ELynah Forum

It's pretty likely that Donahue is gone after this season - any one feel differently?  I heard people starting a "Save Steve" fund in Ithaca, but I'm not sure that will help.  He knows his stock will never be higher and the money and stakes are higher most everywhere else.  I wonder what jobs will be open that he'd take an interest in?

one thing that might motivate a decision to stay in Ithaca is quality of life. He does have four young children, I believe. Not many leagues where you can have dinner with your kids five nights a week during the season.

That's true.  Even down here in New Mexico, which is considered a mid-major, Steve Alford is basically workin round the clock dealing with various media and community obligations.  In fairness, New Mexico is crazy about the Lobos, but still, imagine what it's like coaching ina  Power 6 conference with any semblance of a basketball program.

Another fair question to ask is how much more the University would be willing to pay to keep Donahue in Ithaca. Wild speculation on my part, but probably no more than $200,000 a year -- $100,000 in salary and another $100,000 for additional travel, recruiting expenses, etc.

The budget for basketball is currently $1.2 MM a year, and I doubt it makes anywhere close to that amount of money. Ticket revenue probably only amounts to $200,000 a year. And even if Cornell makes a run to the Sweet Sixteen this year, how much additional money do you think that would yield in donations?

I think he would jump to a school closer to the Philly area where his family is from.

Fran Dunphy and Pete Carrill both stayed put after having more success than Steve Donahue has had. Carrill stayed until he retired (even though the NBA lured him out of retirement) and Dunphy stayed until the Temple job opened up and he could take it without moving.

I'm sure Donahue will get offers, and I'm sure he got them last year also. Until I hear that he is interested in someplace else - rather than that someplace else is interested in him - I'll assume that he's sticking around. Naive, perhaps, but I'm OK with that.

right now its zero chance he comes back.. but a run in the ncaa might show him you can do it here with a lot less stress.. but we lose enough this year, he may jump ship anyway.

I dont know much about Carrill but Dunphy is a Philly guy and always has been, he wasnt going to leave Penn for anywhere but a Big 5 job.

Donahue was interested in the Penn job 3 years ago and was a final candidate with Miller, Penn picked the wrong guy. I dont see Donahue going for Penn now but I would think he would go for a job that was closer to Philly. Besides Fordham and Penn there really arent any current openings close to Philly but I would not be surprised if there are openings at Rutgers, St Johns or Lasalle at the end of the season

If John Thompson III can go from Princeton to Georgetown after 2 NCAA appearances in 4 years, there's no reason to think Donahue couldn't go to a BCS conference. Granted JT3 had some nepotism going in his favor, but there is definitely a history that Donahue could end up better than in the Rutgers/Lasalle/St Johns area.

I was wondering when someone would start this thread. . .

I think he's gone. The title asked for odds. . . I'd say %70 chance he walks for a low-end Big10 (Penn St?) or BigEast (St. Johns? Rutgers?) school. I agree that he'd like to go back to Philly, but he's not going to be able to, IMO, if he wants to try his hand at the best place available.

I'd say about a 5% chance he stays. At best.

Assuming Donahue is gone, the next question is who do we replace him with? Do they promote an assistant (Nat Graham has been here for 5 years) or do they look nationally? The problem is Cornell doesnt have much appeal nationally for basketball but since it is a DI job someone will want it

Quote from: phillysportsfanAssuming Donahue is gone, the next question is who do we replace him with? Do they promote an assistant (Nat Graham has been here for 5 years) or do they look nationally? The problem is Cornell doesnt have much appeal nationally for basketball but since it is a DI job someone will want it

I understand where your coming from. But geez, isn't a little early to speculate about the man's replacement? Can't we wait at least until the day after the season ends?

Quote from: KeithK

Quote from: phillysportsfanAssuming Donahue is gone, the next question is who do we replace him with? Do they promote an assistant (Nat Graham has been here for 5 years) or do they look nationally? The problem is Cornell doesnt have much appeal nationally for basketball but since it is a DI job someone will want it

I understand where your coming from. But geez, isn't a little early to speculate about the man's replacement? Can't we wait at least until the day after the season ends?

