What kind of coach can Iowa attract?

[tweeterhawk]

The Iowa men’s basketball job is not appealing, let’s be honest. Iowa is not a top-tier program; been decades since we were relevant nationally or in the B1G. After Lute Olson and maybe Tom Davis, no history of winning coaches. Not going to attract 4- or 5-star recruits to a state that is not racially diverse. Disgruntled fan base. Minimal donor support and even less for NIL. Older playing facility that is rarely more than half full for men’s basketball; minimal support from students.

About the only plus is a record of tolerance for coaching mediocrity. Really hard to fail at Iowa.

Whoever the next coach is, they’ll have a heavy lift ahead of them.

Without naming names, what kind of coaching candidate is Iowa going to attract when Fran is done? Which I believe is now.

 

[Hawksfor3]

The Iowa men’s basketball job is not appealing, let’s be honest. Iowa is not a top-tier program; been decades since we were relevant nationally or in the B1G. After Lute Olson and maybe Tom Davis, no history of winning coaches. Not going to attract 4- or 5-star recruits to a state that is not racially diverse. Disgruntled fan base. Minimal donor support and even less for NIL. Older playing facility that is rarely more than half full for men’s basketball; minimal support from students.

About the only plus is a record of tolerance for coaching mediocrity. Really hard to fail at Iowa.

Whoever the next coach is, they’ll have a heavy lift ahead of them.

Without naming names, what kind of coaching candidate is Iowa going to attract when Fran is done? Which I believe is now.

Not much to work with in accordance with your first paragraph. Tolerance for mediocrity can only be changed by success. I'd say try to get someone who is a dedicated and proven successful coach at the Div 1 Level. Someone who takes pride in the program, can develop the players as best as possible in ALL aspects of the game, and of course, run a clean and respectable program. Not much. But at this point, I can't pinpoint anyone in particular. Maybe a coach that's hungry?

 

[83Hawk]

The Iowa men’s basketball job is not appealing, let’s be honest. Iowa is not a top-tier program; been decades since we were relevant nationally or in the B1G. After Lute Olson and maybe Tom Davis, no history of winning coaches. Not going to attract 4- or 5-star recruits to a state that is not racially diverse. Disgruntled fan base. Minimal donor support and even less for NIL. Older playing facility that is rarely more than half full for men’s basketball; minimal support from students.

About the only plus is a record of tolerance for coaching mediocrity. Really hard to fail at Iowa.

Whoever the next coach is, they’ll have a heavy lift ahead of them.

Without naming names, what kind of coaching candidate is Iowa going to attract when Fran is done? Which I believe is now.

Sorry, I disagree with your belief that the Iowa job is not appealing. As for recruiting…..Iowa State doesn’t seem to have a problem. Last I looked they are in the same state.

For the other things, those can be fixed with the right coach and results.

It irritates me how little many Hawk fans think of the University of Iowa.

 

[AmericaNeedsMe]

A coach who enjoys making millions of dollars a year for a decade and a half by going .500.

There will be no shortage of interest in the position.

 

[the notorious r.d.m.]

I was looking around the nation at head coaches who are 50 and under, have current success, and currently coach at a low- or mid-major program. Some are more familiar than others. I excluded current high-major coaches.

Bucky McMillan (41) at Samford
Will Wade (42) at McNeese State
Ben McCollum (43) at Drake
Eric Olen (44) at UC San Diego
Ross Hodge (44) at North Texas
Brian Wardle (45) at Bradley
Alan Huss (46) at High Point
Bryce Drew (50) at Grand Canyon
Ryan Odom (50) at VCU

I personally feel Alan Huss would be a home run hire. Depending on what Greg McDermott's plans are Alan Huss could be heir-apparent at Creighton.

Bucky McMillan fits the overall culture of Iowa basketball. High scoring, full press defense.

Ross Hodge is a Grant McCasland former assistant. Eric Olen is not dissimilar to McCollum. His journey at UC San Diego has been incredible. Will Wade comes with baggage but wins. Bryce Drew and Ryan Odom speak for themselves.

