quickly get better offers like Miller did.

Plus, Miller won a lot of games over quite a few years even though he was ultimately a huge failure at Arizona. Mack, on the other hand, had a tenure that was basically a laughingstock at Louisville starting pretty early on.

I’m not going to hold Mack’s tenure at Louisville against him. That was a freaking administrative disaster at the time with an interim ad and a president that had one foot out the door as soon as she got there. I don’t think anyone could have been successful there at the time

[GoMuskies]

Also, someone has to at least call Kelsey and make sure, right? I mean, it's definitely a no, but someone should probably just check.

[GoMuskies]

I’m not going to hold Mack’s tenure at Louisville against him. That was a freaking administrative disaster at the time with an interim ad and a president that had one foot out the door as soon as she got there. I don’t think anyone could have been successful there at the time

I'm not saying you're wrong. Just pointing out that Mack doesn't have nearly the reputation that Miller does nationally.

[Xavier]

Also, someone has to at least call Kelsey and make sure, right? I mean, it's definitely a no, but someone should probably just check.

If his buyout wasn’t 11 million, I think he’d go to Xavier right now.

[Xville]

Also, someone has to at least call Kelsey and make sure, right? I mean, it's definitely a no, but someone should probably just check.

It’s worth a call just to hear no. I’ll be beyond shocked if it’s anyone other than Mack though

[GoMuskies]

If his buyout wasn’t 11 million, I think he’d go to Xavier right now.

I'll kick in $100!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Also, someone has to at least call Kelsey and make sure, right? I mean, it's definitely a no, but someone should probably just check.

Yes, have to make the call, for sure.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Kelsey isn't coming, stop it just stop. He signed a 5 year deal and will coach it out unless he fails to win a tourney game the next couple of years. This situation sucks, but if Mack comes it makes our situation less bad than a lot of teams out there. Mack is good not great coach just like Miller. Try to remember we have three tourney wins and a S16 the last three years. I follow the local team with a Hurley coach that has exactly zero.

[Caveat]

I'm not saying you're wrong. Just pointing out that Mack doesn't have nearly the reputation that Miller does nationally.

If you go blind resume it's a lot closer than most people would think.

[GoMuskies]

Kelsey isn't coming

Of course not. That's what I said. But you have to call and confirm that with him. Doesn't even cost you long distance charges in 2025.

[CP05XU08CU13]

Colorado State’s coach is off the board now. Heading to Minnesota. Need to move quickly on the coaching search. Shows stability and desirability if we can lock in a coach quickly. I believe GC needs to mention something in his presser once he introduces the new coach that this is a “basketball first” school (which we all know already), and just wish Sean best of luck on his new endeavor. This is a little dig towards Sean for leaving for a “football first” school. What we have at Xavier is special. A passionate fan base with top notch facilities and a city that loves sports! We do not sulk. We move on and continue building!

[Xavier]

I’d be shocked it isn’t not Mack

If it’s not, then I’d bet it’s Murray or Huss

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I bet it's Mack. No way we go the assistant route again, you almost can't at this level. We go either mid-major level coach or retread. I think it needs to be quick because we have 13 spots to fill when these guys all enter the portal.

[Xville]

if mack, id be beyond shocked if Brzovic doesn't come with...probably at least 1-2 of the guards too as they can fill it up. At least having 2-3 guys as a starting ooint would help matters.

It'd be really nice if Traore stayed...i assume it's wishful thinking but having 2 forwards as a starting point would be a great start. Brzovic is more of a 4.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Of Conwell, Traore, Hugley, Fletcher, Forsythe, Lewis, Swain, Anderson, who among those are Texas level NIL wise? I would expect to lose most if not all of those guys. I don't expect Miller to take all of them though.

[GoMuskies]

Miller probably wants Swain. He's not taking any of the other guys to Texas.

[Xville]

Of Conwell, Traore, Hugley, Fletcher, Forsythe, Lewis, Swain, Anderson, who among those are Texas level NIL wise? I would expect to lose most if not all of those guys. I don't expect Miller to take all of them though.

I think we can assume Conwell and Swain are 100% gone whether it's following miller or going for the bucks somewhere else. Don't have any inside info on them but id be surprised if the freshmen stay committed to X. The rest? outside of Traore i don't care.

[XUBison]

I have less than zero enthusiasm for this coaching search, even less so if it results in the return of Chris-fricking-Mack. I am also skeptical whether Chris still has the requisite enthusiasm to move this program forward. He’s already shown us this is not where he wants to be, and we’re going to bring him back after letting Sean Miller stop back in just long enough to take a dump on our chest? I’m sorry,but have some pride Xavier Nation. I will always root for Xavier, but today feels very gloomy.

[XUBand]

I have less than zero enthusiasm for this coaching search, even less so if it results in the return of Chris-fricking-Mack. I am also skeptical whether Chris still has the requisite enthusiasm to move this program forward. He’s already shown us this is not where he wants to be, and we’re going to bring him back after letting Sean Miller stop back in just long enough to take a dump on our chest? I’m sorry,but have some pride Xavier Nation. I will always root for Xavier, but today feels very gloomy.

The problem is we need someone with national recognition NOW unless you want to suck for the next decade. No one without recognition will be able to pull us out of the shit.

[bjf123]

Miller probably wants Swain. He's not taking any of the other guys to Texas.

I was told yesterday that Swain and the two incoming recruits are following Sean to Texas. Given that Swain has removed X from his Instagram, I’d say that confirms it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

The recruits make sense, too, I guess. I hadn't invested a second in learning about them (no idea their names), so I have no idea if they're any good. Figured I'd find out if they showed up on campus. Guess I made the right call.