Or how about the day after he resigns? What are we trying to do, tell him to go?

No I definitely dont want him to go, I think it is even too early to discuss if he is leaving. I wish he would stay and make Cornell a force in the conference for many years as Dunphy did at Penn. As discussed in other thread we have to live in the moment with this team as much as possible because it will probably be the best Cornell team in our lifetime unless Donahue stays, then anything is possible

Part of this thread might sound like woofing - you start talking about Donahue leaving and those air molecules moving around your fingers as you type affects the air pressure in Donahue's sinuses when he thinks on what he should do. The other thought is, sure, it's grist for conversation. Who doesn't wonder what a great coach is doing in a place like Cornell when #25 in the nation is about the best you can hope to do? He does this the rest of his life in Ithaca, maybe he'll make the Sweet 16 twice and maybe on a fluke make a Final Four. If he's making in the vincinity of $200K, it sounds like a lot until you plan to save for college and think it would be nice to have a retirement nest egg of investments worth $2 million (their equivalent in 35 years expressed in today's dollars) by the time you retire. Whatever you're earning, it never feels like enough. Someplace else it can be $500K including the shoe contracts and summer camps.

I hope Cornell can sweeten the pot for Donahue if that makes a difference in his staying at least for another couple years. "Cornell" would mean friends of Cornell further endowing his position. I don't believe a Cornell "awash in red ink" (David Skorton's words) has the money in-house. (It just told the theater department to plan on cutting $2 million.) Andy Noel also has a delicate balancing act: He can't let the compensation for Mike Schafer and Jeff Tambroni get out of whack. Over the next decade, it's those two who are going to bring Cornell a national championship. And if the money gets too far out of hand for the name coaches, the faculty will be revolting.

I hope Donahue stays. I fear the example of Pete Caril is the exception that proves the rule. And unless the recruiting class of 2014 is boffo, next year we'll cede the league title to Harvard or Princeton. Any HS senior consider multiple Ivies is going to be told by the other seven schools, "C'mon, you really think Donahue will be back?"

For all we know, he could be planning to remain here for the rest of his life.  Not very likely, but who knows what he's thinking?  We haven't heard any speculation, but all over the press you hear about how schools would be foolish to pass up a guy like Steve Donahue if he was available.  Except for the Ivy League and some other low D1 conferences, basketball (and football) coaches are the highest paid employees.  Providence pays their coach $660K, Holy Cross (TERRIBLE program) pays $450K.  For the right job, Donahue could triple his salary.  And even if he goes to a St. John's, Rutgers et. al and fails in reviving the program, he knows there will always be a job in Ithaca waiting for him : )

I know he basically HAS to say stuff like this, but he did tell the Associated Press last month that he knows he has it good at Cornell and that he's not eager to move on.  I figure he can't say, "I'll bolt to a bigger school if I get the chance," though.  

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/ncaa/wires/12/30/2060.ap.bkc.cornell.big.red.machine.1263/

We're all hoping Donohue stays, but all the more reason to enjoy the team for the next 2 months.

Quote from: MannHermitI know he basically HAS to say stuff like this, but he did tell the Associated Press last month that he knows he has it good at Cornell and that he's not eager to move on.  I figure he can't say, "I'll bolt to a bigger school if I get the chance," though.

Unless he has an offer on the table he has to say that. And frankly he does have it pretty good in Ithaca right now.

Random question: are there tampering rules in college sports?  Could a school offer him a contract at any time?

It seems that with College football, they at least wait until the end of the regular season to start poaching coaches from other programs. I think in college basketball it is after a team has been eliminated from post-season play /end of regular season.

ESPN the Magazine did an article about this with college football. It seems that there are companies/agencies that specialize in the discrete negotiations are becoming popular and help determine if the people on a given university's "wish list" are interested in the job and what it will take to get the coach out of his current contract. I believe they also work in the other direction in helping a coach move to a different school.  Can't find the link to the specific article, but it came out in the Fall 2009.

