OT: URI head coaching search

[TJT]

Well they are dragging their feet for some reason....

Their AD on the day Hurley decided to leave indicated that they would try to have a new coach in place in about 2-2.5 weeks. That means late this week or early next week making them on schedule. I have read that URI must follow state hiring procedures which required the job to be posted for a length of time. It seems the required process for hiring is likely the reason it has not yet been officially wrapped up.

 

[intlzncster]

I have read that URI must follow state hiring procedures which required the job to be posted for a length of time. It seems the required process for hiring is likely the reason it has not yet been officially wrapped up.

Most states have that. CT is like 5 days or something. That's not the obstacle.

 

[TJT]

Most states have that. CT is like 5 days or something. That's not the obstacle.

They only posted the job last Monday and it was open for seven days which had it expiring yesterday (Monday). The process is fully on track with the initial schedule given at the AD's press conference two thursdays ago.

 

[CL82]

Done and done.
View attachment 30352

"Did you ever know that you're my hero..."

 

[CL82]

Any program looking to hire Pitino looks desperate. Glad the president did his job and shot it down.

I don't know, it's definitely a power move for Rhody. It's not like they have an academic rep to speak of.

 

[CL82]

First, no athletic director at a reputable school is going to take Pitino’s call.

How is that relevant here?

 

[Scrutineer]

In case some haven't seen this video of Thorr Bjorn addressing Hurley's departure, I think you'll find it interesting. thorr bjorn - Yahoo Video Search Results

The major point he made from my perspective is "I'm not interested in quick fixes." It would seem Pitino would have fit into the quick fix category so maybe the article about him really had no basis.

For those commenting on the pressure the 2018 recruits are putting on the school with their comments about Cox, his statement COULD also mean he's not going to pass up the right coach for the long haul in order just to keep this year's recruits.

He was asked about Cox and said he was a candidate, but I got the impression he wants to hire someone with experience as a head coach. Who knows? When asked when a hire would be made he said he'd like to wrap up the search in 2 weeks but if it takes 3 that's OK as long as they get the right coach. You wouldn't think it would take that long if Cox is the guy, so it may be he's the fall back position if they don't get an experienced head coach.

He mentioned they're not using a search firm, have had a lot of coaches reach out to them about the job, already had a "list" in his computer (not the desk drawer) and he'll be using an advisory committee composed of knowledgeable people he respects who will assist in making the right choice to continue winning championships and get to the Final Four.

He spoke at length about how they're in a different place than they were six years ago (and how Hurley had to immediately deal with an APR issue) and that he wants to hire the right coach to continue the upward trajectory they're on due to the great foundation Hurley built. He praised Hurley's development of the program several times and said all the right things about moving forward.

 

[Nostical]

President Dooley Kills Hiring of Pitino at URI


According to multiple sources, University of Rhode Island Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn had come to a rough agreement in principle with Rick Pitino to succeed Dan Hurley as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University late last week.
The deal would have paid the embattled Hall of Fame Coach Pitino $2 million a year. Pitino's salary at Rhode Island would have been less than Hurley's new contract at the University of Connecticut and less than a third of Pitino’s total package he had received at Louisville before his ouster.

But, when Bjorn took the offer to URI President David Dooley the hiring was shot down. According to multiple sources, Dooley balked due to Pitino’s ties to an FBI probe of the NCAA and other controversies.

 

[whaler11]

President Dooley Kills Hiring of Pitino at URI


According to multiple sources, University of Rhode Island Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn had come to a rough agreement in principle with Rick Pitino to succeed Dan Hurley as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University late last week.
The deal would have paid the embattled Hall of Fame Coach Pitino $2 million a year. Pitino's salary at Rhode Island would have been less than Hurley's new contract at the University of Connecticut and less than a third of Pitino’s total package he had received at Louisville before his ouster.

But, when Bjorn took the offer to URI President David Dooley the hiring was shot down. According to multiple sources, Dooley balked due to Pitino’s ties to an FBI probe of the NCAA and other controversies.

Timely.

 

[Leebo]

President Dooley Kills Hiring of Pitino at URI


According to multiple sources, University of Rhode Island Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn had come to a rough agreement in principle with Rick Pitino to succeed Dan Hurley as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University late last week.
The deal would have paid the embattled Hall of Fame Coach Pitino $2 million a year. Pitino's salary at Rhode Island would have been less than Hurley's new contract at the University of Connecticut and less than a third of Pitino’s total package he had received at Louisville before his ouster.

But, when Bjorn took the offer to URI President David Dooley the hiring was shot down. According to multiple sources, Dooley balked due to Pitino’s ties to an FBI probe of the NCAA and other controversies.

Not reading the thread, are you.

 

[Chief00]

URI immediately denied it, going as far to release an official statement: University Denies False Story

On Monday, April 2, 2018, GoLocalProv posted a story claiming, "President Dooley kills hiring of Pitino at URI." This story is false. University President David M. Dooley and Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn have not spoken with Rick Pitino. Athletic Director Bjorn never presented an offer to President Dooley related to Rick Pitino.

The University takes journalistic integrity very seriously and denies the validity of this story in its entirety. The University has requested the story be removed from the GoLocalProv website.

