Early Coaching Hotseat Edition

[nwhoopfan]

In another case of "it's too early," I'm having doubts about Kate Paye at Stanford.

 

[Vowelguy]

What was the final score? They've been thumped by every good team they've played this year. I think it's too early, but I also have my doubts her tenure will ultimately be any different than Warlick or Harper.

Waaaaaaay too early. I have my doubts as well, but it's year 2.

 

[Vowelguy]

In another case of "it's too early," I'm having doubts about Kate Paye at Stanford.

Also waaaaaaaaaaaay too early. Gotta give folks a little bit of time to find their way and figure things out (or not). And you can't have the ax hanging over their head on day 1. This is not CFB.

 

[Vowelguy]

Also waaaaaaaaaaaay too early. Gotta give folks a little bit of time to find their way and figure things out (or not). And you can't have the ax hanging over their head on day 1. This is not CFB.

Of Stanford's final 8 games, 5 are against the bottom half of the conference. And the 3 top half (VaT, Va, Clem) are at home. 6-2 is feasible

 

[Lorcan]

Waaaaaaay too early. I have my doubts as well, but it's year 2.

Yeah, and playing the most recent stretch without two starters in Lepolo (for all her flaws) and Agara hasn't really helped. We'll see how we bounce back the rest of the season. While I have my doubts, there's some positives this season.

 

[WBBTakeover]

Yeah, and playing the most recent stretch without two starters in Lepolo (for all her flaws) and Agara hasn't really helped. We'll see how we bounce back the rest of the season. While I have my doubts, there's some positives this season.

Eh, they look similar to the way they looked last year in the ACC--unprepared for it (which is why their record tends to be under 0.500 around this time of the season). Lepolo didn't play much last year and hasn't been a difference maker this season. She's not the type of guard that Stanford needs to be successful in ACC play. I also don't know that Agara is much of an ACC difference maker inside despite the accolades.

They're really a bubble team in disguise. They do have two nice quality wins in the noncon that they lacked last season. But they have a Q4 loss and this sub-0.500 conference record.

 

[BRS24]

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

I don't see any hint of scandal, just underperforming since the regular season last year? Just seems a strange move.

 

[WBBTakeover]

In other words, Mitchell has no idea what VCU is looking for.

 

[WBBTakeover]

I know that Coach Mox's name hasn't come up on here this season, but maybe it should after yesterday's contentious post-game presser following a loss to Virginia Tech.

Cavaliers Fall 76-64 at Virginia Tech in Smithfield Commonwealth Clash

virginiasports.com

Both fanbases are debating whether this is par for the course regarding Mox (and the reporter, who is an agitator known to get under the skin of the Virginia Tech coaches in all sports) or if it's indicative of something deeper (hot seat). Despite UVa's overall record of 15-7, the calls to oust her have been growing louder during this recent stretch (lost three of five, with the two wins coming against Pitt and in triple overtime against Wake Forest). Yesterday's game was billed as a must win for both teams due to their positions on the NCAA tournament bubble, with Virginia in a worse position entering the game.

It's possible that Mox may be feeling some heat given the significant increase in financial resources that her program received during the offseason from Mr. Serena and the increase in expectations that come with the financial reward. There's also the precarious position of star junior guard Kymora Johnson, who the UVa fanbase has dubbed a "generational talent". If UVa fails to make the NCAAs again this season, some fear what that might mean for Johnson and UVa moving forward.

 

[cancontent]

Several Canadians have had decent success with her program. Sara Ti'Biasu thrived playing there before transferring to Maryland for her COVID year. Mary Asare was also doing well until her season ending leg injury. Definitely caught off-guard on this one.

 

[Vowelguy]

Last spring VCU said it was going to put $5M into paying players, with most of that going to M&W BB. Gotta get a return on that investment, so increased pressure for results. Making a change now gives them early-mover advantage. They might have their new person the day his/her season ends.

Not that I'm a fan of mid-season firing for mid-majors. Even for majors its questionable.

 

[DefenseBB]

I know that Coach Mox's name hasn't come up on here this season, but maybe it should after yesterday's contentious post-game presser following a loss to Virginia Tech.