 

[RocknRollface]

The Iowa men’s basketball job is not appealing, let’s be honest. Iowa is not a top-tier program; been decades since we were relevant nationally or in the B1G. After Lute Olson and maybe Tom Davis, no history of winning coaches. Not going to attract 4- or 5-star recruits to a state that is not racially diverse. Disgruntled fan base. Minimal donor support and even less for NIL. Older playing facility that is rarely more than half full for men’s basketball; minimal support from students.

About the only plus is a record of tolerance for coaching mediocrity. Really hard to fail at Iowa.

Whoever the next coach is, they’ll have a heavy lift ahead of them.

Without naming names, what kind of coaching candidate is Iowa going to attract when Fran is done? Which I believe is now.

The racial make up of the state is not a big factor in attracting high level players.

Money, winning and fan support are the factors. So that's just as bad for Iowa.

With that said, you don't have to land 4 and 5 stars to be good. TJ Otlzerberger is proving that. His top players were mostly unknown mid major guys.

But to win that way you have to have a coach who is very dialed in on exactly what he wants, knows how to identify it and knows how to get it.

I feel like McCollum fits that bill.

Winning will have to proceed fixing many of the other fan related issues.

 

[SCHawkFan]

Iowa can attract a very good coach. They have money and revenue sharing will be huge for them. NIL comes with excitement, and excitement comes with a new coach. I have no worries about a replacement for Fran.

 

[Ladell-hawk]

The racial make up of the state is not a big factor in attracting high level players.

Money, winning and fan support are the factors. So that's just as bad for Iowa.

With that said, you don't have to land 4 and 5 stars to be good. TJ Otlzerberger is proving that. His top players were mostly unknown mid major guys.

But to win that way you have to have a coach who is very dialed in on exactly what he wants, knows how to identify it and knows how to get it.

I feel like McCollum fits that bill.

Winning will have to proceed fixing many of the other fan related issues.

George Raveling was able to attract high level recruits to Iowa. One year he brought in Roy Marble, Ed Horton and BJ Armstrong, all rated in the Top 50 in the Nation. That same season he brought in future pros Kevin Gamble and Les Jepsen. All 5 of his recruits that season played in the NBA.

 

[amahawk]

The Iowa men’s basketball job is not appealing, let’s be honest. Iowa is not a top-tier program; been decades since we were relevant nationally or in the B1G. After Lute Olson and maybe Tom Davis, no history of winning coaches. Not going to attract 4- or 5-star recruits to a state that is not racially diverse. Disgruntled fan base. Minimal donor support and even less for NIL. Older playing facility that is rarely more than half full for men’s basketball; minimal support from students.

About the only plus is a record of tolerance for coaching mediocrity. Really hard to fail at Iowa.

Whoever the next coach is, they’ll have a heavy lift ahead of them.

Without naming names, what kind of coaching candidate is Iowa going to attract when Fran is done? Which I believe is now.

I would like a younger up and comer. 5 or 6 years here and with a couple of NCAA runs. Then they could move on to Duke or somewhere similar and hire another one. No dumb huge contracts or buyouts needed. Next man in.

 

[ZumaHawk]

RnR made some good points but his best point imo was fans. Disgruntled fan base and it’s not just Men’s Basketball!

 

[RocknRollface]

RnR made some good points but his best point imo was fans. Disgruntled fan base and it’s not just Men’s Basketball!

Winning is the only fix imo. The average fans won't get excited before the winning starts.

 

[perryhawk]

Iowa basketball coaches position will be recognized as a very good job.

We are in, unarguably, one of if not the wealthiest conferences in the country….

We will be in a very secure and strong position to pay players a guaranteed salary starting next season.

This high profile conference plays from coast to coast.

A new coach will most likely provide enough excitement to get NIL in a good place….

Iowa traditionally provides a level of job security that coaches only hope for.

Facilities aren’t cutting edge……but they aren’t the terrible disadvantage that some fans make them out to be.

For an ambitious young coach (McCollum or Devries) this would be a GREAT JOB. We won’t get Coach K out of retirement, Calipari, or Rick Pitino…..but we can do pretty well.

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

So hilarious that some fans think that coaching at Iowa isn't an attractive job. Yeah, it would suck coaching at a school that regularly finishes in the upper division of the Big Ten, playing on national TV every game and having loads of resources, that's put multiple players in the NBA the past several years. JFC. Obviously fans are disappointed with the current regime's performance, particularly in the postseason, but stop acting like Iowa is a mid-tier Summit League school. Have some respect for yourselves. Unreal how badly KF has brainwashed so many people into the "Li'l ole Iowa' attitude.

