Not that my opinion matters or that we needed another basketball thread, but I figured, why not?
I would meet with him and let him know he was being fired, but would not announce it publicly. Don't know if it would be kept quite and if I didn't think it would be, then I would wait to release him of his duties. Here is why. If Alabama is going to make a change then they need to go after someone that will make a splash. Someone that is winning now or has won at the top level. So, more than likely that coach is still in and will be playing in the tournament. I don't think it would be fair to the future coach to have to deal with it or his team, while still playing. Coach Saban had to deal with it and this is different cosidering how long a team could continue playing in the NCAA tourny.
If they don't want to wait, they could announce they are in no hurry, which they would announce, even though there is probably already a list of candidates, if the fire is being considered. But they would need patience in order not to hinder the coach or his team in the tourny.
Possible replacements. (My wish list)
Rick Pitino-Louisville
62 years old. Still coaches with a lot of fire. He has been at Louisville since 2001 and not sure he is looking for another challenge. His record speaks for itself. 20 NCAA tournaments. 6 Final Fours. 2 National Championships. Makes 5.7 million and I believe is signed until he is 70 with pay increases.
Tom Izzo-Michigan State
60 years old. Also, still has a lot of fire. Been at MSU since 1995. Only place he has been a HC. 18 NCAA tournaments. 6 Final Fours. 1 National Championship. Never had a losing record. Been in a post season tournament in 20 straight years, which is every year that he has been a HC. His salary went to 3.7 million per year last year. Good friends with Coach Saban.
Steve Lavin-St. John's
50 years old. A lot of years left in him. Been at St. John's since 2010. 12 years as a HC. 8 NCAA tournaments. His 10-1 record in the first round of the NCAA tournament is 2nd best behind Dean Smith. One of 2 coaches (Coach K, Duke) to advance to the Sweet 16 in 6 consecutive years. There is speculation that he could be fired at St. John's after a 21-10 season. Has one year left on his contract and that he signed for 1.45 million. I think with incentives it is near 2 million, but not sure.
Tubby Smith-Texas Tech
63 years old. Can still coach. Been at Texas Tech since 2013. Spent 12 years in the SEC. 2 losing seasons in over 20 years (last 2 years). 17 NCAA tournaments. 1 National Championship. Sweet 16 or better 9 times. I think he would jump at the chance to come to Alabama. Signed a 6 year 1.8 million dollar contract at TT. Could go after him right now.
Josh Pastner-Memphis
37 years old. Young coach with a lot of experience. Played at Arizona (as walk on) and coached with Lute Olson. Also coached with John Calipari at Memphis. 4 NCAA tournament in 6 years. They may make it 5 if they are slected this year. Has a .718 winning percentage. Makes 2.6 million per year.
These are my top 5 choices (if there is a change) and I would take any of them and I would be happy. ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!
I would meet with him and let him know he was being fired, but would not announce it publicly. Don't know if it would be kept quite and if I didn't think it would be, then I would wait to release him of his duties. Here is why. If Alabama is going to make a change then they need to go after someone that will make a splash. Someone that is winning now or has won at the top level. So, more than likely that coach is still in and will be playing in the tournament. I don't think it would be fair to the future coach to have to deal with it or his team, while still playing. Coach Saban had to deal with it and this is different cosidering how long a team could continue playing in the NCAA tourny.
If they don't want to wait, they could announce they are in no hurry, which they would announce, even though there is probably already a list of candidates, if the fire is being considered. But they would need patience in order not to hinder the coach or his team in the tourny.
Possible replacements. (My wish list)
Rick Pitino-Louisville
62 years old. Still coaches with a lot of fire. He has been at Louisville since 2001 and not sure he is looking for another challenge. His record speaks for itself. 20 NCAA tournaments. 6 Final Fours. 2 National Championships. Makes 5.7 million and I believe is signed until he is 70 with pay increases.
Tom Izzo-Michigan State
60 years old. Also, still has a lot of fire. Been at MSU since 1995. Only place he has been a HC. 18 NCAA tournaments. 6 Final Fours. 1 National Championship. Never had a losing record. Been in a post season tournament in 20 straight years, which is every year that he has been a HC. His salary went to 3.7 million per year last year. Good friends with Coach Saban.
Steve Lavin-St. John's
50 years old. A lot of years left in him. Been at St. John's since 2010. 12 years as a HC. 8 NCAA tournaments. His 10-1 record in the first round of the NCAA tournament is 2nd best behind Dean Smith. One of 2 coaches (Coach K, Duke) to advance to the Sweet 16 in 6 consecutive years. There is speculation that he could be fired at St. John's after a 21-10 season. Has one year left on his contract and that he signed for 1.45 million. I think with incentives it is near 2 million, but not sure.
Tubby Smith-Texas Tech
63 years old. Can still coach. Been at Texas Tech since 2013. Spent 12 years in the SEC. 2 losing seasons in over 20 years (last 2 years). 17 NCAA tournaments. 1 National Championship. Sweet 16 or better 9 times. I think he would jump at the chance to come to Alabama. Signed a 6 year 1.8 million dollar contract at TT. Could go after him right now.
Josh Pastner-Memphis
37 years old. Young coach with a lot of experience. Played at Arizona (as walk on) and coached with Lute Olson. Also coached with John Calipari at Memphis. 4 NCAA tournament in 6 years. They may make it 5 if they are slected this year. Has a .718 winning percentage. Makes 2.6 million per year.
These are my top 5 choices (if there is a change) and I would take any of them and I would be happy. ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!
