ADVERTISEMENT

Might be time for the good ole "vote of confidence"

IUNorth

Hall of Famer
Oct 25, 2002
14,026
12,844
113
My wife is now sending me "Fire Woodson" memes...

That says two things...1)its out there now enough that its breaking in to my wife's algorithms. 2)She said she assumed it was getting better since I hadn't been venting about it in a while. So my apathy has been impactful. There's nothing worse for a fanbase, than apathy. Obviously I don't have true apathy, or I wouldn't be here posting about it. But as I was sitting on the tarmac Tuesday night, the fact that my flight was delayed taking off was exponentially more annoying to me than how awful our team was playing. They are who they are. There isn't going to be any sort of Epiphone. We'll win a game or two that will surprise, but we'll lose more coming home than we win. And there will be more blowouts.

Dolson needs to either cut him loose now, or publicly back him and say he's behind him 100% "right now" as Indiana's basketball coach. It will take some attention off the program, and it should lower the temperature a little bit for the next few weeks. It will, probably, move some of the ire squarely towards Dolson, and the BoT...but that's part of being a leader of a huge organization like Indiana Athletics.

We have 13 regular season games left. 6 of those in Assembly Hall. If left completely alone, I'm not sure how Woodson and the players will effectively manage their way though to the end. The noise, the memes, the mood on campus, its gonna get really bad.

I think its time for Scotty to be a big boy on this one. One way or another, step up and take control of the narrative.
 
My wife is now sending me "Fire Woodson" memes...

That says two things...1)its out there now enough that its breaking in to my wife's algorithms. 2)She said she assumed it was getting better since I hadn't been venting about it in a while. So my apathy has been impactful. There's nothing worse for a fanbase, than apathy. Obviously I don't have true apathy, or I wouldn't be here posting about it. But as I was sitting on the tarmac Tuesday night, the fact that my flight was delayed taking off was exponentially more annoying to me than how awful our team was playing.

Dolson needs to either cut him loose now, or publicly back him and say he's behind him 100% "right now" as Indiana's basketball coach. It will take some attention off the program, and it should lower the temperature a little bit for the next few weeks. It will, probably, move some of the ire squarely towards Dolson, and the BoT...but that's part of being a leader of a huge organization like Indiana Athletics.

We have 13 regular season games left. 6 of those in Assembly Hall. If left completely alone, I'm not sure how Woodson and the players will effectively manage their way though to the end. The noise, the memes, the mood on campus, its gonna get really bad.

I think its time for Scotty to be a big boy on this one. One way or another, step up and take control of the narrative.
Woody is done, might as well pull the plug now.
 
Woody is done, might as well pull the plug now.
Yep...or attempt to control the flames by publicly backing him. Obviously he's not making it, or shouldn't make it, past the few days after the season is over. But everything is telling me Dolson needs to address this.

-If you've decided you're going to fire him, for certain...

1. Do it now.
2. Vote of confidence, to control the flames a little bit...do it at seasons end

-If you still have some indecision, or don't have the backing of the people you need to have to fire him...

1. Vote of confidence, shows strength and if you end up keeping him, for whatever reason, it amplifies that strength.

-If you're certain you are keeping him at seasons end.

1. Vote of confidence is then genuine.

Sitting back and allowing the whole thing to burn the next 6 weeks, in my opinion, is not a good idea.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: bsmitty08
Yep...or attempt to control the flames by publicly backing him. Obviously he's not, or shouldn't, make it past the few days after the season is over. But everything is telling me Dolson needs to address this.

-If you've decided you're going to fire him, for certain...

1. Do it now.
2. Vote of confidence, to control the flames a little bit...do it at seasons end

-If you still have some indecision, or don't have the backing of the people you need to have to fire him...

1. Vote of confidence, shows strength and if you end up keeping him, for whatever reason, it amplifies that strength.

-If you're certain you are keeping him at seasons end.

1. Vote of confidence is then genuine.

Sitting back and allowing the whole thing to burn the next 6 weeks, in my opinion, is not a good idea.
If they get hammered again tonight, then he has to let him go.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hoosier Clarion
If we fire him now, we have to find an interim. That interim is often som assistant the players like, if said interim goes like 9-4, beats Purdue at least once, makes the NCAAT, and has the team at least looking like they give a shitt, it will be hard to not give that individual the HC job full-time.

Ask OSU how that is working out.
 
If they get hammered again tonight, then he has to let him go.
Good arguments could be made either way...but he has to address it, somehow.

If Mack did actually like that "Fire Woodson" X post, and there is any level of dissention within the locker room, and program, I'd agree...take control now, end it.