 

[AmericaNeedsMe]

So hilarious that some fans think that coaching at Iowa isn't an attractive job. Yeah, it would suck coaching at a school that regularly finishes in the upper division of the Big Ten, playing on national TV every game and having loads of resources, that's put multiple players in the NBA the past several years. JFC. Obviously fans are disappointed with the current regime's performance, particularly in the postseason, but stop acting like Iowa is a mid-tier Summit League school. Have some respect for yourselves. Unreal how badly KF has brainwashed so many people into the "Li'l ole Iowa' attitude.

lol

I immediately ignore anyone who uses the term "upper division finish" like it's some kind of legitimate standard recognized by everyone in the college basketball world.

It's not. It's nothing but a pathetic cope. Like finishing 8th in an 18 team league automatically means you're relevant.

 

[TampaHawkfan]

lol

I immediately ignore anyone who uses the term "upper division finish" like it's some kind of legitimate standard recognized by everyone in the college basketball world.

It's not. It's nothing but a pathetic cope. Like finishing 8th in an 18 team league automatically means you're relevant.

Yeah "upper division" meant more when the Big Ten was actually the Big TEN.

Kind of like "We've made a bowl game for 15 straight years!" That also used to mean more 30-40 years ago when half of D1 didn't get invited to a bowl.

 

[TampaHawkfan]

So hilarious that some fans think that coaching at Iowa isn't an attractive job. Yeah, it would suck coaching at a school that regularly finishes in the upper division of the Big Ten, playing on national TV every game and having loads of resources, that's put multiple players in the NBA the past several years. JFC. Obviously fans are disappointed with the current regime's performance, particularly in the postseason, but stop acting like Iowa is a mid-tier Summit League school. Have some respect for yourselves. Unreal how badly KF has brainwashed so many people into the "Li'l ole Iowa' attitude.

I'm not saying Iowa is the top job out there, but any job in the Big Ten can't possibly be a totally unattractive opportunity.

 

[Fan In Black]

my only condition is that the coach next year wasn't employed as the HC at Iowa this year.

 

[hexumhawk]

Iowa is still a P5 job in arguably the best BB conference in the country. There are some things that they can improve on but it is still an attractive job.

 

[Beattheohiostate]

The Iowa men’s basketball job is not appealing, let’s be honest. Iowa is not a top-tier program; been decades since we were relevant nationally or in the B1G. After Lute Olson and maybe Tom Davis, no history of winning coaches. Not going to attract 4- or 5-star recruits to a state that is not racially diverse. Disgruntled fan base. Minimal donor support and even less for NIL. Older playing facility that is rarely more than half full for men’s basketball; minimal support from students.

About the only plus is a record of tolerance for coaching mediocrity. Really hard to fail at Iowa.

Whoever the next coach is, they’ll have a heavy lift ahead of them.

Without naming names, what kind of coaching candidate is Iowa going to attract when Fran is done? Which I believe is now.

Read the SI article linked in my post and you may see that Drake's Ben McCollom--or someone similar--could do relatively great things at Iowa. Before Bo Ryan was hired at Wisconsin, the Badgers had NO history of basketball success. But in the decades since Ryan, Wisconsin--WISCONSIN--has been a consistent Big Ten and national contender. So anyone who claims Iowa can't succeed under someone like McCollom just isn't being realistic. Of course Iowa can be a relevant program again. Coaching matters.

 

[Macbride79]

lol

I immediately ignore anyone who uses the term "upper division finish" like it's some kind of legitimate standard recognized by everyone in the college basketball world.

It's not. It's nothing but a pathetic cope. Like finishing 8th in an 18 team league automatically means you're relevant.

Chad Leistikow has really embraced the "upper division" regular season finish reason to keep Fran.

 

[ozzie8]

Chad Leistikow has really embraced the "upper division" regular season finish reason to keep Fran.