My guess is that both the St. Johns and Rutgers jobs are open after the season, and that Donahue would be an attractive candidate for either school.  Whether those are the types of jobs he would consider, who knows?  Between the two, you'd think St. Johns would have more cachet.

St. John's has slightly more cachet.  Been a while since they were good, when Mike Jarvis was their coach.

Great article on midmajority.com about the decision mid major coaches must make between moving up to get hired to be fired at the BCS schools or in creating a dynasty at their mid major program. Artice does mention Donahue and makes a strong case why someone in his position would be better off to stay at a mid major school.

http://www.midmajority.com/2010/02/the-name-on-the-floor.php#more

Also Cornell is starting a new sports show that will interview Cornell coaches and athletes every Tuesday night at 7pm and Donahue will be the first coach interviewed tonight

http://cornellbigred.com/news/2010/2/8/MBB_0208102013.aspx

From today's Philly paper:

QuoteWould he consider taking the Penn job if athletic director Steve Bilsky offers it?

"You know, when I'm in the season, it's hard to [think about going] anywhere," he said. "I'm so wrapped up in what we are trying to do here. It's not something I even feel like commenting on."

Running that through Babel Fish comes up with "my bags are packed and I'll see you on April 1st, or 6th."

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/84207272.html

Quote from: ithacatFrom today's Philly paper:

QuoteWould he consider taking the Penn job if athletic director Steve Bilsky offers it?

"You know, when I'm in the season, it's hard to [think about going] anywhere," he said. "I'm so wrapped up in what we are trying to do here. It's not something I even feel like commenting on."

Running that through Babel Fish comes up with "my bags are packed and I'll see you on April 1st, or 6th."

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/84207272.html

I agree, that's a pretty good yes. Not even the, "I'm happy with where I am and what we're doing.", or "I like my job and these kids.", or some such. Now that doesn't mean he's leaving, but it does say he's certainly considering it.

Why would Donahue leave Cornell for the Penn job?  So he can be the bitch of the Big 5 for the next 10 years?  That's a huge step down for him.  I understand that he's from there and all, but why not hold out for a job at a place like LaSalle where you'll get paid more and play in a respected conference.  Makes no sense to me.  This is the equivalent of Pete Carroll taking a job at Washington because he's from the State.

Quote from: YankeeLoboWhy would Donahue leave Cornell for the Penn job?  So he can be the bitch of the Big 5 for the next 10 years?  That's a huge step down for him.  I understand that he's from there and all, but why not hold out for a job at a place like LaSalle where you'll get paid more and play in a respected conference.  Makes no sense to me.  This is the equivalent of Pete Carroll taking a job at Washington because he's from the State.

If you are a city guy, you want to live in a city. I like Ithaca but I couldn't live in Ithaca.

Donahue may have also said that because he might not be interested in the Penn job but in other jobs such as Rutgers/Penn State so he doesnt want to close any doors by saying I am happy where I am at, I dont want to go anywhere else.

Quote from: phillysportsfanDonahue may have also said that because he might not be interested in the Penn job but in other jobs such as Rutgers/Penn State so he doesnt want to close any doors by saying I am happy where I am at, I dont want to go anywhere else.

I will state with certainty - while having absolutely no evidence - that if an AD wants to inquire about the availability of a coach, he doesn't take public comments made during the season into account. He just makes a phone call to the guy's agent after the season.

Yeah now that I think about you are probably right because most of what coaches say in the media is meaningless

I dont think we have to worry about Donahue leaving for Penn now, I bet Penn names Jerome Allen their permanent head coach

Quote from: phillysportsfanDonahue may have also said that because he might not be interested in the Penn job but in other jobs such as Rutgers/Penn State so he doesnt want to close any doors by saying I am happy where I am at, I dont want to go anywhere else.

