1. He's Young. I think it would be a bad decision to hire a coach (even if proven) that isn't
2. He's a hell of a recruiter. I don't think that's debatable. Not only that but I love the type of player he recruits. He recruits speed and scrappiness.
3. Despite being Conference USA, he wins close games. If there is one thing I am absolutely sick of as a ut fan after this season it's losing close games.
4. He was a major contributor during the 2008-2009 season and I believe because he coached under him can beat Calipari
5. I think for the money this might be our best bet
1. He's Young. I think it would be a bad decision to hire a coach (even if proven) that isn't
2. He's a hell of a recruiter. I don't think that's debatable. Not only that but I love the type of player he recruits. He recruits speed and scrappiness.
3. Despite being Conference USA, he wins close games. If there is one thing I am absolutely sick of as a ut fan after this season it's losing close games.
4. He was a major contributor during the 2008-2009 season and I believe because he coached under him can beat Calipari
5. I think for the money this might be our best bet
Josh Pastner is not a good coach. It would be utterly mind-boggling if we hired him.
Donnie Tyndall- Morehead State.
He's turned that program around and had 2 ncaa appearances in the last 3 years. I know its an OVC school, but I have watched them play and he is a good coach. 3-20 win season's in a row. Familiar with the region as far as recruiting.
I would like to see a legitimate list of candidates...no way we get a Pitino, Self, Barnes type in here.
I think it will probably be another young, mid-major coach.
Here's who I see as some legitimate options:
1) Anthony Grant - if the rumors I have been reading are true and he is that unhappy at Bama, then this would be my first choice.
2) Brad Stevens - would be my second choice. He has reached his peak at Butler IMO and we can pay him a lot more and I would be willing to guess our facilities make Butler's look like a middle school.
3) Gregg Marshall - good, solid coach.
Other options:
Shaka Smart - probably too young and inexperienced, but would be interesting option.
Josh Pastner - see Smart above.
Rick Byrd - like his UT background, but probably too old and from what I've read he is very happy where he is.
UT is about to experience what Memphis and Arizona experienced 2 years ago. No established coach, regardless of the amount of $$ offered, will jump at the opportunity to follow the most successful coaches at those programs and have to rebuild the program. Plus, at UT, the coach will have to deal with NCAA sanctions/probation. Not going to get a lot of interest from "name" coaches at Big 6 conferences or top tier mid major programs (i.e. Mark Few).
I know he's a hot name, and he might do great here. I just for some reason don't think he's that great. He walked into a great situation at Butler.
1. He's Young. I think it would be a bad decision to hire a coach (even if proven) that isn't
2. He's a hell of a recruiter. I don't think that's debatable. Not only that but I love the type of player he recruits. He recruits speed and scrappiness.
3. Despite being Conference USA, he wins close games. If there is one thing I am absolutely sick of as a ut fan after this season it's losing close games.
4. He was a major contributor during the 2008-2009 season and I believe because he coached under him can beat Calipari
5. I think for the money this might be our best bet