Evaluation of Lee & Rogers Continues

[AstroCajun]

_ If you listened to Jay yesterday on NBC, I think he gave some good points as to the timeframe of hearing anything about the change. I really don't care when it occurs as long as its the right decision. Basketball season has a ways from being over and many coaches will not leave their institutions until then. So I understand the logic in not creating a hole now and having to wait a month or longer to fill it which looks worse in my opinion. I want a change like everybody else but I think it looks better to release them of their duties once we have viable candidates out there so we can fill the hole rather quickly. _

Just wondering, but does anyone know of any D1 basketball coaches that have already been fired this season?

[rhineaux]

_ If you listened to Jay yesterday on NBC, I think he gave some good points as to the timeframe of hearing anything about the change. I really don't care when it occurs as long as its the right decision. Basketball season has a ways from being over and many coaches will not leave their institutions until then. So I understand the logic in not creating a hole now and having to wait a month or longer to fill it which looks worse in my opinion. I want a change like everybody else but I think it looks better to release them of their duties once we have viable candidates out there so we can fill the hole rather quickly. _

I listened to Jay yesterday too. And while I agree that there are a lot of variables to analyze, and the analysis should be thorough, consider what the analysis consists of. In addition to W's and L's, they must consider (in DW's own words) "academic success, student-athlete eligibility and retention and the potential for successful recruiting."

I find it hard to believe that the main players doing this analysis, whom I believe to be Farmer, Walker, and Savoie, didn't have any conversations about this going back a month or two, or at least over the last couple weeks. I also doubt that the end of the season snuck up on them. And, I doubt that they didn't already know the academic numbers for the program, or for any program for that matter, at any given time of the year. They may not have them memorized, but i'm sure that they're well aware of the general direction any of the programs are going at any given point. In the release yesterday, DW made it sound like they're down in their offices putting together this massive statistical study with tons of data, and you and Jay are agreeing with it. I found it funny that in Jay's show yesterday, he gave them a lot of credit in saying that you can't accuse our administrators of being dumb, but then kind of took that credit back by agreeing that it takes a long time to do this analysis. Where I disagree, like I said before, is that they should be aware of that data at any given time throughout the year, and the analysis should require no more than reviewing a few spreadsheets to become more familiar with the data. And since they knew that the season was ending, they should have been compiling and reviewing this data for weeks, if not to prepare to make a coaching decision, but to simply prepare for program review they do with every coach after every season.

That being said, I don't know what's going on in there. Perhaps they're doing a massive statistical study...Perhaps they reviewed the data and made their decision 3 weeks ago. To me, the only reason that the decision might be taking this long is if they're reviewing the financial side of things, and finding the money to make both changes, or at least to make one. I guess what I'm saying is that if they wanted to keep them, then that would have already been announced. But the reason it is taking so long is that they don't want to keep them, and they're trying to figure out where the money will come from.

The thing is that you do want to make the decision as quick as possible. Who's out there, how many teams are still playing, etc, isn't important and means nothing compared to having respect for your coaches and their families in not stringing them along, and compared to not alienating your fans. Also, I think that the sooner you do it, the sooner you are able to compile a list of candidates and act on it, before other teams begin moving in, but that's minor.

[zephyr]

_ I listened to Jay yesterday too. And while I agree that there are a lot of variables to analyze, and the analysis should be thorough, consider what the analysis consists of. In addition to W's and L's, they must consider (in DW's own words) "academic success, student-athlete eligibility and retention and the potential for successful recruiting."

I find it hard to believe that the main players doing this analysis, whom I believe to be Farmer, Walker, and Savoie, didn't have any conversations about this going back a month or two, or at least over the last couple weeks. I also doubt that the end of the season snuck up on them. And, I doubt that they didn't already know the academic numbers for the program, or for any program for that matter, at any given time of the year. They may not have them memorized, but i'm sure that they're well aware of the general direction any of the programs are going at any given point. In the release yesterday, DW made it sound like they're down in their offices putting together this massive statistical study with tons of data, and you and Jay are agreeing with it. I found it funny that in Jay's show yesterday, he gave them a lot of credit in saying that you can't accuse our administrators of being dumb, but then kind of took that credit back by agreeing that it takes a long time to do this analysis. Where I disagree, like I said before, is that they should be aware of that data at any given time throughout the year, and the analysis should require no more than reviewing a few spreadsheets to become more familiar with the data. And since they knew that the season was ending, they should have been compiling and reviewing this data for weeks, if not to prepare to make a coaching decision, but to simply prepare for program review they do with every coach after every season.

