Fran’s replacement

[HawkLogic]

Leaving creighton makes zero sense for McDermott. He's playing in, by a wide margin, the best basketball only league AND he's fielding competitive teams in that league. Add to that he's well liked there as far as I know. And he's 60. Why move from there when you can coach 5 more years, if you want, then drive your golf cart away for your daily 18 holes?

Mostly I have general comments, not aimed at your post--you post good stuff.

I agree McDermott has good situation at Creighton and unlikely to leave. That said his base salary is $1.3 million. Fran makes $3.3 million.
+ he got a long leash at Iowa. In general, if you are smart, young, hungry guy at a Mid Major that is pretty effing attractive financial package/profile. If your are Fat and happy existing P5 coach with big guaranteed contract, then Iowa job is not attractive financially.

Would McDermott be good fit for Iowa? He seems on the old side to me (and I'm his age so it isn't ageism). So he doesn't fit my version of job description which says Iowa should pursue young and hungry.

I don't think we need a P5 retread. If we miss on 1st young guy, fire him and move on to next...only takes 1-2 years to turn around a team if you have NIL money.

People Diss on the Iowa job like it is a piece of crap job. Iowa is ranked 19th in Sports revenue. NIL will be based on revenue sharing. Unless Iowa doesn't something stupid and decides to follow Title9 when other schools don't, Iowa will be a top half of all power conferences members in NIL. We will be high in revenue based NIL but we don't have a billionaire sponsor. The AD does have some knobs
to turn to increase NIL imho.

https://247sports.com/longformarticle/college-athletics-25-powerhouses-who-produce-the-most-revenue-entering-2024-233312519/#2438984

 

[Fan In Black]

Ah. Okay. Lol

Come Lol me when it happens. lots of programs hire guys away one year into a P5 contract. Lmfao. name one.

 

[win1forthe]

I do have a feeling that this will be Fran's last year. His body language and demeanor are far different than past years. Hands in pockets just acts like he's checked out already.

He looks checked-out

 

[SDHawkDoc]

Mostly I have general comments, not aimed at your post--you post good stuff.

I agree McDermott has good situation at Creighton and unlikely to leave. That said his base salary is $1.3 million. Fran makes $3.3 million.
+ he got a long leash at Iowa. In general, if you are smart, young, hungry guy at a Mid Major that is pretty effing attractive financial package/profile. If your are Fat and happy existing P5 coach with big guaranteed contract, then Iowa job is not attractive financially.

Would McDermott be good fit for Iowa? He seems on the old side to me (and I'm his age so it isn't ageism). So he doesn't fit my version of job description which says Iowa should pursue young and hungry.

I don't think we need a P5 retread. If we miss on 1st young guy, fire him and move on to next...only takes 1-2 years to turn around a team if you have NIL money.

People Diss on the Iowa job like it is a piece of crap job. Iowa is ranked 19th in Sports revenue. NIL will be based on revenue sharing. Unless Iowa doesn't something stupid and decides to follow Title9 when other schools don't, Iowa will be a top half of all power conferences members in NIL. We will be high in revenue based NIL but we don't have a billionaire sponsor. The AD does have some knobs
to turn to increase NIL imho.

https://247sports.com/longformarticle/college-athletics-25-powerhouses-who-produce-the-most-revenue-entering-2024-233312519/#2438984

Agree.
It's a big salary bump for McDermott. No doubt.
And admittedly I'm projecting a bit being within spitting distance of 60 myself. Maybe he's looking to coach until 75. That could change the equation. But if I'm in that spot, with a program that's competitive in a really good league then I'm not interested in moving. Even for bigger short term money.
Mainly, though, my preference would be to not have an old fart like him (or me) anyway.
I'd much rather take a chance on a younger guy. Offer less upfront. And not tie the program down long term to 15 years of terrible NCAA tourney performance.
If the next guy doesn't do anything in the tourney up through year 3-4, and nothing great on the near horizon, then adios.
Hanging on to mediocre coaches forever for the sake of stability seems to be a uniquely Iowa thing.

 

[DewHawk]

Agree.
It's a big salary bump for McDermott. No doubt.
And admittedly I'm projecting a bit being within spitting distance of 60 myself. Maybe he's looking to coach until 75. That could change the equation. But if I'm in that spot, with a program that's competitive in a really good league then I'm not interested in moving. Even for bigger short term money.
Mainly, though, my preference would be to not have an old fart like him (or me) anyway.
I'd much rather take a chance on a younger guy. Offer less upfront. And not tie the program down long term to 15 years of terrible NCAA tourney performance.
If the next guy doesn't do anything in the tourney up through year 3-4, and nothing great on the near horizon, then adios.
Hanging on to mediocre coaches forever for the sake of stability seems to be a uniquely Iowa thing.

I agree and I follow Creighton fairly closely since he became head coach. McDermott has a very good program, and his teams are very competitive annually. I think he is pretty entrenched at Creighton, but you never know. IMO he would be a very good hire by Iowa, but do not see it.