[Xville]

I was told yesterday that Swain and the two incoming recruits are following Sean to Texas. Given that Swain has removed X from his Instagram, I’d say that confirms it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

makes sense. Lewis to me looks like he could be a good one but Forsythe just looks like another guy.

Losing Swain sucks...that dude is going to the nba in a year or two. Keeping Traore while extremely slim would be great.

[Caveat]

makes sense. Lewis to me looks like he could be a good one but Forsythe just looks like another guy.

Losing Swain sucks...that dude is going to the nba in a year or two. Keeping Traore while extremely slim would be great.

If you get Mack in quick you may be able to keep a few of the guys since his system is fairly similar to Miller and because there's likely less turnover in other "back of the house" parts of the program that the kids interact with. For most of these guys, it's about money and if Xavier can meet salary demands it's not impossible to keep guys around.

But, you're talking about guys you probably are fairly indifferent on continuing to be a part of the program.

[noteggs]

I’d be shocked it isn’t not Mack

If it’s not, then I’d bet it’s Murray or Huss

I’m big on Huss. He basically won the conference championship with his backup players. That takes some coaching chops to a whole different level. Especially with an eye for talent and player development. Plus he has Big East assistant experience at Creighton.

[drudy23]

At this point, just hire a damn coach and hope for the best.

I don't even care who it is anymore.

[XUBison]

Miller probably wants Swain. He's not taking any of the other guys to Texas.

This sort of statement is floated without anyone here blinking an eye, because we all know it is accurate. Our last two rosters were so clearly lagging the historical precedent we’ve set from a talent perspective over the past 35 years, the talent necessary to compete for BE championships and deep NCAA runs. Our prodigal son returned as the savior, murmurs persisted that he was unhappy with a lack of institutional support, and he bolted at the first chance for the significant resources at Texas. Meanwhile, we still have some here insisting we’re not having a problem attracting talent. Baffling.

[Caveat]

This sort of statement is floated without anyone here blinking an eye, because we all know it is accurate. Our last two rosters were so clearly lagging the historical precedent we’ve set from a talent perspective over the past 35 years, the talent necessary to compete for BE championships and deep NCAA runs. Our prodigal son returned as the savior, murmurs persisted that he was unhappy with a lack of institutional support, and he bolted at the first chance for the significant resources at Texas. Meanwhile, we still have some here insisting we’re not having a problem attracting talent. Baffling.

We're all dancing around it because it's fundamentally unknowable, but this conversation is pointless without the following information:

How much salary budget will it take for a program like Xavier to be successful?

How much salary budget is Xavier currently prepared to allocate?

How much more salary budget can Xavier realistically offer given it's current financial resources?

[Xville]

Schertz would be a good option imo. Bring along Avila and swope...Conwell connection...maybe keep Traore. Not a bad choice imo.

[waggy]

Schertz would be a good option imo. Bring along Avila and swope...Conwell connection...maybe keep Traore. Not a bad choice imo.

The players can probably be had without the coach.

[XUBison]

We're all dancing around it because it's fundamentally unknowable, but this conversation is pointless without the following information:

How much salary budget will it take for a program like Xavier to be successful?

How much salary budget is Xavier currently prepared to allocate?

How much more salary budget can Xavier realistically offer given it's current financial resources?

I agree, and I believe X has made considerable efforts and exhausted signficant resources to compete for talent. That doesn’t mean we *are* competitive in the current environment. Maybe that’s not true, and we’ve just whiffed on the talent front the past couple years, but it seems that most signs are pointing in the direction of the former.

[Xville]

or maybe, Miller isn't all that great without Book Richardson. He was pedestrian at X before Book got there, and he was awful after Book was removed and the investigations started.

[Caveat]

or maybe, Miller isn't all that great without Book Richardson. He was pedestrian at X before Book got there, and he was awful after Book was removed and the investigations started.

There are a lot of coaches out there who were successful at running programs because they were good at not getting caught paying players, not necessarily because they were good at coaching or good at recruiting.

That skillset is basically worthless in the modern game.

[XUBand]

Official announcement just posted by Xavier.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

If Mack is the guy time to move quick, I would expect it to happen in the next 24 hours.

We all saw the games this year, Miller can flat out coach. He isn't a top 10 guy, but he is certainly a top 25 coach. I think Mack can be that as well, and I hope if he comes on he will work towards it. I don't put much stock in all the retire early talk. He has the money, he should want to retire at 55 or 60.

[Xavier]

I think Xavier will take 2-3 days. In large part because it’s mostly a decision by the high donors.

[Xville]

If Mack is the guy time to move quick, I would expect it to happen in the next 24 hours.

We all saw the games this year, Miller can flat out coach. He isn't a top 10 guy, but he is certainly a top 25 coach. I think Mack can be that as well, and I hope if he comes on he will work towards it. I don't put much stock in all the retire early talk. He has the money, he should want to retire at 55 or 60.

He’s already 55. If he gives us five years and runs off into the sunset though that’s good enough for me. Just give it your all for five years

[D-West & PO-Z]

Schertz would be a good option imo. Bring along Avila and swope...Conwell connection...maybe keep Traore. Not a bad choice imo.

Schertz was a little disappointing at SLU last year, I thought they'd have more success but I certainly think he's among the top 5 candidates if I were ranking them. Certainly above Murray or any other assistant in my eyes.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If Mack is the guy time to move quick, I would expect it to happen in the next 24 hours.

We all saw the games this year, Miller can flat out coach. He isn't a top 10 guy, but he is certainly a top 25 coach. I think Mack can be that as well, and I hope if he comes on he will work towards it. I don't put much stock in all the retire early talk. He has the money, he should want to retire at 55 or 60.

Mack is 55, lol.