But holding strong, allowing it to finish more naturally, there are some benefits to that as well.

My vindictive side has me envisioning Dolson holding Buckner, and Younkman, and others hands tightly, saying..."NO! You will not look away! You will watch this!"

We need a change in the power structure for men's bball. Dolson needs to sack up and take over. If he can't do it now, he'll never be able to do it. And who would want to be in that situation?
 
If we fire him now, we have to find an interim. That interim is often som assistant the players like, if said interim goes like 9-4, beats Purdue at least once, makes the NCAAT, and has the team at least looking like they give a shitt, it will be hard to not give that individual the HC job full-time.

Ask OSU how that is working out.
This is where strong leadership is needed.

I personally don't think replacing a former IU legend, with zero college coaching experience (Woodson), with an interim coach that is also an IU legend, with little college coaching experience (Cheaney)...makes much sense. And I don't think someone like Ya, or Hunter, short of a Steve Fisher like run and a national title, could do much of anything to win our fan base over enough to make the decision difficult.

But regardless...just resolve to not make that mistake, if you're Dolson. Write yourself a note like Sonny did in Draft Day. Whatever it takes. Or just throw back your shoulders and take the program over, and make the right decisions.
 
My wife is now sending me "Fire Woodson" memes...

That says two things...1)its out there now enough that its breaking in to my wife's algorithms. 2)She said she assumed it was getting better since I hadn't been venting about it in a while. So my apathy has been impactful. There's nothing worse for a fanbase, than apathy. Obviously I don't have true apathy, or I wouldn't be here posting about it. But as I was sitting on the tarmac Tuesday night, the fact that my flight was delayed taking off was exponentially more annoying to me than how awful our team was playing. They are who they are. There isn't going to be any sort of Epiphone. We'll win a game or two that will surprise, but we'll lose more coming home than we win. And there will be more blowouts.

Dolson needs to either cut him loose now, or publicly back him and say he's behind him 100% "right now" as Indiana's basketball coach. It will take some attention off the program, and it should lower the temperature a little bit for the next few weeks. It will, probably, move some of the ire squarely towards Dolson, and the BoT...but that's part of being a leader of a huge organization like Indiana Athletics.

We have 13 regular season games left. 6 of those in Assembly Hall. If left completely alone, I'm not sure how Woodson and the players will effectively manage their way though to the end. The noise, the memes, the mood on campus, its gonna get really bad.

I think its time for Scotty to be a big boy on this one. One way or another, step up and take control of the narrative.
Before any vote of confidence.....you have to recognize and acknowledge that there is a problem (and that it is the actual problem....not a straw man). I am not convinced that IU is ready to do that.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Brockettman
My wife is now sending me "Fire Woodson" memes...

That says two things...1)its out there now enough that its breaking in to my wife's algorithms. 2)She said she assumed it was getting better since I hadn't been venting about it in a while. So my apathy has been impactful. There's nothing worse for a fanbase, than apathy. Obviously I don't have true apathy, or I wouldn't be here posting about it. But as I was sitting on the tarmac Tuesday night, the fact that my flight was delayed taking off was exponentially more annoying to me than how awful our team was playing. They are who they are. There isn't going to be any sort of Epiphone. We'll win a game or two that will surprise, but we'll lose more coming home than we win. And there will be more blowouts.

Dolson needs to either cut him loose now, or publicly back him and say he's behind him 100% "right now" as Indiana's basketball coach. It will take some attention off the program, and it should lower the temperature a little bit for the next few weeks. It will, probably, move some of the ire squarely towards Dolson, and the BoT...but that's part of being a leader of a huge organization like Indiana Athletics.

We have 13 regular season games left. 6 of those in Assembly Hall. If left completely alone, I'm not sure how Woodson and the players will effectively manage their way though to the end. The noise, the memes, the mood on campus, its gonna get really bad.

I think its time for Scotty to be a big boy on this one. One way or another, step up and take control of the narrative.
Your the guy last summer talking about how Purdue's future is over because they have no "NIL"? From the cheap seats it sure appears that Purdue is pretty good and their future is pretty bright, versus the soap-opera of IU. Maybe you can get M. Cuban (the women are stupid guy) to give more money to keep this HOLLYWOOD script moving forward!
 
  • Wow
Reactions: Hoosier Clarion
Before any vote of confidence.....you have to recognize and acknowledge that there is a problem (and that it is the actual problem....not a straw man). I am not convinced that IU is ready to do that.
Obviously you could be right. But man...what are "they" watching if that's true?
 
