This alone tells you all you need to know on DM and why he will be gone

[TBS_20]

So I'm torn. Dan has us playing as a Thursday night team for a 3rd year in a row. So we could warrant telling him 'its us not you', you need to find an opportunity at a bigger school with more resources to help you in your journey. And it would be at the end of the season, unless he punches a ref or a cheerleader has a baby that looks like him or something here in the next 3 weeks, he's here till March 4th regardless.

But we get rid of Dan, and I'm 99.9% sure, Flemming, Reeves, & Horne all find other opportunities at other universities (I'm not sure they stay even if Dan is here, but it's more likely Dan has already stroked the ego of their handlers enough that it would have to be perfect for them to walk). But with them gone that puts us guaranteed for next year, and probably the year after on Thursday night too, because the new guy will be 'building his culture'. And on top of that to 'build his culture' it likely means playing a lot of Our Sisters of the Poor teams, like Jank used to do.

I think the New AD has to really think about pulling the plug on Dan. Because if he does, and the move backfires, he is getting rid of coach that has a lot of Fanbase love and his butt would be on the hot seat with donors. Do I want him to go? I don't know, I enjoy it more when we win, so based on the last 2 years, maybe it's time for a new voice. Do I want him to stay? I don't know, because I could see us getting even worse with a new guy before it got better, and then when we get close and good, that guy walks to take an assistant coaching job at a football school and takes the top point guard with him, putting us in the close but no cigar scenario we were in 9 years ago.

If he stays were guaranteed Thursday night too. Let's be honest. Let the wound start healing. Sooner we remedy it the sooner it's fixed

 

[Birdfriend72]

2nd Year and he was an assistant to Porter Moser

Pretty simple - want a new coach -email and call the new AD. I did. Granted I'm just me - but you get 100 calls and emails then you get a guy who (if not already set on making the new move) will need to consider it strongly. Brennan gave Spack a nice write up in Panty. Will be interesting whether he does same for Dan after the season or just pulls the trigger and _/. Can t

If he stays were guaranteed Thursday night too. Let's be honest. Let the wound start healing. Sooner we remedy it the sooner it's fixed

As much as I like the 3 guards mentioned...that shouldn't be the determining factor whether Dan stays or go's. I don't see those three players getting us to the NCAA tournament before Dan leaves without some much need inside help. It's going to take more than a project recruit.

 

[ISU86]

So I'm torn. Dan has us playing as a Thursday night team for a 3rd year in a row. So we could warrant telling him 'its us not you', you need to find an opportunity at a bigger school with more resources to help you in your journey. And it would be at the end of the season, unless he punches a ref or a cheerleader has a baby that looks like him or something here in the next 3 weeks, he's here till March 4th regardless.

But we get rid of Dan, and I'm 99.9% sure, Flemming, Reeves, & Horne all find other opportunities at other universities (I'm not sure they stay even if Dan is here, but it's more likely Dan has already stroked the ego of their handlers enough that it would have to be perfect for them to walk). But with them gone that puts us guaranteed for next year, and probably the year after on Thursday night too, because the new guy will be 'building his culture'. And on top of that to 'build his culture' it likely means playing a lot of Our Sisters of the Poor teams, like Jank used to do.

I think the New AD has to really think about pulling the plug on Dan. Because if he does, and the move backfires, he is getting rid of coach that has a lot of Fanbase love and his butt would be on the hot seat with donors. Do I want him to go? I don't know, I enjoy it more when we win, so based on the last 2 years, maybe it's time for a new voice. Do I want him to stay? I don't know, because I could see us getting even worse with a new guy before it got better, and then when we get close and good, that guy walks to take an assistant coaching job at a football school and takes the top point guard with him, putting us in the close but no cigar scenario we were in 9 years ago.

Good synopsis. Personally, it would not be the end of my world if the new AD decides to ride Dan another year, but I would hope their would be other program changes linked to it (such as assistant coach(es)) if he does.

 

[TBS_20]

Good synopsis. Personally, it would not be the end of my world if the new AD decides to ride Dan another year, but I would hope their would be other program changes linked to it (such as assistant coach(es)) if he does.

Why would assistants want to come to a lame duck coach? The ones who do will be the last of the bunch. The fillers

 

[jamminjamarsmiley]

I thought I read on this board Belcher and Jones were supposedly two big time assistant coach hires by Dan. Now we moved onto blaming them for his failures?