[D-West & PO-Z]

He’s already 55. If he gives us five years and runs off into the sunset though that’s good enough for me. Just give it your all for five years

Agreed. As long as Mack "ALL IN" (sorry, sorry) for 5 years at least, I say go with Mack.

[GoMuskies]

And when Mack is ready to retire, we can turn it over to his new up and coming assistant head coach, Stravis Teel.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

And when Mack is ready to retire, we can turn it over to his new up and coming assistant head coach, Stravis Teel.

He definitely whiffed on recommending Steele, but he did have a good year in Miami. I think assistants can't jump in the Big East or any other higher conference and expect to be successful. I think Luke Murray should shoot for a job in the A10. Steele would be smart to either stay in Miami for now or move up a notch also in the A10.

[GoMuskies]

The assistant to head coach thing is working out okay for Dook. They're obviously a different level, though. Jerome Tang was doing great until he wasn't at K-State. BYU's guy is doing well with it. Arizona grabbed the guy from Gonzaga and is doing great.

I don't think there should be a hard and fast rule when it comes to assistants. It's like picking guys with head coaching experience: some will do well, and some will suck lemons.

[drudy23]

Official announcement just posted by Xavier.

And what a weak statement it was. There's no way he should have gushed about Miller the way he did. What a joke. Weak leadership - what are you afraid to burn the bridge with Sean Miller after he's bent you over twice now?

Miller shouldn't even have been mentioned. What a joke.

This city has to start getting leadership who are less traditional and more prone to take some calculated risks. You cannot survive in this new era being safe and traditional. It's so frustrating.

[paulxu]

Who's got the flight tracker duty ?

[Xville]

And what a weak statement it was. There's no way he should have gushed about Miller the way he did. What a joke. Weak leadership - what are you afraid to burn the bridge with Sean Miller after he's bent you over twice now?

Miller shouldn't even have been mentioned. What a joke.

This city has to start getting leadership who are less traditional and more prone to take some calculated risks. You cannot survive in this new era being safe and traditional. It's so frustrating.

im pretty convinced that GC is one if not the biggest problem at Xavier when it comes to our athletics. The guy is a weak mfer

[drudy23]

im pretty convinced that GC is one if not the biggest problem at Xavier when it comes to our athletics. The guy is a weak mfer

Weak traditional mindset and approach. No pinache, no presence.

He's a suit.

[Caveat]

And what a weak statement it was. There's no way he should have gushed about Miller the way he did. What a joke. Weak leadership - what are you afraid to burn the bridge with Sean Miller after he's bent you over twice now?

Miller shouldn't even have been mentioned. What a joke.

This city has to start getting leadership who are less traditional and more prone to take some calculated risks. You cannot survive in this new era being safe and traditional. It's so frustrating.

What do you want them to say?

This is a business to these people, and they all operate in the same headspace. Every college coach is as loyal as the next raise or next opportunity to raise his profile. They all believe this is their right and duty to themselves / their family / whatever. Fans can get mad, but ADs and school administrators have to live in the world that exists -- not the one we all wish existed. And that world is Sean Miller leaving Xavier twice. Ed Cooley leaving Providence for Georgetown. Etc.

It's a slimy profession occupied by borderline sociopathic achievers.

[GoMuskies]

What do you want them to say?

Compared to what they said in the press release? Nothing. I'd prefer they said nothing.

[drudy23]

What do you want them to say?

This is a business to these people, and they all operate in the same headspace. Every college coach is as loyal as the next raise or next opportunity to raise his profile. They all believe this is their right and duty to themselves / their family / whatever. Fans can get mad, but ADs and school administrators have to live in the world that exists -- not the one we all wish existed. And that world is Sean Miller leaving Xavier twice. Ed Cooley leaving Providence for Georgetown. Etc.

It's a slimy profession occupied by borderline sociopathic achievers.

After what he did, and also knowing there are reports he would have left after year one, you don't stroke his ego as he bends you over on the way out of the door.

Say he's gone, and talk about your plan for the next guy. Then move on.

This type of traditional and status quo leadership is what will continue to hold them back. You yourself just said how slimy it is - well then grow some balls and stop playing the company line. It's very weak in a profession that eats the weak.

[GoMuskies]

But to Caveat's point, even Providence put out a statement kissing Ed Cooley's ass after he completely hosed them. So I guess it just is what it is.

Honestly, can you imagine saying this after what Cooley did? https://hoopdirt.com/providence-statement-on-cooley-departure/

“I deeply appreciate Coach Cooley’s immense contributions to the men’s basketball program and to the PC community over the past 12 years,” Father Sicard said. “Friar fans everywhere will be forever grateful for this period of sustained excellence in our program, and I personally will continue to have the highest regard for Ed. I wish him, Nurys, and their family all the best in their future."

[IM4X]

No question Sean is a very good coach. I do feel he asks alot of the right questions. He recognize many of the issues that need to be addressed
and he can fix most of those issues. It part of what makes him better than the vast majority of coaches. Still, it feels like he has blond spots and a few other limitations keeping him from getting to that elite level of coaching.

In fact, I think his coaching was not all that great in the game against Illinois. Too many players were out of position too often during the game. Too many 3s taken by the wrong players. Too many shots taken throughout the game with teammates continuing to be no where near the basket. Too many missed assignments again and again with little adjustments. How many times did Illinois run the same play on offense, leaving the 7 footer wide open again and again for an open three. Some lineups were not working. Too often an X guard, on fast break, would drive and score with three defenders in front of him instead of kicking it out to an open teammate on the wing.

It many sound like sour grapes, but I’m convinced there are at least a handful of mid-major coaches who coached in that tournament who could have taken those same X players and gotten a victory against Illinois.