Yep...or attempt to control the flames by publicly backing him. Obviously he's not making it, or shouldn't make it, past the few days after the season is over. But everything is telling me Dolson needs to address this.

-If you've decided you're going to fire him, for certain...

1. Do it now.
2. Vote of confidence, to control the flames a little bit...do it at seasons end

-If you still have some indecision, or don't have the backing of the people you need to have to fire him...

1. Vote of confidence, shows strength and if you end up keeping him, for whatever reason, it amplifies that strength.

-If you're certain you are keeping him at seasons end.

1. Vote of confidence is then genuine.

Sitting back and allowing the whole thing to burn the next 6 weeks, in my opinion, is not a good idea.
However if Woodson/Buckner/Ferguson are still dug in for the graft, then Dolson needs to allow them all three to see exactly how painful and untenable is Woodson’s continued presence as our HC. God Bless the Student Section for seeing the truth! Boo him until he’s gone- period.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BigMobe
If we fire him now, we have to find an interim. That interim is often som assistant the players like, if said interim goes like 9-4, beats Purdue at least once, makes the NCAAT, and has the team at least looking like they give a shitt, it will be hard to not give that individual the HC job full-time.

Ask OSU how that is working out.
Not giving him the job after a few wins takes the same amount of energy as not giving him the job after a few losses.
 
Your the guy last summer talking about how Purdue's future is over because they have no "NIL"? From the cheap seats it sure appears that Purdue is pretty good and their future is pretty bright, versus the soap-opera of IU. Maybe you can get M. Cuban (the women are stupid guy) to give more money to keep this HOLLYWOOD script moving forward!
No, I didn't say that.

I said their days of being number 1 in the country, being a natty contender, were over. And the entire premise was 1)no more Edey 2)IF, big fat IF, Painter didn't get with the times on NIL, and portal dynamics, then Purdue would "fall off" from where they were the last 2 years.

I said, basically in every single post, that they were still going to be good, and probably always will be with Painter. But that if he doesn't change his philosophies, there will be a ceiling again on how good they can be.

"Watch and learn"...if and when IU makes the change, and if they get a good basketball coach, it'll take about 3 weeks for IU to become a better program again than Purdue.
 
Yep...or attempt to control the flames by publicly backing him. Obviously he's not making it, or shouldn't make it, past the few days after the season is over. But everything is telling me Dolson needs to address this.

-If you've decided you're going to fire him, for certain...

1. Do it now.
2. Vote of confidence, to control the flames a little bit...do it at seasons end

-If you still have some indecision, or don't have the backing of the people you need to have to fire him...

1. Vote of confidence, shows strength and if you end up keeping him, for whatever reason, it amplifies that strength.

-If you're certain you are keeping him at seasons end.

1. Vote of confidence is then genuine.

Sitting back and allowing the whole thing to burn the next 6 weeks, in my opinion, is not a good idea.


I would stay away from anything implying 100% backing now or in the future.

If his intent is not to fire him now, he should just say something like "we will fully evaluate the status of the program at season's end".
 
Not giving him the job after a few wins takes the same amount of energy as not giving him the job after a few losses.


The good news is we don't have to worry about keeping any of these guys if he's fired and the players like the interim coach. There's no one on this team worth worrying about. A total change is required.
 
My wife is now sending me "Fire Woodson" memes...

That says two things...1)its out there now enough that its breaking in to my wife's algorithms. 2)She said she assumed it was getting better since I hadn't been venting about it in a while. So my apathy has been impactful. There's nothing worse for a fanbase, than apathy. Obviously I don't have true apathy, or I wouldn't be here posting about it. But as I was sitting on the tarmac Tuesday night, the fact that my flight was delayed taking off was exponentially more annoying to me than how awful our team was playing. They are who they are. There isn't going to be any sort of Epiphone. We'll win a game or two that will surprise, but we'll lose more coming home than we win. And there will be more blowouts.

Dolson needs to either cut him loose now, or publicly back him and say he's behind him 100% "right now" as Indiana's basketball coach. It will take some attention off the program, and it should lower the temperature a little bit for the next few weeks. It will, probably, move some of the ire squarely towards Dolson, and the BoT...but that's part of being a leader of a huge organization like Indiana Athletics.

We have 13 regular season games left. 6 of those in Assembly Hall. If left completely alone, I'm not sure how Woodson and the players will effectively manage their way though to the end. The noise, the memes, the mood on campus, its gonna get really bad.

I think its time for Scotty to be a big boy on this one. One way or another, step up and take control of the narrative.
what your suggesting adds absolutely nothing, 99.9 percent of the sports world could give a shit about IU athletics. Woodson is in a deep hole, probably no whay out. whatever Dolson says is irrelevant.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bucket Getter
I would stay away from anything implying 100% backing now or in the future.