That dude loves to kiss ass of every Iowa coach

 

[Rambler Hawk]

Read the SI article linked in my post and you may see that Drake's Ben McCollom--or someone similar--could do relatively great things at Iowa. Before Bo Ryan was hired at Wisconsin, the Badgers had NO history of basketball success. But in the decades since Ryan, Wisconsin--WISCONSIN--has been a consistent Big Ten and national contender. So anyone who claims Iowa can't succeed under someone like McCollom just isn't being realistic. Of course Iowa can be a relevant program again. Coaching matters.

It was awhile back, but BUTLER made back to back NC game appearances…so yeah, it can be done at Iowa. 😎

 

[tweeterhawk]

I'm not saying Iowa is the top job out there, but any job in the Big Ten can't possibly be a totally unattractive opportunity.

With an NIL last in the B1G Iowa men’s basketball could be a coaching graveyard like Iowa State football was for years.

 

[TampaHawkfan]

With an NIL last in the B1G Iowa men’s basketball could be a coaching graveyard like Iowa State football was for years.

Hope not. Someone has got to find a way to generate some interest and maybe get some additional funds funneled into where they're needed.

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

lol

I immediately ignore anyone who uses the term "upper division finish" like it's some kind of legitimate standard recognized by everyone in the college basketball world.

It's not. It's nothing but a pathetic cope. Like finishing 8th in an 18 team league automatically means you're relevant.

You did a superb job of cherry picking my post and completely missing the strong point that was made. You must be quite the message board veteran.

 

[joelbc1]

Read the SI article linked in my post and you may see that Drake's Ben McCollom--or someone similar--could do relatively great things at Iowa. Before Bo Ryan was hired at Wisconsin, the Badgers had NO history of basketball success. But in the decades since Ryan, Wisconsin--WISCONSIN--has been a consistent Big Ten and national contender. So anyone who claims Iowa can't succeed under someone like McCollom just isn't being realistic. Of course Iowa can be a relevant program again. Coaching matters.

The Wisconsin statement just is not true Beat….Wisky was on a big upswing for about a decade before Bo took over. Bo really took off, though. But Dick Bennet got them turned around.

 

[TampaHawkfan]

The Wisconsin statement just is not true Beat….Wisky was on a big upswing for about a decade before Bo took over. Bo really took off, though. But Dick Bennet got them turned around.

Bennett somehow navigated his way to a Final Four with a team that was an 8 seed. I'll grant them that. Otherwise, he had a couple of first round losses. Nothing that anyone at Iowa hadn't already accomplished. They were competitive for sure, but I certainly wouldn't call it a "big upswing", depending on your definition. That FF seemed a little fluky.

 

[ozzie8]

Bennett somehow navigated his way to a Final Four with a team that was an 8 seed. I'll grant them that. Otherwise, he had a couple of first round losses. Nothing that anyone at Iowa hadn't already accomplished. They were competitive for sure, but I certainly wouldn't call it a "big upswing", depending on your definition. That FF seemed a little fluky.

Correct. They were 8-8 in the big ten the year they went to the Final Four. With that said, Bennett had his style and it did give them a chance against almost anyone.

 

[Titanhawk2]

There was a six year stretch in Dr. Tom's Iowa stint where we were in the exact middle or bottom half of the conference, but for one.

Fran, excepting this year, has been in the top half of the league six years in a row. And, except for his first two seasons, this will only be his second year at worse than 6th in league.

 

[AmericaNeedsMe]

There was a six year stretch in Dr. Tom's Iowa stint where we were in the exact middle or bottom half of the conference, but for one.

Fran, excepting this year, has been in the top half of the league six years in a row. And, except for his first two seasons, this will only be his second year at worse than 6th in league.

Ok.....?

Go on....

What does any of that mean? How many years is there a 3 or 4 way tie for 3d or 4th or 5th place?

It's a metric that is absolutely meaningless. Even in full context, it's absolutely meaningless.

Wow, man! We got a single bye in the BTT 3 out of the last 7 years! This must be a top program!! lol

Let me ask you this: would you rather finish in the bottom half of the Big Ten most years but still have 2 Big Ten Regular season titles, and a sweet sixteen, or have 'upper division finishes' most years and actually win nothing?

Hint: If you're even a little slow to answer this question, it's because you're a rube who has bought into the spin.

Fran will end up a little worse than .500 in the Big Ten for his career. He will have ZERO second weekend tourney appearances and ZERO big ten titles, and one BTT title.