While Sean is likely one of the 40 best coaches, I am not convinced he is a top 20 coach. There is likely a very good reason Sean has never made it to a Final Four all these years, even with the top tier talent he was getting at Arizona: he has the talent to help his teams play better but just not quite the talent to get them playing consistently at quite a high enough level.

Watching Sean coach in the Illinois game felt to me a little like Mack coaching that #1 seed X team against Florida in his final NCAA tournament game as Xavier coach. Both of them were trying to coach, all the while knowing they there about to be announced as the head coach of different school. Sean did look a bit more sedated than usual. He probably just received the offer right before the start of that game.

[Xville]

What do you want them to say?

This is a business to these people, and they all operate in the same headspace. Every college coach is as loyal as the next raise or next opportunity to raise his profile. They all believe this is their right and duty to themselves / their family / whatever. Fans can get mad, but ADs and school administrators have to live in the world that exists -- not the one we all wish existed. And that world is Sean Miller leaving Xavier twice. Ed Cooley leaving Providence for Georgetown. Etc.

It's a slimy profession occupied by borderline sociopathic achievers.

Well, not kiss his ass first of all. It's weak as shit. Don't mention him at all. Thank him? For fucking what? Just don't say shit regarding Sean at all. He's a slimy pos that doesn't deserve any ass kissing from our weak ass leadership.

[hoopster68]

No question Sean is a very good coach. I do feel he asks alot of the right questions. He recognize many of the issues that need to be addressed
and he can fix most of those issues. It part of what makes him better than the vast majority of coaches. Still, it feels like he has blond spots and a few other limitations keeping him from getting to that elite level of coaching.

In fact, I think his coaching was not all that great in the game against Illinois. Too many players were out of position too often during the game. Too many 3s taken by the wrong players. Too many shots taken throughout the game with teammates continuing to be no where near the basket. Too many missed assignments again and again with little adjustments. How many times did Illinois run the same play on offense, leaving the 7 footer wide open again and again for an open three. Some lineups were not working. Too often an X guard, on fast break, would drive and score with three defenders in front of him instead of kicking it out to an open teammate on the wing.

It many sound like sour grapes, but I’m convinced there are at least a handful of mid-major coaches who coached in that tournament who could have taken those same X players and gotten a victory against Illinois.

While Sean is likely one of the 40 best coaches, I am not convinced he is a top 20 coach. There is likely a very good reason Sean has never made it to a Final Four all these years, even with the top tier talent he was getting at Arizona: he has the talent to help his teams play better but just not quite the talent to get them playing consistently at quite a high enough level.

Watching Sean coach in the Illinois game felt to me a little like Mack coaching that #1 seed X team against Florida in his final NCAA tournament game as Xavier coach. Both of them were trying to coach, all the while knowing they there about to be announced as the head coach of different school. Sean did look a bit more sedated than usual. He probably just received the offer right before the start of that game.

Any consideration of Mark Schmidt of St. Bonnies; age 63. Good record, Midwest connections. Comments?

[GoMuskies]

Any consideration of Mark Schmidt of St. Bonnies; age 63. Good record, Midwest connections. Comments?

Mark is a great guy who did solid work on Victory Parkway for Skip. Would love him as an assistant if he's ready to leave the high stress world of college head coaching and Xavier hires a head coach without any head coaching experience.

[drudy23]

Any consideration of Mark Schmidt of St. Bonnies; age 63. Good record, Midwest connections. Comments?

No.

[Xville]

I think I like the San Fran coach Gerlufsen....he'd be an interesting pick...young, hungry and his team plays d and rebounds which would be a welcome change.

He'd not be my first choice, but someone to look at

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think my top choices so far are as follows:

1. Mack
2. Schertz
3. High point coach former Creighton asst

[waggy]

Randy Bennett on the older side but St. Mary's is getting left behind in the WCC. Honestly is probably the most surefire in the competence dept.

[drudy23]

Does Tony Bennett have the urge to get back? Would be an upgrade.

I'm guessing no, but worth a call.

[Xville]

Does Tony Bennett have the urge to get back? Would be an upgrade.

I'm guessing no, but worth a call.

Id rather have a root canal every single day of my life than watch that brand of basketball night in and night out. No thank you

[drudy23]

Id rather have a root canal every single day of my life than watch that brand of basketball night in and night out. No thank you

Agree on the style, but the dude won.

[Caveat]

Does Tony Bennett have the urge to get back? Would be an upgrade.

I'm guessing no, but worth a call.

He got out because the money / NIL thing is all that matters in the industry -- being a teacher of the game and developing players doesn't matter any longer.

[XUBand]

No question Sean is a very good coach. I do feel he asks alot of the right questions. He recognize many of the issues that need to be addressed
and he can fix most of those issues. It part of what makes him better than the vast majority of coaches. Still, it feels like he has blond spots and a few other limitations keeping him from getting to that elite level of coaching.

In fact, I think his coaching was not all that great in the game against Illinois. Too many players were out of position too often during the game. Too many 3s taken by the wrong players. Too many shots taken throughout the game with teammates continuing to be no where near the basket. Too many missed assignments again and again with little adjustments. How many times did Illinois run the same play on offense, leaving the 7 footer wide open again and again for an open three. Some lineups were not working. Too often an X guard, on fast break, would drive and score with three defenders in front of him instead of kicking it out to an open teammate on the wing.

It many sound like sour grapes, but I’m convinced there are at least a handful of mid-major coaches who coached in that tournament who could have taken those same X players and gotten a victory against Illinois.

While Sean is likely one of the 40 best coaches, I am not convinced he is a top 20 coach. There is likely a very good reason Sean has never made it to a Final Four all these years, even with the top tier talent he was getting at Arizona: he has the talent to help his teams play better but just not quite the talent to get them playing consistently at quite a high enough level.

