Let's say Jeff can come back for 25-26 as the AD do you......

[tylersmyth]

Force his hand and say you need to bring in all new assistance coaches and stop providing Pitt-Welfare to this current crew you wasted 7 seasons on?

Maybe by doing this he resigns and goes to coach IUPUI with his loser assistants?

The AD says trust the process is the key for all his people, exactly what process is Jeff following as the coach because he has no gameplan nor strategy

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Force his hand and say you need to bring in all new assistance coaches and stop providing Pitt-Welfare to this current crew you wasted 7 seasons on?

Maybe by doing this he resigns and goes to coach IUPUI with his loser assistants?

The AD says trust the process is the key for all his people, exactly what process is Jeff following as the coach because he has no gameplan nor strategy

No. The assistants aren't the problem. This isn't college football. If this were 5 years ago, you could maybe say that he needs to bring in a recruitinator/bag man but those don't exist anymore since paying players is legal. There's really no such thing as a "good recruiter" anymore. The money does the recruiting.

This team failed for 3 reasons:

- Portal misses: Corhen was a miss. Can't defend or rebound. He has some offensive skill but Peak pointed out his teams have lost every time he had a big offensive output. You dont need your big to score. You need him to rebound, protect the rim, and dissuade those straight-line drives we always give up so we don't have to help. Helping on drivers leads to open 3s out of rotations. Dunn was also a miss due to injury and having a skill set too similar to Lowe/Leggett

- didnt have a 3 point replacement for Hinson. You weren't going to replace him but should have brought in a Greg Elliot type instead of Dunn

- terrible defensively. I dont know what the stats will officially say but I am thinking this is the worst defensive team since the Willard days. Maybe even including the 0-18 team. This is the most disappointing aspect. If we were just average defensively, we'd be going to the tournament. ND without their 3rd and 4th leading scorere, shooting 70% on 2s is just inexcusable

 

[HailToPitt725]

At a minimum, the coaching staff needs overhauled. To SMF’s point, I’m not sure new assistants will change anything, but you can’t send the message that this type of regression is acceptable.

The bigger question will be how he can rebuild this team through the portal; he’s already done it once before, so he’ll get one more opportunity to do so.

 

[Gunner Panther]

So Assistants have no impact on player evaluations or player development (portal misses and awful defense)?

No fresh eyes or new ideas or new contacts/relationships could help this program?

 

[Franb]

No. The assistants aren't the problem. This isn't college football. If this were 5 years ago, you could maybe say that he needs to bring in a recruitinator/bag man but those don't exist anymore since paying players is legal. There's really no such thing as a "good recruiter" anymore. The money does the recruiting.

This team failed for 3 reasons:

- Portal misses: Corhen was a miss. Can't defend or rebound. He has some offensive skill but Peak pointed out his teams have lost every time he had a big offensive output. You dont need your big to score. You need him to rebound, protect the rim, and dissuade those straight-line drives we always give up so we don't have to help. Helping on drivers leads to open 3s out of rotations. Dunn was also a miss due to injury and having a skill set too similar to Lowe/Leggett

- didnt have a 3 point replacement for Hinson. You weren't going to replace him but should have brought in a Greg Elliot type instead of Dunn

- terrible defensively. I dont know what the stats will officially say but I am thinking this is the worst defensive team since the Willard days. Maybe even including the 0-18 team. This is the most disappointing aspect. If we were just average defensively, we'd be going to the tournament. ND without their 3rd and 4th leading scorere, shooting 70% on 2s is just inexcusable

Pitt needs a new defensive coordinator.

 

[AllegeneeGenacGenac]

Maybe this is a dumb question, but how much leverage does the university have here? Since the assistants have separate contracts, I assume the university can ultimately just refuse to employ assistants they don't support, but it also seems like control over their staff is something head coaches would negotiate into their own contracts.

 

[SteelBowl70]

16 years and 4 tourneys - 2 courtesy of Blake Griffin
6 straight losing seasons before 21-22
Just like Pat, had 2 good seasons but couldn’t build off of it and program is now regressing
Not a single player improved over the course of the season
Didn’t get the most out of any player on the roster except maybe Leggett
He’s just a mediocre coach who never deserved an extension just like Pat

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

16 years and 4 tourneys - 2 courtesy of Blake Griffin
6 straight losing seasons before 21-22
Just like Pat, had 2 good seasons but couldn’t build off of it and program is now regressing
Not a single player improved over the course of the season
Didn’t get the most out of any player on the roster except maybe Leggett
He’s just a mediocre coach who never deserved an extension just like Pat

... and if you don't believe the statistics, just watch this team play. 90% of what they do just feels so aimless.

 

[TheSpecialSauce]

If you want things to get better, then Capel has to go. There’s far too much evidence of his lack of coaching acumen.

