A Random Thought on Coaching Search

[jscotpitt95]

When UVA hired Tony Bennett, he had finished the season at Washington State with a 7th place league finish, a 17-16 record and a first round NIT exit (plus he had only been a HC for 3 yrs). He had reportedly turned down Indiana a year prior. Most AD's want to hire the 'big-name' coach or the one with the most 'flash' - but it's so important for Lyke and Gallagher to find one that is the "best fit" for the job. No not new news or anything earth-shattering, but just a random thought.

 

[JD1976]

When UVA hired Tony Bennett, he had finished the season at Washington State with a 7th place league finish, a 17-16 record and a first round NIT exit (plus he had only been a HC for 3 yrs). He had reportedly turned down Indiana a year prior. Most AD's want to hire the 'big-name' coach or the one with the most 'flash' - but it's so important for Lyke and Gallagher to find one that is the "best fit" for the job. No not new news or anything earth-shattering, but just a random thought.

Jay Wright, Mike Brey, John Beilen, Gregg Marshall... Lots of current, high profile coaches who came directly from programs that aren’t even at the “mid major” level. Our fan base needs to be patient and allow the AD to do its due diligence.

 

[DiehardPanther]

Jay Wright, Mike Brey, John Beilen, Gregg Marshall... Lots of current, high profile coaches who came directly from programs that aren’t even at the “mid major” level. Our fan base needs to be patient and allow the AD to do its due diligence.

Exactly - finding the right mid-major is Pitt’s most realistic option.

 

[CrazyPaco]

When UVA hired Tony Bennett, he had finished the season at Washington State with a 7th place league finish, a 17-16 record and a first round NIT exit (plus he had only been a HC for 3 yrs). He had reportedly turned down Indiana a year prior. Most AD's want to hire the 'big-name' coach or the one with the most 'flash' - but it's so important for Lyke and Gallagher to find one that is the "best fit" for the job. No not new news or anything earth-shattering, but just a random thought.

This is what good ADs, who have typically spent their entire lives in collegiate athletics, are compensated well to figure out through their personal expertise, instincts, and network of connections. We'll see how good of an AD we have by the ultimate results a few years down the road. The worst thing she can do, as history has instructed over and over, is rely on the opinions of boosters and message board posters.

 

[TempleBAPittMPA]

Exactly - finding the right mid-major is Pitt’s most realistic option.

Classic example of a school hitting a home run by hiring a mid-major coach: UCLA hiring Indiana State coach . . . John Wooden.

Or how about this one, that elevated a school that itself wasn't even in the mid-major sphere: Georgetown hiring a local HIGH SCHOOL coach named John Thompson.

 

[Las Panteras]

I agree with the OP

A 500 foot tape measure solo shot makes news.....

But a bases clearing bloop down the right field line is way more effective.

 

[Saboteur]

This is what good ADs, who have typically spent their entire lives in collegiate athletics, are compensated well to figure out through their personal expertise, instincts, and network of connections. We'll see how good of an AD we have by the ultimate results a few years down the road. The worst thing she can do, as history has instructed over and over, is rely on the opinions of boosters and message board posters.

She hired a kick ass soccer coach, a legit swim coach and a gymnastics coach. Now those aren't apples to apples, but let's face facts, those Football and hoop hires are few and far between IF YOU DO IT WELL. Thus far, Heather has reached for and grabbed the brass ring.