College Hoops Coaching Carousel

[IMPE ALL STAR]

What if Kentucky opens?

Since we are playing in hypotheticals here…

Do you think most top basketball schools would prefer Brad Underwood or Sean Miller? Or maybe neither would be on the to 3-5 list for those teams.

I think both are great coaches and it might just come down to a better fit with the AD’s personality and the climate of the fanbase

I know Coach Underwood takes some criticism on here, but for the most part, I think the fanbase loves him. It seemed to me that the ovation he received when starting lineups were announced at games this season was louder than for any of the players.

 

[pruman91]

What if Kentucky opens?

Double the headache , double the fun
the speculations this morning
are so much fun................................

 

[ChiefGritty]

Neither Cal or Self are quitting. Those jobs are lifetime callings to those guys.

 

[USAFILLINI]

What teams are calling for BU? A lot of it was outside his control, but we didn't have the greatest look with the amount of drama surrounding the team, we were 2-12 vs quad 1 teams, and lost in the first round of the tourney.

Before the BU mafia comes for me, I hope he stays, and I think we can turn it around, but I don't know many fan bases who would be satisfied with a BU hiring after this season.

 

[Heisenbobble]

No fight! Brad would listen to Texas if they came calling, but the reality is this year did not do him any favors especially for a job like Texas. They have their eyes on a younger, higher tier guy if RT is not retained

Any idea on who those candidates might be? It sounds like a bunch of ELITE coaches have already turned them down. Would they move on to coaches like Shrewsbury or Tang before considering someone like Underwood? And if Underwood already talked to them and isn't in their top 3, I'd assume they've basically moved on from him. Would they circle back to him if their main targets all reject their offer?

 

[Indy Illini Fan]

Perhaps an unpopular opinion but I think Miller is a better coach than Underwood. The only thing that concerns me is we have a strong group of assistants. I'd imagine we'd lose all of them.

Miller is a better coach … He also is a better recruiter …

I think Miller would keep 1 of TA or Chester … Geoff would not be retained … Cohen would come with him …

 

[Heisenbobble]

Miller is a better coach … He also is a better recruiter …

I think Miller would keep 1 of TA or Chester … Geoff would not be retained … Cohen would come with him …

Is this a hunch?

Oh man, all this speculation isn't good for my work productivity.

 

[Indy Illini Fan]

Adam Cohen?

Good eye my friend

 

[21ChampaignSt]

My fear, more than losing BU (which I don't want), is that this would be a major indictment on Illinois/the B1G. Brad has spent time in both conferences, if he thinks it's easier to recruit and win in B12 (soon to be SEC) country than it is in the B10, that would be really depressing. It would also make sense though. There's plenty of money to go around down there and you need look no further than the NBA to see how much easier it is to win in warmer markets. The average temperature of the cities that have a won an NBA championship in the last 20 years is 72 degrees.

 

[ChiefGritty]

The world is illogical and chaotic so who knows, but if Sean Miller is available to Illinois, why wouldn't Texas just hire Miller instead of BU? He's a much more obvious fit.

 

[Indy Illini Fan]

That's a LOT of great info, Indy. I really appreciate you stepping up when you didn't have to. So I'm assuming it was Underwood and not Cal that interviewed with Texas this weekend then. I'd think we'll hear a lot more soon if dominoes are starting to fall. If Texas keeps winning, though, that job may not be available.

One question I have: I'd think Whitman is aware of Brad's interest in the Texas gig (duh). How does he feel about it? If Texas falls through for Brad, for instance, is he welcomed back with open arms (a complete 180 from Ron Guenther's approach)? I like my ADs to be more understanding of these types of things and not butt-hurt like Guenther was with Self, but I'm curious if Whitman is more progressive like that or old-school like Guenther (assuming the former).

Oh, Whitman is aware … Brad and his agent go poking around at jobs every year … Last year it was K State (which Whitman understood) and then we gave Brad the bag and now he wants to go flirt with Texas ? In Whitman’s head - he’s given Brad everything he could want … If he’s not happy still then so be it, thanks for everything and good luck wherever you go …

 

[BashCtIllini]

Miller is a better coach … He also is a better recruiter …

I think Miller would keep 1 of TA or Chester … Geoff would not be retained … Cohen would come with him …

That is pretty much exactly my take. I'd keep TA because he keeps that connection to local talent and of course Morez.