 

[Gunner Panther]

If you want things to get better, then Capel has to go. There’s far too much evidence of his lack of coaching acumen.

That's obviously the best option, but seemingly out of reach, at least this year. Unless he is open to negotiation....

 

[Protes]

- didnt have a 3 point replacement for Hinson. You weren't going to replace him but should have brought in a Greg Elliot type instead of Dunn

The hope was Amsal was that guy. Unfortunately, didn't work out. Injury before the season did not help things.

Didn’t get the most out of any player on the roster except maybe Leggett

Austin is the only guy who legitimately took a step forward this year, IMHO.

 

[PittPanther44]

Just line up fat stacks of cash and get a more complete team. Capel is “capable” - he just isn’t coaching teams with glaring holes to great seasons.

 

[HailToPitt1985]

The hope was Amsal was that guy. Unfortunately, didn't work out. Injury before the season did not help things.


Austin is the only guy who legitimately took a step forward this year, IMHO.

And Austin will unfortunately be gone after this year. I believe many of the players on this current roster will also be gone, either through loss of eligibility or transfer. Capel will need to bring in at least 5 or 6 high quality portal players to even expect some measure of success next year. Can Capel coach average or even above average players and make them a successful team? Evidence suggests he can't.

 

[SteelCityChamps]

As mentioned above, assistants aren't the problem.

Recruiting/transfers are very much transactional now.

Teams are built at the 1 and 5 position as far as team identity.

Our 1 has regressed this year and has way too long of a leash to shoot as many deep shots as he does.

Our 5 doesn't really have an identity. Some put backs. Mainly jump shots. Not elite at rebounding, shot blocking or defense.

What does Capel want the identity of this to be? I really don't know after seven years.

I think he really wants to play a three guard lineup. That makes the roster construction of the past two years very frustrating. You really needed an extra depth guard each year.

What does he want the identity of each position to be? Does he really want a "stretch" four like player? (Champ, Gueye, Hinson)
All those guys were different but could all shoot.

I think you have something at the 4 with GDG, but then you have to complement him with the right 5.

The only real off season question is does Capel want the 1/5 combo of Lowe/Corhen back? They're obviously friends and would command the most NIL of the returning players.

Personally I'm fine moving on from both. Split up the NIL and bring in two competent PGs who can create. Capel team's seem to be best when they have multiple capable PGs. Maybe B. Cummings is that guy already next year.

They absolutely need a shooter for that 3rd guard spot. And then if GDG is back an absolute rebounder at the 5.

 

[HailToPitt725]

That's obviously the best option, but seemingly out of reach, at least this year. Unless he is open to negotiation....

Who helped paid off the Stallings buyout last time? Are we still paying this off, or are we in position to make a move? I wouldn’t think so, but I was partially surprised when we bought Stallings out after year two.

 

[MorningCoffee13]

The AD is going to absolutely do nothing.

 

[TD_6082]

What does Capel want the identity of this to be? I really don't know after seven years.

This.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

Who helped paid off the Stallings buyout last time? Are we still paying this off, or are we in position to make a move? I wouldn’t think so, but I was partially surprised when we bought Stallings out after year two.

Pretty sure we self-reported some petty violations and used Stallings' shouting match with a Louisville fan against him to threaten firing him for cause, which enabled us to negotiate a $10Mish buyout down to $5M. Bush League, in my opinion.

 

[HailToPitt725]

Pretty sure we self-reported some petty violations and used Stallings' shouting match with a Louisville fan against him to threaten firing him for cause, which enabled us to negotiate a $10Mish buyout down to $5M. Bush League, in my opinion.

Bush league perhaps, but also savvy. Although Capel isn’t getting it done here, there won’t be any opportunity to lower it for cause this time around because he’s a class act. Wish it didn’t have to be this way.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

So Assistants have no impact on player evaluations or player development (portal misses and awful defense)?

No fresh eyes or new ideas or new contacts/relationships could help this program?

No. Those are just announcer talking points. Assistant coaches are a dime a dozen. They are really worth something if they can recruit but recruiting isn't a thing anymore. Everyone is a 1 year player looking for the most money.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

That's obviously the best option, but seemingly out of reach, at least this year. Unless he is open to negotiation....

I am wondering if an agreement can be struck where Capel agrees to give up $2 million/year of salary to pay the players. Pitt doesn't have much leverage in that negotiation but worth a shot. Mike Gundy at OK St did this.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

As mentioned above, assistants aren't the problem.

Recruiting/transfers are very much transactional now.

Teams are built at the 1 and 5 position as far as team identity.

Our 1 has regressed this year and has way too long of a leash to shoot as many deep shots as he does.

