i was shocked, surprised, dismayed, confused, and more last night when I heard the reports about Stallings.
Now, that, I have time to reflect, I think:
1. I liked Jamie, and thought the backlash was over the top and felt for him. That said, he moved, and I have moved on from Jamie.
2. I have no idea who was actually offered the HC position, who declined, who wanted how much $$$, and what went on to arrive at this decision.
3. AD Barnes' job is to help put the best product available on the floor...I have no idea if some of the speculative rumors around cronyism, future jobs, etc. are based in any fact...and doubtful if Barnes will say how he came to this hire. He has to support Stallings, and for Barnes to say, he was the fourth or fifth choice , makes PITT, Barnes and Stallings look bad and embarassingly inept. Yes, he said every AD always had a short list, but we may never know if Stallings was on that list.
4. I feel for Stallings as he has taken the job and already is being castigated by a large portion of the PITT fan base, before doing anything other than accepting the position.
5. I will still root for PITT no matter who the coach is, support the players (who truly are the ones who have to buy in on the decision), and hope we're all surprised in a positive manner.
6. Ok, back to the great outdoors and the wonderful vistas of Kauai (and Portland, too, when I return home).
I wish a Happy Everything to all my fellow PITT alum and fans!
Hail to PITT!
-al-
Now, that, I have time to reflect, I think:
1. I liked Jamie, and thought the backlash was over the top and felt for him. That said, he moved, and I have moved on from Jamie.
2. I have no idea who was actually offered the HC position, who declined, who wanted how much $$$, and what went on to arrive at this decision.
3. AD Barnes' job is to help put the best product available on the floor...I have no idea if some of the speculative rumors around cronyism, future jobs, etc. are based in any fact...and doubtful if Barnes will say how he came to this hire. He has to support Stallings, and for Barnes to say, he was the fourth or fifth choice , makes PITT, Barnes and Stallings look bad and embarassingly inept. Yes, he said every AD always had a short list, but we may never know if Stallings was on that list.
4. I feel for Stallings as he has taken the job and already is being castigated by a large portion of the PITT fan base, before doing anything other than accepting the position.
5. I will still root for PITT no matter who the coach is, support the players (who truly are the ones who have to buy in on the decision), and hope we're all surprised in a positive manner.
6. Ok, back to the great outdoors and the wonderful vistas of Kauai (and Portland, too, when I return home).
I wish a Happy Everything to all my fellow PITT alum and fans!
Hail to PITT!
-al-
