MBB 2020 Coaching Carousel

[scottdude8]

As a Michigan fan I'm sad to see Beilein crash and burn. I can't think of a single Michigan fan who was rooting against Beilein's success in the NBA... he's by all accounts not only a great coach, but a great human being. It sounded like he felt he had to give himself one last challenge in his coaching career, so kudos to him for taking that leap, even if it obviously didn't work out (and, in hindsight, I think Beilein would've been a bit more selective in picking a better situation to go to).

Now when it comes to where he might go next, there are tons of options as you all have speculated. Some on the Michigan beat have been speculating he could go to Indiana for months now. Personally (and this is pure speculation) I doubt he goes to a B1G school... I have to imagine it would be tough for him to have to go against Michigan twice a year, especially just a year removed from leaving. For me the most obvious scenario is Texas, not only given Shaka's struggles, but because A) it's a similar school to Michigan in that it's a football school with a good, not great, basketball history waiting to be rekindled, and B) his former assistant Luke Yaklich, who was his "defensive coordinator" during his final years at Michigan and was hugely responsible for the run to the NC game behind a stifling defense, is already there at Texas. He could go to Austin, retain Yaklich for some continuity, and try to do there what he did at Michigan as his last hurrah.

That said, there is also speculation that, given the personal issues surrounding Beilein's son that led him to abruptly resign from the head coaching position at Niagara (giving Greg Paulus the job, ironically), he might want to take a less glamorous job with less pressure, and have his son on the staff to build him back up. That's where opportunities like Wake have come up. There are also some similarities between the Wake position and Michigan, namely being a "secondary" program in a basketball-crazy state, which could present a good fit. Wake is likely not going to out recruit the big three in NC, but Beilein's system doesn't require the 4/5* recruits.

So if I were a betting man, I'd give the best odds to Texas, followed by Wake.

[Acymetric]

As a Michigan fan I'm sad to see Beilein crash and burn. I can't think of a single Michigan fan who was rooting against Beilein's success in the NBA... he's by all accounts not only a great coach, but a great human being. It sounded like he felt he had to give himself one last challenge in his coaching career, so kudos to him for taking that leap, even if it obviously didn't work out (and, in hindsight, I think Beilein would've been a bit more selective in picking a better situation to go to).

Now when it comes to where he might go next, there are tons of options as you all have speculated. Some on the Michigan beat have been speculating he could go to Indiana for months now. Personally (and this is pure speculation) I doubt he goes to a B1G school... I have to imagine it would be tough for him to have to go against Michigan twice a year, especially just a year removed from leaving. For me the most obvious scenario is Texas, not only given Shaka's struggles, but because A) it's a similar school to Michigan in that it's a football school with a good, not great, basketball history waiting to be rekindled, and B) his former assistant Luke Yaklich, who was his "defensive coordinator" during his final years at Michigan and was hugely responsible for the run to the NC game behind a stifling defense, is already there at Texas. He could go to Austin, retain Yaklich for some continuity, and try to do there what he did at Michigan as his last hurrah.

That said, there is also speculation that, given the personal issues surrounding Beilein's son that led him to abruptly resign from the head coaching position at Niagara (giving Greg Paulus the job, ironically), he might want to take a less glamorous job with less pressure, and have his son on the staff to build him back up. That's where opportunities like Wake have come up. There are also some similarities between the Wake position and Michigan, namely being a "secondary" program in a basketball-crazy state, which could present a good fit. Wake is likely not going to out recruit the big three in NC, but Beilein's system doesn't require the 4/5* recruits.

So if I were a betting man, I'd give the best odds to Texas, followed by Wake.

Beilein would be a great hire for Wake if they're willing to pony up the cash for him. As someone who likes seeing 3 out of the 4 North Carolina ACC schools do well I would be all in favor of this.

[devildeac]

I don't miss Skinner - or more accurately the bang-em-up Big East style he embraced. Seth, too.

-jk

I strongly agree with this. Maybe even beyond "bang-em-up."

[sagegrouse]

As a Michigan fan I'm sad to see Beilein crash and burn. I can't think of a single Michigan fan who was rooting against Beilein's success in the NBA... he's by all accounts not only a great coach, but a great human being. It sounded like he felt he had to give himself one last challenge in his coaching career, so kudos to him for taking that leap, even if it obviously didn't work out (and, in hindsight, I think Beilein would've been a bit more selective in picking a better situation to go to).

Now when it comes to where he might go next, there are tons of options as you all have speculated. Some on the Michigan beat have been speculating he could go to Indiana for months now. Personally (and this is pure speculation) I doubt he goes to a B1G school... I have to imagine it would be tough for him to have to go against Michigan twice a year, especially just a year removed from leaving. For me the most obvious scenario is Texas, not only given Shaka's struggles, but because A) it's a similar school to Michigan in that it's a football school with a good, not great, basketball history waiting to be rekindled, and B) his former assistant Luke Yaklich, who was his "defensive coordinator" during his final years at Michigan and was hugely responsible for the run to the NC game behind a stifling defense, is already there at Texas. He could go to Austin, retain Yaklich for some continuity, and try to do there what he did at Michigan as his last hurrah.