I have stated before on this board that DeVries would have been my number 1 candidate, but afraid that train has left the station. But again, you never know.

I am in favor of a thorough search and a new hire asap IF McCaffery/Iowa part ways. If the new hire does not work out like you mentioned then move on again. The days of coaches staying 15/20 years are over IMO. The only thing I am 100% sure of is IMO time for McCaffery to leave one way or another. Iowa men's BBall needs new direction and energy.

 

[Fan In Black]

Probably the same fans who wanted B.J. Armstrong, Keno Davis, and Brian Ferentz as head coaches at Iowa.

If Gatens hadn’t played at Iowa, no Hawkeye fan would want him.

Ya BJ was brought up here for far too many years. it was comical. not sure now who is more F stupid. the admins or the fans. hopefully the fans. but I'm starting to wonder.

 

[TailgateTom]

Come Lol me when it happens. lots of programs hire guys away one year into a P5 contract. Lmfao. name one.

I’m not saying it’s going to happen, I’m saying your claim of it being a complete impossibility is idiotic. I trust his word over yours, even if there is less than 1% chance of it actually happening.

 

[AmericaNeedsMe]

Yeah, but it's just Northwestern.

Yeah and Wisconsin sucks and Iowa State is our little brother....

 

[HawkeyeGenius]

If I was McDermott, I wouldn't leave Creighton. He's got it made there. Let us recall that he was one of the few guys that failed at ISU. For whatever reason. But he's doing well at Creighton. Seems like a good fit.

Creighton has a fantastic basketball NIL too.

 

[amahawk]

Fire Fran now and give Gatens a shot. He will be a top coach somewhere mark my words. Just a matter of if that is here or not.

Will Gatens stick around?

 

[Gus is dead]

Will Gatens stick around?

No idea. I hope so.

 

[tippet1]

Will Gatens stick around?

When Fran is done, it is up to the new coach to decide who stays on staff, unless Gatens leaves before then.

 

[hawkjt]

Chris Collins is 81-134 in BIG.
Fran is 7 games over .500 in BIG.
Collins is 8 games over .500 overall at NW.
Fran is 92 games over .500 at Iowa.
NW averages 5900 tickets sold.
Iowa is over 10k tickets sold.

Collins, a North Shore native has been sitting in the middle of the most fertile recruiting areas in country for 12 years and is 53 games under .500 in BIG.
Fran has been in the Sahara desert of recruiting areas and is 8 games over .500 in BIG.

I am ready for Fran to go but not a fan of Collins as replacement.

 

[nosok23]

What does?

The administration inability to step up resources to make Iowa basketball competitive again! If they can do it Ames they can do it in Iowa City.

 

[nosok23]

Chris Collins is 81-134 in BIG.
Fran is 7 games over .500 in BIG.
Collins is 8 games over .500 overall at NW.
Fran is 92 games over .500 at Iowa.
NW averages 5900 tickets sold.
Iowa is over 10k tickets sold.

Collins, a North Shore native has been sitting in the middle of the most fertile recruiting areas in country for 12 years and is 53 games under .500 in BIG.
Fran has been in the Sahara desert of recruiting areas and is 8 games over .500 in BIG.

I am ready for Fran to go but not a fan of Collins as replacement.

When I started this thread he wasn’t even in my top 5. Can definitely do better!

 

[LukaDuka]

Chris Collins is 81-134 in BIG.
Fran is 7 games over .500 in BIG.
Collins is 8 games over .500 overall at NW.
Fran is 92 games over .500 at Iowa.
NW averages 5900 tickets sold.
Iowa is over 10k tickets sold.

Collins, a North Shore native has been sitting in the middle of the most fertile recruiting areas in country for 12 years and is 53 games under .500 in BIG.
Fran has been in the Sahara desert of recruiting areas and is 8 games over .500 in BIG.

I am ready for Fran to go but not a fan of Collins as replacement.

What you don't mention is how difficult it is for recruits to qualify academically at NW. He's a very good coach at a school that never ever made it the the NCAA tourney until Collins arrived.

 

[amahawk]

When Fran is done, it is up to the new coach to decide who stays on staff, unless Gatens leaves before then.

If Fran stays will Gatens leave?

 

[nosok23]

Losing to the worse team in the league at home! Let the speculation begin but it's not looking good for Franimal!

 

[Franisdaman]

what will Beth do?

 

[nosok23]

what will Beth do?

You ask if he will retire on his own maybe restructure his buyout... I don't know this is a cluster all due to Gary freaking Barta!

 

[Franisdaman]

You ask if he will retire on his own maybe restructure his buyout... I don't know this is a cluster all due to Gary freaking Barta!

Beth & Fran need to have a talk either tonight or first thing in the morning.

Do you allow him to finish the season?