Watching Sean coach in the Illinois game felt to me a little like Mack coaching that #1 seed X team against Florida in his final NCAA tournament game as Xavier coach. Both of them were trying to coach, all the while knowing they there about to be announced as the head coach of different school. Sean did look a bit more sedated than usual. He probably just received the offer right before the start of that game.

His coaching during Illinois was because he already accepted the Texas job dude.

[waggy]

Larranaga took the Miami job at 61 or 62. Randy Bennett is about the same age. He is definitely a guy who has done more with less. Consistently making the tournament, and St Marys gym is like Rose Hill.

[boozehound]

I guess if he wins again at X this will change, but Mack never really has the same cred nationally as Miller in the coaching department. Maybe because of Archie hanging around or their dad or the fact that Sean was on TV as a little kid or because he threw the pass to Jerome Lane, whatever. So Mack is not as likely to quickly get better offers like Miller did.

Plus, Miller won a lot of games over quite a few years even though he was ultimately a huge failure at Arizona. Mack, on the other hand, had a tenure that was basically a laughingstock at Louisville starting pretty early on.

That's true, and I'm with you that I don't know exactly why. Miller kind of had a charmed existence at Xavier which I think helped him. He was only there for 4 years and won an Elite 8 and a Sweet 16 then bolted. We were in the A-10 the whole time to it was easy to cruise through the regular season and get into the Dance where anything can happen. He struck while the iron was hot. Mack spent like 9 year here, and had a great team that made the Sweet 16 his first year, but tended to hit a rough patch every 2-3 years which might have impacted his national appeal?

[Xavier]

Xavier hired a search firm for help with the coaching search. But Mack is leading candidate and supposedly 3 others.

I mean…am I wrong, why on earth is a search firm needed if it’s down to 4-5 guys? Why take the time and spend the money? Genuine question. What’s the benefit? Feels ridiculous.

I get the logic years ago to see who is interested and what not. Seems silly

[IM4X]

Any consideration of Mark Schmidt of St. Bonnies; age 63. Good record, Midwest connections. Comments?

My thoughts.

Solid coach. Not sure Schmidt will be be able to recruit at a high enough level needed to get us to that elusive Final Four.

I feel like we several directions might work out.

A head coach who has knocked on the a Final Four door (like Mack has done) and who will be obsessed with doing everything to build a team that can get them there. A coach who come close to a Final Four is much more likely to make donors reach deeper into their pockets to come up with NIL money.

A former X assitant and current top assitant at a two time national champion team (i.e. Luke Murray) is intriguing too. Just being able to say we have a coach who helped put together the back to back National Champions is enough to get people excited about contributing money to what might be.

Finally, a young coach from a mid major conference who has proven he can advance in the NCAA Tournament with lesser talent (e,g. Drake’s coach, Colorado State’s coach) could work out too. That type of coach has clearly proven they have a lot of talent, -are able to find under-the-radar players and can (usually) persuade their best returning players to follow them to the bigger school where they’ll be coaching. Then hopefully they can prove they can recruit at an even higher level with the help of their reputation and ability to sell their abilities.

[drudy23]

Xavier hired a search firm for help with the coaching search. But Mack is leading candidate and supposedly 3 others.

I mean…am I wrong, why on earth is a search firm needed if it’s down to 4-5 guys? Why take the time and spend the money? Genuine question. What’s the benefit? Feels ridiculous.

I get the logic years ago to see who is interested and what not. Seems silly

Because the search firm owner is likely the buddy of a buddy. That's how corporate suits work.

It also draws into question the need for these high salary admin jobs. The boosters run the show now, especially with the dependence on NIL. ADs are literally middle men corporate suits that frankly just get in the way. GC gets to make the decision, but has zero power or influence on the trajectory of the program.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Who are the other coaches? Those three could be complete shots in the dark we have zero chance to get. That is important. I would love to see Huss/Gerlufson on the list. I am not enamored with Pitino but he would be a good get as well. I am going to guess he will push for a higher profile job. His time at NMU has been very successful and he appears to learned a lot down there.

[Xavier]

I’d be shocked if the other three aren’t: Murray/Huss/ ?

[xuphan]

Xavier hired a search firm for help with the coaching search. But Mack is leading candidate and supposedly 3 others.

I mean…am I wrong, why on earth is a search firm needed if it’s down to 4-5 guys? Why take the time and spend the money? Genuine question. What’s the benefit? Feels ridiculous.

I get the logic years ago to see who is interested and what not. Seems silly

What a piss take. Our AD can’t make the hire himself? Seems like a long drawn out process for a coach we need as soon as possible.

[drudy23]

What a piss take. Our AD can’t make the hire himself? Seems like a long drawn out process for a coach we need as soon as possible.

This is what corporate suits do.

Tradition, by the book, legacy practice people. Cincinnati people.

We need a visionary.

The program cannot continue to operate in status quo mode.

[xuphan]

This is what corporate suits do.

Tradition, by the book, legacy practice people. Cincinnati people.

We need a visionary.

The program cannot continue to operate in status quo mode.

The men’s program is the biggest program on campus. Every AD should have a list of replacements in case you lose your coach whether they take a different job, get fired, or retire. The fact we are taking a long drawn out process to find a head coach is extremely dangerous to our recruitment next season. We do indeed need a visionary especially if Chris Mack is the top candidate. Why support coaches who leave us high and dry the first time? Are we going to hire Steele again when he wins a MAC championship in a few years? Especially if Mack pulls a Miller. This whole thing has been handled terribly and enough is enough.

[atljar]

His coaching during Illinois was because he already accepted the Texas job dude.

Sounds a lot like a loss to FL State

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Haven't researched the thread.

Valentine. Loyola.

