5 coaches to keep on the radar

[IUNorth]

It's actually embarrassing. And even if Brad Stevens did come, I don't know how excited I'd feel. This certainly isn't the Brad Stevens 10-15 years ago. Hasn't been around the college game in over a decade and hasn't been on the sideline in any capacity in almost 5 years. Has never dealt with the portal or NLI, has never been asked to recruit at a high level against peers, plus I see no reason why Brad Stevens would walk away from what the Celtics have going right now.

Somewhat agree on Stevens. And obviously it doesn't really matter, he isn't leaving what he has going in Boston.

The one thing that would intrigue me...he's obviously in tune with current trends, is a good talent evaluator, has shown high level abilities to both coach, and manage, basketball organizations. In fantasyland, if he were given the keys to the IU kingdom, I suspect he's probably one of the more suited basketball coaches around to deal with all of todays high level college bball dynamics.

Also agree on May. He's starting to send off Tom Crean vibes to me. A miraculous 4 game stretch, and holding water for IU's players a few decades ago, seem to be his most applicable accomplishments to being qualified to coach IU. We can do better. I suspect the names McCollom and DeVries will start to entrench themselves on this board more and more as the year wears on.

 

[IndyResident16]

He made key personnel moves that led to an NBA championship and he won NBA Exec of the Year. I doubt NIL/high level recruiting would be difficult for him.

He quite literally left the college game because high-level recruiting was a 24/7 job. He wanted no part of that. He got out of coaching altogether to take a less time demanding job. IU has the most ruthless fan base in the entire country, don't see anyway he or his family sign up for it.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

He made key personnel moves that led to an NBA championship and he won NBA Exec of the Year. I doubt NIL/high level recruiting would be difficult for him.

I also doubt his ability to coach has fallen off. He’s plugged into basketball and has proven he can figure out basically any role in the game.

Agree there isn’t much point to consider him as a candidate given the Celts continue to be title favorites.

We have the roster, it is the coaching we don't have.

 

[IUNorth]

He quite literally left the college game because high-level recruiting was a 24/7 job. He wanted no part of that. He got out of coaching altogether to take a less time demanding job. IU has the most ruthless fan base in the entire country, don't see anyway he or his family sign up for it.

Very, very high probability you're exactly right.

But, no harm in dreaming, and coming up with far fetched justifications for holding on to those dreams...right?!

Like this one... Maybe the landscape with NIL has taken some of the demands of recruiting off the head basketball coach, not added to them? And maybe he and his family are in a different place now than they were when they left for the Celtics?

Bill Belichik just chose to enter himself into the college world. Maybe Stevens will choose to do so again, some day?

I'll end with reality though, to bookend the fantasyland stuff. He seemingly likes New England life, he's put together a Celtics organization that could be in the early stages of many years of dynasty level success, and he's doing it with professionals, operating under much more clear cut rules and regulations. College ball ain't happening for Stevens any time soon.

***Edited to add this though...IF, big fat IF, he does ever decide to head back to college...I'd be surprised if Indiana wasn't one of his top choices.

 

[Tammany Hall]

He quite literally left the college game because high-level recruiting was a 24/7 job. He wanted no part of that. He got out of coaching altogether to take a less time demanding job. IU has the most ruthless fan base in the entire country, don't see anyway he or his family sign up for it.

He left the college game because he got offered a HC job at one of the elite NBA franchises. We don’t really know how he feels about recruiting, he considered the job pretty hard in ‘21 so it can’t be that off putting.

IU fans are nice. Some of us get mad online, but in person it’s at worst some light booing if the team implodes. Otherwise you’re the king of the state. The asshole sports fans and media in Boston is worse. And he wouldn’t be worried about struggling here anyway.

But again, agree he isn’t leaving the defending title winner and title favorite. I don’t consider him an option.

 

[IndyResident16]

Very, very high probability you're exactly right.

But, no harm in dreaming, and coming up with far fetched justifications for holding on to those dreams...right?!