If his intent is not to fire him now, he should just say something like "we will fully evaluate the status of the program at season's end".
Nah...

Something simple like..."Obviously no one in the program is content with where we are right now. But I support, and have confidence in, Coach Woodson and his staff to get things turned around. We will always give our coaches all the vast resources Indiana basketball has at its disposal to be successful, that that isn't changing now."
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bucket Getter
My wife is now sending me "Fire Woodson" memes...

That says two things...1)its out there now enough that its breaking in to my wife's algorithms. 2)She said she assumed it was getting better since I hadn't been venting about it in a while. So my apathy has been impactful. There's nothing worse for a fanbase, than apathy. Obviously I don't have true apathy, or I wouldn't be here posting about it. But as I was sitting on the tarmac Tuesday night, the fact that my flight was delayed taking off was exponentially more annoying to me than how awful our team was playing. They are who they are. There isn't going to be any sort of Epiphone. We'll win a game or two that will surprise, but we'll lose more coming home than we win. And there will be more blowouts.

Dolson needs to either cut him loose now, or publicly back him and say he's behind him 100% "right now" as Indiana's basketball coach. It will take some attention off the program, and it should lower the temperature a little bit for the next few weeks. It will, probably, move some of the ire squarely towards Dolson, and the BoT...but that's part of being a leader of a huge organization like Indiana Athletics.

We have 13 regular season games left. 6 of those in Assembly Hall. If left completely alone, I'm not sure how Woodson and the players will effectively manage their way though to the end. The noise, the memes, the mood on campus, its gonna get really bad.

I think its time for Scotty to be a big boy on this one. One way or another, step up and take control of the narrative.
a choice you say?

put me down for fire him immediately
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bucket Getter
Nah...

Something simple like..."Obviously no one in the program is content with where we are right now. But I support, and have confidence in, Coach Woodson and his staff to get things turned around. We will always give our coaches all the vast resources Indiana basketball has at its disposal to be successful, that that isn't changing now."
So, following your OP, the only option is firing him now?

If I’m understanding you, Dolson has 2 choices. Fire him today or make the 100% confidence in him statement?

Why would anyone say they have confidence in MW turning this around. Why would anyone want to attach their fate to his?
 
So, following your OP, the only option is firing him now?

If I’m understanding you, Dolson has 2 choices. Fire him today or make the 100% confidence in him statement?

Why would anyone say they have confidence in MW turning this around. Why would anyone want to attach their fate to his?
He's not attaching any fate, to anyone... a "vote of confidence" isn't a binding statement. Its been used countless times by GMs, ADs, etc... to tamp down the flames for a bit.
 
Nah...

Something simple like..."Obviously no one in the program is content with where we are right now. But I support, and have confidence in, Coach Woodson and his staff to get things turned around. We will always give our coaches all the vast resources Indiana basketball has at its disposal to be successful, that that isn't changing now."


No. That makes him look like a fool or a liar. No other choice.
 
if Dolson comes out and says I support Woodson, the booing will get worse, it's obvious he's a dead man walking, you know it, I know it, the players know it [believe me] Dolson knows it and unless Woodson is brain dead, he knows it's
You think? I'm not sure it would. And if it would, at least some of that attention would shift towards Dolson.
 
No. That makes him look like a fool or a liar. No other choice.
To many, I'm sure. To others, potentially people that matter during these next few months, it might make him look like a leader who has a handle on things (potential replacement coaches, important donors, etc...)

The whole goal is for Dolson to shoulder some of the scrutiny the next few months. There are a lot of stakeholders involved here. Firing Woody this weekend, maybe, disenfranchises some that we'd be better off not disenfranchising?

Just offering what I think are the two viable paths. Both end with Woodson gone between now and mid march.
 
I understand what you’re saying for Dolson to take some heat as a good leader, but a good leader also needs to make examples at times. Let it get hot, let the he turn up on Woody and Quinn, and eliminate the power struggle that hinders any assertive leadership. Scott extended a hand last spring and Woody and co spit in his eye. 6 weeks of embarrassment will go a long way to rid himself of an overbearing Quinn and Woody. At most, talk with Woody about announcing his departure at the end of the season. If it is imminent then I expect the heat to dissipate naturally, and Scott can begin looking at the options without firing Woody.
 
