Who Will Be the Next Illini Coach?

[UKMustangFan]

^The Akron guy? I would think they'd want or at least be able to attract a bigger name than that.....Illinois isn't exactly a stellar basketball program, but it isn't a bottom-feeder either.

[gametime]

^The Akron guy? I would think they'd want or at least be able to attract a bigger name than that.....Illinois isn't exactly a stellar basketball program, but it isn't a bottom-feeder either.

 

Thomas was at Akron before he took the UC job and has made a living hiring MAC coaches the last 5 years. I'm sure they will aim higher, miss and end at Dambrot...

[Clyde]

There has to be at least a phone call to Indy, right?

[Clyde]

Shaka is said to be considering the offer from Illinois and a decision is likely this week. Reportedly offered $2.5M per year which doubles his VCU salary.

[Clyde]

Apparently the hesitation in taking the job for Shaka is the challenge of Illinois recruiting in Chicago.

[Deimos]

VCU coach Shaka Smart reportedly turns down Illinois - ESPN Chicago

[born2reign]

Names I would go after if I were making the decision:

 

Brad Stevens- Butler

Bill Carmody- Northwestern

John Groce- Ohio (he was at Ohio St. under Thad, I believe)

[born2reign]

If they really want to shake things up, contact Gino Auriemma's people. I would like to see that, actually.

[gametime]

Names I would go after if I were making the decision:

 

Brad Stevens- Butler

Bill Carmody- Northwestern

John Groce- Ohio (he was at Ohio St. under Thad, I believe)

 

Stevens would laugh Thomas off the phone. Zero chance.

Carmody is on thin ice at Northwestern. That would really be a fan favorite for the new AD. Yikes.

Groce is a very good coach and Thomas loves hiring MAC guys. My guess is it eventually gets to him and then Dambrodt at Akron...

[born2reign]

Stevens would laugh Thomas off the phone. Zero chance.

Carmody is on thin ice at Northwestern. That would really be a fan favorite for the new AD. Yikes.

Groce is a very good coach and Thomas loves hiring MAC guys. My guess is it eventually gets to him and then Dambrodt at Akron...

 

I agree that Brad Stevens would say no, but I would still make the call. Make him tell you know after you throw 2.5 mil at him.

If back to back 20 win season at Northwestern has you in trouble, Carmody should walk. He can get a job- plus he has recruited Chicago at Northwestern. He should be able to do the same at Illinois.

 

What do you think about making a call to Storrs to talk to Gino?

[NEERFAN]

I agree that Brad Stevens would say no, but I would still make the call. Make him tell you know after you throw 2.5 mil at him.

If back to back 20 win season at Northwestern has you in trouble, Carmody should walk. He can get a job- plus he has recruited Chicago at Northwestern. He should be able to do the same at Illinois.

 

What do you think about making a call to Storrs to talk to Gino?

 

I don't think Gino and his ego want anything to do with the men's game.

[Big Slick]

Anthony Grant?

[Clyde]

Some are saying Groce from Ohio U is not a strong contender for the gig.

[Sandman]

If Groce isn't a strong contender for this one who is?

 

Why would Stephens be so quick to say "no", if asked? Is he going to be a Butler lifer?

 

I'll throw out a few names, totally on a whim. GT, Clyde, and anyone else with a clue, don't beat me to a pulp, but would any of these guys be candidates, or interested:

 

Steve Alford: He's gotta get out of New Mexico at some point?

Drew from Baylor: Same as the above, gotta get out of Waco, right?

Pat Knight: Huge leap, I know. But, he has experience (albiet bad) in a power six conference.

[Clyde]

If Groce isn't a strong contender for this one who is?

 

Why would Stephens be so quick to say "no", if asked? Is he going to be a Butler lifer?

 

I'll throw out a few names, totally on a whim. GT, Clyde, and anyone else with a clue, don't beat me to a pulp, but would any of these guys be candidates, or interested:

 

Steve Alford: He's gotta get out of New Mexico at some point?

Drew from Baylor: Same as the above, gotta get out of Waco, right?

Pat Knight: Huge leap, I know. But, he has experience (albiet bad) in a power six conference.

 

My guess is that Brad Stevens has about two or three jobs on his list that he will leave BU for.

 

I'll be shocked if Groce is not hired. The only way I see it not happening is if some other school swoops him up.

 

ZERO chance I take Pat Knight for that job.