 

[Franisdaman]

He looks checked-out

tonight there was not much fire against last place Minnesota

 

[Easthawk1062]

He looks checked-out

And as others have said(idk if true) but apparently he sold his house this last summer…would’ve been nice to just move on at that point and hire DeVaries.

 

[sm_hawkeye]

And as others have said(idk if true) but apparently he sold his house this last summer…would’ve been nice to just move on at that point and hire DeVaries.

I think the deal with that as it made some sense they would be down sizing with two less kids in state. But I have no idea if he bought a smaller home or is renting. I would guess the former and someone with that money wouldn’t be renting haha.

 

[Franisdaman]

And as others have said(idk if true) but apparently he sold his house this last summer…would’ve been nice to just move on at that point and hire DeVaries.

I think the deal with that as it made some sense they would be down sizing with two less kids in state. But I have no idea if he bought a smaller home or is renting. I would guess the former and someone with that money wouldn’t be renting haha.

i heard/read on here that Fran bought a bigger house

 

[CookyMonster]

Someone post a montage of all the times a Fran team has booty blasted Collins at Northwestern. Please no

 

[nosok23]

Beth & Fran need to have a talk either tonight or first thing in the morning.

Do you allow him to finish the season

I think the deal with that as it made some sense they would be down sizing with two less kids in state. But I have no idea if he bought a smaller home or is renting. I would guess the former and someone with that money wouldn’t be renting

I'm not scared of change.

I simply asked Nosok why he didn't see Fran as coach next year.

I don't see anything different about this season other than some of his family is in Indy

If the AD doesn’t do something with making a change. Iowa will be the bottom feeder of the Big Ten! They need a younger coach who is hungry and someone that can work the NIL world! TJ O is 47 Fran is 66! Look at the energy of the two teams! Not even close!

 

[mrcyfan]

The administration inability to step up resources to make Iowa basketball competitive again! If they can do it Ames they can do it in Iowa City.

I don’t think the money thing is the reason Iowa State is winning. It is because they have a coach that demands excellence and preaches and lives team culture. Otzelberger’s teams are tough and usually don’t beat themselves.

TJ is a master at player evaluation and roster construction, something that Fran struggles with. Every player he added for this season has been a fit, making them even stronger than last season.

 

[TampaHawkfan]

What you don't mention is how difficult it is for recruits to qualify academically at NW. He's a very good coach at a school that never ever made it the the NCAA tourney until Collins arrived.

Yep. I have no idea how it would translate elsewhere, or at Iowa.. But historically, Northwestern has been a place where it's been darn near impossible to win. Guy has done a good job there, and I wouldn't just look at his winning percentage there in a vacuum.

 

[Bank of Hawk]

The more I think about it, I do not see Fran wanting to exit the program with an amicable retirement at the end of this season. I just do not see it. Beth will have to let him go and pay the full buyout.

 

[SA_Hawk]

Beth & Fran need to have a talk either tonight or first thing in the morning.

Do you allow him to finish the season?

Buyout is cheaper if he finishes the season.

 

[90-0]

Brian Ferentz would like to have a word...

You realize Brian was fired by those higher than Beth.

 

[SA_Hawk]

Frans buyout 4.5 million.

DeVries buyout 3.0 million x 4 years x 0.37% =4.44 million +\-

Total = 8.94 million to replace Fran with DeVries.

This gets him to Iowa plus his new contract. This is the unknown factor.

Someone check my math and DeVries contract.

Does Beth have 9 million dollars laying around?

 

[QChawks]

Does Beth have 9 million dollars laying around?

That’s a lot of Carver 🍦’s

 

[SA_Hawk]

That’s a lot of Carver 🍦’s

Two Iowa home football games pays for it.

 

[tippet1]

If Fran stays will Gatens leave?

He needs to if he wants to be a head coach.

 

[tippet1]

And as others have said(idk if true) but apparently he sold his house this last summer…would’ve been nice to just move on at that point and hire DeVaries.

He sold his house to have a new route to get to Carver. If he kept his old house, he would have had to go by the crash site every day.

 

[Muscles1989]

The administration inability to step up resources to make Iowa basketball competitive again! If they can do it Ames they can do it in Iowa City.

Growing up in Ames it drove me insane how isu could have such good men’s teams and Iowa is content with mediocrity. Would love to see that change but hell somehow Fran’s lasted decades

 

[AmericaNeedsMe]

Come Lol me when it happens. lots of programs hire guys away one year into a P5 contract. Lmfao. name one.

Didn't Illinois hire Brad Underwood after his first year at Oklahoma State?

 

[herkhatescy2]

I don’t think the money thing is the reason Iowa State is winning. It is because they have a coach that demands excellence and preaches and lives team culture. Otzelberger’s teams are tough and usually don’t beat themselves.

TJ is a master at player evaluation and roster construction, something that Fran struggles with. Every player he added for this season has been a fit, making them even stronger than last season.

It's the money. What other reason would they want to go to that shithole.