You can try to spin that with all the made-up, cringe coping terms you want but nobody buys it except for upper division dumb asses.

Who even came up with this term? Margaret? Fran's agent? lmao

"This will really dazzle the rubes, ready? -- 'upper division finishes.'" "It's even better than 'body of work.'"

This is what matters in the college basketball world in order of importance:

1. NCAA Tournament banner level success.
2. Conference title hardware.
3. Conference tournament hardware.

4.5.6... all-Americans/all-big ten players, weeks in AP poll, high NCAA seeds, NBA players etc. etc.

 

[83Hawk]

Ok.....?

Go on....

What does any of that mean? How many years is there a 3 or 4 way tie for 3d or 4th or 5th place?

It's a metric that is absolutely meaningless. Even in full context, it's absolutely meaningless.

Wow, man! We got a single bye in the BTT 3 out of the last 7 years! This must be a top program!! lol

Fran will end up a little worse than .500 in the Big Ten for his career. You can try to spin that with all the made-up, cringe coping terms you want but nobody buys it except for upper division dumb asses.

Who even came up with this term? Margaret? Fran's agent? lmao

"This will really dazzle the rubes, ready? -- 'upper division finishes.'" "It's even better than 'body of work.'"

Kinda like “March situations”. Or when Dan McCarney talked about Iowa State competing for “bowl championships”.

 

[onlyTheObvious]

Lots of coaches would jump at the job if you get 16 years to make sweet 16.

It’s about money in pocket. For the coach and now the players. No need to overthink it.

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

Correct. They were 8-8 in the big ten the year they went to the Final Four. With that said, Bennett had his style and it did give them a chance against almost anyone.

SHHHH! You just gave away the secret to winning in the postseason that no Iowa basketball coach is allowed to know....

 

[joelbc1]

SHHHH! You just gave away the secret to winning in the postseason that no Iowa basketball coach is allowed to know....

With Bennett, he played “Kirk ball” with a basketball…decent defense but they absolutely held on to the ball every possession and kept scores low. The whole game Bennett played was designed about controlling tempo. His boy coaches the same way.

 

[83Hawk]

Iowa won’t be looking for a coach until Fran decides to retire…however number of years that may be.

 

[MikeyHawk]

Iowa basketball coaches position will be recognized as a very good job.

We are in, unarguably, one of if not the wealthiest conferences in the country….

We will be in a very secure and strong position to pay players a guaranteed salary starting next season.

This high profile conference plays from coast to coast.

A new coach will most likely provide enough excitement to get NIL in a good place….

Iowa traditionally provides a level of job security that coaches only hope for.

Facilities aren’t cutting edge……but they aren’t the terrible disadvantage that some fans make them out to be.

For an ambitious young coach (McCollum or Devries) this would be a GREAT JOB. We won’t get Coach K out of retirement, Calipari, or Rick Pitino…..but we can do pretty well.

outstanding post

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

Sorry, I disagree with your belief that the Iowa job is not appealing. As for recruiting…..Iowa State doesn’t seem to have a problem. Last I looked they are in the same state.

For the other things, those can be fixed with the right coach and results.

It irritates me how little many Hawk fans think of the University of Iowa.

This.

Sums it up in fewer words than I would express.

 

[ToddStrong]

It's much easier to become a big fish in basketball. In football Iowa will never be Michigan or Ohio State. But in basketball you have small colleges like Gonzaga, Creighton, Butler, Xavier and Saint Johns who can become powers with the right coach.

Iowa makes a lot more money than Iowa State. Yet Iowa State almost made the CFP and is a yearly lock for the NCAA tournament.

 

[thewop]

We should throw everything at Darren devries. He can do it.

 

[Pilsner]

It's much easier to become a big fish in basketball. In football Iowa will never be Michigan or Ohio State. But in basketball you have small colleges like Gonzaga, Creighton, Butler, Xavier and Saint Johns who can become powers with the right coach.

None of these schools have a D1 football program. They can focus their resources on basketball.

Iowa makes a lot more money than Iowa State. Yet Iowa State almost made the CFP and is a yearly lock for the NCAA tournament.

ISU basketball has a sugar daddy (forget his name, some big ag business guy), Iowa doesn't (yet).