Ohio State assistant Ryan Pedon to be head coach

[Trey_Guidry4three]

It does feel incredibly strange to me. Perhaps it leaked somehow which then forced the official announcement to be made and if this is the case, while still disappointing, I can understand why. Otherwise, the timing is not good and would have been much better for many reasons to be on Monday (after MVC tournament, less to compete with on news cycle where this will get buried slightly, etc)

It does feel a little interesting to me that the first communication (if this report is accurate) with Ryan was on Monday and the entire interviewing and vetting out process happened this quickly. He will have my support and I do know a few people that I'm close with that think extremely highly of him. Admittedly, I am simultaneously feeling a sense of disappointment for other reasons.

My sense is that Ryan was assertive, fully prepared to be aggressive with this opportunity and it was him that "closed the deal" on Kyle and what if any other committee was involved with the search process. I trust he was impressive and professional and based on what I have heard from the few close to me that know him well, he sounds like a really good coach that will bring us success.

You make some good points Doug. I first heard of Pedon as a candidate possibility a couple weeks ago. Perhaps the search firm did not officially reach out until the last week. I'm curious what other candidate(s) you had your heart set on and why ? Love to hear your thoughts as always, Doug.

 

[ISU_79]

This was the quietest search for a head coach ever. Good job by Kyle. Who cares about the timing. His resume is great! Can’t wait for next year!

 

[jamminjamarsmiley]

It does feel incredibly strange to me. Perhaps it leaked somehow which then forced the official announcement to be made and if this is the case, while still disappointing, I can understand why. Otherwise, the timing is not good and would have been much better for many reasons to be on Monday (after MVC tournament, less to compete with on news cycle where this will get buried slightly, etc)

It does feel a little interesting to me that the first communication (if this report is accurate) with Ryan was on Monday and the entire interviewing and vetting out process happened this quickly. He will have my support and I do know a few people that I'm close with that think extremely highly of him. Admittedly, I am simultaneously feeling a sense of disappointment for other reasons.

My sense is that Ryan was assertive, fully prepared to be aggressive with this opportunity and it was him that "closed the deal" on Kyle and what if any other committee was involved with the search process. I trust he was impressive and professional and based on what I have heard from the few close to me that know him well, he sounds like a really good coach that will bring us success.

Timing feels fine to me, was time to rip the band aid off. Feels much less strange than a fired coach sitting courtside watching his old team to be honest

 

[crazzymark]

Ncaa requires the season to be completed. Hope he can recruit and knows the portal well. It is his 1st head coaching position. Was hoping to have a veteran coach but not the ISU way. Going to most likely replace 7 players. Where they go is another post. But wish the best for the newest ISU mbb ahead Coach. Welcome.

 

[DougSutton]

Timing feels fine to me, was time to rip the band aid off. Feels much less strange than a fired coach sitting courtside watching his old team to be honest

I'm more referring from a marketing and PR perspective. Ideally, organizations or athletic departments will consciously and strategically choose to make announcements of key hires on days that have less "noise" during news cycles. Fridays are one of the worst days of the week, especially with conference tournaments going on, Coach K's final game this weekend, etc.

It is what it is, can't go back now and in the big picture it doesn't "hurt", it just wasn't as optimal as it could have otherwise been....

 

[Redbirdmike]

I like it! Solid hire. Pedon has great ties to the Illini and Ohio State and has successfully recruited the Midwest and Big 10 country with top “gets.” He has turned down multiple jobs. This is a good one folks. Step 1 in the return to Redbird glory day of (too long) ago! Get pumped for the future.

 

[jamminjamarsmiley]

I'm more referring from a marketing and PR perspective. Ideally, organizations or athletic departments will consciously and strategically choose to make announcements of key hires on days that have less "noise" during news cycles. Fridays are one of the worst days of the week, especially with conference tournaments going on, Coach K's final game this weekend, etc.

It is what it is, can't go back now and in the big picture it doesn't "hurt", it just wasn't as optimal as it could have otherwise been....

I see what you mean. I think ISU likely felt since they had an agreement with a new coach, let’s just get it out there so there’s no more “secrets” and he can get to work - sort of since he’s still finishing the year with Ohio state.

 

[BirdGrad2011]

An article in The Athletic referred to Pedon having a critical role in the Buckeyes offense that’s been top 15 nationally each of the past 3 years. Also, critical in bringing in the top B1G recruiting class for 2022.

Im excited. Wonder how he fills out the staff. Too early to speculate any roster turnover.

 

[Racine Bird 3813]

Looks like a great hire. I’m surprised how quickly this moved. Maybe our AD is serious about getting our basketball program back on track. We’ve been down for way too long.

 

[Birgs]

I think we're gonna be aight.

 

[jwa123]

Let me push further down the road (farther?) -- will be interesting to see how he sets up his assistants. Does he try to get someone with some direct ties to Chicago/Illinois, or just go with the "best men"? Former player, Big 10 ties, MAC ties??? Will be fun to see it unfold. Wonder if he's already got some guys.

My understanding is our very own Brick is coming out of retirement. All that golf ️ gets boring.

 

[isuquinndog]

I’m sure the timing has to do with OSU as much as anything.

 

[Brick]

My understanding is our very own Brick is coming out of retirement. All that golf ️ gets boring.

Nah JWA golf never gets boring!! Last coached in 1979

 

[ISUBU]

In today's NCAA it's best to have your coach in place asap, so you have the best chance to attract and retain the current college players you want from yours and other programs. Any coaching hole can further set back your program.