[GoMuskies]

I don't think Sean wasn't trying to win or anything, but it was weird that he laughed and said something like "I hope that big guy starts missing threes" during his in-game interview. Even one of the announces said something about hoping not being a great strategy and having to actually guard the guy.

Went back and watched. The comments about "hoping" are with Illinois at the line and 6:09 left in the first half.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Xavier hired a search firm for help with the coaching search. But Mack is leading candidate and supposedly 3 others.

I mean…am I wrong, why on earth is a search firm needed if it’s down to 4-5 guys? Why take the time and spend the money? Genuine question. What’s the benefit? Feels ridiculous.

I get the logic years ago to see who is interested and what not. Seems silly

Not silly. Using a search firm (despite the term "search") isn't to surface names. It is for due diligence. Each of these candidates must undergo a background check. They must be vetted. The search firm tries to determine whether or not there might be negative or incriminating information, from a prior job, that could surface after the candidate is hired and embarrass (or worse) Xavier. The search firm almost acts in the role of a private investigator, and it is very important.

This does slow down the hiring process as other posters have noted. But we want to avoid a critical mistake if possible. Besides, as Drudy noted, we are completely starting over. Next year is absolutely toast. The year after that may not be much better. To the extent taking more time gets us a better fit, X is better off long term. I acknowledge more time doesn't always create a better result but this is not a hire we want to rush into.

My personal opinion. Agree we need an experienced head coach, not an assistant but not Chris Mack. He absolutely screwed us over and we give him another chance after we just gave the last guy that screwed us over another chance? No thanks.

[Xavier]

It’s asinine to think in this era a season is already lost. Especially because I really think you just need 6-7 guys and some fillers. Might be slightly more difficult but I’d expect a few big time gets and a roster that is contending in the 4-6 range in the BE next year.
I expect Mack to be head coach tomorrow. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a GM hired shortly either.

I stand corrected on the search firm, thanks for clearing that up

[D-West & PO-Z]

The men’s program is the biggest program on campus. Every AD should have a list of replacements in case you lose your coach whether they take a different job, get fired, or retire. The fact we are taking a long drawn out process to find a head coach is extremely dangerous to our recruitment next season. We do indeed need a visionary especially if Chris Mack is the top candidate. Why support coaches who leave us high and dry the first time? Are we going to hire Steele again when he wins a MAC championship in a few years? Especially if Mack pulls a Miller. This whole thing has been handled terribly and enough is enough.

Who said hiring a search firm makes it a long drawn out process? My guess is they have a database with info on all the guys the AD has interest in and they can share all the details (good and bad) they have about the guy. They may have a database also about coaches with interests in certain schools or conferences from their agents etc.

I agree on the surface it seems ridiculous, however the position is the most important at Xavier, it deserves many resources to ensure the right choice is made, even if it ends up being the obvious choice.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not silly. Using a search firm (despite the term "search") isn't to surface names. It is for due diligence. Each of these candidates must undergo a background check. They must be vetted. The search firm tries to determine whether or not there might be negative or incriminating information, from a prior job, that could surface after the candidate is hired and embarrass (or worse) Xavier. The search firm almost acts in the role of a private investigator, and it is very important.

This does slow down the hiring process as other posters have noted. But we want to avoid a critical mistake if possible. Besides, as Drudy noted, we are completely starting over. Next year is absolutely toast. The year after that may not be much better. To the extent taking more time gets us a better fit, X is better off long term. I acknowledge more time doesn't always create a better result but this is not a hire we want to rush into.

My personal opinion. Agree we need an experienced head coach, not an assistant but not Chris Mack. He absolutely screwed us over and we give him another chance after we just gave the last guy that screwed us over another chance? No thanks.

Sorry didnt see your post before mine, well said.

[xukeith]

X can do better than Mack.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Next year is absolutely toast. The year after that may not be much better.

Except this. I totally disagree with this take, ESPECIALLY for year 2.

Do not let whoever the new coach is off the hook for two years.

This is a new era and X has the resources to field competitive teams (even completely new ones) in Year 1. I'm not saying that guarantees tourney year 1, but we should not go in (and neither should the next coach or the administration) expecting next year to be toast. Bullshit.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It’s asinine to think in this era a season is already lost. Especially because I really think you just need 6-7 guys and some fillers. Might be slightly more difficult but I’d expect a few big time gets and a roster that is contending in the 4-6 range in the BE next year.
I expect Mack to be head coach tomorrow. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a GM hired shortly either.

I stand corrected on the search firm, thanks for clearing that up

Didn't see this yet either, 100% agree.

Our expectations should be relatively high for whoever the new coach is, in YEAR 1.

[waggy]

How long does a new guy get minimum? Let's say he fields 2 bubble teams that miss the dance?

[noteggs]

Didn’t we hire a search firm when Sean was hired. Don’t see a problem here.

[D-West & PO-Z]

How long does a new guy get minimum? Let's say he fields 2 bubble teams that miss the dance?

3 years, 4 max. Would make me sick to give a guy 4 but thats the absolute max.

[OTRMUSKIE]

It’s 100% MACK. sign sealed delivered, take it to the bank.

[XUGRAD80]

My expectations for next year are NOT high, no matter what others may think. We should take a lesson from this past year and accept the idea that it takes time for a TEAM to jell. The more new players that are brought into the mix the longer it usually takes for them to jell. Of course there are exceptions to that, but those are exceptions, not the norm. X will be bringing in at least 10 new players, and a whole new coaching staff. The players that MAY come back have not played with each other either. I can see X having a very poor OOC record as the new players learn to play a new system with other new players. Chances are there aren’t going to be any players on the team that are familiar with how the coach does anything and won’t be able to lead the other players. At least X had some players on the squad this past year with experience playing for miller. There is no indication at this time that any new coach will have any players on the squad who are familiar with their system. Therefore it may take even longer for a team to come together and play as a unit than it did this past year. The only saving grace is that other teams they play will probably be going through the same thing too. Becoming a good team is not going to be easy and it’s not going to happen quickly.

