Candidates the Cajuns should consider for MBB coach

[TillmansNumber1]

By not attending MBB games, the Cajuns fans have forced AD David Walker's hand. The team is below .500 in one of the worst conferences in America, and the poor attendance means the Cajuns are losing money on MBB. The Cajuns, a once proud MBB program under Jessie Evans, will soon be looking for a new coach. Another year of Lee, who has taken a 20 win team to a 20 loss team, and the Cajuns dig themselves deeper into they created by refusing to re-sign Evans or check Cyprien's resume (now at Kentucky).

The fans have made some suggestions for new coaches. Most think the Cajuns need a local guy, as if no one from outside has ever come to Louisiana and had success (Evans, Bustle, Saban, Miles, Johnson). Most think the Cajuns need someone who knows the community or is Cajun, even though Lafayette is increasingly less Cajun, less Catholic and less southern with each passing day.

The Cajuns, as a mid level program in a one bid league, need a coach with previous experience dealing with a limited budget, an inadequate fundraising arm, and an athletic administration that rarely, if ever, promotes its sports. UL will not be able to offer a good salary, and only Hall has made a move up in the coaching profession from UL. The incoming coach needs to have previous HC coaching experience. Even if the record isn't the sexiest, the organizational skill set, and previous experience are a must for the Cajuns.

Here now are a few candidates the Cajuns should consider for the soon to be open MBB HC position.

1. Scott Sutton, Oral Roberts University

Good: Since 1999, has won nearly 200 games at a Christian university where 18-22 males have to sign a pledge not to smoke, drink or have sex; has made tournament 3 times in the past four and a half seasons; won't be able to get Tulsa job or OK State job, his father and brother's old job. Might be looking for a better conference (Summit is worse than SBC).

Bad: Is UL even a step up for Sutton? The Summit is terrible, but UL isn't even the top dog in the SBC. ORU isn't a great job, but UL might be viewed as a lateral move. Financially, UL may not be able to offer a good salary to beat whatever Oral Roberts.

2. Lonn Reisman, Tarleton State University (Division 2)

Good: 21 years as HC at TSU; 18 years as AD; gets mostly transfer players or players out of HS from the DFW metroplex; 6 Division 2 tournament appearances since 2000, reaching the sweet 16 four times; started a booster club which has generated tons of money for a Division 2 school.

Bad: He's been there so long, why leave? Though he could be interested in a Division 1 job - and he's certainly capable - is he really thinking UL, a university that still doesn't have a director of football operations? Probably not a sexy higher Cajuns fans think they need, but he's organized.

3. John Palphrey, Arkansas (assuming he's fired at season's end)

Good: Turned around USA; won 80 games in 5 years at South Alabama; reached the tournament twice in five years, once in the NIT and once in the NCAA.

Bad: Would Palphrey drop from Arkansas (John Brady's doing well at ASU) all the way to UL? SEC coaches, the aforementioned Brady, have dropped from SEC to SBC. He can't go back to USA -- Ronnie Arrow is doing well there -- and coaching against his old school might not interest him. Lost 40 SBC games in 5 years.

4. Dennis Felton, unemployed currently

Good: Went to the NCAA tournament three times in 6 years at WKU; went to the NIT tournament twice and the NCAA tournament once at Georgia. Might not get interest from other schools, meaning the Cajuns could offer less to entice Felton to return to coaching.

Bad: UL's treatment of African American coaches might scare away potential prospects. Playing against his old school might not interest him. He's still behind WKU in the SBC. The Cajuns are barely the best team in their division.

The Cajuns will soon have an opening for MBB. There are candidates out there better than Brad Boyd, but the Cajuns have to realize that if they can't offer a good salary, a well organized setup, or an effective marketing plan or fundraising arm, the Cajuns aren't going to get results better than 16-18 win seasons, a far cry from the regular 20-22 win seasons in the early 00s.

The Cajuns need organized HCs with experience. Hiring a local HS coach has now failed twice (Lee, Rogers). The Cajuns must learn from their mistakes.

[RaginDave]

"Bad: UL's treatment of African American coaches might scare away potential prospects. Playing against his old school might not interest him. He's still behind WKU in the SBC. The Cajuns are barely the best team in their division."

WHAT THE F*&^, are you crazy, our treatment of African American coaches, lets review:

Jerry Baldwin, 6 and friggin 27, he should have been fired earlier for being a morron.

Glenn Cyprien, he lied on his resume and did not have a degree from an accredited university, we should have checked further, but he was a lier.

Jesse Evans, he left us for what he thought were greener pastures, I guess he was mistaken.

Errol Rodgers, he totally destroyed what Coach Hall had created in less then 2 seasons.

Robert Lee, while he is a likable guy, he also has destroyed a once proud program.