 

[Adunk33]

You said a lot of good. The thing I don’t get is the failures of Dan as a coach don’t diminish what he accomplished as a player. It’s okay to still love Dan the player and person and accept that a new voice is needed.

This happens a lot throughout sports. A beloved player comes back to lead to a team to some success but can never get over the hump. First example that pops into my head is Mike Matheny with the Cardinals. If not for Yadi, he might be considered the top catcher in Cardinals' history. Great player, gave Cardinal fans great memories, but he seemed to be banking on that as a manager. The Cubs could be finding themselves in a similar position with Ross.

As for Muller, it's been stated time and time again. I'm not advocating we keep him, I think at this juncture, few are. It's just easy to take a look at the full picture and see that it's not happening after this season. However, if he doesn't finish at the very least in the top 3 next season, the AD has to see that its time. I could also see that after next season, say Muller finishes 4th/5th and makes a run in STL to Sunday, the AD says, "We've seen improvement from last year to this year so it makes sense to keep him on for continued growth (subtext: might as well save the money)."

Due to financials and financials only, I say he gets the 2021-22 season to show significant growth. If that doesn't happen, he ought to be out the door. As I'm sure 4-5 posters will point out, "It's year 9, what makes you think he'll show improvement." Nothing, nothing at all. I do think that for the first time since his first real recruiting class (Lee, Wills, McIntosh, Hawkins....Lynch, unfortunately), he has brought in pieces that can be built on. Yeah, he brought in some JUCO guys, but other than Strong, I don't believe the plan was to heavily rely on them and focus on the freshmen. Specifically with Washington and Fleming but you can toss in Horne as well. Reeves has been really streaky lately, but was going to continue to be a part of the plan. A couple juco bigs to bang in the post would do wonders for a team like this. Unlikely, but we'll see.

I can tell you this, I'm a Redbird fan. I'm never going to stop watching them because I've quite literally been rooting for them my whole life, attending my first game when I was 2. The capacity, in which I do so may alter- perhaps watching more on TV then going in-person (if the world opens again). I hate that the program has been losing so much lately. I think about 30% of the issues have been due to bad luck. Say what you will but 4 years of a healthy Chastain, Elijah Clarance, and Taylor (all would be seniors, pepper in Fisher) and this team is looking much different. Is it competing with Loyola night in and out? Nah, probably not. Lose by 30? Probably not. Could it be in the top 3? I think so. Not that any of it matters, because it didn't happen.

I look forward to the future of Redbird basketball. Whatever changes need to be made will be made, eventually. When will those be? I think after the 2021-22 season, but wouldn't be surprised if it was 22-23. There are most likely only four games left this season, regardless of the outcome of a season, I always look forward to November, when college hoops start back up.

 

[Bird Friend]

Why would assistants want to come to a lame duck coach? The ones who do will be the last of the bunch. The fillers

Assistants will come, because there will be many available and looking for work after other coaches are let go. Some might even think "how would it look to be one of the assistants who turned this program around" . . .

They need a "Yak-like" assistant who can motivate guys to play D. And they need an assistant who can design an effective offensive scheme. As I've said before, if Dan is still here next year, I would hope that Jones would be encouraged to find a head coaching position at a D2, and maybe Reese to look for another coach to assist. I just don't know that I've seen any value from either of them. I think Belcher's recruiting strength is valuable enough to hang on to . . .

 

[ISU86]

I thought I read on this board Belcher and Jones were supposedly two big time assistant coach hires by Dan. Now we moved onto blaming them for his failures?

My personal take would be to retain Belcher, neutral regarding Jones (would listen to input both ways) and seen enough of Reese

 

[CaliRdBrd]

This happens a lot throughout sports. A beloved player comes back to lead to a team to some success but can never get over the hump. First example that pops into my head is Mike Matheny with the Cardinals. If not for Yadi, he might be considered the top catcher in Cardinals' history. Great player, gave Cardinal fans great memories, but he seemed to be banking on that as a manager. The Cubs could be finding themselves in a similar position with Ross.

As for Muller, it's been stated time and time again. I'm not advocating we keep him, I think at this juncture, few are. It's just easy to take a look at the full picture and see that it's not happening after this season. However, if he doesn't finish at the very least in the top 3 next season, the AD has to see that its time. I could also see that after next season, say Muller finishes 4th/5th and makes a run in STL to Sunday, the AD says, "We've seen improvement from last year to this year so it makes sense to keep him on for continued growth (subtext: might as well save the money)."

