You have to fire him, you have to

[pantherx]

These are the types of game that a good coach wills a team to win. These are the games where he loses me the most. I get that we are overmatched right now and cant keep up with the Dukes,UNCs, Louisvilles of the world. But, when you are in a close game with NC State, Syracuse, Va Tech..this is where a coach takes over and gets his team in a position to win. It may be with certain plays, certain lineup combinations, certain defense, a timeout, a good pep talk, you have to get your team to the finish line last night. What happened instead? We blew a 15 point lead, a 10 point halftime lead, and a late 8 point lead. We were sloppy with the ball, had our best player in this game on the bench in crunch time, and had guys who have no business taking shots, jacking up 3's with the game on the line.

I'm sorry, a better coach gets that win last night, and this is where i don't see the hope for the future that some do. The attendance also plays a part into this, as it has become laughable, but can you blame people? The team is 0-8 in conference, the ticket prices were outrageous to start the season, the coach brings zero excitement.

What is the worst thing that happens? We hire an unproven, cheap coach from a mid major? Whats he going to do go winless in the ACC? We are already there. Is he going to coach poorly? We are already there. Overmatched on the recruting trail? We are there now. I would rather take a flyer on someone who can bring at least one of those things to the table.

I just dont see what the best case scenario is with Stallings. He is headed for 0-18 this year. How much better is the team really going to be next year? 3-4 wins? Does he get a 4th year with that? Cut the cord now, fix the mistake, move forward. H2P

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

I'm assuming ticket revenue for Pitt bb is the largest line item?

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

These are the types of game that a good coach wills a team to win. These are the games where he loses me the most. I get that we are overmatched right now and cant keep up with the Dukes,UNCs, Louisvilles of the world. But, when you are in a close game with NC State, Syracuse, Va Tech..this is where a coach takes over and gets his team in a position to win. It may be with certain plays, certain lineup combinations, certain defense, a timeout, a good pep talk, you have to get your team to the finish line last night. What happened instead? We blew a 15 point lead, a 10 point halftime lead, and a late 8 point lead. We were sloppy with the ball, had our best player in this game on the bench in crunch time, and had guys who have no business taking shots, jacking up 3's with the game on the line.

I'm sorry, a better coach gets that win last night, and this is where i don't see the hope for the future that some do. The attendance also plays a part into this, as it has become laughable, but can you blame people? The team is 0-8 in conference, the ticket prices were outrageous to start the season, the coach brings zero excitement.

What is the worst thing that happens? We hire an unproven, cheap coach from a mid major? Whats he going to do go winless in the ACC? We are already there. Is he going to coach poorly? We are already there. Overmatched on the recruting trail? We are there now. I would rather take a flyer on someone who can bring at least one of those things to the table.

I just dont see what the best case scenario is with Stallings. He is headed for 0-18 this year. How much better is the team really going to be next year? 3-4 wins? Does he get a 4th year with that? Cut the cord now, fix the mistake, move forward. H2P

Why would you pay a buyout to take a flyer? The coach may be worse than Stallings.

The issue is guys like Earl Grant or John Becker are complete lottery tickets. In a vacuum, yea, go ahead and take a chance. Maybe you get the next Howland, maybe the next Ralph Willard. But to pay a large buyout to do that is extremely risky. You better be darn sure about those guys because if it doesn't work out, you could end up having to pay 3 coaches at once

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

Would have to hope the nba or espn or one of his old buddies come calling I think.

 

[pitt-girl]

Why would you pay a buyout to take a flyer? The coach may be worse than Stallings.

The issue is guys like Earl Grant or John Becker are complete lottery tickets. In a vacuum, yea, go ahead and take a chance. Maybe you get the next Howland, maybe the next Ralph Willard. But to pay a large buyout to do that is extremely risky. You better be darn sure about those guys because if it doesn't work out, you could end up having to pay 3 coaches at once

Because it literally makes no sense to spiral even farther into obscurity. Where you there last night? This is the bottom of the barrel. I don't care if they have to take a loan from another part of the University, but Pitt must move on. And the new hire may not be perfect either, but this is unfixable.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Why would you pay a buyout to take a flyer? The coach may be worse than Stallings.