Our 5 doesn't really have an identity. Some put backs. Mainly jump shots. Not elite at rebounding, shot blocking or defense.

What does Capel want the identity of this to be? I really don't know after seven years.

I think he really wants to play a three guard lineup. That makes the roster construction of the past two years very frustrating. You really needed an extra depth guard each year.

What does he want the identity of each position to be? Does he really want a "stretch" four like player? (Champ, Gueye, Hinson)
All those guys were different but could all shoot.

I think you have something at the 4 with GDG, but then you have to complement him with the right 5.

The only real off season question is does Capel want the 1/5 combo of Lowe/Corhen back? They're obviously friends and would command the most NIL of the returning players.

Personally I'm fine moving on from both. Split up the NIL and bring in two competent PGs who can create. Capel team's seem to be best when they have multiple capable PGs. Maybe B. Cummings is that guy already next year.

They absolutely need a shooter for that 3rd guard spot. And then if GDG is back an absolute rebounder at the 5.

NIL money for Corhen? Not a dime. You simply cannot bring him back. Maybe if he agrees to $0 and is ok being a backup. He is possibly the worst rebounding big in the P5. You simply cannot play him a lot and expect to win games. In no way, shape, or form, can you bring him back. And you say he will command a lot of NIL dollars? No effing way.

I do think you try to bring Lowe back but only if he agrees to play the 2....and I dont get into a bidding war for him.

 

[Pittisit4me]

NIL money for Corhen? Not a dime. You simply cannot bring him back. Maybe if he agrees to $0 and is ok being a backup. He is possibly the worst rebounding big in the P5. You simply cannot play him a lot and expect to win games. In no way, shape, or form, can you bring him back. And you say he will command a lot of NIL dollars? No effing way.

I do think you try to bring Lowe back but only if he agrees to play the 2....and I dont get into a bidding war for him.

Corhen should have to return any money they paid him this year if he wants to play for Pitt next season. He is the most incomplete player ever at the 5. He really does nothing well, he is a below average player in every area.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Corhen should have to return any money they paid him this year if he wants to play for Pitt next season. He is the most incomplete player ever at the 5. He really does nothing well, he is a below average player in every area.

For a college big, he is pretty decent offensively. He really is. But that doesn't matter that much when you can't rebound or defend.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

Bush league perhaps, but also savvy. Although Capel isn’t getting it done here, there won’t be any opportunity to lower it for cause this time around because he’s a class act. Wish it didn’t have to be this way.

Would we even want to do that again if we could, though? I'm thinking it might cause the next guy to think twice about what protections any contract he signed with us afforded him.

 

[HailToPitt725]

Would we even want to do that again if we could, though? I'm thinking it might cause the next guy to think twice about what protections any contract he signed with us afforded him.

I don’t think we should, but I honestly don’t think that plays a factor in who we hire. The coaches know the schools are looking out for themselves, just like the schools know a head coach will leave for a better opportunity if it presents itself.

IMO, the only things they likely care about are A) NIL budgets and B) how much control/investment the school will commit to.

 

[pittmeister]

We all know he’s not going anywhere… It would be difficult to convince another coach to come to Pitt, after your previous coach went 3 straight years of 20+ wins.

Yes, 20 wins in a season doesn’t have the same juice as it once did, but to justify a buyout your coach has to go below .500.

On top of that, you have to buy out his contract and hire someone more expensive… It ain’t happening… Give him more NIL money is the best short term solution…

 

[Richard A]

Corhen should have to return any money they paid him this year if he wants to play for Pitt next season. He is the most incomplete player ever at the 5. He really does nothing well, he is a below average player in every area.

Whose fault is that? Simple: Capel and his staff for
1: poor evaluation, scouting and not coaching up Corhen
2: giving him more money than he deserved.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I don’t think we should, but I honestly don’t think that plays a factor in who we hire. The coaches know the schools are looking out for themselves, just like the schools know a head coach will leave for a better opportunity if it presents itself.

IMO, the only things they likely care about are A) NIL budgets and B) how much control/investment the school will commit to.

We are 16-11.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

We all know he’s not going anywhere… It would be difficult to convince another coach to come to Pitt, after your previous coach went 3 straight years of 20+ wins.

Yes, 20 wins in a season doesn’t have the same juice as it once did, but to justify a buyout your coach has to go below .500.

On top of that, you have to buy out his contract and hire someone more expensive… It ain’t happening… Give him more NIL money ids the best short term solution…

1 NCAA tourney (and barely at that) in 7 years stinks, even with the 20 wins.

And I used to think that way too. But then I realized there were only so many of these jobs. It won’t be an established guy, but we aren’t likely getting that anyway. I don’t know who the up and comers are but for a fair salary someone’s taking the leap.