Due to financials and financials only, I say he gets the 2021-22 season to show significant growth. If that doesn't happen, he ought to be out the door. As I'm sure 4-5 posters will point out, "It's year 9, what makes you think he'll show improvement." Nothing, nothing at all. I do think that for the first time since his first real recruiting class (Lee, Wills, McIntosh, Hawkins....Lynch, unfortunately), he has brought in pieces that can be built on. Yeah, he brought in some JUCO guys, but other than Strong, I don't believe the plan was to heavily rely on them and focus on the freshmen. Specifically with Washington and Fleming but you can toss in Horne as well. Reeves has been really streaky lately, but was going to continue to be a part of the plan. A couple juco bigs to bang in the post would do wonders for a team like this. Unlikely, but we'll see.

I can tell you this, I'm a Redbird fan. I'm never going to stop watching them because I've quite literally been rooting for them my whole life, attending my first game when I was 2. The capacity, in which I do so may alter- perhaps watching more on TV then going in-person (if the world opens again). I hate that the program has been losing so much lately. I think about 30% of the issues have been due to bad luck. Say what you will but 4 years of a healthy Chastain, Elijah Clarance, and Taylor (all would be seniors, pepper in Fisher) and this team is looking much different. Is it competing with Loyola night in and out? Nah, probably not. Lose by 30? Probably not. Could it be in the top 3? I think so. Not that any of it matters, because it didn't happen.

I look forward to the future of Redbird basketball. Whatever changes need to be made will be made, eventually. When will those be? I think after the 2021-22 season, but wouldn't be surprised if it was 22-23. There are most likely only four games left this season, regardless of the outcome of a season, I always look forward to November, when college hoops start back up.

Reasonable post.

 

[jamminjamarsmiley]

This happens a lot throughout sports. A beloved player comes back to lead to a team to some success but can never get over the hump. First example that pops into my head is Mike Matheny with the Cardinals. If not for Yadi, he might be considered the top catcher in Cardinals' history. Great player, gave Cardinal fans great memories, but he seemed to be banking on that as a manager. The Cubs could be finding themselves in a similar position with Ross.

As for Muller, it's been stated time and time again. I'm not advocating we keep him, I think at this juncture, few are. It's just easy to take a look at the full picture and see that it's not happening after this season. However, if he doesn't finish at the very least in the top 3 next season, the AD has to see that its time. I could also see that after next season, say Muller finishes 4th/5th and makes a run in STL to Sunday, the AD says, "We've seen improvement from last year to this year so it makes sense to keep him on for continued growth (subtext: might as well save the money)."

Due to financials and financials only, I say he gets the 2021-22 season to show significant growth. If that doesn't happen, he ought to be out the door. As I'm sure 4-5 posters will point out, "It's year 9, what makes you think he'll show improvement." Nothing, nothing at all. I do think that for the first time since his first real recruiting class (Lee, Wills, McIntosh, Hawkins....Lynch, unfortunately), he has brought in pieces that can be built on. Yeah, he brought in some JUCO guys, but other than Strong, I don't believe the plan was to heavily rely on them and focus on the freshmen. Specifically with Washington and Fleming but you can toss in Horne as well. Reeves has been really streaky lately, but was going to continue to be a part of the plan. A couple juco bigs to bang in the post would do wonders for a team like this. Unlikely, but we'll see.

I can tell you this, I'm a Redbird fan. I'm never going to stop watching them because I've quite literally been rooting for them my whole life, attending my first game when I was 2. The capacity, in which I do so may alter- perhaps watching more on TV then going in-person (if the world opens again). I hate that the program has been losing so much lately. I think about 30% of the issues have been due to bad luck. Say what you will but 4 years of a healthy Chastain, Elijah Clarance, and Taylor (all would be seniors, pepper in Fisher) and this team is looking much different. Is it competing with Loyola night in and out? Nah, probably not. Lose by 30? Probably not. Could it be in the top 3? I think so. Not that any of it matters, because it didn't happen.

I look forward to the future of Redbird basketball. Whatever changes need to be made will be made, eventually. When will those be? I think after the 2021-22 season, but wouldn't be surprised if it was 22-23. There are most likely only four games left this season, regardless of the outcome of a season, I always look forward to November, when college hoops start back up.

