The case for keeping Fran, it's the recruiting.
- Thread starter HawkeyeGenius
- Start date
Stay tuned, we'll be right back...
my future looks fuzzy!!!!
Next year because of the players coming in, and 1 more year because Lewis is only a freshman and needs another year to get up to speed. That will be the narrative, anyway. Especially if the Hawks win a game or two more than this season.another 2 years?
that won't go over well.
I could be wrong.
The recruiting class would have to be much better than what's coming AND Fran would have to make major changes in how he coaches now (like sitting guys for not playing D) before I could be swayed to consider him coming back is a good idea.
Since none of that is happening, and I have zero influence over what the AD and university pres do with Fran, I'll keep not watching their games and be less interested in the outcomes.
Since none of that is happening, and I have zero influence over what the AD and university pres do with Fran, I'll keep not watching their games and be less interested in the outcomes.
Nope, don’t care. He has to go. If we lose Lewis, so be it.
Besides, the “uptick” in recruiting only looks good because our recruiting has been generally poor. A 4* player should not be an outlier, it should be a regularity.
Besides, the “uptick” in recruiting only looks good because our recruiting has been generally poor. A 4* player should not be an outlier, it should be a regularity.
Stay tuned, we'll be right back...
Fran's people may well be negotiating an exit settlement.
everyone is trying to read into Fran's body language (honestly, I think Beth made it clear what's expected during games)
Once upon a time, I argued that some of Fran's on-court antics were more likely to get him on the hot seat than his win-loss record. I'm not sure I still believe that, but I said it.
I will keep watching because I guess I like misery. But I absolutely have lost my passion under McCaffery for Iowa BBall. I just watch well and swear once in awhile at the TV.
Sorry to disappoint you Margaret … if you still defend this coach you are one of about 7 fans - not counting the Mc family ….
I'm not defending McCaffery. I am just a realist that understands that just because I really, really want something, it won't necessarily happen for me. If you're not old enough to realize this, I will simply state that you are in for a world of disappointment.
Maybe this has been noted already in this thread, but it's not a good case for keeping Fran. Guys in, Guys out. With the transfer portal and NIL, a good recruiting class is not a reason to keep a coach. These days, you only have them for one year. And if they bolt for what they see as greener pastures, and some will, even if Fran were to stay, you get someone else. Some school that we're vaguely familiar with has feasted on doing this very thing. No, there are other larger issues/options at play; I doubt Fran will be back next year.
I am a fan of 45+ years (and I am in my 50s) … and used to be on the local IClub board … I understand life my friend …. Fran’s departure is inevitable. Fan apathy growing like weeds… blow out losses … zero Sweet 16s … Year 16 and a .510
conference record. It doesn’t matter what I want … Fran will be rightfully fired (finally)…. And enlighten us why you think BG would dare bring him back when apathy is edging very close to Lick years….So with your wisdom - how many years does Fran get? 17, 18, 21 years? Because Fran’s going to turn the corner … Would you bring him back? If so - please (again) enlighten us as to why?
Fran will be gone … and I have zero concern if players leave etc. it’s worth it in the long run to stop this bleeding into mediocrity with this coach
uhhhh ... what body language?!?
Sitting on the bench or just standing there with your hands in your pockets is about as 'mute' for body language as one can get.
I believe you, I'm just a little more reserved in my forecasting if for no other reason than to temper my expectations.
I don't think too many AD's micro-manage a coach's personality... It is who they are. Most of us probably enjoyed Volcano Fran over Life Support Fran! It's what made him interesting to watch.
pre-2024-25 Fran
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signing two 4* and a 3* over two classes is unheard of for a P5 program. you have to keep him.
I don’t think there is any question that Fran has lost the majority of the fan base.
Of course, I don’t have actual numbers to back that up……but I don’t think I’m wrong.
Made me laugh. Eye is hurting like hell lol.I don't think too many AD's micro-manage a coach's personality... It is who they are. Most of us probably enjoyed Volcano Fran over Life Support Fran! It's what made him interesting to watch.
pre-2024-25 Fran
24-25 Fran
Watching Iowa basketball used to be one of my favorite things to do. Now I don’t watch at all. I don’t think I’m alone. Fran has to go so we can get life back into this program.
I used to get really emotionally involved, but now I watch more as a casual fan. Not good.
"Hawks for 3"...just had a knee replacement 6 weeks ago and having the other one done next week, so I feel your pain!!Hang in there "Hawks for 3! "
There’s no way we’re allowed to come back with that lineup next year.
Hope it goes well."Hawks for 3"...just had a knee replacement 6 weeks ago and having the other one done next week, so I feel your pain!!
Yup. You'd be throwing away a certain final four team for a pig in a poke.
I'm the same way, I live for November to March and Iowa basketball. but since the emergence of NIL, the portal, and unlimited transferring the dynamics have changed big time in college basketball. No longer can a coach like Fran recruit 3 and 4 star high school players and expect to develop them before they contribute and maybe play good enough to make the tournament.
Now NIL, the portal, and unlimited transferring is used to stock college teams with junior, senior, and five year experienced players that pretty much makes teams like Iowa that is coached by a developmental coach obsolete and to make matters worse for Iowa, Fran is not a coach that can attract the high level players that the blue bloods and aggressive college coaches can recruit. That's just the optics that Fran is up against. All the more reason that Fran has to go. He wasn't able to compete against the better coaches before NIL, the portal, and unlimited transferring and now he's really behind the eight ball.
I agree. The days of the age 60+ coaches in developmental programs are going the way of the dinosaur. Non-blue blood programs are going to be coached by younger, more aggressive guys who can work the transfer portal. That’s the future.
I hate to say it but we’ve never been more than mediocre under Fran. Even his good teams flop when it matters, and that’s all that matters.
We need to keep Dix and Freeman. Clean house with everyone else and try and start again. No matter who the coach is. Iowa cannot recruit guards from the high school ranks (Thelwell has been great, Tony Perkins and Josh Dix have been the best in decades but aren’t point guards) and cannot play defense and that hasn’t changed in over fifteen years.
name a player that fran developed that wouldn't have been better off playing for another coach.
IF you want to mention garza please don't respond
IF you want to mention garza please don't respond
I actually look forward to and enjoy Iowa basketball more than football. When I lived near Iowa City going to games was the one thing I looked forward to doing in the winter.
Unless it's simply the matter that big ten basketball is just always going to be down in the modern era because of academic restrictions (which is a legit question IMO), if they get the right coach there's no reason we can't have as much fan enthusiasm and quality of product as ISU currently.