The issue is guys like Earl Grant or John Becker are complete lottery tickets. In a vacuum, yea, go ahead and take a chance. Maybe you get the next Howland, maybe the next Ralph Willard. But to pay a large buyout to do that is extremely risky. You better be darn sure about those guys because if it doesn't work out, you could end up having to pay 3 coaches at once

Because it literally makes no sense to spiral even farther into obscurity. Where you there last night? This is the bottom of the barrel. I don't care if they have to take a loan from another part of the University, but Pitt must move on. And the new hire may not be perfect either, but this is unfixable.

Stallings is a proven average coach. A mid-major no-name might be even worse. We literally cant afford that risk

 

[DiehardPanther]

Because it literally makes no sense to spiral even farther into obscurity. Where you there last night? This is the bottom of the barrel. I don't care if they have to take a loan from another part of the University, but Pitt must move on. And the new hire may not be perfect either, but this is unfixable.

It isn’t going to get any better. That’s for sure. Time for Stallings to retire.

 

[pantherx]

Stallings is a proven average coach. A mid-major no-name might be even worse. We literally cant afford that risk

I'd love to know how it could be worse. Can you win negative games? Because right now he has 0 ACC wins with 1000 people at games and dwindling. Literally anyone can do that.

 

[Atch]

Stallings is a proven average coach. A mid-major no-name might be even worse. We literally cant afford that risk

the huge risk is that we could end up doing what Smily Stevie P did to football...a bunch of coaches coming through in every other year. GOT TO BE CAREFUL.

 

[DruidTM]

Honestly the first 9/10 ths of the game was this seasons bright spot ... I actually got to see it here is GA... then all of a sudden it went to Shit...

He’s gotta go... chancellor can figure it out ... this is dead... absolutely dead....

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

already at 'dying on the vine' stage? not a good sign

 

[FieldHouse12]

I'd love to know how it could be worse. Can you win negative games? Because right now he has 0 ACC wins with 1000 people at games and dwindling. Literally anyone can do that.

Post of the Year.
Exactly. How in the world can it get worse than him. It literally can't.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Stallings is a proven average coach. A mid-major no-name might be even worse. We literally cant afford that risk

I'd love to know how it could be worse. Can you win negative games? Because right now he has 0 ACC wins with 1000 people at games and dwindling. Literally anyone can do that.

Because you could be paying 2 crappy coaches at the same time, then possibly 3 at the same time if the new coach is fired after Year 2 or 3.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Stallings is a proven average coach. A mid-major no-name might be even worse. We literally cant afford that risk

How can it be worse? Really, HOW??

 

[33pitt99]

I would have to think Stallings is trying to figure out an escape plan as well. Prior to coming here, he was, by all measures, a well respected coach who had a winning record at a P5 school. He was just a terrible fit for Pitt at this time due to many factors. Now, no matter how many opposing coaches say nice things about him after they beat him, his legacy is being destroyed, loss by miserable loss. All the while, the fans hate him, the arena is embarrassingly empty, and there is no indication that things will turn around anytime soon.

Who would want to stick around for another year of that? I know I’d be looking for a way to exit gracefully and keep at least a little of my pride in tact. My greatest hope is that we can negotiate a reasonable buyout and then he can either try announcing (he seems like he would do well at that) or join up with one of his old buddies in a consultant type role (thinking Keady or Willard) until he’s ready to fully retire.

 

[mbrannagan]

I find the arguments around this interesting. There was a large contingent on this board who said: Dixon must go because the program was too stagnant, we are middle of the pack in the ACC and if we aren't at the top then we aren't doing our job. Now we have arguments that say: we need to be cautious about moving on from Stallings, he is proven to be average, and it could get worse if we move on.