It doesn't close any doors; it raises the price. :-)

Quote from: phillysportsfanI dont think we have to worry about Donahue leaving for Penn now, I bet Penn names Jerome Allen their permanent head coach

He certainly is making a bid for it. A team that was considered a risk to go 0-14 now has 3 league wins including the top scalp.

Yeah I hope they do hire Allen because Donahue going to Penn would be unacceptable, I could deal with him going anywhere else even though I wish he would not leave

I'd say Donahue is long gone after this season to Penn, especially after what happened last night.

Quote from: YankeeLoboI'd say Donahue is long gone after this season to Penn, especially after what happened last night.

Wouldnt last night make it less of a chance that Donahue goes to Penn because Allen is starting to prove he can coach and motivate? Last night's game does have much effect on Donahue going anywhere else but I do not think he goes to Penn now. I got to give Allen credit because if Penn played like they did last night they would not be 4-15.

Quote from: phillysportsfan

Quote from: YankeeLoboI'd say Donahue is long gone after this season to Penn, especially after what happened last night.

Wouldnt last night make it less of a chance that Donahue goes to Penn because Allen is starting to prove he can coach and motivate? Last night's game does have much effect on Donahue going anywhere else but I do not think he goes to Penn now. I got to give Allen credit because if Penn played like they did last night they would not be 4-15.

All three of Penn's league wins came under Allen. The team has improved a great deal now that they care about playing. Miller was a disaster - though he should get credit for recruiting the team that Allen is winning with.

Dont think we have to worry about Donahue going to Penn, here is a quote from Penn's best player Zach Rosen when asked if Allen should be hired full time

"Undoubtedly. I don't know if I've hinted at it or tried to hint at it in different ways without saying he's our guy, but Jerome Allen is the right person for the job and they should hire him as soon as they possibly can. They should be begging him to stay.

"He demands respect. He knows what it takes to win and he's gonna do everything that it does take. He's willing to put in the work. He's special with people. I could write a list on the top of this stat sheet for you and get it to you next game."

From the NY Times article quoted on another thread:

Quote"What Steve has already done at Cornell is phenomenal," Noel said. "I like to focus on what else could be done."

Some on eLynah think poorly of Noel, as some of you know I've had my run ins with him, but he has done a fantastic job of picking coaches, and I'm sure he's going to do whatever he can to keep Donahue here.

of course coming up with another 200k in this climate is the biggest issue

I am sure Donahue gets a raise at the end of the year but I dont think money will be what keeps him here or makes him leave. Cornell cannot compete on salary with any of the teams Donahue would go to. Even Fordham who fired their coach earlier in the year announced they are stepping up their athletic budget and will pay about 400k to 500k for a new head coach. At the end of the day he will go somewhere that is the right fit where he believes he can build a solid program because it doesnt make a lot of sense to go somewhere only to get fired in a few years and then have to take a step down by being an assistant somewhere. Or he might stay here because he is basically guaranteed a job for life here, maybe some alum steps up and donates a bunch of money to keep him here

To get this started again, here's a quote from an article in The Syracuse Post-Standard. (http://blog.syracuse.com/sports/2010/03/cornell_basketball_is_the_firs.html)

QuoteDonahue said this squad has shown it can compete with the top teams in the country in a way none of his clubs has before. This year's team, he said, is Cornell's deepest and most talented yet.

"I'm going to try for the rest of my coaching career to get a group like this, and I may never get there," he said. "I'm pretty sure I won't."

Gives some hope that he doesn't want to jump upstream.

Quote from: Jim HylaTo get this started again, here's a quote from an article in The Syracuse Post-Standard. (http://blog.syracuse.com/sports/2010/03/cornell_basketball_is_the_firs.html)

QuoteDonahue said this squad has shown it can compete with the top teams in the country in a way none of his clubs has before. This year's team, he said, is Cornell's deepest and most talented yet.

"I'm going to try for the rest of my coaching career to get a group like this, and I may never get there," he said. "I'm pretty sure I won't."