SO PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME, HOW WE HAVE TREATED AFRICAN AMERICAN COACHES POORLY.

[RaginDave]

_ By not attending MBB games, the Cajuns fans have forced AD David Walker's hand. The team is below .500 in one of the worst conferences in America, and the poor attendance means the Cajuns are losing money on MBB. The Cajuns, a once proud MBB program under Jessie Evans, will soon be looking for a new coach. Another year of Lee, who has taken a 20 win team to a 20 loss team, and the Cajuns dig themselves deeper into they created by refusing to re-sign Evans or check Cyprien's resume (now at Kentucky).

The fans have made some suggestions for new coaches. Most think the Cajuns need a local guy, as if no one from outside has ever come to Louisiana and had success (Evans, Bustle, Saban, Miles, Johnson). Most think the Cajuns need someone who knows the community or is Cajun, even though Lafayette is increasingly less Cajun, less Catholic and less southern with each passing day.

The Cajuns, as a mid level program in a one bid league, need a coach with previous experience dealing with a limited budget, an inadequate fundraising arm, and an athletic administration that rarely, if ever, promotes its sports. UL will not be able to offer a good salary, and only Hall has made a move up in the coaching profession from UL. The incoming coach needs to have previous HC coaching experience. Even if the record isn't the sexiest, the organizational skill set, and previous experience are a must for the Cajuns.

Here now are a few candidates the Cajuns should consider for the soon to be open MBB HC position.

1. Scott Sutton, Oral Roberts University

Good: Since 1999, has won nearly 200 games at a Christian university where 18-22 males have to sign a pledge not to smoke, drink or have sex; has made tournament 3 times in the past four and a half seasons; won't be able to get Tulsa job or OK State job, his father and brother's old job. Might be looking for a better conference (Summit is worse than SBC).

Bad: Is UL even a step up for Sutton? The Summit is terrible, but UL isn't even the top dog in the SBC. ORU isn't a great job, but UL might be viewed as a lateral move. Financially, UL may not be able to offer a good salary to beat whatever Oral Roberts.

2. Lonn Reisman, Tarleton State University (Division 2)

Good: 21 years as HC at TSU; 18 years as AD; gets mostly transfer players or players out of HS from the DFW metroplex; 6 Division 2 tournament appearances since 2000, reaching the sweet 16 four times; started a booster club which has generated tons of money for a Division 2 school.

Bad: He's been there so long, why leave? Though he could be interested in a Division 1 job - and he's certainly capable - is he really thinking UL, a university that still doesn't have a director of football operations? Probably not a sexy higher Cajuns fans think they need, but he's organized.

3. John Palphrey, Arkansas (assuming he's fired at season's end)

Good: Turned around USA; won 80 games in 5 years at South Alabama; reached the tournament twice in five years, once in the NIT and once in the NCAA.

Bad: Would Palphrey drop from Arkansas (John Brady's doing well at ASU) all the way to UL? SEC coaches, the aforementioned Brady, have dropped from SEC to SBC. He can't go back to USA -- Ronnie Arrow is doing well there -- and coaching against his old school might not interest him. Lost 40 SBC games in 5 years.

4. Dennis Felton, unemployed currently

Good: Went to the NCAA tournament three times in 6 years at WKU; went to the NIT tournament twice and the NCAA tournament once at Georgia. Might not get interest from other schools, meaning the Cajuns could offer less to entice Felton to return to coaching.

Bad: UL's treatment of African American coaches might scare away potential prospects. Playing against his old school might not interest him. He's still behind WKU in the SBC. The Cajuns are barely the best team in their division.

The Cajuns will soon have an opening for MBB. There are candidates out there better than Brad Boyd, but the Cajuns have to realize that if they can't offer a good salary, a well organized setup, or an effective marketing plan or fundraising arm, the Cajuns aren't going to get results better than 16-18 win seasons, a far cry from the regular 20-22 win seasons in the early 00s.

The Cajuns need organized HCs with experience. Hiring a local HS coach has now failed twice (Lee, Rogers). The Cajuns must learn from their mistakes. _

One name, "CHAMPAGNE"

Good: He knows how to recruit in La, he knows the school, he is a winner!!!
Bad: N/A

[UL_Cajuns]

_
Bad: UL's treatment of African American coaches might scare away potential prospects. Playing against his old school might not interest him. He's still behind WKU in the SBC. The Cajuns are barely the best team in their division.

_

You have some good points in your post, but this is ridiculous. Why is it that it seems in every discussion and job nowadays, including where I work, the RACE CARD gets pulled out. I don't understand it. The best man should be hired regardless of color and if that man fails at the job you hired him to do then he should be fired regardless of color.