I know those aren't necessarily by the same people, but it shows the difficulty in finding agreement about coaching changes. I was clear that I wanted Dixon to remain here as long as he wanted and thought his chance to rectify the program was a higher probability than any coach coming in and making us better. He moved on, likely with a little nudge, and now we have this mess. It is so bad I would welcome a change as soon as possible. I see very little light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I would have to think Stallings is trying to figure out an escape plan as well. Prior to coming here, he was, by all measures, a well respected coach who had a winning record at a P5 school. He was just a terrible fit for Pitt at this time due to many factors. Now, no matter how many opposing coaches say nice things about him after they beat him, his legacy is being destroyed, loss by miserable loss. All the while, the fans hate him, the arena is embarrassingly empty, and there is no indication that things will turn around anytime soon.

Who would want to stick around for another year of that? I know I’d be looking for a way to exit gracefully and keep at least a little of my pride in tact. My greatest hope is that we can negotiate a reasonable buyout and then he can either try announcing (he seems like he would do well at that) or join up with one of his old buddies in a consultant type role (thinking Keady or Willard) until he’s ready to fully retire.

Stallings: "not a dime back"

If they fire Stallings, they should pay the buyout and then sue Barnes and the search firm for negligence/conspiracy.

 

[gary2]

How can it be worse? Really, HOW??

You bring in a new coach, That coach will be cheaper. If he is young, he will be going against Hall of Fame and other experienced coaches in the ACC. You will probably lose your recruits. You will probably lose many players to transfer. The hire will be made during the late signing period. If the new coach is squeaky clean (no reason to assume he won't be), he might need to replace 7-8-9 scholarships. With Pitt's history of recruiting in the ACC, good like with that.

Instead of seeing any progress made with experience and maturity, you repeat this season, but you will have satisfied your blood lust. (so there is that)

 

[33pitt99]

Stallings: "not a dime back"

If they fire Stallings, they should pay the buyout and then sue Barnes and the search firm for negligence/conspiracy.

Did Calhoun change his name to Stallings? I’m confused...

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Stallings: "not a dime back"

If they fire Stallings, they should pay the buyout and then sue Barnes and the search firm for negligence/conspiracy.

Did Calhoun change his name to Stallings? I’m confused...

Why would he accept anything less than the full buyout? He pay millions to protect his "legacy?"

 

[DiehardPanther]

You bring in a new coach, That coach will be cheaper. If he is young, he will be going against Hall of Fame and other experienced coaches in the ACC. You will probably lose your recruits. You will probably lose many players to transfer. The hire will be made during the late signing period. If the new coach is squeaky clean (no reason to assume he won't be), he might need to replace 7-8-9 scholarships. With Pitt's history of recruiting in the ACC, good like with that.

Instead of seeing any progress made with experience and maturity, you repeat this season, but you will have satisfied your blood lust. (so there is that)

Lose what recruits? Stallings brought in 11 guys and none of them are game changers.

 

[33pitt99]

Why would he accept anything less than the full buyout? He pay millions to protect his "legacy?"

Because he’s miserable and wants out. He’s a smart guy, so I’m guessing he isn’t going to be homeless if he negotiates a lower buyout. Money isn’t the most important thing to everyone, even though it might seem that way.

If Pitt isn’t willing to pay the full buyout now, he will have at least one more year of being miserable, living away from his family, etc. I have no idea if that’s his mindset, I’m just hoping for everyone’s sake it is because this simply is an untenable situation at this point.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Lose what recruits? Stallings brought in 11 guys and none of them are game changers.

Yeah, this is true. There is no one who is a must keep. You would hope guys like Carr and Stewart would stay, but they can be replaced.

 

[gary2]

Because he’s miserable and wants out. He’s a smart guy, so I’m guessing he isn’t going to be homeless if he negotiates a lower buyout. Money isn’t the most important thing to everyone, even though it might seem that way.

If Pitt isn’t willing to pay the full buyout now, he will have at least one more year of being miserable, living away from his family, etc. I have no idea if that’s his mindset, I’m just hoping for everyone’s sake it is because this simply is an untenable situation at this point.

Everybody seems excited now. There is blood in the water.

I will make a prediction. Stallings does not "retire " with a reduced buyout. Maybe Pitt fires him. Maybe he takes his full buyout and lets Pitt call it a "retirement."

Stallings is too proud and tough to quit. He has already weathered most of the worst year. Moving forward will be easier.

 

[barkleyfamily]

Why would you pay a buyout to take a flyer? The coach may be worse than Stallings.

The issue is guys like Earl Grant or John Becker are complete lottery tickets. In a vacuum, yea, go ahead and take a chance. Maybe you get the next Howland, maybe the next Ralph Willard. But to pay a large buyout to do that is extremely risky. You better be darn sure about those guys because if it doesn't work out, you could end up having to pay 3 coaches at once

Because it literally makes no sense to spiral even farther into obscurity. Where you there last night? This is the bottom of the barrel. I don't care if they have to take a loan from another part of the University, but Pitt must move on. And the new hire may not be perfect either, but this is unfixable.

Stallings is a proven average coach. A mid-major no-name might be even worse. We literally cant afford that risk

Cant possibly get any worse than it is right now. So its time to make the move. Get rid of him.

 

[33pitt99]

Everybody seems excited now. There is blood in the water.

I will make a prediction. Stallings does not "retire " with a reduced buyout. Maybe Pitt fires him. Maybe he takes his full buyout and lets Pitt call it a "retirement."

Stallings is too proud and tough to quit. He has already weathered most of the worst year. Moving forward will be easier.

Well, since we’ll likely never know whether the buyout was full or not, I’d guess that’s a really safe bet!

 

[gary2]

Well, since we’ll likely never know whether the buyout was full or not, I’d guess that’s a really safe bet!

I am sure some will know and will reveal what truly went down.

 

[gary2]

You bring in a new coach, That coach will be cheaper. If he is young, he will be going against Hall of Fame and other experienced coaches in the ACC. You will probably lose your recruits. You will probably lose many players to transfer. The hire will be made during the late signing period. If the new coach is squeaky clean (no reason to assume he won't be), he might need to replace 7-8-9 scholarships. With Pitt's history of recruiting in the ACC, good like with that.

Instead of seeing any progress made with experience and maturity, you repeat this season, but you will have satisfied your blood lust. (so there is that)

To satisfy our fan base, we should just hire Rick Stansbury and be done with it. A veteran coach. He has coached in the SEC. Excellent recruiter.

I am sure he would jump at the chance to return to a P5.

I am also sure he would have no problem replacing our entire roster. He might even bring in some one and dones.

 

[levance2]

Lose what recruits? Stallings brought in 11 guys and none of them are game changers.

Not only that, but most of them have proven to be mostly ineffective P5 players, so where are they going to go? Either stay at Pitt under a new, better coach, or go play in the MAC.

Stewart is the only one with genuine upside at this point, but he's a pretty one-dimensional player, and he's going to play that same role no matter where he goes. Carr could probably get immediate PT a mid-major or at least end up as a depth option at another P5. If anything, Stevenson and Brown might be more likely to stay if Stallings leaves. Literally everyone else is expendable.

 

[gary2]

Not only that, but most of them have proven to be mostly ineffective P5 players, so where are they going to go? Either stay at Pitt under a new, better coach, or go play in the MAC.

Stewart is the only one with genuine upside at this point, but he's a pretty one-dimensional player, and he's going to play that same role no matter where he goes. Carr could probably get immediate PT a mid-major or at least end up as a depth option at another P5. If anything, Stevenson and Brown might be more likely to stay if Stallings leaves. Literally everyone else is expendable.

When was the last really good recruiting class at Pitt? When did we last bring in a truly good non-local?

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

You bring in a new coach, That coach will be cheaper. If he is young, he will be going against Hall of Fame and other experienced coaches in the ACC. You will probably lose your recruits. You will probably lose many players to transfer. The hire will be made during the late signing period. If the new coach is squeaky clean (no reason to assume he won't be), he might need to replace 7-8-9 scholarships. With Pitt's history of recruiting in the ACC, good like with that.

Instead of seeing any progress made with experience and maturity, you repeat this season, but you will have satisfied your blood lust. (so there is that)

To satisfy our fan base, we should just hire Rick Stansbury and be done with it.