That said, there is also speculation that, given the personal issues surrounding Beilein's son that led him to abruptly resign from the head coaching position at Niagara (giving Greg Paulus the job, ironically), he might want to take a less glamorous job with less pressure, and have his son on the staff to build him back up. That's where opportunities like Wake have come up. There are also some similarities between the Wake position and Michigan, namely being a "secondary" program in a basketball-crazy state, which could present a good fit. Wake is likely not going to out recruit the big three in NC, but Beilein's system doesn't require the 4/5* recruits.

So if I were a betting man, I'd give the best odds to Texas, followed by Wake.

What's weird about his departure is the puny payoff. Didn't he have a five-year contract at $4 million per year with the final year a club option? Well, ESPN says he will get some but not all of the remainder of this year's contract payment. Nothing for the other guaranteed years. Unless there are conditions that will likely kick in -- such as an offset or complete cancellation if he takes another coaching job -- I don't understand his generosity.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Beilein would be a great hire for Wake if they're willing to pony up the cash for him. As someone who likes seeing 3 out of the 4 North Carolina ACC schools do well I would be all in favor of this.

Do folks here really think Beilein would see Wake preferable to Texas? Hard for me to imagine. Would you want to go toe to toe with the ACC as the third or fourth most attractive spot for recruits in your state?

I'm not saying one way or the other, I just don't see the obvious preference for WFU when they've underperformed for so long.

[Acymetric]

Do folks here really think Beilein would see Wake preferable to Texas? Hard for me to imagine. Would you want to go toe to toe with the ACC as the third or fourth most attractive spot for recruits in your state?

I'm not saying one way or the other, I just don't see the obvious preference for WFU when they've underperformed for so long.

I said it would be great for Wake, not great for Beilein (and mentioned that they would have to pony up the cash to make it happen).

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

I said it would be great for Wake, not great for Beilein (and mentioned that they would have to pony up the cash to make it happen).

I agree with that point. I just don't see the draw. Besides money, of course.

[AGDukesky]

Beilein is a great coach but not a great fit for Texas. I never thought his recruiting was his strong point but benefitted from Michigan’s history, which is much more impressive than Texas. Now with Texas Tech, Baylor, and Houston looking like regular Top 25 teams, his regional competition is greater. Add in his slow offensive style and I just don’t think he is the guy you pick after Shaka- especially when you add his age to the equation. Wake seems like a better fit given the lack of pressure and expectations...

[Acymetric]

I agree with that point. I just don't see the draw. Besides money, of course.

I don't exactly see it either, but playing devils advocate:

1. Go toe to toe with some of the college all time greats before they retire (if he wanted the NBA challenge, maybe he wants that challenge)
2. Chance to usurp some of the traditional ACC powers as their coaches retire
3. Wake is probably more patient than Texas for rebuilding
4. Living in North Carolina is better than Texas in every measurable way and most non-measurable ways ()

[flyingdutchdevil]

What's weird about his departure is the puny payoff. Didn't he have a five-year contract at $4 million per year with the final year a club option? Well, ESPN says he will get some but not all of the remainder of this year's contract payment. Nothing for the other guaranteed years. Unless there are conditions that will likely kick in -- such as an offset or complete cancellation if he takes another coaching job -- I don't understand his generosity.

If Beilein is really looking to get back to the college game, the timing makes sense. Coaches will start getting fired en masse starting in roughly a month. Those conversations between the AD and his supporting teams have already started. Beilein now being "available" makes him a lot more likely to join a top vacancy instead of fighting for scraps if he were to get fired by the Cavs in June.

This is the rare, rare case where passion for the game > money. Yes, Beilein did leave millions on the table. But he clearly wants to coach the college game again and has willing to take a pay cut for it.

If, however, Beilein DOESN'T take another college role, then I'm stunned and have no explanation.

[scottdude8]

What's weird about his departure is the puny payoff. Didn't he have a five-year contract at $4 million per year with the final year a club option? Well, ESPN says he will get some but not all of the remainder of this year's contract payment. Nothing for the other guaranteed years. Unless there are conditions that will likely kick in -- such as an offset or complete cancellation if he takes another coaching job -- I don't understand his generosity.

That's a good point. To be fair, the media thought it was bizarre that he got a 5 year contract to begin with considering the risks of going from college to the NBA. Some were wondering whether he would be done coaching all-together following this debacle, but the fact that he was willing to cede so much money indicates that he expects to recoup much of that in a new gig (not that he's hurting for money of course, he was paid quite well at Michigan).

[scottdude8]

Beilein is a great coach but not a great fit for Texas. I never thought his recruiting was his strong point but benefitted from Michigan’s history, which is much more impressive than Texas. Now with Texas Tech, Baylor, and Houston looking like regular Top 25 teams, his regional competition is greater. Add in his slow offensive style and I just don’t think he is the guy you pick after Shaka- especially when you add his age to the equation. Wake seems like a better fit given the lack of pressure and expectations...