But I do agree it’s unlikely Capel’s going anywhere.

As far as the NIL money, that could be a bigger impediment if coaches don’t wanna come here. I know that contradicts what I said above, but the real up and comers might wait if they’re not convinced they’d have the resources. That could be a much bigger impediment than firing a 20 win coach.

 

[HailToPitt725]

We are 16-11.

SMF, what point are you trying to make?

 

[HailToPitt725]

We all know he’s not going anywhere… It would be difficult to convince another coach to come to Pitt, after your previous coach went 3 straight years of 20+ wins.

Yes, 20 wins in a season doesn’t have the same juice as it once did, but to justify a buyout your coach has to go below .500.

On top of that, you have to buy out his contract and hire someone more expensive… It ain’t happening… Give him more NIL money is the best short term solution…

Why not hire a rising mid-major head coach? It’d keep the salaries on the lower end to help with buying out Capel.

The other benefit of hiring one is that you don’t need to have an “established brand” to recruit in the NIL era; money talks. Their success would simply come down to talent evaluation, which was a benefit Capel didn’t get at the beginning of his tenure.

 

[PittPoker]

No. Those are just announcer talking points. Assistant coaches are a dime a dozen. They are really worth something if they can recruit but recruiting isn't a thing anymore. Everyone is a 1 year player looking for the most money.

That's BS. Assistants do a lot so not sure what you are even talking about. Having a competent staff matters. Keeping the same bunch of guys 7 seasons now when all Capel did was get a play-in game invite 1 season is ridiculous.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

That's BS. Assistants do a lot so not sure what you are even talking about. Having a competent staff matters. Keeping the same bunch of guys 7 seasons now when all Capel did was get a play-in game invite 1 season is ridiculous.

I’ve mentioned this before but I’m real curious to know if any staff at this level has been together this long. I would bet very few if any. Unless it’s a finely tuned non stop winning machine it’s probably not a good thing.

 

[PittPoker]

I’ve mentioned this before but I’m real curious to know if any staff at this level has been together this long. I would bet very few if any. Unless it’s a finely tuned non stop winning machine it’s probably not a good thing.

I don't think so. And you can bet not a staff that has only 1 play-in game invite in now 7 seasons. Something is seriously wrong with this. You would also figure Capel would understand that but he could obv care less. It's really bad all around.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

I don't think so. And you can bet not a staff that has only 1 play-in game invite in now 7 seasons. Something is seriously wrong with this. You would also figure Capel would understand that but he could obv care less. It's really bad all around.

Don’t know how much of a factor it is but I said this at the time. He should never been allowed to hire his brother.

I’m not laying any blame on Jason. I don’t know squat. But I know these situations are generally no good eventually. It can’t be easy to fire anyone, but family?

 

[PittPoker]

Don’t know how much of a factor it is but I said this at the time. He should never been allowed to hire his brother.

I’m not laying any blame on Jason. I don’t know squat. But I know these situations are generally no good eventually. It can’t be easy to fire anyone, but family?

Agree. Looked bad from the beginning doing that.

 

[Franb]

Corhen should have to return any money they paid him this year if he wants to play for Pitt next season. He is the most incomplete player ever at the 5. He really does nothing well, he is a below average player in every area.

He is averaging 11 pts and 5.4 rebounds per game, 3rd in the team in scoring and 2nd rebounding. Is Pitt going to get someone better?

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

He is averaging 11 pts and 5.4 rebounds per game, 3rd in the team in scoring and 2nd rebounding. Is Pitt going to get someone better?

Yes. He is possibly the worst rebounder in the P5.

 

[HailToPitt1985]

We all know he’s not going anywhere… It would be difficult to convince another coach to come to Pitt, after your previous coach went 3 straight years of 20+ wins.

Yes, 20 wins in a season doesn’t have the same juice as it once did, but to justify a buyout your coach has to go below .500.

On top of that, you have to buy out his contract and hire someone more expensive… It ain’t happening… Give him more NIL money is the best short term solution…

You're confident that Capel will get to 20 wins this year? I'm not.

I'm seeing:
GT - L
@'Ville - L
@NCSt - W
BC - W

That gets us to 18 wins. And I'm being very generous. I think the game at NCState is a toss-up against another bad team. And with the way this team is playing and coached, we could lose all 4 very easily. If we are favored in any of them, it won't be by much.

Forget the ACCT. We may get 1 win there and that's about it. We're a poorly coached team that plays as they practice, which is poorly.

The only hope we have is that Capel can somehow get high quality portal players at every position for next year. I mean HIGH quality, like starters for top 20 teams. This will have to be a complete rebuild. Capel isn't capable of coaching average to above average players. He only has a chance to be successful when he has fabulous stars at most positions.