I am sure he would jump at the chance to return to the big time.

I am sure he would have no problem replacing our entire roster. He might even bring in some one and dones.

I'd be good with that

 

[steeltown24]

Stallings is a proven average coach. A mid-major no-name might be even worse. We literally cant afford that risk

I really get what you are saying about an unproven mid-major. And, I'm not being sarcastic at all, but can it really get any worse? True, Stallings may be a better coach than one of those unprovens, but the program is so low that I don't think there is much risk of falling lower.

 

[ThatPittGuy]

Stallings: "not a dime back"

If they fire Stallings, they should pay the buyout and then sue Barnes and the search firm for negligence/conspiracy.

Love it. But, who should bring the lawsuit? Lots of Pitt people with dirty hands in this.

 

[levance2]

When was the last really good recruiting class at Pitt? When did we last bring in a truly good non-local?

And that is the reason we NEED to keep Stallings? If all our players are replacement level, then we have no reason to fear they will leave us.

 

[pitt-girl]

I am sure some will know and will reveal what truly went down.

Not so sure on that. This administration including AD Lyke keep things very quiet.

 

[88Pitt88]

When was the last really good recruiting class at Pitt? When did we last bring in a truly good non-local?

I love how these delusionals cut up these recruits, especially when they have no upperclassmen to play along side them. It is a rebuild, but hate for one man has left everyone with no patience. This was inevitable, considering the dyer condition that Dixon left this program in. Who ever came here, was going to feel the wrath of the fans after being promised a "splash hire". You can cut on Stallings all you want, but, these kids deserve better than people like Le Vance, who cut them down. If you think these kids suck, what did you think of haughton, Epps, Nix, Milligan and the rest of the garbage Dixon was bringing in to feed the future of the program?

 

[eastcoasthoops]

Because it literally makes no sense to spiral even farther into obscurity. Where you there last night? This is the bottom of the barrel. I don't care if they have to take a loan from another part of the University, but Pitt must move on. And the new hire may not be perfect either, but this is unfixable.

I think I'm there with you pitt-girl. I think the entire situation has grown untenable.

There is now a pressing institutional argument that goes beyond mere athletics. The basketball program, its staff, and the facilities designed for the program represent a multi-million dollar investment that, for the lack of a better term, is hemorrhaging in all facets.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

Lose what recruits? Stallings brought in 11 guys and none of them are game changers.

Of the two recruits for next season only one appears to be of ACC caliber.

I love how these delusionals cut up these recruits, especially when they have no upperclassmen to play along side them. It is a rebuild, but hate for one man has left everyone with no patience. This was inevitable, considering the dyer condition that Dixon left this program in. Who ever came here, was going to feel the wrath of the fans after being promised a "splash hire". You can cut on Stallings all you want, but, these kids deserve better than people like Le Vance, who cut them down. If you think these kids suck, what did you think of haughton, Epps, Nix, Milligan and the rest of the garbage Dixon was bringing in to feed the future of the program?

The problem is the pieces brought in for the rebuild are not ACC level rebuilding pieces. The KS attempt at rebuild has already failed. His window of opportunity has closed.

 

[gary2]

And that is the reason we NEED to keep Stallings? If all our players are replacement level, then we have no reason to fear they will leave us.

I asked you a question. I guess you choose not to answer.

I will answer it for you - Recently we have had more than 1 four star recruit in a recruiting season. That was the James Robinson and Steve Adams year (Adams stayed 1 season)

The bulk of Pitt's recent basketball recruits have been three stars. I think they could safely be called replacement players as well.

 

[gary2]

I think I'm there with you pitt-girl. I think the entire situation has grown untenable.

There is now a pressing institutional argument that goes beyond mere athletics. The basketball program, its staff, and the facilities designed for the program represent a multi-million dollar investment that, for the lack of a better term, is hemorrhaging in all facets.

Would the same thing have happened this year regardless the coach (including Dixon)?

Was this going to be an 8-24 or 10-22 year not matter what?