The Illinois Coaching Search
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mattcoldagelli
- Script Illinois Enthusiast
Here are some likely dumb and unfounded rumors from our pals at @CoachingChanges:
I don't believe either.
I don't believe either.
I think all indications, at least at the current time, is that donors (and the University community in general) trust JW to make the right decision. Not just make headlines by throwing money around. I do not think is was a coincidence that Whitman specifically mentioned in the Groce PC that a $4.5M coach is not necessarily better than a $2.5M coach.
Some rumors of Steve Prohm though. That I could believe.
Actually you can look at UK's 2013 NIT run for Cal. One of his UK superteams got beat by Robert Morris in the opening round there. NIT means nothing and most name brand schools don't show up to play. Can you blame an NBA bound talent for sitting out a meaningless game that scouts won't even watch?
It tells you all you need to know about the teams I follow that I find coaching searches one of the most interesting things to follow. 
I think whoever Josh chooses has a very good chance of keeping the current class together. Josh is going to bring in a "name" coach and that alone should go along way toward keeping the class. The new coach will have the chance to talk to the entire class before they have the chance to ask for releases from their NLIs.
In any event, I do not think Tilmon nor anyone else should have a veto, direct or indirect, over the next hire.
"unknown and unverified source" - my favorite kind
mattcoldagelli
- Script Illinois Enthusiast
I've also seen him mentioned there and elsewhere for LSU. Not enjoying the ambience of Ames, it seems.
It would help your argument if you proof read before pressing submit. Did you mean, "Martin has NEVER won anything...."
mattcoldagelli
- Script Illinois Enthusiast
I know he was born in Champaign but does he even want to coach?
Well played. Let's get Ludacris onto the sidelines for a football game sometime in the next few years.
GortTheRobot
- North Bethesda, Maryland
No kidding. He has to have talked to people, and yet he is able to control the info. Pretty amazing in this era of media coverage.
This is his moment to get out of there. He loses that whole team next year.
I would be interested in him at Illinois. I would also like my Prohm-to-LSU prediction from the old thread to come true.
Is LSU a good job? I can see it both ways.
ILL in IA
- Iowa City
Right now, no matter how good he does in Ames, it feels like he's keeping the seat warm for Fred to come back. Regardless of Fred wanting to come back or not, that's the thoughts I hear from a lot of State fans watching Fred struggle in Chicago. He also might never have a roster as good as what he has had the past 2 years. A chance to take advantage of what he was given and split before the drop off.
That's a lot of behind the scenes speculation. We're not even sure the whole $4.5MM being thrown around isn't intended to include higher salaries for the assistant coaches.
You get it.
Yes the results could be better, but isn't there also the possibility it could be a bigger train wreck as well?
mattcoldagelli
- Script Illinois Enthusiast
For whatever reason, he's one of the guys that was under-discussed throughout the course of the season. Had nothing but success, really, but at the same time was more of a "maintainer" at both of his stops.
Illinidreamin
- Paris, IL.
Put me in the Corner of take Bennett 9 out of 10 times... I'm completely sold. Besides, Defense is what will bring us back as a team. Its what will hold us together when we are struggling and its what wins championships... I'm for a defensive Coach and one that has been proven to win. Tony fits the bill. Checks all the balances and I believe keeps our recruits.
I threw out Larry Bird before going for the Lovie affect, But with all the coaches named so far I'm all in on Tony. Please no Counzo...
1. By a long shot Tony Bennett
2. Gregg Marshall distant second
3. Keatts as a first 2 strike out option.
You get it.
I think I'm lost. I appear to be in Sunday School, but I'm looking for the coaching thread.
For 4.5 mill I can lead you to the right path
GortTheRobot
- North Bethesda, Maryland
I think I'm lost. I appear to be in Sunday School, but I'm looking for the coaching thread.
Yes, my apologies. My argumentative streak took a left turn. Anyway, I still see Bennet, Marshall and Miller all in play. I really think JW is going to make this a destination job for someone to get to the top. It's not like we haven't been close before.
We get any of these three guys, and I would love for anyone in the country to argue against our AD being the best in the biz. Plus, our AD could beat up your AD.
Yeah. A maintainer at a damn high, well above the program median level though.
His Iowa State tenure has kinda gone in reverse order of expectations. They were Top 10 preseason last year and didn't really live up to it, though they played better at the end of the season, and the expectations weren't as high this year but again they've just kept improving as the year went along.
They'll be a tough out.
RockyMtnIllini81
- Golden, Colorado
Chris Holtmann?
I haven't seen Chris Holtmann on any lists. He's done well at Butler in the past 3 years - winning record in the Big East and 3 trips to the tourney. Butler swept Villanova this year. He's in the discussion for Indiana, should an opening arise. Why not Illinois?
I haven't seen Chris Holtmann on any lists. He's done well at Butler in the past 3 years - winning record in the Big East and 3 trips to the tourney. Butler swept Villanova this year. He's in the discussion for Indiana, should an opening arise. Why not Illinois?
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