Big East Coaching Hot Seat/Departure Ranking | The Boneyard
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Big East Coaching Hot Seat/Departure Ranking

nelsonmuntz

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Including retirement and departure risk.

11) Hurley - Untouchable, and seems a lot less likely to assault a ref than in past seasons.

10) McDermott - Said he is leaving in 2027 or 2028, and I don't see that schedule changing.

9) Willard - off to a great start at Villanova. They have the cash and infrastructure. He could do some damage there.

8) Richard Pitino (Xavier) - Team isn't playing well, but it isn't his fault. No risk of getting fired or poached.

7) Smart - Has built up a lot of good will in Milwaukee, and no one is going to poach him, but there is an outside chance that something happens if the wheels really come off this season.

6) Holtmann - Can't go 1-19 in league play and keep his job, but doesn't need to do much better. There are clear signs of improvement, Depaul will give anyone 5 years, and who is Depaul going to get that is any better?

5) Matta - I wouldn't have been surprised if he retired at the end of either of the last two seasons, but seems more engaged now. There could be some pressure at Butler for a change if he misses the tournament, but there are enough wins in the remaining schedule that I think they will be OK.

4) Holloway - I think he is winning 13-14 games in Big East play this season with what is probably one of the smallest payrolls in the league. If he can do this on a shoestring, imagine what he could do with a real budget. A dark horse is UNC. I think Davis is getting canned after this season, and Holloway is one of the best coaches in college basketball. I don't think he will leave for a mediocre major conference job like KSU, but he will not turn down UNC.

3) Rick Pitino - St. Johns does not look like a tournament team, and they spent a fortune for this squad. Pitino is not the coach he was 10 years ago, and St. Johns can attract a good coach. St. Johns has shown a willingness to split with high profile coaches in the past. The most likely outcome is he gets a Goodbye Tour next season, but I could see this season being his last.

2) Cooley - This is his third year, and Georgetown has stepped up with cash. I think the team sucks, I never thought Cooley was a particularly good coach, and I am not sure what is going to change next year. I think Georgetown will stick with him, but a departure at season's end is not out of the question, especially if they finish in the bottom 2 or 3 of the conference, which is a possibility.

1) English - beating St. Johns is nice, but Providence paid up for this roster, and I am sure it was expecting better results than this. I don't know what the threshold is to hold his job, but it is probably close to .500 in league play. Providence has the talent to pick up some wins, and English seems like a likable guy, unlike Cooley, which may be enough to get him another year.
 
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Including retirement and departure risk.

11) Hurley - Untouchable, and seems a lot less likely to assault a ref than in past seasons.
10) McDermott - Said he is leaving in 2027 or 2028, and I don't see that schedule changing.
9) Willard - off to a great start at Villanova. They have the cash and infrastructure. He could do some damage there.
8) Richard Pitino (Xavier) - Team isn't playing well, but it isn't his fault. No risk of getting fired or poached.
7) Smart - Has built up a lot of good will in Milwaukee, and no one is going to poach him, but there is an outside chance that something happens if the wheels really come off this season.
6) Holtmann - Can't go 1-19 in league play and keep his job, but doesn't need to do much better. There are clear signs of improvement, Depaul will give anyone 5 years, and who is Depaul going to get that is any better?
5) Matta - I wouldn't have been surprised if he retired at the end of either of the last two seasons, but seems more engaged now. There could be some pressure at Butler for a change if he misses the tournament, but there are enough wins in the remaining schedule that I think they will be OK.
4) Holloway - I think he is winning 13-14 games in Big East play this season with what is probably one of the smallest payrolls in the league. If he can do this on a shoestring, imagine what he could do with a real budget. A dark horse is UNC. I think Davis is getting canned after this season, and Holloway is one of the best coaches in college basketball. I don't think he will leave for a mediocre major conference job like KSU, but he will not turn down UNC.
3) Rick Pitino - St. Johns does not look like a tournament team, and they spent a fortune for this squad. Pitino is not the coach he was 10 years ago, and St. Johns can attract a good coach. St. Johns has shown a willingness to split with high profile coaches in the past. The most likely outcome is he gets a Goodbye Tour next season, but I could see this season being his last.
2) Cooley - This is his third year, and Georgetown has stepped up with cash. I think the team sucks, I never thought Cooley was a particularly good coach, and I am not sure what is going to change next year. I think Georgetown will stick with him, but a departure at season's end is not out of the question, especially if they finish in the bottom 2 or 3 of the conference, which is a possibility.
1) English - beating St. Johns is nice, but Providence paid up for this roster, and I am sure it was expecting better results than this. I don't know what the threshold is to hold his job, but it is probably close to .500 in league play. Providence has the talent to pick up some wins, and English seems like a likable guy, unlike Cooley, which may be enough to get him another year.
If Rick Pitino doesn’t make ncaa with this team he is pretty much done as a college coach. He is 73 years old and no point in starting something new elsewhere at his age. Given his som is coaching in the league I think he will be highly motivated to salvage this season but maybe these players transfering in are selfish losers and not
coachable
 