Must be a young buck here. I got to watch Simmons, McCarver and Pagnozzi play (old fart) and must say they all are well ahead of matheny as a player. Plus, Mike did lead the Cardinals to a World Series as a manager. Not sure that is equivalent to Dan losing on Sunday in Arch Madness. However, this is not a baseball board, so I will leave it at that.

 

[Redbird222]

This happens a lot throughout sports. A beloved player comes back to lead to a team to some success but can never get over the hump. First example that pops into my head is Mike Matheny with the Cardinals. If not for Yadi, he might be considered the top catcher in Cardinals' history. Great player, gave Cardinal fans great memories, but he seemed to be banking on that as a manager. The Cubs could be finding themselves in a similar position with Ross.

As for Muller, it's been stated time and time again. I'm not advocating we keep him, I think at this juncture, few are. It's just easy to take a look at the full picture and see that it's not happening after this season. However, if he doesn't finish at the very least in the top 3 next season, the AD has to see that its time. I could also see that after next season, say Muller finishes 4th/5th and makes a run in STL to Sunday, the AD says, "We've seen improvement from last year to this year so it makes sense to keep him on for continued growth (subtext: might as well save the money)."

Due to financials and financials only, I say he gets the 2021-22 season to show significant growth. If that doesn't happen, he ought to be out the door. As I'm sure 4-5 posters will point out, "It's year 9, what makes you think he'll show improvement." Nothing, nothing at all. I do think that for the first time since his first real recruiting class (Lee, Wills, McIntosh, Hawkins....Lynch, unfortunately), he has brought in pieces that can be built on. Yeah, he brought in some JUCO guys, but other than Strong, I don't believe the plan was to heavily rely on them and focus on the freshmen. Specifically with Washington and Fleming but you can toss in Horne as well. Reeves has been really streaky lately, but was going to continue to be a part of the plan. A couple juco bigs to bang in the post would do wonders for a team like this. Unlikely, but we'll see.

I can tell you this, I'm a Redbird fan. I'm never going to stop watching them because I've quite literally been rooting for them my whole life, attending my first game when I was 2. The capacity, in which I do so may alter- perhaps watching more on TV then going in-person (if the world opens again). I hate that the program has been losing so much lately. I think about 30% of the issues have been due to bad luck. Say what you will but 4 years of a healthy Chastain, Elijah Clarance, and Taylor (all would be seniors, pepper in Fisher) and this team is looking much different. Is it competing with Loyola night in and out? Nah, probably not. Lose by 30? Probably not. Could it be in the top 3? I think so. Not that any of it matters, because it didn't happen.

I look forward to the future of Redbird basketball. Whatever changes need to be made will be made, eventually. When will those be? I think after the 2021-22 season, but wouldn't be surprised if it was 22-23. There are most likely only four games left this season, regardless of the outcome of a season, I always look forward to November, when college hoops start back up.

Good post .... I would throw Madison Williams in there as well

 

[TBS_20]

Say what I will? Chastain and Fisher suck. Williams couldnt keep from handchecking people and wasnt a scoring threat he was just the best PG option out of a group of poor PG's. Bruninga was decent but wasnt a star on a good team. Clarence never wanted to be here it seems so likely he wasnt here anyways. JUST BECAUSE THEYRE ON THE TEAM DOESNT MAKE THEM GOOD. It means its the best Dan has which isnt saying much. They wouldnt be a .500 team with all those seniors.

 

[redbirdfan04]

Say what I will? Chastain and Fisher suck. Williams couldnt keep from handchecking people and wasnt a scoring threat he was just the best PG option out of a group of poor PG's. Bruninga was decent but wasnt a star on a good team. Clarence never wanted to be here it seems so likely he wasnt here anyways. JUST BECAUSE THEYRE ON THE TEAM DOESNT MAKE THEM GOOD. It means its the best Dan has which isnt saying much. They wouldnt be a .500 team with all those seniors.

What is the point of this? Reaching into your magic hat to decide who sucks, or if a player would be good by the time they are a senior is a stretch at best. Also just saying a player sucks has no meaning behind it. Also I'm pretty sure we reserve saying players suck for any player on the Bradley roster! You are now deciding what the team records might have been?

I would counter what you are saying with why can't Dan keep kids all 4/5 years. This would help build the program and wins would come. I put it on him not the players also I put it on the staff to develop kids. As for Chastain his knee injuries ruined his career and Fisher opted out during a pandemic so neither sucked as you say. When they were recruited Dan, the staff, or the player could not see into the future regarding injuries or the pandemic. Clarence saw money and took it, I would not blame anyone for doing this.

