UConn AD Warde Manuel Proceeding As If Calhoun Will Stay

[HooperScooper]

I refuse to believe the conspiracy theory that JC will retire so close to the season that Manuel has no choice but to appoint Ollie, even on a temporary basis. For all JC has done at UConn you think he wants to go out like that? Nah.

UConn AD Warde Manuel Proceeding As If Calhoun Will Stay

 

[TRest]

Agreed. Forcing KO down the school's throat will hurt his legacy, not help it.

 

[willie99]

I agree, but Jim is starting to test my faith, and that's not a very easy thing to do

 

[John Fryer]

Sorry, folks. But you can't have it both ways.

Given the tight time situation, with formal practices begining in just about one month, giving Kevin Ollie the opportunity to demonstrate he has what it takes to be a successful head coach seems like an excellent way to go, IMHO.

Consider the fact that a national search (assuming that Coach C retires immediately) would have two immediate negative consequences.

First, it would seriously disrupt the upcoming season with respect to the uncertaincies related to an interim coach.

And second, it would also seriously disrupt the upcoming season for any school whose coach applies for the position to become the new head coach at UConn.

(Aren't there rules against tampering?)

Not a good PR move!

Peace,

John Fryer

 

[Fishy]

I don't think you're reading the reactions here correctly, John F. If Calhoun retires tomorrow, there will be an interim coach - no one is suggesting a national search because that is just not possible at this time of year. That is all understood.

Now, here is the fly in the ointment....

If JC retires now, who is going to be named the interim coach? Ollie....or the three other guys who have actually already been head coaches? My hunch is that our presumption that Ollie would be named is not nearly certain.

Second, if Ollie is interim coach, what a crappy year for a try-out. We're going to struggle no matter who the coach is - in my opinion, it would be unfair for Ollie to have to take up the reigns of potentially the worst UConn team in quite some time. Why not just hand the man a live grenade and wish him well?

 

[Waquoit]

Second, if Ollie is interim coach, what a crappy year for a try-out. We're going to struggle no matter who the coach is - in my opinion, it would be unfair for Ollie to have to take up the reigns of potentially the worst UConn team in quite some time. Why not just hand the man a live grenade and wish him well?

But everybody (mostly everybody) knows that. There are low expectations. If they stay involved and pick off a good team or two, people will fall all over him with praise. They are still good enough to beat all of the patsies.

 

[ctchamps]

But everybody (mostly everybody) knows that. There are low expectations. If they stay involved and pick off a good team or two, people will fall all over him with praise. They are still good enough to beat all of the patsies.

This and Fishy's point are the prevailing opinions from those of us with an interest in the matter. Some of us think this is the perfect time for KO because expectations are low. Some of us think the situation with the team is so bad that any coach running the team will be digging himself in a hole after this season. And since both opinions exist they both have merit because that is how we judge things - from our points of view and because the events haven't been proven.

The funny thing is that all of us are out of the loop of decision. Events will play out in spite of our beliefs. The only thing we can do as fans, boosters and alumni is muddy the waters because of our own jaded egos.

 

[CL82]

I don't think you're reading the reactions here correctly, John F. If Calhoun retires tomorrow, there will be an interim coach - no one is suggesting a national search because that is just not possible at this time of year. That is all understood.

Now, here is the fly in the ointment....

If JC retires now, who is going to be named the interim coach? Ollie....or the three other guys who have actually already been head coaches? My hunch is that our presumption that Ollie would be named is not nearly certain.

The timing of the decision effectively limits us to our existing staff. So you've got a choice of Ollie, Blaney, Hobbs or Miller at the start of a meaningless season. If you choose Ollie you keep Calhoun as a fundraiser, PR treasure. If you choose one of the others, you don't. Blaney will take himself out of the running, so which of Hobbs or Miller is worth alienating Jim?

Add to that that the kids we're recruiting like KO. Add to that the programs biggest best ambassador, Ray Allen, has already endorsed Kevin, and the decision is pretty certain, in my opinion.

 

[Fishy]

But everybody (mostly everybody) knows that. There are low expectations. If they stay involved and pick off a good team or two, people will fall all over him with praise. They are still good enough to beat all of the patsies.

Have you seen the way these halfwits act after a loss?

 

[SoCalCanine]

The timing of the decision effectively limits us to our existing staff. So you've got a choice of Ollie, Blaney, Hobbs or Miller at the start of a meaningless season. If you choose Ollie you keep Calhoun as a fundraiser, PR treasure. If you choose one of the others, you don't. Blaney will take himself out of the running, so which of Hobbs or Miller is worth alienating Jim?

Some have suggested Blaney will ride off to the sunset with JC. I wonder if all the assistants other than KO might decline the interim gig due to loyalty to JC. That might force the KO choice but might not be good career moves for Hobbs or Miller going forward. Some interesting dilemmas for all involved!

 

[GemParty]

Even though our talent level (ie front court) is unproven, if Ollie needs a year with training wheels on to find chemistry & make some mistakes, it's this season. The Heat gets turned up 1,000 degrees when you're trying to make Selection Sunday.

 

[upstater]

My guess on Calhoun coaching this year before the hip injury: 78.92%
After: 21.18%

Whatever dastardly plan some of you imagine Calhoun has concocted, it really doesn't matter. This hip injury is enough to call it the end.