Including retirement and departure risk.

11) Hurley - Untouchable, and seems a lot less likely to assault a ref than in past seasons.
10) McDermott - Said he is leaving in 2027 or 2028, and I don't see that schedule changing.
9) Willard - off to a great start at Villanova. They have the cash and infrastructure. He could do some damage there.
8) Richard Pitino (Xavier) - Team isn't playing well, but it isn't his fault. No risk of getting fired or poached.
7) Smart - Has built up a lot of good will in Milwaukee, and no one is going to poach him, but there is an outside chance that something happens if the wheels really come off this season.
6) Holtmann - Can't go 1-19 in league play and keep his job, but doesn't need to do much better. There are clear signs of improvement, Depaul will give anyone 5 years, and who is Depaul going to get that is any better?
5) Matta - I wouldn't have been surprised if he retired at the end of either of the last two seasons, but seems more engaged now. There could be some pressure at Butler for a change if he misses the tournament, but there are enough wins in the remaining schedule that I think they will be OK.
4) Holloway - I think he is winning 13-14 games in Big East play this season with what is probably one of the smallest payrolls in the league. If he can do this on a shoestring, imagine what he could do with a real budget. A dark horse is UNC. I think Davis is getting canned after this season, and Holloway is one of the best coaches in college basketball. I don't think he will leave for a mediocre major conference job like KSU, but he will not turn down UNC.
3) Rick Pitino - St. Johns does not look like a tournament team, and they spent a fortune for this squad. Pitino is not the coach he was 10 years ago, and St. Johns can attract a good coach. St. Johns has shown a willingness to split with high profile coaches in the past. The most likely outcome is he gets a Goodbye Tour next season, but I could see this season being his last.
2) Cooley - This is his third year, and Georgetown has stepped up with cash. I think the team sucks, I never thought Cooley was a particularly good coach, and I am not sure what is going to change next year. I think Georgetown will stick with him, but a departure at season's end is not out of the question, especially if they finish in the bottom 2 or 3 of the conference, which is a possibility.
1) English - beating St. Johns is nice, but Providence paid up for this roster, and I am sure it was expecting better results than this. I don't know what the threshold is to hold his job, but it is probably close to .500 in league play. Providence has the talent to pick up some wins, and English seems like a likable guy, unlike Cooley, which may be enough to get him another year.

Is Cooley really considered unlikable these days? He was always Mr Likable before.

Providence needs to make a change if English doesn’t go on a tear from here. I thought he was going to do great there. Very disappointing.

Nova will be challenging for Final Fours again soon.

I was wondering if Holloway might be St John’s next coach. Seems like a perfect fit.
 
I liked Cooley at Fairfield but I think he is at best a Sweet 16 limit and he isn’t doing that at Georgetown. But again Z Georgetown is not anywhere near the Georgetown of Ewing the player and nobody really cares.least of all the Administration.

Willard never got near the Final Four at Seton Hall and was on the verge of being fired by Maryland so I’m sure he’ll be hoisting trophies in Philly before long. Another guy who has been around a long time. Good not great coach. Sweet 16 ceiling guy.


Agee on Holloway. Johnnie’s should grad him but they’ll more likely look for someone who will make the back page rather than win basketball games.
 
I liked Cooley at Fairfield but I think he is at best a Sweet 16 limit and he isn’t doing that at Georgetown. But again Z Georgetown is not anywhere near the Georgetown of Ewing the player and nobody really cares.least of all the Administration.

Willard never got near the Final Four at Seton Hall and was on the verge of being fired by Maryland so I’m sure he’ll be hoisting trophies in Philly before long. Another guy who has been around a long time. Good not great coach. Sweet 16 ceiling guy.


Agee on Holloway. Johnnie’s should grad him but they’ll more likely look for someone who will make the back page rather than win basketball games.

Willard can put together really good teams at Nova. He’s never had that kind of support before. He’s a good coach. Of course, he may have a ceiling, I just don’t think he’s been in the right situation until now. We’ll see.

Honestly, if Willard can’t make Nova good again, the conference is in trouble. Nova is the second best job in the Big East.
 
I liked Cooley at Fairfield but I think he is at best a Sweet 16 limit and he isn’t doing that at Georgetown. But again Z Georgetown is not anywhere near the Georgetown of Ewing the player and nobody really cares.least of all the Administration.

Willard never got near the Final Four at Seton Hall and was on the verge of being fired by Maryland so I’m sure he’ll be hoisting trophies in Philly before long. Another guy who has been around a long time. Good not great coach. Sweet 16 ceiling guy.


Agee on Holloway. Johnnie’s should grad him but they’ll more likely look for someone who will make the back page rather than win basketball games.
You continue to talk nonsense and make things up. Willard wasn't on the verge of being fired by Maryland.

You're hilariously transparent.
 
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Willard may not have been on the verge of losing his job at Maryland, but Maryland didn't exactly fight to keep him. I doubt he would have gotten another contract there.
 
Lordy. You kids.

Maryland was going to make him one of the highest paid coaches in the country before he put them off.

"Dear Terrapin Nation,

Earlier today, Kevin Willard officially announced he would be stepping down as the head coach of our Men's Basketball program to accept another position.

Coach Willard led the Terps on an incredible run this season. The Crab 5, Derik Queen's miraculous buzzer-beater, and a Sweet 16 berth. This was a season to remember.

We took a very proactive and aggressive approach to retain Coach Willard, offering a significant contract extension and salary increase, new staff, and one of the highest revenue-share budgets in the B1G Conference. We had long and thoughtful conversations about the program and shared the same vision for Maryland Basketball. In the end, he made the choice that he felt was best for him and his family. On behalf of all of Terrapin Nation, we thank Coach Willard and his family for their service and wish them well."
 
Willard may not have been on the verge of losing his job at Maryland, but Maryland didn't exactly fight to keep him. I doubt he would have gotten another contract there.
Why are you also making up things?
 
Willard can put together really good teams at Nova. He’s never had that kind of support before. He’s a good coach. Of course, he may have a ceiling, I just don’t think he’s been in the right situation until now. We’ll see.

Honestly, if Willard can’t make Nova good again, the conference is in trouble. Nova is the second best job in the Big East.
Oh I think he’ll be good enough. Just haven’t seen a thing to make me think he can get them to a final Four.
 
Why are you also making up things?
That was probably an exaggeration. Probably should have said he wasn’t particularly popular and nobody was too disappointed when he left. He was a whiner and ticked off lots of people.
 
Lordy. You kids.

Maryland was going to make him one of the highest paid coaches in the country before he put them off.

"Dear Terrapin Nation,

Earlier today, Kevin Willard officially announced he would be stepping down as the head coach of our Men's Basketball program to accept another position.

Coach Willard led the Terps on an incredible run this season. The Crab 5, Derik Queen's miraculous buzzer-beater, and a Sweet 16 berth. This was a season to remember.

We took a very proactive and aggressive approach to retain Coach Willard, offering a significant contract extension and salary increase, new staff, and one of the highest revenue-share budgets in the B1G Conference. We had long and thoughtful conversations about the program and shared the same vision for Maryland Basketball. In the end, he made the choice that he felt was best for him and his family. On behalf of all of Terrapin Nation, we thank Coach Willard and his family for their service and wish them well."
And we already changed the locks in case he changes his mind.
 
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Including retirement and departure risk.

11) Hurley - Untouchable, and seems a lot less likely to assault a ref than in past seasons.

10) McDermott - Said he is leaving in 2027 or 2028, and I don't see that schedule changing.

9) Willard - off to a great start at Villanova. They have the cash and infrastructure. He could do some damage there.

8) Richard Pitino (Xavier) - Team isn't playing well, but it isn't his fault. No risk of getting fired or poached.

7) Smart - Has built up a lot of good will in Milwaukee, and no one is going to poach him, but there is an outside chance that something happens if the wheels really come off this season.

6) Holtmann - Can't go 1-19 in league play and keep his job, but doesn't need to do much better. There are clear signs of improvement, Depaul will give anyone 5 years, and who is Depaul going to get that is any better?

5) Matta - I wouldn't have been surprised if he retired at the end of either of the last two seasons, but seems more engaged now. There could be some pressure at Butler for a change if he misses the tournament, but there are enough wins in the remaining schedule that I think they will be OK.

4) Holloway - I think he is winning 13-14 games in Big East play this season with what is probably one of the smallest payrolls in the league. If he can do this on a shoestring, imagine what he could do with a real budget. A dark horse is UNC. I think Davis is getting canned after this season, and Holloway is one of the best coaches in college basketball. I don't think he will leave for a mediocre major conference job like KSU, but he will not turn down UNC.

3) Rick Pitino - St. Johns does not look like a tournament team, and they spent a fortune for this squad. Pitino is not the coach he was 10 years ago, and St. Johns can attract a good coach. St. Johns has shown a willingness to split with high profile coaches in the past. The most likely outcome is he gets a Goodbye Tour next season, but I could see this season being his last.

2) Cooley - This is his third year, and Georgetown has stepped up with cash. I think the team sucks, I never thought Cooley was a particularly good coach, and I am not sure what is going to change next year. I think Georgetown will stick with him, but a departure at season's end is not out of the question, especially if they finish in the bottom 2 or 3 of the conference, which is a possibility.

1) English - beating St. Johns is nice, but Providence paid up for this roster, and I am sure it was expecting better results than this. I don't know what the threshold is to hold his job, but it is probably close to .500 in league play. Providence has the talent to pick up some wins, and English seems like a likable guy, unlike Cooley, which may be enough to get him another year.
Put Rick Pitino at the top of this list, bad karma and no PG. Cooley may start feeling the seat warming next. Smart may have to change his ways and look into the portal.
 
If Rick Pitino doesn’t make ncaa with this team he is pretty much done as a college coach. He is 73 years old and no point in starting something new elsewhere at his age. Given his som is coaching in the league I think he will be highly motivated to salvage this season but maybe these players transfering in are selfish losers and not
coachable
When they play each other they both need to win which makes it worth watching
 
A better way to look at this:

Which current BE head coaches do you believe will still be on the job for his current school at the start of the 2027-2028 season?

Hurley - 100% - He leaves when he wants to leave
Willard - 90% - Not 100% as he has some Larry Brown in him
Holloway - 50% - Depends entirely on how long it takes him to give up on Seton Hall
Cooley - 35% - Would be less than 10% at many other schools
McDermott - 20% - Just a question of which season is his last
Smart - 10% - If he radically alters his approach he can return to being a high level coach
All others - 0% - A couple due to age, all to some extent due to results. There isn't one under 70 worth keeping
 
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Is Cooley really considered unlikable these days? He was always Mr Likable before.
I can’t tell if this is sarcasm or not, but I have always thought he was a jerk even during his time at Providence. The way he left Providence to go to Georgetown kind of jerky too.
 
I can’t tell if this is sarcasm or not, but I have always thought he was a jerk even during his time at Providence. The way he left Providence to go to Georgetown kind of jerky too.
He was absolutely full of himself in his undeserved "plucky underdog great coach" reputation. Ironic.
 
Sha would have to make the E8 or F4 to get a sniff of any elite job, so I think there's a pretty high chance he sticks around. I'm sure he wants to make it work there if at all possible. Hopefully some money is freed up now that the practice facility is done.
 
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Sha would have to make the E8 or F4 to get a sniff of any elite job, so I think there's a pretty high chance he sticks around. I'm sure he wants to make it work there if at all possible. Hopefully some money is freed up now that the practice facility is done.
He doesn't necessarily need an elite job to upgrade.

As for Cooley - his whole schtick is being a salesman, to recruit & motivate. Feels like the kind of guy to me where if it's not working for him, he disengages a bit.
 

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