 

[TBS_20]

What is the point of this? Reaching into your magic hat to decide who sucks, or if a player would be good by the time they are a senior is a stretch at best. Also just saying a player sucks has no meaning behind it. Also I'm pretty sure we reserve saying players suck for any player on the Bradley roster! You are now deciding what the team records might have been?

I would counter what you are saying with why can't Dan keep kids all 4/5 years. This would help build the program and wins would come. I put it on him not the players also I put it on the staff to develop kids. As for Chastain his knee injuries ruined his career and Fisher opted out during a pandemic so neither sucked as you say. When they were recruited Dan, the staff, or the player could not see into the future regarding injuries or the pandemic. Clarence saw money and took it, I would not blame anyone for doing this.

The right kids could be good after that long. None of them showed potential to be better than mediocre but Clarence and Bruninga

 

[TBS_20]

I could go practice with the Bears for 5 years and I promise I would still suck

 

[Bird Friend]

Seems Fisher was selected 3rd team preseason in the MVC, so I’m guessing many others who watch MVC basketball for a living saw some potential with Fisher. But, of course, these folks don’t nearly as much about basketball as our board posters do.

I’m certain Fisher would have been a pleasant surprise this year. His game improved a lot as the season progressed last year and he became more comfortable with his role.

 

[Phantom]

Most of the points have already been made, but it seems safe to assume that DM gets next year, but that's it. If things don't turn around, they'll find the money somewhere.

I hate to use COVID as a scapegoat, but in a way it is. This whole season is a wash (in many sports/businesses) for that reason. Plus, Brennan is still getting his feet wet in this job and coming in during a pandemic, moving to a new state, etc. he's got a lot on his plate. Maybe he wouldn't want to deal with a HC change in a marquee sport right away? If there is ANY year for us to suck, allowing DM to sneak into one more season, it's this one. On the plus side, these guys have shown improvement and gotten a couple good wins. It's always nice to sweep BU in any season

I don't know. It just feels like with what is a brand new/super young team (not making excuses, it is what it is), plus COVID, a shortened season, new AD, income hits from no fans, etc. DM will get next year at least to get back to winning. If that's the case, then anything shy of 18-20 wins and/or some sort of postseason and his seat goes from hot to ejected.

 

[Baltimore Bird]

Phantom: I think you nailed it right on the head. I watch the games, the bench, etc. Muller has not lost this team. I think they like each other and play hard, not always smart. At times, they play very well and those times give us all (except Cal and Rico) hope. It was a bad year for ISU BBall, but for so many it was a lot worse. The good news is I can go thru the year knowing we beat Bradley home and away.

I fully expect Muller to be back next year and disagree with the title of this thread.

 

[Redbird222]

The right kids could be good after that long. None of them showed potential to be better than mediocre but Clarence and Bruninga

I thought Clarence had the most upside. I thought Fisher demonstrated his capabilities the last half of last year and was better than average. His 3rd team selection seems to suggest so. Chastain was high energy but I agree he was a role player but could contribute. Williams is probably disagree the most.

Williams showed he was athletic, versatile, and always guarded the best offensive guard. He had two more years to progress and I think his sophomore was impacted by the bad knees.

 

[Bird Friend]

Most of the points have already been made, but it seems safe to assume that DM gets next year, but that's it. If things don't turn around, they'll find the money somewhere.

I hate to use COVID as a scapegoat, but in a way it is. This whole season is a wash (in many sports/businesses) for that reason. Plus, Brennan is still getting his feet wet in this job and coming in during a pandemic, moving to a new state, etc. he's got a lot on his plate. Maybe he wouldn't want to deal with a HC change in a marquee sport right away? If there is ANY year for us to suck, allowing DM to sneak into one more season, it's this one. On the plus side, these guys have shown improvement and gotten a couple good wins. It's always nice to sweep BU in any season

I don't know. It just feels like with what is a brand new/super young team (not making excuses, it is what it is), plus COVID, a shortened season, new AD, income hits from no fans, etc. DM will get next year at least to get back to winning. If that's the case, then anything shy of 18-20 wins and/or some sort of postseason and his seat goes from hot to ejected.

I think Brennan's feet are currently frozen . . .