I said an unpopular opinion, not incorrect

 

[Heisenbobble]

The world is illogical and chaotic so who knows, but if Sean Miller is available to Illinois, why wouldn't Texas just hire Miller instead of BU? He's a much more obvious fit.

Who says Miller would want the Texas job?

 

[IMPE ALL STAR]

Miller is a better coach … He also is a better recruiter …

I think Miller would keep 1 of TA or Chester … Geoff would not be retained … Cohen would come with him …

What a weird feeling. I can’t help but think this plays out like this

BU leaves for let’s say Texas; arkansas, somewhere. I am disappointed but hopeful

I get really excited about Miller (I already am)

I start to believe Miller is headed to Illinois

KU opens up and snags Miller

I’m crestfallen and want underwood back?

But like I said I trust Josh Whitman.

 

[Indy Illini Fan]

Who says Miller would want the Texas job?

 

[Indy Illini Fan]

What a weird feeling. I can’t help but think this plays out like this

BU leaves for let’s say Texas; arkansas, somewhere. I am disappointed but hopeful

I get really excited about Miller (I already am)

I start to believe Miller is headed to Illinois

KU opens up and snags Miller

I’m crestfallen and want underwood back?

But like I said I trust Josh Whitman.

If Kansas opens … They want 1 guy and 1 guy only …

They’ll pay anything to get him …

 

[Heisenbobble]

Oh, Whitman is aware … Brad and his agent go poking around at jobs every year … Last year it was K State (which Whitman understood) and then we gave Brad the bag and now he wants to go flirt with Texas ? In Whitman’s head - he’s given Brad everything he could want … If he’s not happy still then so be it, thanks for everything and good luck wherever you go …

All good points! I mean, it certainly seems like coaches have their ADs over a barrel in these situations. Underwood doesn't deserve to get fired, but he hasn't fully succeeded here yet (meaning no Sweet 16s or any real Tourney success). And at the same time, he's flirting with other programs. That's gotta be maddening for a coaches-first AD like Whitman.

 

[doowink]

My fear, more than losing BU (which I don't want), is that this would be a major indictment on Illinois/the B1G. Brad has spent time in both conferences, if he thinks it's easier to recruit and win in B12 (soon to be SEC) country than it is in the B10, that would be really depressing. It would also make sense though. There's plenty of money to go around down there and you need look no further than the NBA to see how much easier it is to win in warmer markets. The average temperature of the cities that have a won an NBA championship in the last 20 years is 72 degrees.

What about rainfall amounts?? Droughts are usually caused by a lack of precipitation ....asking for a friend

 

[Heisenbobble]

If Kansas opens … They want 1 guy and 1 guy only …

They’ll pay anything to get him …

Brad Stevens?

 

[BashCtIllini]

All good points! I mean, it certainly seems like coaches have their ADs over a barrel in these situations. Underwood doesn't deserve to get fired, but he hasn't fully succeeded here yet (meaning no Sweet 16s or any real Tourney success). And at the same time, he's flirting with other programs. That's gotta be maddening for a coaches-first AD like Whitman.

You've got to look at it from Underwood's perspective. He's got to make more money so he can provide for Tyler. We know Tyler has so little to do he's sitting around this message board posting all day......

 

[Indy Illini Fan]

Brad Stevens?

 

[Indy Illini Fan]

That is pretty much exactly my take. I'd keep TA because he keeps that connection to local talent and of course Morez.

I said an unpopular opinion, not incorrect

I’m not saying I know what Sean’s staff would be … But he made it pretty clear to me who it would be …

Sean in Chicago recruiting with TA … When NIL is legal … LOOK. OUT.

 

[ChiefGritty]

Who says Miller would want the Texas job?

If Illinois, why not Texas?

Miller is a Pittsburgh guy, but it's not like he has some deep connection to the Big Ten.

Texas is a Scrooge McDuck swimming pool of money that makes for a good environment for an established guy who knows the top-level landscape to step right in and start building the Death Star.

Illinois is a great job but requires a bit more fit and finesse.

 

[Rap47]

I thought Illinois was Underwood's dream job.

 

[logjam]

I thought Illinois was Underwood's dream job.

He woke up