[xuphan]

It’s 100% MACK. sign sealed delivered, take it to the bank.

Hope you are wrong. Think there are better candidates out there.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I agree, next season isn't ruined by interviewing 4-5 coaches. I would hate to miss out on a good younger coach because he got stuck on retreads.

[D-West & PO-Z]

My expectations for next year are NOT high, no matter what others may think. We should take a lesson from this past year and accept the idea that it takes time for a TEAM to jell. The more new players that are brought into the mix the longer it usually takes for them to jell. Of course there are exceptions to that, but those are exceptions, not the norm. X will be bringing in at least 10 new players, and a whole new coaching staff. The players that MAY come back have not played with each other either. I can see X having a very poor OOC record as the new players learn to play a new system with other new players. Chances are there aren’t going to be any players on the team that are familiar with how the coach does anything and won’t be able to lead the other players. At least X had some players on the squad this past year with experience playing for miller. There is no indication at this time that any new coach will have any players on the squad who are familiar with their system. Therefore it may take even longer for a team to come together and play as a unit than it did this past year. The only saving grace is that other teams they play will probably be going through the same thing too. Becoming a good team is not going to be easy and it’s not going to happen quickly.

Agree to disagree.

1. We were going to have AT LEAST 5 new rotational players next year anyway. At a minimum. If the new coach plays 8 guys next year that’s only a 3 player difference.

2. I expect the new coach will bring at least 2 players (the best 2) from their last team.

3. Every team every year is going to take time to gel. No different here. Yes it’s more of a challenge but X will be paying a nice chunk of change to the coach to get it done and to the players to bring in capable guys.

I don’t expect miracles in year 1. But I expect a competitive team that is entertaining to watch.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hope you are wrong. Think there are better candidates out there.

Like who and why? Truly interested.

It’s widely known many of this board (some who may have went to high school or college with Mack) just don’t like Mack the person or his personality and their dislike has nothing to do with his ability as a basketball coach.

Not saying that’s the case with you which is why I’m curious to hear your who and why.

[drudy23]

Like who and why? Truly interested.

It’s widely known many of this board (some who may have went to high school or college with Mack) just don’t like Mack the person or his personality and their dislike has nothing to do with his ability as a basketball coach.

Not saying that’s the case with you which is why I’m curious to hear your who and why.

Not to rehash this from his first tenure here, but this all goes back to how Mack was when he was in high school/college. He was kind of a deuche,

But he grew up. We were all little shits at that age. You also need some of that edge in this business. He's not afraid to speak his mind and back his guys.

[xuphan]

Like who and why? Truly interested.

It’s widely known many of this board (some who may have went to high school or college with Mack) just don’t like Mack the person or his personality and their dislike has nothing to do with his ability as a basketball coach.

Not saying that’s the case with you which is why I’m curious to hear your who and why.

Mack is Miller 2.0. He also left Xavier once for supposedly greener pastures and failed. Why reward another coach who thought he was better than us the job again? The whole Miller saga has been truly pathetic and I’d rather not go down the road of bringing in another guy who left us once and will most likely do the same in a few years. I’d personally rather the university go in a different direction than Mack.

As for who. That is a great question that is difficult to answer with what I believe is a weak coaching pool of talent. I’d personally like to see Richard Pitino as I think he would do wonders building a strong program in the Big East.

[hoopster68]

Mack is Miller 2.0. He also left Xavier once for supposedly greener pastures and failed. Why reward another coach who thought he was better than us the job again? The whole Miller saga has been truly pathetic and I’d rather not go down the road of bringing in another guy who left us once and will most likely do the same in a few years. I’d personally rather the university go in a different direction than Mack.

As for who. That is a great question that is difficult to answer with what I believe is a weak coaching pool of talent. I’d personally like to see Richard Pitino as I think he would do wonders building a strong program in the Big East.

Mack's "record" has to include Dino Gaudio & other assorted issues at Louisville. We are a Jesuit Catholic school, aren't we?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Mack's "record" has to include Dino Gaudio & other assorted issues at Louisville. We are a Jesuit Catholic school, aren't we?

Catholics don’t have falling outs with friends who blackmail them?

[Blue Blooded-05]

Hope you are wrong. Think there are better candidates out there.

I hope he sees this (we all know coaches read fan forums… right?) and gets the fire in his gut back. Chris “chip on his shoulder” Mack was totally different from Chris “Louisville wants me, I must be awesome” Mack.

[GoMuskies]

I hope he sees this (we all know coaches read fan forums… right?) and gets the fire in his gut back. Chris “chip on his shoulder” Mack was totally different from Chris “Louisville wants me, I must be awesome” Mack.

Hey Chris, there's no way you can get Xavier to the Final Four you douchebag!

Hey, there's a chance he'll see it. He DOES have a XavierHoops account and even has one post.

[xuphan]

I hope he sees this (we all know coaches read fan forums… right?) and gets the fire in his gut back. Chris “chip on his shoulder” Mack was totally different from Chris “Louisville wants me, I must be awesome” Mack.

Sounds like Miller a few years ago.

[MHettel]

Except this. I totally disagree with this take, ESPECIALLY for year 2.

Do not let whoever the new coach is off the hook for two years.

This is a new era and X has the resources to field competitive teams (even completely new ones) in Year 1. I'm not saying that guarantees tourney year 1, but we should not go in (and neither should the next coach or the administration) expecting next year to be toast. Bullshit.

You should accept this reality.