GoLocalProv is NOT a good source in RI.

 

[Chief00]

Assuming Dooley was their guy and if he is ECU bound - I don’t see that not helping Cox’s chances.
I also think it’s clear, Cox wasn’t in the original top 2.

 

[djct1999]

President Dooley Kills Hiring of Pitino at URI


According to multiple sources, University of Rhode Island Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn had come to a rough agreement in principle with Rick Pitino to succeed Dan Hurley as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University late last week.
The deal would have paid the embattled Hall of Fame Coach Pitino $2 million a year. Pitino's salary at Rhode Island would have been less than Hurley's new contract at the University of Connecticut and less than a third of Pitino’s total package he had received at Louisville before his ouster.

But, when Bjorn took the offer to URI President David Dooley the hiring was shot down. According to multiple sources, Dooley balked due to Pitino’s ties to an FBI probe of the NCAA and other controversies.

Hmmm, a source at UConn told me they received an application for the scout and video coordinator job from an over qualified fifty something tied to Hurley's past. I wonder if this sealed Bjorn's fate and he is looking to transition.

 

[djct1999]

Assuming Dooley was their guy and if he is ECU bound - I don’t see that not helping Cox’s chances.
I also think it’s clear, Cox wasn’t in the original top 2.

If this Pitino rumor was true, Bjorn may have no choice but to make the safe choice and go with Cox to save face.

 

[Hoophound]

Becker is the safe and proven commodity. I can’t see myself hiring an assistant after the Ollie and Diaco debacles.

Oats probably has too much momentum for a big job in the near future to consider URI. Plus, he has a loaded team at Buffalo.

 

[scdono]

Assuming Dooley was their guy and if he is ECU bound - I don’t see that not helping Cox’s chances.
I also think it’s clear, Cox wasn’t in the original top 2.

Cox is still in the mix

 

[djct1999]

Becker is the safe and proven commodity. I can’t see myself hiring an assistant after the Ollie and Diaco debacles.

Oats probably has too much momentum for a big job in the near future to consider URI. Plus, he has a loaded team at Buffalo.

Problem with Becker is he may stall the momentum URI has. If Bjorn alienates the team and fan base, all the goodwill generated in the Hurley years will be lost in a single hire.

 

[CL82]

President Dooley Kills Hiring of Pitino at URI


According to multiple sources, University of Rhode Island Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn had come to a rough agreement in principle with Rick Pitino to succeed Dan Hurley as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University late last week.
The deal would have paid the embattled Hall of Fame Coach Pitino $2 million a year. Pitino's salary at Rhode Island would have been less than Hurley's new contract at the University of Connecticut and less than a third of Pitino’s total package he had received at Louisville before his ouster.

But, when Bjorn took the offer to URI President David Dooley the hiring was shot down. According to multiple sources, Dooley balked due to Pitino’s ties to an FBI probe of the NCAA and other controversies.

Anyone else secretly hope that this is @Dooley secretly sabotaging URI's MBB program. I mean he's been off the board for a while. It could be he took a deep cover assignment.

 

[CL82]

If this Pitino rumor was true, Bjorn may have no choice but to make the safe choice and go with Cox to save face.

Hard to say one way or the other until Willingham covers it. He's been out in front on the coaching changes the whole time.

 

[MattMang23]

I don't know, it's definitely a power move for Rhody. It's not like they have an academic rep to speak of.

What are you talking about? They told me they're the second best public in New England, after Vermont of course.

 

[polycom]

University Denies False Story

Guess they didn't call Pitino.

 

[CL82]

University Denies False Story

Guess they didn't call Pitino.

Conspiracy Kitty says:
Or maybe Dooley didn't kill the deal?

 

[Husky25]

GoLocalProv | Sports | NEW: President Dooley Kills Hiring of Pitino at URI
The University of Rhode Island Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn had come to a rough agreement in principle with Rick Pitino to succeed Dan Hurley as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University late last week.

According to multiple sources, the deal would have paid the embattled Hall of Fame Coach Pitino $2 million a year. Pitino's salary at Rhode Island would have been less than Hurley's new contract at the University of Connecticut and less than a third of Pitino’s total package he had received at Louisville before his ouster.

But, when Bjorn took the offer to URI President David Dooley the hiring was shot down. According to multiple sources, Dooley balked due to Pitino’s ties to an FBI probe of the NCAA and other controversies.

My friend asked me again, so I will follow up on his question...How does Pitino not already come with a show cause penalty? I imagine it's just a matter of time of the slow moving gears that is the NCAA bureaucracy (and incompetancy/vendetta of Mark Emmert), but that is not enough for my friend.

 

[djct1999]

My friend asked me again, so I will follow up on his question...How does Pitino not already come with a show cause penalty? I imagine it's just a matter of time of the slow moving gears that is the NCAA bureaucracy (and incompetancy/vendetta of Mark Emmert), but that is not enough for my friend.

Haven't you heard Pitino speak. He insists he is innocent. Wait, are you suggesting you don't believe him?

 

[ctchamps]

If Cox doesn't get the head coaching position I don't want him. We're UConn and should never take URI rejects.