Like this one... Maybe the landscape with NIL has taken some of the demands of recruiting off the head basketball coach, not added to them? And maybe he and his family are in a different place now than they were when they left for the Celtics?

Bill Belichik just chose to enter himself into the college world. Maybe Stevens will choose to do so again, some day?

I'll end with reality though, to bookend the fantasyland stuff. He seemingly likes New England life, he's put together a Celtics organization that could be in the early stages of many years of dynasty level success, and he's doing it with professionals, operating under much more clear cut rules and regulations. College ball ain't happening for Stevens any time soon.

I think Bill's ego is why he is coaching collegiately. He wasn't going to take another NFL head coaching job without also being the sole general manager....don't think any franchises were affording him both.

 

[Tammany Hall]

We have the roster, it is the coaching we don't have.

For the money spent, the roster could be quite a bit better too.

 

[TR32]

Ben McCollom wins. Google him.

Maybe Paternack is worth a look, but he is not winning consistently enough at UCSB.

The rest look pretty average.

Why would you want McCollum instead of DeVries? Curious.

(DeVries is currently in year1 of 5 yr, $15M contract at WVU)

 

[IUNorth]

I think Bill's ego is why he is coaching collegiately. He wasn't going to take another NFL head coaching job without also being the sole general manager....don't think any franchises were affording him both.

Could be...but kind of plays in to how the whole college coaching dynamics could be changing a little bit. Maybe? Football offers some different dynamics than basketball. But I don't think there's any question high level college football and bball are hurtling towards professional organization dynamics. Something about college coaching appealed to Belichik, I doubt its all about the money and/or the control. I wouldn't think Bill would choose to put himself in a situation he knows he's going to hate.

I have to keep adding disclaimers here...this is incredibly likely to be a moot point.

But today's Indiana job, or the job 2-3 years from now, or whatever...might end up appealing to Stevens organization building, legacy building, wanting to leave his mark...side. I'm not sure Stevens really cares a ton about all this, so I'm sure I'm just talking out my ass on this..but IF, he does care about his own legacy, and leaving a mark... The opportunity to build IU basketball in to a power again, would do more for that legacy than anything he has done for Boston. He's largely behind the scenes up there now. I'm not sure the "basketball world" understands or gives him really much credit at all, for what he's done up there.

Ok...now I'm thinking it might happen... and his wife WAS in Columbus looking for a new home.

 

[ams66]

Why do people do this; when a coach is mentioned, spout when he's getting beaten in ONE game, and in this case, against a highly ranked opponent on their floor? If a loss eliminates a candidate, we'll have no candidates at seasons end. Getting beaten at Marquette... and???

He's 7-5 now, and on a 4-game losing streak. Not one game. He's 26–29 in conference since he returned to coaching in 2022. Not convinced he's fully back to what he was before his health problems, or ever will be. I don't think he's the best choice to rescue IU baskeball.

 

[CriticArisen]

Could be...but kind of plays in to how the whole college coaching dynamics could be changing a little bit. Maybe? Football offers some different dynamics than basketball. But I don't think there's any question high level college football and bball are hurtling towards professional organization dynamics. Something about college coaching appealed to Belichik, I doubt its all about the money and/or the control. I wouldn't think Bill would choose to put himself in a situation he knows he's going to hate.

I have to keep adding disclaimers here...this is incredibly likely to be a moot point.

But today's Indiana job, or the job 2-3 years from now, or whatever...might end up appealing to Stevens organization building, legacy building, wanting to leave his mark...side. I'm not sure Stevens really cares a ton about all this, so I'm sure I'm just talking out my ass on this..but IF, he does care about his own legacy, and leaving a mark... The opportunity to build IU basketball in to a power again, would do more for that legacy than anything he has done for Boston. He's u largely behind the scenes up there now. I'm not sure the "basketball world" understands or gives him really much credit at all, for what he's done up there.

Ok...now I'm thinking it might happen... and his wife WAS in Columbus looking for a new home.