[SlappyCajun]

_ By not attending MBB games, the Cajuns fans have forced AD David Walker's hand. The team is below .500 in one of the worst conferences in America, and the poor attendance means the Cajuns are losing money on MBB. The Cajuns, a once proud MBB program under Jessie Evans, will soon be looking for a new coach. Another year of Lee, who has taken a 20 win team to a 20 loss team, and the Cajuns dig themselves deeper into they created by refusing to re-sign Evans or check Cyprien's resume (now at Kentucky).

The fans have made some suggestions for new coaches. Most think the Cajuns need a local guy, as if no one from outside has ever come to Louisiana and had success (Evans, Bustle, Saban, Miles, Johnson). Most think the Cajuns need someone who knows the community or is Cajun, even though Lafayette is increasingly less Cajun, less Catholic and less southern with each passing day.

The Cajuns, as a mid level program in a one bid league, need a coach with previous experience dealing with a limited budget, an inadequate fundraising arm, and an athletic administration that rarely, if ever, promotes its sports. UL will not be able to offer a good salary, and only Hall has made a move up in the coaching profession from UL. The incoming coach needs to have previous HC coaching experience. Even if the record isn't the sexiest, the organizational skill set, and previous experience are a must for the Cajuns.

Here now are a few candidates the Cajuns should consider for the soon to be open MBB HC position.

1. Scott Sutton, Oral Roberts University

Good: Since 1999, has won nearly 200 games at a Christian university where 18-22 males have to sign a pledge not to smoke, drink or have sex; has made tournament 3 times in the past four and a half seasons; won't be able to get Tulsa job or OK State job, his father and brother's old job. Might be looking for a better conference (Summit is worse than SBC).

Bad: Is UL even a step up for Sutton? The Summit is terrible, but UL isn't even the top dog in the SBC. ORU isn't a great job, but UL might be viewed as a lateral move. Financially, UL may not be able to offer a good salary to beat whatever Oral Roberts.

2. Lonn Reisman, Tarleton State University (Division 2)

Good: 21 years as HC at TSU; 18 years as AD; gets mostly transfer players or players out of HS from the DFW metroplex; 6 Division 2 tournament appearances since 2000, reaching the sweet 16 four times; started a booster club which has generated tons of money for a Division 2 school.

Bad: He's been there so long, why leave? Though he could be interested in a Division 1 job - and he's certainly capable - is he really thinking UL, a university that still doesn't have a director of football operations? Probably not a sexy higher Cajuns fans think they need, but he's organized.

3. John Palphrey, Arkansas (assuming he's fired at season's end)

Good: Turned around USA; won 80 games in 5 years at South Alabama; reached the tournament twice in five years, once in the NIT and once in the NCAA.

Bad: Would Palphrey drop from Arkansas (John Brady's doing well at ASU) all the way to UL? SEC coaches, the aforementioned Brady, have dropped from SEC to SBC. He can't go back to USA -- Ronnie Arrow is doing well there -- and coaching against his old school might not interest him. Lost 40 SBC games in 5 years.

4. Dennis Felton, unemployed currently

Good: Went to the NCAA tournament three times in 6 years at WKU; went to the NIT tournament twice and the NCAA tournament once at Georgia. Might not get interest from other schools, meaning the Cajuns could offer less to entice Felton to return to coaching.

Bad: UL's treatment of African American coaches might scare away potential prospects. Playing against his old school might not interest him. He's still behind WKU in the SBC. The Cajuns are barely the best team in their division.

The Cajuns will soon have an opening for MBB. There are candidates out there better than Brad Boyd, but the Cajuns have to realize that if they can't offer a good salary, a well organized setup, or an effective marketing plan or fundraising arm, the Cajuns aren't going to get results better than 16-18 win seasons, a far cry from the regular 20-22 win seasons in the early 00s.

The Cajuns need organized HCs with experience. Hiring a local HS coach has now failed twice (Lee, Rogers). The Cajuns must learn from their mistakes. _

Of all your suggestions, I think that Felton is the only viable option.

Pelphrey may not get fired. Even if he is, I wasn't terribly impressed with his time at USA.

If guys have been successful at a lower level for a long time, its generally because they like to be there and appreciate the stability, something that D-1 does not offer.

Everyone and their mother will come after this job. I think people in Lafayette may be surprised how others view the UL job. It though of extremely highly, objectively around the nation.

I think the most likely names will be the following:

1) Gottfried
2) Felton
3) Billy Kennedy (Although now being considered for Auburn, 16-0 in the OVC)
4) Butch Pierre (Best recruiter of Louisiana in the country. Especially viable right now b/c of struggles in Baton Rouge)
5) Dark Horse....Tim Floyd

But there will be guys like Melvin Watkins, Gillespie, etc., who try to get it. Champagne is a local guy and a great person, I just don't know if he has the resume to get it. He is 10-12 right now.

