Coaching Carousel (Basketball)

#276      
It's difficult to overstate how conflicted the alums I meet are about those two titles, the concurrent scandals, and the inability/incompetence of Warde Manuel regarding hanging on to Harbaugh and May. For example, the Sherrone Moore debacle, and many others as egregious but less publicized, in which not even the least due diligence was done during the hiring phase about reputational risks. Some of them fall back on "Harbaugh didn't know because he's autistic/a genius/naive." lol

My colleague, however, sees clearly. He cherishes the titles and also expresses embarrassment at the scandals and inability to keep top coaches (they're now into garment-rending recriminations over Beilein bolting to the Cavs a decade ago.) Oh, and the clown show that the university presidency has become. He noted yesterday when we spoke about this that they're sinking into Spartan territory in this area, and as we all know there's no more horrifying thought to a Michigan Man(TM) than that.

But yeah: Leaders and Best. Always and forever.

I'm glad I saw us kick the snot out them in Crisler last year. (The fans streaming for the exits with ~10 mins remaining when our lead stretched to 15 was as delicious a moment of schadenfreude as I've enjoyed.) I don't need to go back there again anytime soon.
This is where it feels like Michigan has some fan out there making wishes on an old monkey paw, asking for championships, only for the curse to come due during and immediately after each one (I know administrative incompetence is probably the curse itself, but more fun to think about this way).

In 2023, Michigan put together its best football team in a long time, only for the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal to become the overriding storyline. They still won the championship despite the controversy, prior and subsequent coaching suspensions, and all the noise around the program. Then Harbaugh left, the program was handed to Sherrone Moore, which obviously spiraled further.

Their basketball team put together a top-tier roster (by slithering around, tampering, and doing whatever else goes on behind the scenes) to win a championship and then have their coach leave for the NBA at the eleventh hour right before the season starts, leaving the entire roster in question.

Seems like a curse to me. As an Illini fan, it is a lot more enjoyable (and sustainable) winning the right way.
 
#277      
It's difficult to overstate how conflicted the alums I meet are about those two titles, the concurrent scandals, and the inability/incompetence of Warde Manuel regarding hanging on to Harbaugh and May. For example, the Sherrone Moore debacle, and many others as egregious but less publicized, in which not even the least due diligence was done during the hiring phase about reputational risks. Some of them fall back on "Harbaugh didn't know because he's autistic/a genius/naive." lol

My colleague, however, sees clearly. He cherishes the titles and also expresses embarrassment at the scandals and inability to keep top coaches (they're now into garment-rending recriminations over Beilein bolting to the Cavs a decade ago.) Oh, and the clown show that the university presidency has become. He noted yesterday when we spoke about this that they're sinking into Spartan territory in this area, and as we all know there's no more horrifying thought to a Michigan Man(TM) than that.
I would respect "we win you lose cry more" 10000X more than all the desperation to be considered honorable and the gold standard stuff.

It all ultimately comes back to Woody and Bo, who were both the exact same person, absolute scoundrels who would cut any corner to get and stay on top. Ohio State understands and embraces this, which for as horrible and destructive as they are for the conference at least makes them immeasurably less annoying than the Michigan Man people.
 
#278      
It's difficult to overstate how conflicted the alums I meet are about those two titles, the concurrent scandals, and the inability/incompetence of Warde Manuel regarding hanging on to Harbaugh and May. For example, the Sherrone Moore debacle, and many others as egregious but less publicized, in which not even the least due diligence was done during the hiring phase about reputational risks. Some of them fall back on "Harbaugh didn't know because he's autistic/a genius/naive." lol

My colleague, however, sees clearly. He cherishes the titles and also expresses embarrassment at the scandals and inability to keep top coaches (they're now into garment-rending recriminations over Beilein bolting to the Cavs a decade ago.) Oh, and the clown show that the university presidency has become. He noted yesterday when we spoke about this that they're sinking into Spartan territory in this area, and as we all know there's no more horrifying thought to a Michigan Man(TM) than that.

But yeah: Leaders and Best. Always and forever.

I'm glad I saw us kick the snot out them in Crisler last year. (The fans streaming for the exits with ~10 mins remaining when our lead stretched to 15 was as delicious a moment of schadenfreude as I've enjoyed.) I don't need to go back there again anytime soon.
Fascinating.

As a thought exercise, I’m curious to what our board’s feedback would be to the, following question:

* In the past 15 years, who has had the more inept, dysfunctional leadership: Michigan or Michigan State?
 
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#279      
This is where it feels like Michigan has some fan out there making wishes on an old monkey paw, asking for championships, only for the curse to come due during and immediately after each one (I know administrative incompetence is probably the curse itself, but more fun to think about this way).

In 2023, Michigan put together its best football team in a long time, only for the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal to become the overriding storyline. They still won the championship despite the controversy, prior and subsequent coaching suspensions, and all the noise around the program. Then Harbaugh left, the program was handed to Sherrone Moore, which obviously spiraled further.

Their basketball team put together a top-tier roster (by slithering around, tampering, and doing whatever else goes on behind the scenes) to win a championship and then have their coach leave for the NBA at the eleventh hour right before the season starts, leaving the entire roster in question.

Seems like a curse to me. As an Illini fan, it is a lot more enjoyable (and sustainable) winning the right way.
I like this… the University of Michigan Monkey Paws. 😂
 
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