I agree about almost 100% moot point but he played for Zionsville 91-95 and no doubt thought about playing for IU and RMK. He knows what it would mean in the state of Indiana’s basketball history to turn the IU program around.

 

[steelyvan]

HOF in the NBA....and HOF at the NCAA level after a championship at IU may just be on his mind.
Worth asking

 

[Tammany Hall]

Could be...but kind of plays in to how the whole college coaching dynamics could be changing a little bit. Maybe? Football offers some different dynamics than basketball. But I don't think there's any question high level college football and bball are hurtling towards professional organization dynamics. Something about college coaching appealed to Belichik, I doubt its all about the money and/or the control. I wouldn't think Bill would choose to put himself in a situation he knows he's going to hate.

I have to keep adding disclaimers here...this is incredibly likely to be a moot point.

But today's Indiana job, or the job 2-3 years from now, or whatever...might end up appealing to Stevens organization building, legacy building, wanting to leave his mark...side. I'm not sure Stevens really cares a ton about all this, so I'm sure I'm just talking out my ass on this..but IF, he does care about his own legacy, and leaving a mark... The opportunity to build IU basketball in to a power again, would do more for that legacy than anything he has done for Boston. He's largely behind the scenes up there now. I'm not sure the "basketball world" understands or gives him really much credit at all, for what he's done up there.

Ok...now I'm thinking it might happen... and his wife WAS in Columbus looking for a new home.

I know Scott will check with him when the process starts — those two keep in touch. As we’ve said it’s a long shot and personally I don’t see it happening, but at least our AD will check.

 

[dbmhoosier]

He quite literally left the college game because high-level recruiting was a 24/7 job. He wanted no part of that. He got out of coaching altogether to take a less time demanding job. IU has the most ruthless fan base in the entire country, don't see anyway he or his family sign up for it.

Woodson doesn’t recruit at all and has still put together an elite roster.

 

[IUNorth]

I agree about almost 100% moot point but he played for Zionsville 91-95 and no doubt thought about playing for IU and RMK. He knows what it would mean in the state of Indiana’s basketball history to turn the IU program around.

I'm not sure if him having a clause in his Butler contract involving the IU job is accurate or not...but there's zero question he's had interest in the IU job in the past. Including more than just mild interest a few years ago.

His world has changed A LOT in the last 3-4 years. He isn't coaching any more, he's basically running, one of the top professional sports franchises in the world...and doing an incredible job at it. I assume that has solidified his spot in New England, and lessened any interest he might have had a few years ago in college coaching again. That seems like a very safe assumption...but it is an assumption.

His role and life has changed a lot. College basketball has changed...more than a lot... Who knows what he's thinking now? Both his kids are in college now, I believe. His son is playing college bball at Notre Dame. Maybe Brad wants to coach his kid for a few years? Maybe his daughter is done with volleyball, and would be open to finishing her college at IU? Or heck, maybe she's good enough to be a part of the IU volleyball team in some manner?

I'm glad this is an anonymous message board, and basically just an IU echo chamber. It does sound very desperate and weak to keep pining after this guy. But when you've been mired in mediocrity for so long, picking at threads of success are natural.

 

[RowdyHoosier]

Ok, I will chip in with my thoughts. I know, I know, most of these are pipe dreams but you gotta make someone say NO, more than once, IMO.

Brad Stevens (Seth Davis made an interesting comment about that possibility last April????) I don't see him leaving that cushy Celtics gig, but SD is surely more wired in than I and most everyone else on this board. I have ZERO hesitations/reservations in regards to his ability to navigate today's CBB landscape).

Billy Donovan (He is middle of the pack in the NBA right now. Not sure about contract situation, buyout, blah, blah, blah)

Mark Few (Yeah, yeah, yeah, loves the Pacific NW and all the fishing up there, but the right salesperson can convince him that there are plenty of smallmouth bass to catch in Southern Indiana and a private jet can take him to Oregon anytime he feels the need to catch a trout. Sell him on the Roy Williams comparisons, close but not cigar until he made the switch to another program)

Brad Brownell (I like how he gets Clemson to play, makes the sum much greater than the parts. Take him in a heartbeat)

Chris Beard (Coaching is no issue. Address the possible behavior issues in contract clauses.)

