Illini Coaching Staff

haasi · Mar 20, 2017

here's an article about Gates and Cal - http://www.californiagoldenblogs.co...ketball-dennis-gates-head-coaching-candidates

would be an exciting but high risk young hire. Would think he'd have to stop at a midmajor before getting a P5 gig, but you never know.

OldGreg · Mar 20, 2017

haasi said:
here's an article about Gates and Cal - http://www.californiagoldenblogs.co...ketball-dennis-gates-head-coaching-candidates

would be an exciting but high risk young hire. Would think he'd have to stop at a midmajor before getting a P5 gig, but you never know.

If we're hiring staff members that are a risk to roll out for jobs, I'd much rather have that than a staff that is full of guys with no other job prospects.

JoseyWales83 · Mar 20, 2017

Missouri staff pool is 1.1 mil and Illinois is 1.4 mill so I think we should be able to keep Walker.

haasi · Mar 20, 2017

JoseyWales83 said:
Missouri staff pool is 1.1 mil and Illinois is 1.4 mill so I think we should be able to keep Walker.

financially no question we can keep him. questions are whether he wants to stay and whether Underwood wants him

Peoria Pipeline · Mar 20, 2017

haasi said:
financially no question we can keep him. questions are whether he wants to stay and whether Underwood wants him

He has grown pretty close to these players. I think he would have a hard time leaving them if he is offered the job.

Jeffcobrad · Mar 20, 2017

Not hard to figure this one out. Coach Underwood has to much respect for the other 2 asst coaches ( Ford, Parham ) to announce staff hirings while they are still coaching for the Illini. He was once an asst coach and knows how hard they have worked at Illinois and how much they wanted to continue to be here. Once Illini season is over then you will start to hear news on his staff including Jamal staying. Its called class and I'm glad he is showing it.

Illinigirl · Mar 20, 2017

Jeffcobrad said:
Not hard to figure this one out. Coach Underwood has to much respect for the other 2 asst coaches ( Ford, Parham ) to announce staff hirings while they are still coaching for the Illini. He was once an asst coach and knows how hard they have worked at Illinois and how much they wanted to continue to be here. Once Illini season is over then you will start to hear news on his staff including Jamal staying. Its called class and I'm glad he is showing it.

This was my thought as well. No announcements until the Illini are through the NIT run.

haasi · Mar 20, 2017

And I'll just echo - Walker is for sure in a very weird and socially difficult spot here. His friend and mentor Groce just got canned. His two friends and colleagues are about to get canned too but still in limbo for now, and he's the lucky one who might still be set. He's got to somehow lead the team without alienating his fellow coaches, being super respectful of his mentor who just got fired, and taking the appropriately measured response to staying on post Groce firing. And on top of that, he's got to keep the team focused and motivated on the games we are playing. weird spot, and based on his public statements he seems to be handling it with the appropriate measure of dignity accounting for his allegiances to players, Groce, Whitman, new coach, etc.

IlliniTargetAcquired · Mar 20, 2017

Jeffcobrad said:
Not hard to figure this one out. Coach Underwood has to much respect for the other 2 asst coaches ( Ford, Parham ) to announce staff hirings while they are still coaching for the Illini. He was once an asst coach and knows how hard they have worked at Illinois and how much they wanted to continue to be here. Once Illini season is over then you will start to hear news on his staff including Jamal staying. Its called class and I'm glad he is showing it.

This. It is just as much about the other two assistants and all the work they have put into this program

Illini B-Ball Fan · Mar 20, 2017

haasi said:
And I'll just echo - Walker is for sure in a very weird and socially difficult spot here. His friend and mentor Groce just got canned. His two friends and colleagues are about to get canned too but still in limbo for now, and he's the lucky one who might still be set. He's got to somehow lead the team without alienating his fellow coaches, being super respectful of his mentor who just got fired, and taking the appropriately measured response to staying on post Groce firing. And on top of that, he's got to keep the team focused and motivated on the games we are playing. weird spot, and based on his public statements he seems to be handling it with the appropriate measure of dignity accounting for his allegiances to players, Groce, Whitman, new coach, etc.

