I like Donnie, and think he could be very successful here. The problem is that last sentence: I THINK he could be.
I KNOW Pete Gillen, or John Pelphrey or Gregg Marshall WOULD be because of their track record.
MMark, no, you don't.
You simply don't.
Repeat after me, and let's make sure you've got this down... you DON'T
know if ANY coach, no matter his experience, would be.
Herein is the problem and the crux of this ongoing debate:
The results of coaching are not a scientifically-controlled experiment where all of the variables are identified and the results can be predicted to be so valid and reliable that you can do the experiment time-after-time, and you'll get the same results.
You know that, I know you do... but you talk like you don't.
Rather, what we're dealing with here are MANY variables, some of which are easily recognized, some of which are not so easy. Certainly there are key variables that would appear to have greater impact than others... but make no mistake--it's "variables" plural, not "variable" singular as the myopic "but has he ever called a timeout on his own" crowd desperately wants the committee to focus upon absolutely, first, foremost, and period.
I continue to remind you that the last time Ron Jirsa got replaced, he got replaced by a "can't-miss" head coach with QUITE an accomplished record for calling timeouts.
I continue to remind you of the giant sucking sound that miracle-worker Rollie Massimino left after his grand entrance to replace Tark in Las Vegas.
And, then there's one that's right in front of your eyes: how could Pete Gillen ever have stubbed his toe after the magnificent jobs he did in Cincinnati, and then Providence...???
For good measure... ever heard of Dan Monson? Ever heard of "little" Gonzaga? You say it's not "little" anymore? Not only is it not "little" Gonzaga anymore, but you likely owe the fact that you know how to pronounce "Gonzaga" to this Monson guy. Where's he now? Oh, he just ended an incredibly impotent run at Minnesota, and some guy named Tubby Smith is taking his place.
Once more, in case you aren't getting it:
YOU DON'T KNOW :razz:
just because a guy has called a timeout and had some success...
...rather, you can only hope the committee will make the hire that seems to have the best
combination of the important variable
s (note, plural) that would make the program most likely to have success in the near future.
I continue to feel like they care about this as much as you or I do, and that as professionals who have hired their share of good employees and bad ones, and what's more, who's pride is on the public stage and as a consequence, their pride (and that's a LOT of pride) is at stake... I think this is going to turn out, if not "well," then as best it could turn out given the circumstances surrounding the program right now and parameters of what MU can offer.