Crean had to clean house though, and he did essentially what stallings is doing in year two. In Crean's first season he returned only 2 walk ons, his best returning player went pro, and he was cleaning up from the mess that Kelvin Sampson created, which was a real mess, not the so-called mess people say Dixon left. We are talking recruiting violations and multiple scholarship players kicked off the team while Dakich was interim.Take a good look at what Crean did at Indiana, you might change your mind. Especially if you are someone who wasn't happy with Dixon's results. Some on this board expect Stallings to make the NIT in year 3, Crean lost 20 in his 3rd year at IU.
I like Crean, he is only 51 and has had some success. I don't know who a good up and comer might be, I do think a coach like Crean would be able to bring in an interesting staff and generate some interest from the casual fans.