Bruce Pearl (Age is a factor and he wants to find a landing spot for his son???)

Thad Motta (Age possibly a minor detractor. He is a little older than his age with his past health issues. Not his fault, obviously, but a factor indeed. Plus, Indiana didn't exactly treat him A+ the
last go-around).

Shaka Smart

Dusty May

 

[IUNorth]

Ok, I will chip in with my thoughts. I know, I know, most of these are pipe dreams but you gotta make someone say NO, more than once, IMO.

Brad Stevens (Seth Davis made an interesting comment about that possibility last April????) I don't see him
that cushy Celtics gig, but SD is surely more wired in than I and most everyone else on this
board. I have ZERO hesitations/reservations in regards to his ability to navigate today's CBS
landscape).
Billy Donovan (He is middle of the pack in the NBA right now. Not sure about contract situation, buyout, blah,
blah, blah)
Mark Few (Yeah, yeah, yeah, loves the Pacific NW and all the fishing up there, but the right salesperson
can convince him that there are plenty of smallmouth bass to catch in Southern Indiana and a
private jet can take him to Oregon anytime he feels the need to catch a trout. Sell him on the
Roy Williams comparisons, close but not cigar until he made the switch to another program)
Brad Brownell (I like how he gets Clemson to play, makes the sum much greater than the parts. Take him in a
heartbeat)
Chris Beard (Coaching is no issue. Address the possible behavior issues in contract clauses.)
Bruce Pearl (Age is a factor and he wants to find a landing spot for his son???)
Thad Motta (Age possibly a minor detractor. He is a little older than his age with his past health issues. Not his fault, obviously, but a factor indeed. Plus, Indiana didn't exactly treat him A+ the
last go-around).
Shaka Smart
Dusty May

I've successfully talked Stevens back in to my hopes and dreams. Ha ha. At a minimum, he would help bring IU basketball forward in terms of an overall organization, and national relevance. There's a very, very low chance he'd be "mediocre" as an actual bball coach. And an even lesser chance he wouldn't raise the bar for the types of people involved in decisions and everything IU bball related.

Donovan...would love it. I think he would worry me more than Stevens, in terms of his ability to adapt back to being successful at the college level. Stevens recent complete overhaul of the Celtics organization, and rosters, and the results from that, prove he is open to new dynamics and trends, and able to maximize his tools and resources to be successful. The Celtics completely changed their entire identity and philosophy a few years ago, to become an ultra high volume 3 point shooting team, that had rim protection and very specific types of wing/on ball defenders. Brad would 100% figure out how to thrive in today's college bball. Donovan...I think probably would too, but am less certain on it.

Few...not gonna happen. Gonzaga would literally deed the entire school to him, before allowing him to leave for another college.

Brownell...never been impressed with him. He wins, but he doesn't "win big". And I'm not sure his style would correlate to him immediately getting overwhelming talent at IU, either. He's never out recruited his peers, and he's never really overwhelmingly out performed his peers. Pass.

Matta...I'm only a year removed from thinking he was the best, most realistic, choice to replace Woodson. I no longer hold that view. I do think he'd be better than Woodson. But I just don't see him keeping up with the times right now at Butler. They're struggling, and not attracting much talent. He wouldn't be at the top of any lists for me. On a list, for sure. But there are a handful of others I'd push hard for before him.

Shaka Smart...would love to have him. Kinda doubt he'd leave Marquette, for IU. He has them rolling. But if he would, would love to have him.

Dusty May...ehhhh....I just posted he's feeling like Tom Crean 2.0 to me. If we don't get a more established guy, I'd rather risk it with someone like McCollom, DeVries, even Crutchfield from the D2 ranks.