Good job in bringing these points into perspective.

Renegade19 · Mar 20, 2017

Jeffcobrad said:
Not hard to figure this one out. Coach Underwood has to much respect for the other 2 asst coaches ( Ford, Parham ) to announce staff hirings while they are still coaching for the Illini. He was once an asst coach and knows how hard they have worked at Illinois and how much they wanted to continue to be here. Once Illini season is over then you will start to hear news on his staff including Jamal staying. Its called class and I'm glad he is showing it.

This!

Renegade19 · Mar 20, 2017

haasi said:
And I'll just echo - Walker is for sure in a very weird and socially difficult spot here. His friend and mentor Groce just got canned. His two friends and colleagues are about to get canned too but still in limbo for now, and he's the lucky one who might still be set. He's got to somehow lead the team without alienating his fellow coaches, being super respectful of his mentor who just got fired, and taking the appropriately measured response to staying on post Groce firing. And on top of that, he's got to keep the team focused and motivated on the games we are playing. weird spot, and based on his public statements he seems to be handling it with the appropriate measure of dignity accounting for his allegiances to players, Groce, Whitman, new coach, etc.

And This!

Mike · Mar 20, 2017

haasi said:
The monetary bump for Underwood was enormous; the monetary bump for any of these guys coming to us would be significantly less. I think the money would be a nice inducement, but as with Underwood, the main thing is going to be fit and opportunity. If Dennis Gates wants to come back to Illinois and work on UW's staff, he'd do so for the same money or a little more. If that's not exciting to him, and he doesn't think it situates him better for the future, an extra 50k a year ain't gonna do it.

If 300 wouldn't do it why not offer 500?
The extra money is only 1/15 of what the coach makes.

Second and Chalmers · Mar 20, 2017

Mike said:
If 300 wouldn't do it why not offer 500?
The extra money is only 1/15 of what the coach makes.

It's interesting. The compensation level for basketball assistants is clearly not keeping up with the rate of increase for head coaches.

On the other hand, the two seem pretty tied together in football, in fact, it would seem that elite assistants are gaining ground on head coaching salaries if anything.

Beats me what to make of that.

haasi · Mar 20, 2017

Second and Chalmers said:
It's interesting. The compensation level for basketball assistants is clearly not keeping up with the rate of increase for head coaches.

On the other hand, the two seem pretty tied together in football, in fact, it would seem that elite assistants are gaining ground on head coaching salaries if anything.

Beats me what to make of that.

Maybe Coach Cal is on to something

jrichisamazing · Mar 20, 2017

haasi said:
Based on presser, does sound like he puts premium on recruiting right guys for his system, not just 5/4 star guys. Which supports idea that it may be less important to get stud recruiters than to get guys who understand his system and will work well with him (of course they have to be able to recruit too)

Most high 4 star of 5 star guys are good enough to fit any system.

davesworld · Mar 20, 2017

Does anyone have the link to watch todays presser?

I am suppressing my expectations but i remain very hopeful. I remember getting excited about Groce and my heart is just like yours in that it has seen to many breaks.

This board is responsible for that hype, ive been lurking again through half the coach search pages to now. I haven't lurked since Thomas chose TAMU over us, which was right after we losed Evans. I knew i would come back. It was only a matter of time. I love this board, it creates excitement and enthusiasm for my love of the orange crush. It can also be a fuel when we take a loss.... keep it up. Who doesn't like roller coasters?

davesworld · Mar 20, 2017

I stand corrected... i did lurk when we got the tilmon commit last year.

WesterveltVictoryCigar · Mar 20, 2017

davesworld said:
Does anyone have the link to watch todays presser?

Check the thread titled "Brad Underwood Intro Press Conference".

davesworld · Mar 20, 2017

WesterveltVictoryCigar said:
Check the thread titled "Brad Underwood Intro Press Conference".

