John Brannen - Cincinnati Issues

[Voice of Reason]

Here is the big question. Will Brannen learn from this and make adjustments or will his ego keep him from doing what needs to be done?  This is now a pattern and this year is a complete bailout on Brannen so there is something he needs to learn from this.

[Walter]

Finally got a second look at this ... Unacceptable. I've never seen a coach just flat out walk out on his team like that. 

 

[CincySportsFan]

3 minutes ago, Walter said:

Finally got a second look at this ... Unacceptable and I can see why the entire freshman class left. I've never seen a coach just flat out walk out on his team like that. 

 

Holy crap.  Wasn't even close to what I imagined, based upon the description.  Wow.  Not a good look.

[Walter]

Mo Egger Discusses Situation at UC

[Walter]

Not sure if the information below came from a former player or one of the players transferring out, but these were reasons given for why there was so much disconnect between the players and coaches throughout the season.

[theguru]

5 and 6 are really bad from where I sit.

[TheDeuce]

1 minute ago, theguru said:

5 and 6 are really bad from where I sit.

Yeah 5 can't happen. 

[theguru]

Just now, TheDeuce said:

Yeah 5 can't happen. 

I should have added 5 is definitely the worst one on the list.  

[TheDeuce]

Just now, theguru said:

I should have added 5 is definitely the worst one on the list.  

That can't happen even if it doesn't get back to the current players on the team. What kind of picture does that paint for an incoming recruit that a coach is willing to bash his current players?

[theguru]

2 minutes ago, TheDeuce said:

That can't happen even if it doesn't get back to the current players on the team. What kind of picture does that paint for an incoming recruit that a coach is willing to bash his current players?

I agree, it is a deal breaker. 

[John Anthony]

If UC can find 4.5 Mill they would can him but I don’t see it.

[Walter]

From Justin Williams of The Athletic from sources, including players leaving, as to what happened this season (paraphrasing):

- Strength coach Tyler Stuart, who just finished his first season with the Bearcats, is expected to leave the program at the end of his contract, which runs through March 2021, due to a similar rift with Brannen.

- Problems were largely attributed to interactions with and disposition toward players once they were part of the program. (manipulation and exclusion, and players feeling lied to or misled about playing time and their role on the team)

- Claims that Brannen disparaged players behind their backs to other teammates, at times doubting whether certain players had the necessary ability or makeup to survive in the program. It was interpreted as pitting players against each other, by multiple accounts. Sources have said it continued even after transfer decisions were announced.

- Some players were offended and felt it was insensitive that Brannen had a rule that earrings, jewelry, hats, do-rags or other head coverings were not allowed to be worn during team meetings or meals

- Irregular practice and daily schedules were adjusted on the fly not because of COVID-19 protocols but rather Brannen’s preference to operate the schedule based on feel.

- Some felt Brannen’s management approach was too rigid and antiquated, lacking flexibility and empathy in a season that needed it more than ever. Goes back to claims made that he has an old school approach which doesn't resonate well with today's players

- No claims of abuse or malicious intent, so don't think that will be an issue but players did voice their concerns to AD Cunningham about the culture and problems with the staff so this will be an ongoing investigation by the athletic department

- Lastly, as far as Brannen's contract goes, runs through April 1, 2024, at $1.5 million per year, plus a guaranteed retention bonus of $1 million payable on March 31, 2022 or included as part of any liquidated damages. The buyout clause stipulates that the coach is owed 75 percent of the contract’s remaining compensation if terminated by the university, which would equal roughly $5.25 million at this time.

The worst part about everything that happened? Every player Justin Williams spoke to said they didn't want to leave. They loved UC, the fans, and city.... But they simply couldn't play for Brannen after everything they were put through. 

[sportsfan41]

4 hours ago, Walter said:

From Justin Williams of The Athletic from sources, including players leaving, as to what happened this season (paraphrasing):

- Strength coach Tyler Stuart, who just finished his first season with the Bearcats, is expected to leave the program at the end of his contract, which runs through March 2021, due to a similar rift with Brannen.

- Problems were largely attributed to interactions with and disposition toward players once they were part of the program. (manipulation and exclusion, and players feeling lied to or misled about playing time and their role on the team)

- Claims that Brannen disparaged players behind their backs to other teammates, at times doubting whether certain players had the necessary ability or makeup to survive in the program. It was interpreted as pitting players against each other, by multiple accounts. Sources have said it continued even after transfer decisions were announced.

- Some players were offended and felt it was insensitive that Brannen had a rule that earrings, jewelry, hats, do-rags or other head coverings were not allowed to be worn during team meetings or meals

- Irregular practice and daily schedules were adjusted on the fly not because of COVID-19 protocols but rather Brannen’s preference to operate the schedule based on feel.

- Some felt Brannen’s management approach was too rigid and antiquated, lacking flexibility and empathy in a season that needed it more than ever. Goes back to claims made that he has an old school approach which doesn't resonate well with today's players

- No claims of abuse or malicious intent, so don't think that will be an issue but players did voice their concerns to AD Cunningham about the culture and problems with the staff so this will be an ongoing investigation by the athletic department

- Lastly, as far as Brannen's contract goes, runs through April 1, 2024, at $1.5 million per year, plus a guaranteed retention bonus of $1 million payable on March 31, 2022 or included as part of any liquidated damages. The buyout clause stipulates that the coach is owed 75 percent of the contract’s remaining compensation if terminated by the university, which would equal roughly $5.25 million at this time.

The worst part about everything that happened? Every player Justin Williams spoke to said they didn't want to leave. They loved UC, the fans, and city.... But they simply couldn't play for Brannen after everything they were put through. 

One thing that hasn't been mentioned that I am curious about, is how much if anything, the new transfer rule CONTRIBUTES to players opting to leave.  Given the Covid climate, I could certainly understand guys wanting to be closer to home or in a different region even.  Obviously that's not a big part of things happening at UC, but I could see it being just one more thing to help it all fall apart. 

[Randy Parker]

Walking out on your team like that is ridiculous, even if I do agree that the younger generation is softer in some ways.  How could you ever be upset with a player who walks out on you when you've done the same thing?  And during a game?

[Voice of Reason]

8 hours ago, Walter said:

Finally got a second look at this ... Unacceptable. I've never seen a coach just flat out walk out on his team like that. 

 

That is one of the worst things I have ever seen a coach do to his own team - on any level in any sport.