That being said, I don't know what's going on in there. Perhaps they're doing a massive statistical study...Perhaps they reviewed the data and made their decision 3 weeks ago. To me, the only reason that the decision might be taking this long is if they're reviewing the financial side of things, and finding the money to make both changes, or at least to make one. I guess what I'm saying is that if they wanted to keep them, then that would have already been announced. But the reason it is taking so long is that they don't want to keep them, and they're trying to figure out where the money will come from.

The thing is that you do want to make the decision as quick as possible. Who's out there, how many teams are still playing, etc, isn't important and means nothing compared to having respect for your coaches and their families in not stringing them along, and compared to not alienating your fans. Also, I think that the sooner you do it, the sooner you are able to compile a list of candidates and act on it, before other teams begin moving in, but that's minor. _

Or perhaps they are waiting to see what other candidates come up after their seasons end. If you are eyeing certain people who are in the middle of conference tourneys and heading to the NCAA's, you wouldn't do anybody a favor to speak with them about potential job openings. By waiting, I don't think you are stringing anybody along and like Jay said, you are showing them more respect by making an informed decision. The process is occuring with Farmer and Walker and they are giving their recommendations to Dr. Savoie for him to make the final decision. I also think a big step in this is to see how the RCAF will be accepted. Since we know that they can use NO state funds to buyout either coach, these funds will have to come through the private sector which is another huge factor to consider. I agree with the bulk of your post though.

[jllanclos]

Since we know that they can use NO state funds to buyout either coach, these funds will have to come through the private sector which is another huge factor to consider.

Excellent point...now I'm really bummed! Maybe it's taking so long because they're going door to door taking up a collection?

[BayouBaller]

Also, I think that the sooner you do it, the sooner you are able to compile a list of candidates and act on it, before other teams begin moving in, but that's minor. _

And, here my friends might be the problem.

The best managers in any industry always have a short-list of prospects that can be recruited whenever a vacancy occurs. I think the thought of terminating Lee, Rogers, or both was never on anybody's mind.

In fact, I feel this deliberate process validates the strong possibility that both will return in 2009-2010.

The athletic department leadership showed a pretty strong resolve in not terminating football coach Rickey Bustle when they coulda/shoulda/woulda and this board screaming for his head. The improvement last season is now serving as a model for what to do with two very likable basketball coaches who are in need of a corrective action plan and most likely are giving Walker and Farmer a lot of dream sheets for next season.

IMHO, none of this means anything if Walker and Farmer are not willing to monitor the corrective action on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to insure that these relatively young and often naive (listen to any of the press conferences for proof) coaches advance their basketball careers in Lafayette. I don't think this administration has the maturity or experience to do any of the above. Has Walker ever coached? If Farmer is the one to carry out this "Master Plan" his only coaching experience was in a sport (swimming) that UL does not field. Both need to be more hands on as they shift out of crisis management mode.

The main responsibility truly does fall on the shoulders of these "eight coaches" to develop two very young rosters. Both coaching staffs have flagrantly failed to date in this area.

The jury is out if it can happen next season when the bulk of their rosters become not seniors, but instead sophomores and juniors. I am not sure there are enough talented JUCO transfers that will see the value in coming to an upside down program - unless their coach was named to lead the team.

One final thought. Though there are some coaches that are content to live and die at one institution, I see so many at the top level that step up after being successful. Take a look at the Top 20 men's programs. Only a handful have been anchored to their sideline. Most have left some pretty strong programs to only do it again and again (Pitino). Lee and Rogers have been given a wonderful opportunity to make their programs the best they can be. Through it all, they boast of a loyalty to the school and community, however this is not a retirement community. If they truly care, then they need to stand and deliver the quality product that every university expects across the nation. Every year there are programs in every sport that just come out of nowhere and capture the hearts of the national scene.

Is that standard of excellence too much to ask of the athletic department and it's head coaches?

See softball for more details.

[BirdofParadise]

_ And, here my friends might be the problem.

The best managers in any industry always have a short-list of prospects that can be recruited whenever a vacancy occurs. I think the thought of terminating Lee, Rogers, or both was never on anybody's mind.

You are correct that every good manager has a list.

You are incorrect in believing that UL does not. They do. Now, names could be added to that list as coaches become available.

But ul has a list

In every sport

Including baseball and softball.

[AstroCajun]

You are correct that every good manager has a list.

You are incorrect in believing that UL does not. They do. Now, names could be added to that list as coaches become available.