I understand what you’re saying for Dolson to take some heat as a good leader, but a good leader also needs to make examples at times. Let it get hot, let the he turn up on Woody and Quinn, and eliminate the power struggle that hinders any assertive leadership. Scott extended a hand last spring and Woody and co spit in his eye. 6 weeks of embarrassment will go a long way to rid himself of an overbearing Quinn and Woody. At most, talk with Woody about announcing his departure at the end of the season. If it is imminent then I expect the heat to dissipate naturally, and Scott can begin looking at the options without firing Woody.
I think, that happens no matter what. And saaavy fans and certainly potential replacement coaches, will realize what Dolson is doing. Maybe word it with some veiled references to decisions have consequences, coaches deserve entire seasons, etc...

The entire point though, is deflecting some of the heat from the players, and even Woody.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bucket Getter
I think, that happens no matter what. And saaavy fans and certainly potential replacement coaches, will realize what Dolson is doing. Maybe word it with some veiled references to decisions have consequences, coaches deserve entire seasons, etc...

The entire point though, is deflecting some of the heat from the players, and even Woody.
how about Woodson announcing his retirement at the end of the season? if he took the high road would people still boo him? I guess some would but I would suspect most would be happy with that and be gracious. this season is basically over everyone knows it
 
If we fire him now, we have to find an interim. That interim is often som assistant the players like, if said interim goes like 9-4, beats Purdue at least once, makes the NCAAT, and has the team at least looking like they give a shitt, it will be hard to not give that individual the HC job full-time.

Ask OSU how that is working out.
I don't think it's hard. When you name the interim you emphasize that it's an interim appointment and that there will be a formal search for a new HC for next season, and the interim guy is welcome to apply. Big companies do this all the time when they decide to fire an executive officer for whatever reason.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: bkiefer7
how about Woodson announcing his retirement at the end of the season? if he took the high road would people still boo him? I guess some would but I would suspect most would be happy with that and be gracious. this season is basically over everyone knows it
That’s the cleanest ending. I think tonight will tell the story. I’m excited!
 
how about Woodson announcing his retirement at the end of the season? if he took the high road would people still boo him? I guess some would but I would suspect most would be happy with that and be gracious. this season is basically over everyone knows it
Actually, that's probably the BEST approach. But it would require Woodson to be a part of the "act". And it sure doesn't seem like he's the sort that would go along with that.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bucket Getter
I don't think Dolson has the ability to do anything on this one (meaning Woody). I honestly don't think it's his call - and I think he's pissed about it. I don't think he has the ability to fire Woodson right this minute so he's not going to be able to do that. It wouldn't surprise me if he just lets Woodson and Buckner burn the rest of the season just to make a point. Even if it's not for that reason, it wouldn't surprise me if Dolson doesn't offer a vote of confidence because that will just make him look dumber and weaker (than he's already, presumably, mad about looking in the first place) because a vote of confidence would be disgustingly transparent. Absolutely no one would be buying it so why bother? We're waaaayyyyy past that. It would just piss people off even more and would have zero effect on the current temperature of things in my opinion.

This is Buckner's, Ferguson's, Cook's and who knows who else's mess. I don't mind them sitting in it for the duration one bit. They deserve to. Same with Woodson, whose arrogance with and contempt for the fans has been a complete and total insult.
 
You think? I'm not sure it would. And if it would, at least some of that attention would shift towards Dolson.
I get your point about leaders stepping up. But if rumors are true that Woodson stated in front of Dolson that he didn’t report to Dolson then why in the heck would Dolson want to own the crap foisted on us by Buckner and Ferguson?
 
I don't think Dolson has the ability to do anything on this one (meaning Woody). I honestly don't think it's his call - and I think he's pissed about it. I don't think he has the ability to fire Woodson right this minute so he's not going to be able to do that. It wouldn't surprise me if he just lets Woodson and Buckner burn the rest of the season just to make a point. Even if it's not for that reason, it wouldn't surprise me if Dolson doesn't offer a vote of confidence because that will just make him look dumber and weaker (than he's already, presumably, mad about looking in the first place) because a vote of confidence would be disgustingly transparent. Absolutely no one would be buying it so why bother? We're waaaayyyyy past that. It would just piss people off even more and would have zero effect on the current temperature of things in my opinion.

This is Buckner's, Ferguson's, Cook's and who knows who else's mess. I don't mind them sitting in it for the duration one bit. They deserve to. Same with Woodson, whose arrogance with and contempt for the fans has been a complete and total insult.
Well, I hope that isn't the case any more. We don't need Jerry Jones/James Dolan like leadership right now. We need Brad Stevens like leadership. Who the hell even owns the Celtics? The fact that we know these fellas names is absurd, to me. And a huge part of the problem.
 
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT