Must-read SI article if you care about Iowa's next coach

[Beattheohiostate]

I've been following Drake (26-3, MVC champs) and head coach Ben McCollom a little this season, but I didn't really know much about either until I read this article. McCollom came from D-II NW Missouri State, and four of his starters this year at Drake came with him. Think about that for a second. This article is awesome, and if Iowa doesn't hire McCollom in a few weeks, well, I think that would be a HUGE mistake. Here, read it for yourself:

https://www.si.com/college-basketball/drake-bulldogs-making-power-conferences-take-notice

 

[BurgHawk87]

He hasn't finished outside of first place in the conference since 2013. That's wild, I don't care what the level of competition is.

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

I've been following Drake (26-3, MVC champs) and head coach Ben McCollom a little this season, but I didn't really know much about either until I read this article. McCollom came from D-II NW Missouri State, and four of his starters this year at Drake came with him. Think about that for a second. This article is awesome, and if Iowa doesn't hire McCollom in a few weeks, well, I think that would be a HUGE mistake. Here, read it for yourself:

https://www.si.com/college-basketball/drake-bulldogs-making-power-conferences-take-notice

Yes, Iowa would be foolish not to reach out.

I also like that he’s 43.

Iowa needs a younger perspective in both football and basketball IMO.

 

[TampaHawkfan]

I've seen a few turn up their nose at the idea, but I'm banging the drum for McCollum if the next coach comes from the up and comer ranks. Is there a better candidate out there in the pool of younger coaches?

 

[Bank of Hawk]

@torbee hates the idea of a McCollum led program on the on3 board.

 

[torbee]

@torbee hates the idea of a McCollum led program on the on3.

Not true at all. I really like his resume.

All I’ve said is anyone thinking a change in coaches is going to magically make Iowa a much better program could end up being disappointed as coaching changes often lead to similar or even worse results than the previous regime.

 

[BurgHawk87]

Not true at all. I really like his resume.

All I’ve said is anyone thinking a change in coaches is going to magically make Iowa a much better program could end up being disappointed as coaching changes often lead to similar or even worse results than the previous regime.

There is no magic cure, but doing the exact same thing with incrementally worse results surely isn't the way forward. I'd rather be disappointed with "fresh blood" than disappointed with the same old shit.

 

[hogghawk]

Not true at all. I really like his resume.

All I’ve said is anyone thinking a change in coaches is going to magically make Iowa a much better program could end up being disappointed as coaching changes often lead to similar or even worse results than the previous regime.

Fran had 15 years to put us in the sweet 16. He hasn’t done it. That’s pretty damn loyal as far as I’m concerned. It’s time for change

 

[RocknRollface]

Not true at all. I really like his resume.

All I’ve said is anyone thinking a change in coaches is going to magically make Iowa a much better program could end up being disappointed as coaching changes often lead to similar or even worse results than the previous regime.

Yep, everyone understands this but keeping Fran is not a viable option so that means the only other option is trying something else.

 

[HawkeyeHitman]

Not true at all. I really like his resume.

All I’ve said is anyone thinking a change in coaches is going to magically make Iowa a much better program could end up being disappointed as coaching changes often lead to similar or even worse results than the previous regime.

This butt pirate doesn’t want the McCaffery’s and their progressive views to leave Iowa. The wannabe John Oliver wants to a progressive podcast with Conner and Patrick.

 

[HawkLogic]

Not true at all. I really like his resume.

All I’ve said is anyone thinking a change in coaches is going to magically make Iowa a much better program could end up being disappointed as coaching changes often lead to similar or even worse results than the previous regime.

That is obvious.

However if the next guy went 15 years with 0 sweet16s it would take a worst case hire to do that bad.

 

[nosok23]

Yes, Iowa would be foolish not to reach out.

I also like that he’s 43.

Iowa needs a younger perspective in both football and basketball IMO.

Been saying this for a while!

 

[HawkBall23]

I'm really starting to swing my perspective around from Devries to McCollom.

Not only is he likely a bit younger, but also the guy has proven he can take groups made of lesser talent and mold them into winners.

Because let's be brutally honest. Even with revenue sharing coming, Iowa is never gonna have roster(s) of only 4 & 5 star recruits or transfers. Sure, they'll luck into a few random ones here and there, but not consistently full rosters of ultra-talented athletes.


Tldr point is, McCollom seems to have some sustained experience at turning rusty copper into gold.

 

[Fran-Con-2]

Not true at all. I really like his resume.

All I’ve said is anyone thinking a change in coaches is going to magically make Iowa a much better program could end up being disappointed as coaching changes often lead to similar or even worse results than the previous regime.

I understand that, but change is imminent regardless.

That being said, I have two questions for you and board: (1) is DeVries clearly a better candidate than McCollum or is it closer to a tossup; and (2) does DeVries' buyout at all impact the administrations decision?

 

[joelbc1]

Been saying this for a while!

Kirk was about that age when he started at Iowa…. And every year he got a year older!
People age every year….so you want the next UIowa men’s basketball coach NOT to age? Is that what you’re looking for? Or do you want UIowa to mandate a retirement age for its coaches?

 

[BurgHawk87]

Kirk was about that age when he started at Iowa…. And every year he got a year older!
People age every year….so you want the next UIowa men’s basketball coach NOT to age? Is that what you’re looking for? Or do you want UIowa to mandate a retirement age for its coaches?

Clearly what the poster meant. Excellent inference.

 

[General Tso]

 

[icwesthawk]

This butt pirate doesn’t want the McCaffery’s and their progressive views to leave Iowa. The wannabe John Oliver wants to a progressive podcast with Conner and Patrick.

 

[SCHawkFan]

I think McCollum is the easy choice. Born in Iowa City to a woman who has three degrees from the U of IA, including her law degree. McCollum’s mother spent a few years as an assistant DA in Johnson County, so likely had a few run ins with U of IA athletes .

McCollum has a ridiculous .817 winning percentage as a coach over 16 seasons. His teams have won four national championships. And he’s young.

For me, this is a no brainer.

 

[nosok23]

Kirk was about that age when he started at Iowa…. And every year he got a year older!
People age every year….so you want the next UIowa men’s basketball coach NOT to age? Is that what you’re looking for? Or do you want UIowa to mandate a retirement age for its coaches?

I believe no matter the age if your not producing you need to move on! KF is 69 and the program is quite stagnant so getting a younger coach just like KF was when he first started could reenergize that program. Same could be said for 65 year old FM. I think younger coaches have a better feel of the new age that were in with the NIL, culture, portal, etc. These old dogs just don't buy into what needs to be done to get over the hump and start winning again. Iowa St. has 2 young coaches that seem to be doing alright. That pains me to say!

 

[HawkBall23]

This one feels really important. Even more so than dropping the ball on not moving on from FM and snagging up Devries in the offseason last Spring.

Like if BethG doesn't get BM, he's gonna go somewhere else - somewhere like Indiana - and just turn himself into an even more immediate national name that he already is.

Unless Beth has got her heart set on Devries, or someone better - than both him and McCollum - this has to be the pick, imo.


Gonna be a long few weeks of speculation and waiting.

 

[perryhawk]

I recently watched a video on YouTube with McCollum…. I believe he said something about the pace of play being dependent on the players he has.

As mentioned above…..he has a ridiculously high winning percentage….the guy knows how to coach basketball. Kinda like Bo Ryan?

My wild ass guess is that he’s affordable along with getting enough money to significantly help NIL.

He could fail at this level……so could Devries or anyone else…..but I think he might take a year or two to figure it out and then produce the kind of results we’d all be happy with. I think this is a VERY SMART young coach.

 

[joelbc1]

I believe no matter the age if your not producing you need to move on! KF is 69 and the program is quite stagnant so getting a younger coach just like KF was when he first started could reenergize that program. Same could be said for 65 year old FM. I think younger coaches have a better feel of the new age that were in with the NIL, culture, portal, etc. These old dogs just don't buy into what needs to be done to get over the hump and start winning again. Iowa St. has 2 young coaches that seem to be doing alright. That pains me to say!

How has Kirk “failed” tge UIowa football program? How had Fran “failed” as the basketball coach?
Because they didn’t meet your expectations? The is not “failure”… sorry.
The “NIL” and “portal” a re what…3-4 years old? Seems to me some “old dog” coaches like Day, Sabin and Snart have done well over the past several years. Maybe YOU need to up your ante and start giving a lot more $$ to your favorite college sports programs so they can be competitive…

 

[nu2u]

I understand that, but change is imminent regardless.

That being said, I have two questions for you and board: (1) is DeVries clearly a better candidate than McCollum or is it closer to a tossup; and (2) does DeVries' buyout at all impact the administrations decision?

1) tossup
2) no

I favor McCollum. Iowa should not be deterred by a Devries-level buy out. IF Goetz believes that JD is the right candidate to resurrect Iowa MBB (which is desperately needed) you make the investment.

 

[nosok23]

How has Kirk “failed” tge UIowa football program? How had Fran “failed” as the basketball coach?
Because they didn’t meet your expectations? The is not “failure”… sorry.
The “NIL” and “portal” a re what…3-4 years old? Seems to me some “old dog” coaches like Day, Sabin and Snart have done well over the past several years. Maybe YOU need to up your ante and start giving a lot more $$ to your favorite college sports programs so they can be competitive…

I didn’t say anything about failure! What’s your definition of success… I think having 15 years and little success in March is enough to no longer have a job at this school. KF has done little lately other than beat teams from the weak ass Big Ten West. When was the last time either coached beat a ranked team. You’re part of the problem if you think that there should be a coaching change. Ryan Day is in his 40s. Sabin and Smart are at Bluebloods! People aren’t giving to the NIL fund because there tired of these coaches especially Fran!

 

[Fran-Con-2]

1) tossup
2) no

I favor McCollum. Iowa should not be deterred by a Devries-level buy out. IF Goetz believes that JD is the right candidate to resurrect Iowa MBB (which is desperately needed) you make the investment.

I guess the thing selling me on McCollum over Devries: McCollum’s name will be attached to just about every major opening this cycle. I don’t think Devries’ will be.

 

[hexumhawk]

I been on this train for a while as a NWMS alum. Dude can flat out coach and somebody is going to grab him soon- hope it is Iowa.

 

[joelbc1]

I didn’t say anything about failure! What’s your definition of success… I think having 15 years and little success in March is enough to no longer have a job at this school. KF has done little lately other than beat teams from the weak ass Big Ten West. When was the last time either coached beat a ranked team. You’re part of the problem if you think that there should be a coaching change. Ryan Day is in his 40s. Sabin and Smart are at Bluebloods! People aren’t giving to the NIL fund because there tired of these coaches especially Fran!

Really?
Chicken or egg?
Ante up! Give more $$…
Or are you refusing to support a proven FB coach until he gets what you consider a quality win?
In FB, the “power” and “the $$” has always been in The East. Remind nd if the last time a West team has upset an East team… I’m sure it has happened just can’t remember the last time.
Fran and BB is its own problem. This has been a really bad year. Talent wise and injury wise. Overall, Gran has done a decent job… not up to your standards obviously. Better than Lick…better than Alford….that covers the last 30 years of Iowa basketball…Lute won (tied) for a title in the early 80’s…Miller won one in ‘70…. What are your expectations and criteria for Iowa basketball?

 

[jonesy5960]

This butt pirate doesn’t want the McCaffery’s and their progressive views to leave Iowa. The wannabe John Oliver wants to a progressive podcast with Conner and Patrick.

Another incredibly insightful response from da Hitman. I don't know how these boards would survive without your rapier wit and on point commentary.

 

[ObeseMuffins]

What was his pace of play while at the Missouri school?

 

[hawkeyeinmo]

What was his pace of play while at the Missouri school?

Above it says his pace of play was dependent on his personnel.

 

[onlyTheObvious]

If Iowa doesn’t move on from Fran then being the AD at Iowa is one of the easiest jobs in all of college sports and frankly by a wide margin.

Do nothing, even make serious financial mistakes and it’s still impossible to lose your well paying job. $100 million rolls into the piggy bank from TV no matter how awful you are. Lose lawsuits, but keep job. Watch attendance in 2nd biggest sport drop to unheard of levels, but keep job.

AD at Iowa is like winning the lottery.

 

[BeepBeepInMyJeep]

Not true at all. I really like his resume.

All I’ve said is anyone thinking a change in coaches is going to magically make Iowa a much better program could end up being disappointed as coaching changes often lead to similar or even worse results than the previous regime.

Did Fran do better than Lickliter?

Sometimes a coaching hire will make the program better, sometimes worse, sometimes doesn’t really change it at all.

Thank you Nostradamus.

 

[joelbc1]

What was his pace of play while at the Missouri school?

Fast enough to win…slow enough not to lose…
If you can coach, you can probably coach any level..

 

[Gus is dead]

even worse results than the previous regime.

Not possible.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

I've seen a few turn up their nose at the idea, but I'm banging the drum for McCollum if the next coach comes from the up and comer ranks. Is there a better candidate out there in the pool of younger coaches?

Can McCollum lead Iowa to a national championship?

 

[M&Shawk]

How has Kirk “failed” tge UIowa football program? How had Fran “failed” as the basketball coach?
Because they didn’t meet your expectations? The is not “failure”… sorry.
The “NIL” and “portal” a re what…3-4 years old? Seems to me some “old dog” coaches like Day, Sabin and Snart have done well over the past several years. Maybe YOU need to up your ante and start giving a lot more $$ to your favorite college sports programs so they can be competitive…

Saban retired as soon as everyone else could pay players same as he had been doing for years before it was legal. Ryan day is 45

 

[kceasthawk]

There is no magic cure, but doing the exact same thing with incrementally worse results surely isn't the way forward. I'd rather be disappointed with "fresh blood" than disappointed with the same old shit.

Exactly. Its to the point where it looks like were not even trying, at least in mens basketball. Haven't given up on football yet with Lester joining the mix, we'll see after a couple of years..

 

[kceasthawk]

If Iowa doesn’t move on from Fran then being the AD at Iowa is one of the easiest jobs in all of college sports and frankly by a wide margin.

Do nothing, even make serious financial mistakes and it’s still impossible to lose your well paying job. $100 million rolls into the piggy bank from TV no matter how awful you are. Lose lawsuits, but keep job. Watch attendance in 2nd biggest sport drop to unheard of levels, but keep job.

AD at Iowa is like winning the lottery.

Please don't put the job Beth is doing on what Barta left her with. Give her a couple of years to clean things up. I'm sure that the buyouts are a factor, (those signed by Barta), and Frans should be manageable before too long..

 

[ICWestfan]

Not true at all. I really like his resume.

All I’ve said is anyone thinking a change in coaches is going to magically make Iowa a much better program could end up being disappointed as coaching changes often lead to similar or even worse results than the previous regime.

My opinion of you has dropped dramatically having found out you're an On3 whore and not 100% loyal to Hawkeye Bacon.