Here are my thoughts on some of the names being "vetted" (sorry had to) around the GQ today. These are my rankings:
1) Rick Barnes - With the news today that Barnes and Texas possibly mutually parting ways, it looks like the other UT will wait until next week and buyout his contract at $1.5 mil. Barnes has led Texas to 16 NCAA appearances in 17 seasons. Pretty strong. While many on here have groaned at the thought of an "underperformer" he brings the experience in recruiting and his staff here to play in an easier conference. He will command the 2.55 he was making there probably plus a sizable amount for his staff. Granted UT doesn't hire major program guys, Hart has to bring out the check book, but you know exactly what you're getting and you don't have to deal with any buyouts. Would be a slam dunk hire.
2) Steve Lavin - Another hot name as a result of today's news. Steve didn't meet expectations at St John's. But he is a charasmatic and has recruited with the big boys. My main concern is he won't fit here culturally, but he can energize the fan base. I'm sure he's got a lot of calls coming his way, but I can only hope UT would be on his radar. I'm not confident at all about this pick but would be a great hire if Hart sees he could fit here.
3) Tim Miles/Tom Crean - I'm lumping these two in the same boat as both of them are falling commodities in the Big 10. Neither of them are currently looking for jobs, but there is possibility both of them could be looking elsewhere next week. I would prefer Crean, but Miles would also be a solid hire. Both have proven they can coach and recruit. Money wouldn't be too much an issue with either of them, especially if Crean is let go against his own accord. Miles has a long term contract with Nebraska but I wouldn't put it out of the realm of possibility we look into his interest in leaving them. With Crean the culture thing could be a problem, as he's had many transfers and issues at Indiana (ala Ben Howland).
4) Brad Underwood - As Rob said earlier in the "Brad Underwood" thread he has heard form several sources that this guy is the real deal. While he lacks a lot of HC experience, he's been with Huggy and Frank Martin throughout his career. Just speaking from experience, I doubt we take a coach from a team where he's only been there 2 years. But UT is for sure a step up. He's a Kansas guy so he's been around basketball his whole life. He is in an 8 year deal at SFA with $400k salary. His buyout probably isn't too bad, but I think his short tenure will actually hinder us getting a serious look.
5) Rick Byrd - The obvious name been discussed he's widely considered to be one of the best in all of NCAA ball. He is a lifer at Belmont and I think we will end his career there. If Hart can convince him to come here it brings instant stability and a new brand of basketball to TBA. The recruiting is a question mark and whether or not the SEC athletes will work in his shooter system. A classy guy who is well respected, but the age and long term commitment to Belmont are what I think ends the serious look here.
6)Wade/White/Prohm - I don't think any of these guys come here. But are clearly good, young "up-and-comers". Wade has only been at UTC for a VERY short time and has very little coaching experience. Certainly a good coach in the making but the jump to UT is just too much. Michael White the more experienced of the bunch, we know he was interested last year, but spurned us as a result of Hart not wanting to commit to his buyout. I'm not sure White sees UT as a great job, just a stepping stone to somwhere else. Prohm just got his contract extension today. Terrible timing for UT if they want to go that route. As is the case with Wade, the limited experience is an obstacle in competing with UK, UF, Vandy, LSU, & Arkansas every year.
In short, UT needs to seriously go after proven, experienced coaches. I know that hasn't been our motto decades, but the Tyndall dynamic and the need to "get this one right" is crucial and Hart knows it. He has the support form Cheek to get a deal done. The revolving door at UT will be used against Hart in negotiations and will hurt interest. But those at the top of the board are proven coaches. The Smart, Marshall, Dixon, Archie Miller, etc of the world are out of the realm of possibility IMO. Here's to hoping we get someone who can get talent to Rocky Top, bottom line. GBO
1) Rick Barnes - With the news today that Barnes and Texas possibly mutually parting ways, it looks like the other UT will wait until next week and buyout his contract at $1.5 mil. Barnes has led Texas to 16 NCAA appearances in 17 seasons. Pretty strong. While many on here have groaned at the thought of an "underperformer" he brings the experience in recruiting and his staff here to play in an easier conference. He will command the 2.55 he was making there probably plus a sizable amount for his staff. Granted UT doesn't hire major program guys, Hart has to bring out the check book, but you know exactly what you're getting and you don't have to deal with any buyouts. Would be a slam dunk hire.
2) Steve Lavin - Another hot name as a result of today's news. Steve didn't meet expectations at St John's. But he is a charasmatic and has recruited with the big boys. My main concern is he won't fit here culturally, but he can energize the fan base. I'm sure he's got a lot of calls coming his way, but I can only hope UT would be on his radar. I'm not confident at all about this pick but would be a great hire if Hart sees he could fit here.
3) Tim Miles/Tom Crean - I'm lumping these two in the same boat as both of them are falling commodities in the Big 10. Neither of them are currently looking for jobs, but there is possibility both of them could be looking elsewhere next week. I would prefer Crean, but Miles would also be a solid hire. Both have proven they can coach and recruit. Money wouldn't be too much an issue with either of them, especially if Crean is let go against his own accord. Miles has a long term contract with Nebraska but I wouldn't put it out of the realm of possibility we look into his interest in leaving them. With Crean the culture thing could be a problem, as he's had many transfers and issues at Indiana (ala Ben Howland).
4) Brad Underwood - As Rob said earlier in the "Brad Underwood" thread he has heard form several sources that this guy is the real deal. While he lacks a lot of HC experience, he's been with Huggy and Frank Martin throughout his career. Just speaking from experience, I doubt we take a coach from a team where he's only been there 2 years. But UT is for sure a step up. He's a Kansas guy so he's been around basketball his whole life. He is in an 8 year deal at SFA with $400k salary. His buyout probably isn't too bad, but I think his short tenure will actually hinder us getting a serious look.
5) Rick Byrd - The obvious name been discussed he's widely considered to be one of the best in all of NCAA ball. He is a lifer at Belmont and I think we will end his career there. If Hart can convince him to come here it brings instant stability and a new brand of basketball to TBA. The recruiting is a question mark and whether or not the SEC athletes will work in his shooter system. A classy guy who is well respected, but the age and long term commitment to Belmont are what I think ends the serious look here.
6)Wade/White/Prohm - I don't think any of these guys come here. But are clearly good, young "up-and-comers". Wade has only been at UTC for a VERY short time and has very little coaching experience. Certainly a good coach in the making but the jump to UT is just too much. Michael White the more experienced of the bunch, we know he was interested last year, but spurned us as a result of Hart not wanting to commit to his buyout. I'm not sure White sees UT as a great job, just a stepping stone to somwhere else. Prohm just got his contract extension today. Terrible timing for UT if they want to go that route. As is the case with Wade, the limited experience is an obstacle in competing with UK, UF, Vandy, LSU, & Arkansas every year.
In short, UT needs to seriously go after proven, experienced coaches. I know that hasn't been our motto decades, but the Tyndall dynamic and the need to "get this one right" is crucial and Hart knows it. He has the support form Cheek to get a deal done. The revolving door at UT will be used against Hart in negotiations and will hurt interest. But those at the top of the board are proven coaches. The Smart, Marshall, Dixon, Archie Miller, etc of the world are out of the realm of possibility IMO. Here's to hoping we get someone who can get talent to Rocky Top, bottom line. GBO
