Coaching a Hot Topic

By Big12-Fans Writer Jason Brooks


It’s here. February. The month that is so critical to so many teams and to so many coaches. Historically this month has determined the fate of many head coaches it’s almost unfathomable to think about. This year is no different than any other year. This year there will be turmoil as old coaches exit, either on their own or forced, and new coaches enter. It will even happen here in Big 12 Land. It already has happened here in Big 12 Land.

Amidst scandal, a bad record, and months of speculation about his job security, Quin Snyder has left Missouri. Oh where have you gone Stormin Norman? Stormin Norman has left and gone away. Quin Snyder has thrown the program away. Hey hay hay. At least that’s what some fans would have you think. Fans...Hmm. That brings something to mind. Can a coach, that has the fans in his back pocket, get nailed the way that Quin Snyder has, and still have a job? The answer is yes, but only for a while. That coach has to go out and prove himself to regain the fans that he may have lost.

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I find it no surprise that Quin Snyder is out at Missouri. His slick, high profile ways are something you could expect to find on the east coast or in L.A., but it doesn’t fly here in the Midwest. Need another example? Ok here’s one. Danny Nee. His slicked up hair, and fancy play calling ties, couldn’t save his hide here in Nebraska. He was too vocal, too audacious, too cocky, to be here in Nebraska. His, and Snyder’s relationship with fans was about as on and off again as a light switch. Still not satisfied? Here’s one more coach that hasn’t been very controversial, but has a love hate relationship with fans. Mike Davis has had a tumultuous relationship with the spoiled baby’s that are Hoosier fans. He likely will not return as the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers next year.

While there have been names tossed around for Missouri’s vacancy, Mike Alden AD for Missouri, has something to consider. Does he throw money out and hire a big name coach like West Virginia coach John Beilein or Marquette coach Tom Crean (Both of these names I have seen pop up in various articles)? Or does he go after say someone like Rick Majerus? While Majerus was seen eating dinner with Steve Pederson (AD for Nebraska), and Mark Boehm (Associate AD for NU Basketball), he is already sending the signals that he wants the Missouri job. While his health is certainly an issue to consider, he would almost be a good fit for the job. Personally I think both of these would be a bad choice for a program like Missouri’s. They need a coach with charisma, and tenacity. There have been a lot of name’s thrown out over the last few days, but for some reason they just don’t fit to me. In the end Mike Alden has a hard choice to make, or his butt may just be sitting in the welfare line.

Speaking of Rick Majerus and Steve Pederson. Over the years there have been people calling for Barry Colliers head. Steve Pederson came out and backed him last year. But I also seem to recollect a famous speech by Steve Pederson in which he said: “We will not settle for Mediocrity.” While this speech was given during the firing of Frank Solich, I have to wonder if this translates to basketball as well. I certainly hope it does. Barry’s relationship with the fans has been a rocky one. Especially this year. With four losses by a combined 108, one of which was to in state rival Creighton by 26 points, it would certainly seem that Nebraska is reaching a Mediocre state. Right now the only thing that saves Barry’s butt is one of two things.

1. Barry has to reach the NCAA Tournament and at least win one game (that’s a laugher).
Or
2. Barry’s contract might still be too expensive to buy out just yet.

Only time will tell with this one.

Last on the list (from what I’m hearing) is Jim Woolridge from Kansas State. I personally think it would be a mistake to fire Jim. For some reason or another he has this K-State team doing pretty decent this year. Give him one more year before we axe him. While they did get absolutely manhandled by Nebraska, they did beat a pretty darn good Kansas team. While they’re 4-6 in league play this year they are sitting in 7th, a spot that Nebraska constantly has to try very hard to reach every year, that’s not too bad either. Plus their last four losses have been by an average of 2.75 pts. If they win those four games, Kansas State is 8-2 in Big 12 play, and their tied with Kansas. How can you fire a coach for that?

Needless to say this years off season will be interesting in the Big 12, as it will be all around the country. I personally look forward to this off-season. I welcome the new face at Mizzou. I am also interested to see just how many seeds the Big 12 will get in the NCAA Tournament.

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