Personally, I think it goes to one of the 5 guys on the list.

[LifeTimeCajun]

well, if you want a big time program in any sport, u need a big time coach. Period. I dont know how to do it but you got to pay them, thats college athletics now days. unfortunately there are not many Lotiefs or Robicheauxs out there that can do "more with less." Our athletic program is in need of an identity and somehow we need a breath of fresh air in a few programs....gotta figure out how to pay these coaches in order to get a name that can coach and recruit

[Zeebart21]

Bad: UL's treatment of African American coaches might scare away potential prospects.


Iressponsible and inflammatory. Unfortunately this makes the rest of your post invalid.

[Boomer]

_ WHAT THE F*&^, are you crazy, our treatment of African American coaches, lets review:

Jerry Baldwin, 6 and friggin 27, he should have been fired earlier for being a morron.

Glenn Cyprien, he lied on his resume and did not have a degree from an accredited university, we should have checked further, but he was a lier.

Jesse Evans, he left us for what he thought were greener pastures, I guess he was mistaken.

Errol Rodgers, he totally destroyed what Coach Hall had created in less then 2 seasons.

Robert Lee, while he is a likable guy, he also has destroyed a once proud program.


SO PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME, HOW WE HAVE TREATED AFRICAN AMERICAN COACHES POORLY. _

Thanks for an on the money post-----Hope that all realize the history of the culture, athletics, and academics of the black relationship with UL----A true no brainer in our being unfair in Any way to Black coaches!!!!!!

[SlappyCajun]

_ Thanks for an on the money post-----Hope that all realize the history of the culture, athletics, and academics of the black relationship with UL----A true no brainer in our being unfair in Any way to Black coaches!!!!!! _

Boomer -

Forget just black coaches. UL has consistently been way ahead of the curve on race relations. Including the hiring of black coaches. In fact, I would be that of all non HBCU Division I universities in the south, UL has probably hired more black coaches in the major men's sports than anyone.

4

Jerry Baldwin - Football
Jesse Evans - Basketball
Glenn Cyprien - Basketball
Robert Lee - Basketball

[playincajun]

Hey did I just see on Sports Center that Sutton was arrested for purchasing illegal prescription drugs?????

[RaginDave]

_ Hey did I just see on Sports Center that Sutton was arrested for purchasing illegal prescription drugs????? _

That was his brother Sean Sutton, former head coach at OSU.

[cajun4life]

_ One name, "CHAMPAGNE"

Good: He knows how to recruit in La, he knows the school, he is a winner!!!
Bad: N/A _

No offense, but Louisiana is a crap basketball state when it comes to collegiate talent. Bobby Champagne would flounder here. We do not need or should we look at a local guy. We have tradition and must not settle for a Coach because he is a coon_____.

[zephyr]

_ No offense, but Louisiana is a crap basketball state when it comes to collegiate talent. Bobby Champagne would flounder here. We do not need or should we look at a local guy. We have tradition and must not settle for a Coach because he is a coon_____. _

I tend to agree. I'm not saying that he couldn't or wouldn't be a good coach here because he does have ties here and I like those who truly love the university. However, for us to recruit good talent, we have to be able to do it regionally, not locally. There are a few talented players from around these parts that come up every few years but for the most part, we've ALWAYS had to go outside of this area to get the guys that end up being legit players. I want a coach that is known on a regional level. I do like the Dennis Felton name and possibilities as well. I think there will be numerous candidates at the end of the season, we just have to be aggressive and swift with our decision.

[zephyr]

_ Boomer -

Forget just black coaches. UL has consistently been way ahead of the curve on race relations. Including the hiring of black coaches. In fact, I would be that of all non HBCU Division I universities in the south, UL has probably hired more black coaches in the major men's sports than anyone.

4

Jerry Baldwin - Football
Jesse Evans - Basketball
Glenn Cyprien - Basketball
Robert Lee - Basketball _

Why doesn't he go talk to Ron Gomez and coach Shipley about UL's integration of black athletes? We were one of the, if not the first teams in the country to integrate our basketball program in the early days and that includes great players like Bo Lamar.

[Tiredof theBS]

At one point UL had Jesse Evans, Jerry Baldwin and James Square making us the only D-1 school in the country with an African-American head football and basketball coach and an African-American Band Director.

When Shipley was here we were so far ahead of the curve in breaking the race barrier that nobody knew how to handle us. The NCAA was so stunned that they levied the greatest penalty in history to slow us down. Before you ask I'll answer by saying yes, I feel the USL death penallty was race belated. We had done something nobody else had done other than Texas-Western and the only way to stop us was to "kill us".

With this said I still say our two best choices are Felton or Gillispie with Pierre being a distant third.