This is the first truly concerning development of this offseason. I had no ties or care about Buh whom I think had a really solid rep and recruiting chops, but McDonald leaving scares me. He is an Illini, has been a steady recruiter, and felt like he really had the respect of the players. If he feels unwelcome/ready to move to greener pastures it shows signs of something more troubling. Also as we know from the past 2nd iterations of coaching staffs often make or break a coach at a school. BB has been successful, but if he can't replace the people who are leaving with equally/more competent individuals all the progress we've made will be like a sand castle on the beach and gone with the tide.
Coaching Carousel
- Status
Dude he left for a better job. It’s that simple
Pump the brakes there
Folks have been indicated that Bielema's downfall at Arkansas was largely due to his judgment regarding assistants (great first hires, downgrades upon replacement) (also his drinking)....but Ward (yes!), Bullen looks to be a solid addition, and Fenelus to Gibbs rectifies an apparent error. Agree that each replacement is a measure of progress or reversion.
People chuckle at Ryan Walters small group of coaches he has to pick through. How in the world is McDonald, or any coach, going to expand their coaching tree sticking around at one place? I'm sure it's worked but it's not the norm. McDonald needed to move on for his own exposure - both what he's exposed to and who he can impress outside of Illinois. The little Underwood needs to do the same at some point. The sooner the better.
A name I like but I doubt would be considered is Jordan Lynch. He’s a great recruited and really respected in the public league. He has a lot of experience recruiting the south side and south suburbs.
I didn’t love it when he was hired….but he’s been a huge part of our offensive success and turnaround
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
you're reading more into this than is there. it's a step up, plain and simple.
TwoElevenEastDaniel
- Cochrane's-Orchid-Tonic
Dre Brown? Maybe then Ward moves to WR and Dre coaches RB. Also, is this a sneaky spot to promote Sitkowski? Guessing the staff may be prioritizing experience, but there are options.
This ...
If you want to point the blame at coaching decisions on the MBB side ... I'd start with the Defensive Coordinator/Brad ... Not Tyler ...
If I was making the hire ...
Illinivek23
- Gurnee
But Nate is already an OC in the Big 12
But we could easily match his salary ... Give him a Co-OC title ... And he gets to get out before Campbell gets the boot ...
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
Make it happen!!
Unless there is a scandal or complete collapse that forces Iowa states hand, Campbell isn't getting the boot anytime soon. His seat is about as hot as Bert's which is to say it's ice cold for at least another year or two.
I would go with former Illini for the next hires.
It’s a lot warmer than you think … They do not accept 7-6 over there …
His last 3 seasons: 7-6 … 4-8 … 7-6 …
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I’ll defer to you as an insider, but I’m not convinced a 10-year ceiling at Ole Miss is higher than at Illinois. Ole Miss is unquestionably in a better position as a program right now.
(I also didn’t know about the difference in titles, so my bad there … was purely discussing Illinois vs. Ole Miss as destinations.)
Chuck Nuggets
Dip your nuggets in my staff source sauce.
Only an Illini fan could possibly believe this, regardless of any superfluous change in title. Ole Miss was a better job, is a better job, and will continue to be a better job, regardless of how bad Louisville basketball is right now.
- Status