Haha. I guess that would help... thanks

lexwaldez · Mar 20, 2017

haasi said:
And I'll just echo - Walker is for sure in a very weird and socially difficult spot here. His friend and mentor Groce just got canned. His two friends and colleagues are about to get canned too but still in limbo for now, and he's the lucky one who might still be set. He's got to somehow lead the team without alienating his fellow coaches, being super respectful of his mentor who just got fired, and taking the appropriately measured response to staying on post Groce firing. And on top of that, he's got to keep the team focused and motivated on the games we are playing. weird spot, and based on his public statements he seems to be handling it with the appropriate measure of dignity accounting for his allegiances to players, Groce, Whitman, new coach, etc.

Coach Walker has done a great job balancing all that in pressers and on the court. You have to hand it to him. He's done an excellent job. :clappy:

lexwaldez · Mar 20, 2017

davesworld said:
Does anyone have the link to watch todays presser?

I am suppressing my expectations but i remain very hopeful. I remember getting excited about Groce and my heart is just like yours in that it has seen to many breaks.

This board is responsible for that hype, ive been lurking again through half the coach search pages to now. I haven't lurked since Thomas chose TAMU over us, which was right after we losed Evans. I knew i would come back. It was only a matter of time. I love this board, it creates excitement and enthusiasm for my love of the orange crush. It can also be a fuel when we take a loss.... keep it up. Who doesn't like roller coasters?

For me, it's less about expecting wins/championships, etc. I just like the style of play 'Wood's teams show on the floor. I MISS the days of the Flyin Illini. Remember that NCAA game against Cinci after they bad-mouthed us? I want to see that pace again. It will be so fun to watch that again.

MadSeason · Mar 20, 2017

Everyone is doing things right in regards to Walker.

Whitman has publicly stated how valuable he is, while not undercutting his New head coaches authority by saying ultimately the decision is his.

Whitman has secured a substantial increase in Assistant Coaches salary pool which will clearly benefit Walker.

Whitman gave Walker his first head coaching gig, which to this point is going quite well. This point shouldn't be underestimated with Walker being at press conferences, the face of program and turning a negative season into a positive at end. Huge resume builder

BU is letting Walker coach this team and take all the accolades that go with a hopefully deep NIT run.

BU isn't showing up other Assistants by publicly prioritizing Walker or meeting with him prior to the end of the season.

The process just has to play out, but everyone is doing things right if the ultimate goal is to keep Walker

Illinoy · Mar 20, 2017

MadSeason said:
Everyone is doing things right in regards to Walker.

Whitman has publicly stated how valuable he is, while not undercutting his New head coaches authority by saying ultimately the decision is his.

Whitman has secured a substantial increase in Assistant Coaches salary pool which will clearly benefit Walker.

Whitman gave Walker his first head coaching gig, which to this point is going quite well. This point shouldn't be underestimated with Walker being at press conferences, the face of program and turning a negative season into a positive at end. Huge resume builder

BU is letting Walker coach this team and take all the accolades that go with a hopefully deep NIT run.

BU isn't showing up other Assistants by publicly prioritizing Walker or meeting with him prior to the end of the season.

The process just has to play out, but everyone is doing things right if the ultimate goal is to keep Walker

This is key. We can win a bidding war with Mizzou, plus I'd like to think Mike Porter Sr. would command a substantial portion of their assistant allocation along with Webster (being Martin's right hand man as of late) would not exactly take chump change either.

MadSeason · Mar 20, 2017

Illinoy said:
This is key. We can win a bidding war with Mizzou, plus I'd like to think Mike Porter Sr. would command a substantial portion of their assistant allocation along with Webster (being Martin's right hand man as of late) would not exactly take chump change either.

Good point. Porter was making 300k per year at Washington while Webster was at 141,000. His Tennessee salary was 215k

Maybe we should just poach Webster too:thumb:

Mizzou allocated 1.1 Million for their basketball staff. Illinois? 1.4 million

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