1). We only had 3 decent returners already. 1 is gone. Conwell probably will be too. That leaves Traore, who none of us has seen play.

2). I wouldn’t expect our incoming freshmen to come.

3) fringe guys like Anderson, Hugley and Fletcher probably aren’t the answer even if they stay

4). ALL rosters will be losing not only their seniors, but any 5th year Covid guys as well.

There already aren’t enough transfer to fill all the open spots this year. You will end up seeing a lot of marginal freshmen D2 guys just filling out rosters next year.

If you are a decent transfer next year is the ULTIMATE sellers market. NIL prices will skyrocket as teams pay up to get the limited talent.

We’re gonna need 10 or more guys. This is not the year to be in this spot. This is a 2-3 year rebuild folks.

miller went for it this year and left is holding the bag

[Xville]

Agree to disagree.

1. We were going to have AT LEAST 5 new rotational players next year anyway. At a minimum. If the new coach plays 8 guys next year that’s only a 3 player difference.

2. I expect the new coach will bring at least 2 players (the best 2) from their last team.

3. Every team every year is going to take time to gel. No different here. Yes it’s more of a challenge but X will be paying a nice chunk of change to the coach to get it done and to the players to bring in capable guys.

I don’t expect miracles in year 1. But I expect a competitive team that is entertaining to watch.

Agreed. If it was 5-6 years ago. Yeah I’d give our new coach some time. Not in this world, sorry. You get two years max, and there better be some good signs in year one. Yes x isn’t Arkansas, Louisville or byu in terms of pockets, but we aren’t lasalle either. X has the nil resources to put at worst a middle of the road big East team which honestly that’s what we were this past year.

Don’t let these snake oil salesman off the hook. They are getting paid a shit ton of money to produce results. Don’t give me this Kenny Payne “this is actually year zero” bullshit. Give me the pat kelsey we are going to fucking win here and now attitude.

[xuphan]

You should accept this reality.

1). We only had 3 decent returners already. 1 is gone. Conwell probably will be too. That leaves Traore, who none of us has seen play.

2). I wouldn’t expect our incoming freshmen to come.

3) fringe guys like Anderson, Hugley and Fletcher probably aren’t the answer even if they stay

4). ALL rosters will be losing not only their seniors, but any 5th year Covid guys as well.

There already aren’t enough transfer to fill all the open spots this year. You will end up seeing a lot of marginal freshmen D2 guys just filling out rosters next year.

If you are a decent transfer next year is the ULTIMATE sellers market. NIL prices will skyrocket as teams pay up to get the limited talent.

We’re gonna need 10 or more guys. This is not the year to be in this spot. This is a 2-3 year rebuild folks.

miller went for it this year and left is holding the bag

I sadly have to agree. We are going to have to bring in 10+ new faces next season and it will be difficult for us to get talent needed when we are getting a late start in the process. Have a feeling we will be fighting not to be the worst team in the Big East next season. Major rebuild which will take multiple years to complete.

[Section 200]

I sadly have to agree. We are going to have to bring in 10+ new faces next season and it will be difficult for us to get talent needed when we are getting a late start in the process. Have a feeling we will be fighting not to be the worst team in the Big East next season. Major rebuild which will take multiple years to complete.

There is no longer a multi year rebuild. You can’t hold players anymore. All teams must win now until the unlimited free agency model ends.

[A Fan]

This year is a harbinger of the future of college basketball: Seven Sweet 16 teams are from the SEC, four from the Big Ten, four from the Big 12, and one from the ACC, while the remaining 31 conferences—including the Big East—were completely shut out. With the top conferences hoarding talent, resources, and NIL advantages, for the rest of the teams, reaching the field of 32 is akin to making the Final Four.

[paulxu]

What happened to the "Miller's wife will never go to Texas, she doesn't want to move again, she'll divorce him"?

Also, if it's Mack, how about a HUGE buyout, so if he leaves in a couple years we've got some NIL $ for it.

[waggy]

The other thing the SEC and B1G will have besides talent is greater continuity. Which likely means better results in Nov/Dec.

Always have been against tournament expansion, and not sure what's best, but it might be necessary.

[bjf123]

X can do better than Mack.

Agreed. It’s the easy hire, but is it the right hire? Will he use X to wash off some of the stink from his time at Louisville and then bolt for more NIL money elsewhere?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[D-West & PO-Z]

You should accept this reality.

1). We only had 3 decent returners already. 1 is gone. Conwell probably will be too. That leaves Traore, who none of us has seen play.

2). I wouldn’t expect our incoming freshmen to come.

3) fringe guys like Anderson, Hugley and Fletcher probably aren’t the answer even if they stay

4). ALL rosters will be losing not only their seniors, but any 5th year Covid guys as well.

There already aren’t enough transfer to fill all the open spots this year. You will end up seeing a lot of marginal freshmen D2 guys just filling out rosters next year.

If you are a decent transfer next year is the ULTIMATE sellers market. NIL prices will skyrocket as teams pay up to get the limited talent.

We’re gonna need 10 or more guys. This is not the year to be in this spot. This is a 2-3 year rebuild folks.

miller went for it this year and left is holding the bag

Disagree and I think my other post makes my points.

500 guys entered the portal day 1.

There are 79 Power 5 teams.

Thats 6.3 guys per team on Day 1.

Lets say X's program is in the top half (so top 40 in the country essentially). There will be plenty of players for X to grab. Literally I have zero worry whatsoever of our new coach putting together capable roster next year. NONE.

And we will not be filling out any of our roster with D2 players, unless they are quality like Hankins.

My biggest worry is just GC hiring the right coach.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Major rebuild which will take multiple years to complete.

Just flat out wrong, I promise you. I cannot wait to revisit this thread (assuming the hire is Mack, or another capable (non assistant) coach).