 

[Bird Friend]

I'd say his first recruiting priority is Reeves. Not sure it'll do any good, but I think he's got to try to get Tone to return. Or he could convince a big time recruit to come here and dominate for a year or two.

 

[Birds90]

Solid hire that will certainly be well received. More importantly, he is just as likely if not more likely to succeed than the other candidates listed on this board.

I think this has been in the works for a very long time. I wouldn’t be surprised if Brannen got the job in part because he convinced ISU brass that he could land Pedon. The announcement ISU posted when we hired Brannen mentioned that he was mentored by OSU AD Gene Smith since 2013.

Good for ISU, Brannen, and Pedon. But I’m not sure I’m buying any narrative that this was some crazy exhaustive search or that Brannen acted super quickly. This seems more like it was an arranged marriage and ISU did some due diligence on some other guys just in case an unforeseen opening lured him. Moreover it is a bad look to at least not talk to qualified candidates who are interested.

 

[DougSutton]

Solid hire that will certainly be well received. More importantly, he is just as likely if not more likely to succeed than the other candidates listed on this board.

I think this has been in the works for a very long time. I wouldn’t be surprised if Brannen got the job in part because he convinced ISU brass that he could land Pedon. The announcement ISU posted when we hired Brannen mentioned that he was mentored by OSU AD Gene Smith since 2013.

Good for ISU, Brannen, and Pedon. But I’m not sure I’m buying any narrative that this was some crazy exhaustive search or that Brannen acted super quickly. This seems more like it was an arranged marriage and ISU did some due diligence on some other guys just in case an unforeseen opening lured him. Moreover it is a bad look to at least not talk to qualified candidates who are interested.

I do not in any way believe that Kyle name dropped Ryan as a primary reason ISU should hire him as the AD so a year and a half later he could bring Ryan in as our next men's basketball coach in some type of "dual coup". No offense to Ryan at all but I don't think he has been that highly sought after and so far out of reach without the likes of Kyle being able to sway him.

That being said, now that you mention Kyle's relationship to Gene Smith, I do believe it's possible that Gene's desire to help one of his own assistant coaches get promoted coupled with Gene's influence over Kyle, that that could have very well been the catalyst that tipped the scales in Ryan's favor over other candidates, perhaps even a better one.

I am not suggesting that Ryan won't be a great coach and I fully support him now that he's here and have heard very good things about him from a good friend that knows him very well. Just saying that between the scenario you presented and the alternative I shared that I believe what I shared is more likely the case.

 

[bawhale88]

We must have offered some good money. He was making at least $500k as Ohio State assistant.

Ohio State assistant coaches salaries, contracts released

Get the details on what the Buckeye assistants will make this year.

247sports.com

 

[Birds90]

I do not in any way believe that Kyle name dropped Ryan as a primary reason ISU should hire him as the AD so a year and a half later he could bring Ryan in as our next men's basketball coach in some type of "dual coup". No offense to Ryan at all but I don't think he has been that highly sought after and so far out of reach without the likes of Kyle being able to sway him.

That being said, now that you mention the relationship to Gene Smith, I do believe it's possible that Gene's desire to help one of his own assistant coaches get promoted coupled with Gene's influence on Kyle, that that could have been very well been the catalyst that tipped the scales in Ryan's favor over other candidates.

I am not suggesting that Ryan won't be a great coach and I fully support him now that he's here and have heard very good things about him from a good friend that knows him very well. Just saying that between the scenario you presented and the alternative I shared that I believe what I shared is more likely the case.

You are right that Ryan may not move the needle enough for him not have been the driving force in Kyle getting hired.

But I bet ISU decision makers would have felt pretty good knowing that Ryan was the floor hire. That is a very high floor considering his resume as just as good as most of other names out there.

Moreover, I think Kyle’s strengths are being a good guy and being super organized. The weakness on his resume was basketball is king here and Utah frankly stunk at basketball during his tenure there.

I’m guessing this was pretty evident to ISU. So I wouldn’t be surprised if they asked him about it. And I wouldn’t be surprised if his answer was, “I got an in with Pedon.”

 

[DougSutton]

You are right that Ryan may not move the needle enough for him not have been the driving force in Kyle getting hired.

But I bet ISU decision makers would have felt pretty good knowing that Ryan was the floor hire. That is a very high floor considering his resume as just as good as most of other names out there.

Moreover, I think Kyle’s strengths are being a good guy and being super organized. The weakness on his resume was basketball is king here and Utah frankly stunk at basketball during his tenure there.

I’m guessing this was pretty evident to ISU. So I wouldn’t be surprised if they asked him about it. And I wouldn’t be surprised if his answer was, “I got an in with Pedon.”

Understand however no part of me thinks on any level that Ryan's name was ever brought up or considered during Kyle's interviewing process when he was chosen to become Athletic Director.

I have massive respect for Kyle and what he's done since he's been here and trust that he will continue to build a positive impact in all of our athletic programs.

I believe it's a much more likely scenario that Kyle reached out directly to Gene Smith since he has been mentored by him and asked for his opinion of who he should hire to be the next basketball coach. I also strongly believe that Gene's influence over Kyle could have very well been the catalyst that caused Ryan to be hired.

This dynamic could easily play out for any of us if we had a mentor and were being asked to make a big decision. It's understandable that each of us (and Kyle) would lean on the advice of our inner circle and especially mentors. At the same time, this may cause us to make a decision that may not be the best but instead one that we felt the safest with, especially if we felt we had a few great options.

I'm not saying this to take away from Ryan as a potentially a great coach and now that he's hired, I will support him with open arms just as I have with every other coach we've had over the years.