But ul has a list

In every sport

Including baseball and softball. _

Jay,

Maybe you can answer this, are there any D1 basketball programs who have fired their coaches or had coaches resign this season?


I mean, prorgrams don't usually wait until after tourney season to make changes, right?
I remember when we hired Jessie Evans, he was still on the bench at Arizona while they were making a Final 4 run.

[BayouBaller]

There have been five to date.

Visit http://www.cbssports.com/collegebask...story/11315259 for details.

[BirdofParadise]

Jay,

Maybe you can answer this, are there any D1 basketball programs who have fired their coaches or had coaches resign this season?

I mean, prorgrams don't usually wait until after tourney season to make changes, right?
I remember when we hired Jessie Evans, he was still on the bench at Arizona while they were making a Final 4 run. _

There have been a few. Not many. Some happened in midseason.

The Evans thing is different. He was an assistant. If you're looking for someone with head coaching experience, or at least considering one, then you wait til after the season ends to see who's availalbe. Most that are available happen shortly after conference tournaments end.

[Clutch0364]

There have been a few. Not many. Some happened in midseason.

The Evans thing is different. He was an assistant. If you're looking for someone with head coaching experience, or at least considering one, then you wait til after the season ends to see who's availalbe. Most that are available happen shortly after conference tournaments end. _

So are you saying we are looking at a coach still coaching lol jk Jay...thanks for the help with books...bought The Punch yesterday but haven't been able to start yet.

[BayouBaller]

You are correct that every good manager has a list.

You are incorrect in believing that UL does not. They do. Now, names could be added to that list as coaches become available.

But ul has a list

In every sport

Including baseball and softball. _

So, is this a good time to dust it off?

[California Cajun]

_ I listened to Jay yesterday too. And while I agree that there are a lot of variables to analyze, and the analysis should be thorough, consider what the analysis consists of. In addition to W's and L's, they must consider (in DW's own words) "academic success, student-athlete eligibility and retention and the potential for successful recruiting."

I find it hard to believe that the main players doing this analysis, whom I believe to be Farmer, Walker, and Savoie, didn't have any conversations about this going back a month or two, or at least over the last couple weeks. I also doubt that the end of the season snuck up on them. And, I doubt that they didn't already know the academic numbers for the program, or for any program for that matter, at any given time of the year. They may not have them memorized, but i'm sure that they're well aware of the general direction any of the programs are going at any given point. In the release yesterday, DW made it sound like they're down in their offices putting together this massive statistical study with tons of data, and you and Jay are agreeing with it. I found it funny that in Jay's show yesterday, he gave them a lot of credit in saying that you can't accuse our administrators of being dumb, but then kind of took that credit back by agreeing that it takes a long time to do this analysis. Where I disagree, like I said before, is that they should be aware of that data at any given time throughout the year, and the analysis should require no more than reviewing a few spreadsheets to become more familiar with the data. And since they knew that the season was ending, they should have been compiling and reviewing this data for weeks, if not to prepare to make a coaching decision, but to simply prepare for program review they do with every coach after every season.

That being said, I don't know what's going on in there. Perhaps they're doing a massive statistical study...Perhaps they reviewed the data and made their decision 3 weeks ago. To me, the only reason that the decision might be taking this long is if they're reviewing the financial side of things, and finding the money to make both changes, or at least to make one. I guess what I'm saying is that if they wanted to keep them, then that would have already been announced. But the reason it is taking so long is that they don't want to keep them, and they're trying to figure out where the money will come from.

The thing is that you do want to make the decision as quick as possible. Who's out there, how many teams are still playing, etc, isn't important and means nothing compared to having respect for your coaches and their families in not stringing them along, and compared to not alienating your fans. Also, I think that the sooner you do it, the sooner you are able to compile a list of candidates and act on it, before other teams begin moving in, but that's minor. _

With all due respect, I do not accept the explanation offered by David Walker for the tardy decision. You can't blame the performance on the fact that the players go to class. The university is an academic-driven business but a university's athletic department is a customer-driven business. The ulterior motive of athletics is to create an awareness of your academic institution. It's no less selfish than the customer's desire to be entertained. Educate the kids but entertain the customers if you want support.

This administration and athletic department have never accepted the responsibility of good customer service and the resulting lukewarm support from fans keeps the major sports wallowing between mediocre-good to very-bad. Softball has escaped the noose but probably wouldn't if subjected to the pressures of the major sports. I think if the customers were treated better, with more attention and respect, UL Athletics would break out of the gridlock. I interpreted this week's handling of events as business as usual and thought of David Walker as Ray Authement all over again.