Musketeer Madness

Would Villanova hire Steele - hell no - the coach in waiting formula does not apply to this program anymore - we can remain within budget (2.5 million) and secure a top rate coach that has the look, capability, and credibility that this program deserves - even if this means losing Marshall and Scruggs

Who is that top rate coach that you want?

Miller or Alford with Padgett and Dante Jackson as assistants

jerry92 wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 29, 2018 1:57 pm

Would Villanova hire Steele - hell no - the coach in waiting formula does not apply to this program anymore - we can remain within budget (2.5 million) and secure a top rate coach that has the look, capability, and credibility that this program deserves - even if this means losing Marshall and Scruggs

Completely understand your mind-set here but hard to argue with the success of the last two coaches and their path. Believe me, i was one that was wanting a national search and thought X "settled" on these coaches. Frankly after reading the book "Next in Line" it was good to see the preparation Mack put into the job. My first choice is definitely Steele but also a little bit of a risk (as was Miller and Mack). Having said that, i have no clue who would be a better fit. He has been in the program with 2 of X's most successful coaches. He is tied to the recruits and existing players. I have now been reading how he is an offensive guru (I know X D needs help) and clearly he is well thought of as evidenced by the offers and attention of many (albeit low mid major) schools.

jerry92 wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 29, 2018 2:18 pm

Miller or Alford with Padgett and Dante Jackson as assistants

I would love to have Miller back, but I just don't know how possible it is. Based on what I've heard, it seems as if there is interest from both sides, but due to the FBI scandal and his contract, it is just not likely going to happen.

As for Allford, I really don't know anything about him outside of the fact there was discussion about him being fired this year. I really know nothing about his actual coaching ability or how it would possibly compare to Steele.

While I understand your argument and think it can be valid. Xavier has always hired from within and has been incredibly successful doing so. We are not Villanova, but Villinova didn't turn into the current Villanova until they finally pushed through to the Final 4 and have had commitment from Jay Wright. Unfortunately for us, we have not been able to achieve either of those things (final 4 or having a coach for a long time). However, by continuing to hire from within and promote successful and smart assistant coaches to be our HC does not make us anywhere near Depaul. Xavier is not Villanova, but we've always conducted our coaching searches in the Xavier way (to steal from our dear friends to the west) and it has worked for us.

It seems as if a lot of national, as well as local, people consider Steele to be a great coaching candidate and it looks as if we are going to hire him. As much as I would like to see Miller return, I will be thrilled to see X promote Steele. He is a good young coach, one heck of a recruiter and the players seem to love him.

Villanova

Realistically I would like to have Miller back, but I don’t see it happening. An emphatic NO to Alford— I’m afraid he’d be our Tuberville. Other than Miller there is no one I’d rather have than Steele. A risk for sure but on id be willing to take.

Just read Paul Daugherty's article on cincinnati.com Not that I agree 100% but what about Earl Grant from Charleston? He seems to check a lot of the boxes, worth the risk??

Millers going to be spending more time in court than on the court the next couple of years.

And Alford failed at a true blue blood school over the last ten years.

You guys have to be out of your minds.

Keeping Steele is the one way to keep players and recruits in place and NOT become DePaul. He'll keep bringing in top recruits (for us anyway, probably not 5 stars) and has 9 years of assistant head coaching experience combined with the fire of a young hungry coach.

jerry92 wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 29, 2018 1:57 pm

Would Villanova hire Steele - hell no - the coach in waiting formula does not apply to this program anymore - we can remain within budget (2.5 million) and secure a top rate coach that has the look, capability, and credibility that this program deserves - even if this means losing Marshall and Scruggs

Well, it worked out well for:

Zags and Mark Few
Butler with Thad Matta
Butler with Brad Stevens
Butler with Chris Holtman
Indiana with Mike Davis
Pittsburgh with Jamie Dixon
Marquette Buzz Williams
MSU Tom Izzo
And on and on and on


BTW, can you name 20 coaches who did better than Miller during his tenure (consider the players he had when he started the program with, and the fact that he won more games each and every year), and 35 coaches who did better than CM during their respective tenures?

It's impressive someone like Alford who coaches at a top 10 program, has a bloated salary, and great recruiting class wants to come here. It says a lot about the state of this program, which is the one point I agree with you on. However, if the last 15 years has taught me anything, it's that promoting the top assistant on X's bench has been wildly successful. I think the question is why would we not go this route, barring the unexpected, like Tony Bennett throwing his hat into the ring.