You're 100% correct that Beilein's recruiting was never strong, but that was part of his genius... given his system and ability to develop players, he turned teams of 3/4* recruits into national contenders. Also, it's worth remembering that during his tenure he did have a TON of NBA success. Michigan had 10 guys on opening day NBA rosters this year, which was the eighth most of any school (notably behind only the blue bloods and, ironically, Texas). Guys like Caris LeVert and Moe Wagner who were late 1st round picks have blossomed into solid NBA players (in LeVert's case, a potential star). Duncan Robinson went from undrafted to arguably the best 3 point specialist in the league. Derrick Walton also went from undrafted to a solid NBA player. And people forget that Michigan's lottery picks like Tre Burke and Nik Stauskas, while they didn't quite pan out in the league, were massively overlooked recruits who earned millions of dollars thanks largely to Beilein's ability to develop and showcase their talents.

So I doubt that the ability to recruit is going to factor much into his decision. He's the type of coach who can win with good, but not spectacular, recruiting classes, and then reel in one special recruit every couple years in an attempt to put a team over the top.

[JasonEvans]

What's weird about his departure is the puny payoff. Didn't he have a five-year contract at $4 million per year with the final year a club option? Well, ESPN says he will get some but not all of the remainder of this year's contract payment. Nothing for the other guaranteed years. Unless there are conditions that will likely kick in -- such as an offset or complete cancellation if he takes another coaching job -- I don't understand his generosity.

I suspect that this is because Beilein is the one who wanted out, not the Cavs. He knew it was not working and he wanted to leave. In a case like that, trying to get a lucrative buyout is really inappropriate and, from everything I have heard, John Beilein is an upstanding/honorable guy.

[JetpackJesus]

If Beilein is really looking to get back to the college game, the timing makes sense. Coaches will start getting fired en masse starting in roughly a month. Those conversations between the AD and his supporting teams have already started. Beilein now being "available" makes him a lot more likely to join a top vacancy instead of fighting for scraps if he were to get fired by the Cavs in June.

This is the rare, rare case where passion for the game > money. Yes, Beilein did leave millions on the table. But he clearly wants to coach the college game again and has willing to take a pay cut for it.

If, however, Beilein DOESN'T take another college role, then I'm stunned and have no explanation.

I posted over in the NBA thread before I saw this discussion going on here. Apparently Beilein is staying on with the Cavs organization in a different role. There's no real mention of what that role is, or how long he will fill it. I was surprised to see that announcement today.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...role-cavaliers

[MChambers]

“I find losing very challenging and this year has taken a much bigger toll on me than I expected. I grew concerned for the consequences this toll could potentially take on my own health and my family’s well-being down the road.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sport...mes-quick-end/

[frb]

If Beilein is really looking to get back to the college game, the timing makes sense. Coaches will start getting fired en masse starting in roughly a month. Those conversations between the AD and his supporting teams have already started. Beilein now being "available" makes him a lot more likely to join a top vacancy instead of fighting for scraps if he were to get fired by the Cavs in June.

This is the rare, rare case where passion for the game > money. Yes, Beilein did leave millions on the table. But he clearly wants to coach the college game again and has willing to take a pay cut for it.

If, however, Beilein DOESN'T take another college role, then I'm stunned and have no explanation.

just spec on my part but I think he has the college offer in hand already. Cavs doing him a favor by letting him go now so he hits the ground running when he's announced at whatever school. Start building out his new staff, identifying recruits, moving etc... I think he'd crush it at Texas. He's not a great recruiter but he doesn't have to be. That's not how he wins. You know who is a great recruiter? Shaka Smart and he's gone. Can't win at the high major level.

[CameronBornAndBred]

“I find losing very challenging and this year has taken a much bigger toll on me than I expected. I grew concerned for the consequences this toll could potentially take on my own health and my family’s well-being down the road.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sport...mes-quick-end/

Well then any "rebuilding" program better stay far away from him. He wouldn't be winning right away at a school like Wake.

[BD80]

“I find losing very challenging and this year has taken a much bigger toll on me than I expected. I grew concerned for the consequences this toll could potentially take on my own health and my family’s well-being down the road.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sport...mes-quick-end/

Should he stay away from unc?

[Acymetric]

Should he stay away from unc?

Yes, everyone should.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

I posted over in the NBA thread before I saw this discussion going on here. Apparently Beilein is staying on with the Cavs organization in a different role. There's no real mention of what that role is, or how long he will fill it. I was surprised to see that announcement today.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...role-cavaliers

If I'm putting on my NBA goggles here, and trying to decipher this (and I don't have NBA goggles nor even follow it that closely) - it seems to me that keeping Beilein on in some capacity is a way of preserving a little reputation of both parties (that the coach is not a quitter, and that the organization is not a terrible place to work). I would imagine his interview process will go on.