Cavaliers Fall 76-64 at Virginia Tech in Smithfield Commonwealth Clash

virginiasports.com

Both fanbases are debating whether this is par for the course regarding Mox (and the reporter, who is an agitator known to get under the skin of the Virginia Tech coaches in all sports) or if it's indicative of something deeper (hot seat). Despite UVa's overall record of 15-7, the calls to oust her have been growing louder during this recent stretch (lost three of five, with the two wins coming against Pitt and in triple overtime against Wake Forest). Yesterday's game was billed as a must win for both teams due to their positions on the NCAA tournament bubble, with Virginia in a worse position entering the game.

It's possible that Mox may be feeling some heat given the significant increase in financial resources that her program received during the offseason from Mr. Serena and the increase in expectations that come with the financial reward. There's also the precarious position of star junior guard Kymora Johnson, who the UVa fanbase has dubbed a "generational talent". If UVa fails to make the NCAAs again this season, some fear what that might mean for Johnson and UVa moving forward.

Wow, I watched that and yikes. I just looked at Massey to see how UVA built up that 15-7 record and they only have 1, ONE win against a top 50 Massey team (Clemson)! She really has played a pathetic schedule and has been blessed playing virtually all the bad ACC team thus far. She really has 7 games left that she could lose all 7. She plays AT Miami tomorrow which Massey has her favored but I am not so sure.

That said, if she goes 1-6 or 0-7 to finish 8-10 or 7-11 in regular season and goes 1-1 in the ACCT, she finishes 17-15 or 16-16. Not sure she will get let go with one year left on her contract. I am not a fan of hers and that presser was painful to watch.

 

[VA Huskie]

I know that Coach Mox's name hasn't come up on here this season, but maybe it should after yesterday's contentious post-game presser following a loss to Virginia Tech.

Cavaliers Fall 76-64 at Virginia Tech in Smithfield Commonwealth Clash

virginiasports.com

Both fanbases are debating whether this is par for the course regarding Mox (and the reporter, who is an agitator known to get under the skin of the Virginia Tech coaches in all sports) or if it's indicative of something deeper (hot seat). Despite UVa's overall record of 15-7, the calls to oust her have been growing louder during this recent stretch (lost three of five, with the two wins coming against Pitt and in triple overtime against Wake Forest). Yesterday's game was billed as a must win for both teams due to their positions on the NCAA tournament bubble, with Virginia in a worse position entering the game.

It's possible that Mox may be feeling some heat given the significant increase in financial resources that her program received during the offseason from Mr. Serena and the increase in expectations that come with the financial reward. There's also the precarious position of star junior guard Kymora Johnson, who the UVa fanbase has dubbed a "generational talent". If UVa fails to make the NCAAs again this season, some fear what that might mean for Johnson and UVa moving forward.

 

[VA Huskie]

I know that Coach Mox's name hasn't come up on here this season, but maybe it should after yesterday's contentious post-game presser following a loss to Virginia Tech.

Cavaliers Fall 76-64 at Virginia Tech in Smithfield Commonwealth Clash

virginiasports.com

Both fanbases are debating whether this is par for the course regarding Mox (and the reporter, who is an agitator known to get under the skin of the Virginia Tech coaches in all sports) or if it's indicative of something deeper (hot seat). Despite UVa's overall record of 15-7, the calls to oust her have been growing louder during this recent stretch (lost three of five, with the two wins coming against Pitt and in triple overtime against Wake Forest). Yesterday's game was billed as a must win for both teams due to their positions on the NCAA tournament bubble, with Virginia in a worse position entering the game.

It's possible that Mox may be feeling some heat given the significant increase in financial resources that her program received during the offseason from Mr. Serena and the increase in expectations that come with the financial reward. There's also the precarious position of star junior guard Kymora Johnson, who the UVa fanbase has dubbed a "generational talent". If UVa fails to make the NCAAs again this season, some fear what that might mean for Johnson and UVa moving forward.

I agree that Mox is on the hot seat. The team got some big bucks, she’s in her 4th year and while there’s been improvement over Tina Thompson (I know, a really low bar), they haven’t made the NCAA’s in a long time. And that’s been the expectation for her. I’m a season ticket holder and the inconsistency with which this team plays is incredibly frustrating. Most of the games they have left are winnable…but also could be easily lost. If they make the tournament, she’s good. If not, probably toast.
And I don’t care who asked the questions at the presser after the VT game, her responses were embarrassing. She’s definitely feeling the pressure.

 

[Puppy Love]

Yeah being the only team to lead UConn in the 2nd half this year; what a disaster.

After today’s fiasco, the Vols should cut their losses.

 

[JstVisiting]

Yeah being the only team to lead UConn in the 2nd half this year; what a disaster.

*yet. The only team yet. 😀

 

[JstVisiting]

Well, I spoke too soon. They just beat #7 UK a week ago. Still not super confident they’re on the track for greatness though.

Vic Schaefer isn’t walking through that door.

Mississippi State needs to be realistic. Below average facilities, poorest AD in their conference, no in state talent development at the HS level. Purcell is maxing out what that program can do without a top 5 coach.

 

[Vowelguy]

Pitt has been awful, and now 6 former players are suing the coach (this is only his 3rd year). The reported incidents are NOT good.
I know that coaches yell and scream (yes Geno Pat Kim) and this is part of the process, but the awful things certain ones say -- what makes anyone think this is going to be effective (or is appropriate)?

 

[cancontent]

Pitt has been awful, and now 6 former players are suing the coach (this is only his 3rd year). The reported incidents are NOT good.
I know that coaches yell and scream (yes Geno Pat Kim) and this is part of the process, but the awful things certain ones say -- what makes anyone think this is going to be effective (or is appropriate)?



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It's very disheartening. For me, it's a tad personal as I'm familiar with a couple players on the roster as they played for a prep school program I really respect called Capital Courts. To see that they're in an environment is just.............ugh.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

Pitt has been awful, and now 6 former players are suing the coach (this is only his 3rd year). The reported incidents are NOT good.
I know that coaches yell and scream (yes Geno Pat Kim) and this is part of the process, but the awful things certain ones say -- what makes anyone think this is going to be effective (or is appropriate)?



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This is insane.

 

[Vowelguy]

University claiming that allegations are false and they will "vigorously defend" against them.

 

[Dynastic]

With roughly one third of the season done and the bulk of the Out Of Conference games, there are certainly some coaches who have to be concerned.

The P4 teams will usually pad their win columns against the weaker sisters so when you have 3 or more losses against these programs before the heart of your conference play starts, you have to be under scrutiny.

With that as a pre-amble, here is my list and the reasoning.

• Boston College Joanne Bernabe-McNamee whose team sits 4-7 with some bad mid major losses. This is her 8th year and frankly, she should have been let go last year. She's had just 2 winning conference seasons (2021-22 at 10-8 7th; 2019-20 at 11-7 4th) and the recent editions have been brutal. The school does not put money into the program but still, the results have not been good.
• Penn State Carolyn Kieger in her 7th year but while at 6-3, losses to Princeton, ASU and Nebraska don't look all that bad except the games weren't close. She was 1-17 in the Big 10 last year and I expect more of the same this year. The problem is 2 years ago, she had her only winning season at 22-13/8-8 so she will be trying to parlay that into another year but given the roster, if I were the AD, it's time to move on.
• Pittsburgh Tory Verdi, while only the 3rd year of his contract, the early results this year are not good. Losses to Drexel, Lafayette, Ball State and D3 Scranton are NOT good. He will be given more time but the writing is clearly on the wall.
• UCF Sytia Messer in her 4th year and again, not exactly a great start with losses to Charlotte, Stetson and a much over rated Wake Forest team (sorry my Decons colleague @DemonDeac22). Her first two years in the Big 12 have not gone well and this year I expect more of the same. I doubt she gets 4 wins.
• Purdue Katie Geralds in year 5 is off to a horrific start. What does a school do with a former star player? Losses to Purdue Fort Wayne, Central Michigan and absolute blow out losses to Kentucky and Michigan shout a need for a change. After a good 1st two years, the last two have been abysmal. Not sure which team is worst between PSU, Purdue or Northwestern.
• Northwestern Joe McKeown will be in his last year as he announced his retirement last year with one final season goodbye. The school allowed him that but I think will regret that decision. At least all 3 of this seasons losses have been to descent P4 teams but I just think the roster and trajectory is still not good. He's had a great career but this swan song will not be a storybook ending.
• Texas A&M Joni Taylor with a loss to UT Arlington already despite wins over depleted Colorado or a rebuilding Georgia Tech, I think this year will be a rough year for her in the SEC. A&M is paying her an exorbitant amount of money and it is only year 4 but still...lots of transfers out, non-competitive games...I just don't see her turning this thing around.

Any other teams that should be listed? Normally I would look to @azfan for his assistance but he's in wonderland with the new ASU coach and the fashionista failing miserably at SMU thus far, so I will have to look elsewhere for support.

Pitt coach is probably done, and the and the rest probably won’t get their contracts renewed.

 

[DefenseBB]

I find it a bad public relations release to claim 6 players are all lying. What is their motive? Abuse victims endure far too much emotional and social media hate, it makes no sense to think this is phony. Time will tell but my guess is Tory is toast.

BC has to be a lock to be moving on and PSU has to be 99.9% ready to move on again from a failed selection.

Purdue has to be also assessing their situation. Katie just has not shown ANY improvement. So now that the season is winding down, I am curious how @nwhoopfan wants to assess Indiana (with a strong freshman class) looks compared to Purdue (who they now have beaten o their home court), Rutgers, PSU and Northwestern?

I am not saying Indiana is good, but Moren does have young squad with talent and has had success whereas the other 4 coaches are not showing signs of any potential nor any real talent.

 

[Vowelguy]

I find it a bad public relations release to claim 6 players are all lying. What is their motive? Abuse victims endure far too much emotional and social media hate, it makes no sense to think this is phony. Time will tell but my guess is Tory is toast.

.

Pitt is such a mess that I’m inclined to believe bad stuff is going on. BUT I think it is very dangerous to say “no one would ever lie about that.” So anyone can make a claim and be believed and get a payout?

I’d also note that players have changed. Geno and others have said there are things they used to do/say that they wouldn’t anymore. So I think there can be some fuzziness about what is acceptable yelling and what is verbal abuse.

The good coaches know. And the bad ones go so far beyond the line. I suspect Verdi is the latter.

 

[cancontent]

I find it a bad public relations release to claim 6 players are all lying. What is their motive? Abuse victims endure far too much emotional and social media hate, it makes no sense to think this is phony. Time will tell but my guess is Tory is toast.

BC has to be a lock to be moving on and PSU has to be 99.9% ready to move on again from a failed selection.

Purdue has to be also assessing their situation. Katie just has not shown ANY improvement. So now that the season is winding down, I am curious how @nwhoopfan wants to assess Indiana (with a strong freshman class) looks compared to Purdue (who they now have beaten o their home court), Rutgers, PSU and Northwestern?

I am not saying Indiana is good, but Moren does have young squad with talent and has had success whereas the other 4 coaches are not showing signs of any potential nor any real talent.

Agreed. Believe that Moren has a good recruiting class coming in as well. Can't see her being on a lukewarm seat, let alone hot.

 

[GoChips20]

Agreed. Believe that Moren has a good recruiting class coming in as well. Can't see her being on a lukewarm seat, let alone hot.

Yup, no way. Moren just won National Coach of the Year in 2023, when Indiana was the #2 overall seed.

 

[BigTenGuy]

Yup, no way. Moren just won National Coach of the Year in 2023, when Indiana was the #2 overall seed.

IU is poised for a big step forward next year. This year was a re-tool to get more athletic. Against SC this week in Los Angeles, without Ciezki, the young Hoosier backcourt (Beaumont (so.), Caffey (fr.) and Makalusky (fr.)) more than held their own. Next year they add McDonald's AA Addie Nyemchek and top 35 Gigi Battle to the perimeter. They need some portal help inside, but their perimeter is poised for a multi-year uptick.

 

[LETTERL]

Agreed. Believe that Moren has a good recruiting class coming in as well. Can't see her being on a lukewarm seat, let alone hot.

Indiana has won a flurry of games recently...showing her team seems to be finally coming together here near the end of the season. They'll be a factor again soon. Moren's a good coach.

 

[DRR25]

I find it a bad public relations release to claim 6 players are all lying. What is their motive? Abuse victims endure far too much emotional and social media hate, it makes no sense to think this is phony. Time will tell but my guess is Tory is toast.

BC has to be a lock to be moving on and PSU has to be 99.9% ready to move on again from a failed selection.

Purdue has to be also assessing their situation. Katie just has not shown ANY improvement. So now that the season is winding down, I am curious how @nwhoopfan wants to assess Indiana (with a strong freshman class) looks compared to Purdue (who they now have beaten o their home court), Rutgers, PSU and Northwestern?

I am not saying Indiana is good, but Moren does have young squad with talent and has had success whereas the other 4 coaches are not showing signs of any potential nor any real talent.

I believe the university said that the claims of emotional/psychological abuse were "without merit." I am not a lawyer but I'm pretty sure that in legalese "without merit" doesn't necessarily mean the players are being accused of lying.