Gives some hope that he doesn't want to jump upstream.

Or the pessimist might read the quote as "I'm pretty sure I won't at Cornell." Time will tell.

Quote from: KeithK

Quote from: Jim HylaTo get this started again, here's a quote from an article in The Syracuse Post-Standard. (http://blog.syracuse.com/sports/2010/03/cornell_basketball_is_the_firs.html)

QuoteDonahue said this squad has shown it can compete with the top teams in the country in a way none of his clubs has before. This year's team, he said, is Cornell's deepest and most talented yet.

"I'm going to try for the rest of my coaching career to get a group like this, and I may never get there," he said. "I'm pretty sure I won't."

Gives some hope that he doesn't want to jump upstream.

Or the pessimist might read the quote as "I'm pretty sure I won't at Cornell." Time will tell.

That's how I read it.

I'm not saying that I know he's staying, but you guys really are pessimists. First he says he may never get this again in the rest of his coaching career, then that he's pretty sure that he won't. You can read into that "at Cornell"? I'm happy that I never saw that.:-P

Quote from: Jim HylaI'm not saying that I know he's staying, but you guys really are pessimists. First he says he may never get this again in the rest of his coaching career, then that he's pretty sure that he won't. You can read into that "at Cornell"? I'm happy that I never saw that.:-P

It's easy to play the pessimist when I'm reading the quote in a thread that's speculating on whether the guy will leave. The context sets my mindset in advance. but like I said, time will tell.

Quote from: Jordan 04

Quote from: KeithK

Quote from: Jim HylaTo get this started again, here's a quote from an article in The Syracuse Post-Standard. (http://blog.syracuse.com/sports/2010/03/cornell_basketball_is_the_firs.html)

QuoteDonahue said this squad has shown it can compete with the top teams in the country in a way none of his clubs has before. This year's team, he said, is Cornell's deepest and most talented yet.

"I'm going to try for the rest of my coaching career to get a group like this, and I may never get there," he said. "I'm pretty sure I won't."

Gives some hope that he doesn't want to jump upstream.

Or the pessimist might read the quote as, "I'm pretty sure I won't at Cornell." Time will tell.

That's how I read it.

As an optimist (about him staying), I read that as "I'm going to try for the rest of my coaching career to get a group like this, and I may never get there," he said. "I'm pretty sure I won't because I'm staying at Cornell."

I think you guys put more thought in that quote than Donahue did, it is just one quote, he doesnt even know now whether he will leave or not, it will all depend on the offers he gets

Quote from: phillysportsfanI think you guys put more thought in that quote than Donahue did, it is just one quote, he doesnt even know now whether he will leave or not, it will all depend on the offers he gets

I agree we're reading more into it, but I also agree the quote is more positive than negative. But he may know he wants to stay. Yes I know everyone has their price, but he may feel comfortable here and doesn't realistically feel anyone could offer him enough to leave. Just saying.

I'm not a pessimist, nor do I think he's going or staying based on the quote du jour. I just figure the realistic next step for him is to move onward and upward, in both salary and program stature.

Quote from: Jim HylaTo get this started again, here's a quote from an article in The Syracuse Post-Standard. (http://blog.syracuse.com/sports/2010/03/cornell_basketball_is_the_firs.html)

QuoteDonahue said this squad has shown it can compete with the top teams in the country in a way none of his clubs has before. This year's team, he said, is Cornell's deepest and most talented yet.

"I'm going to try for the rest of my coaching career to get a group like this, and I may never get there," he said. "I'm pretty sure I won't."

Gives some hope that he doesn't want to jump upstream.

I don't really read that quote as having anything to do with whether he plans to stay or go.  I think it's just a compliment about the senior class and how much he's enjoyed working with them.

Quote from: Josh '99

Quote from: Jim HylaTo get this started again, here's a quote from an article in The Syracuse Post-Standard. (http://blog.syracuse.com/sports/2010/03/cornell_basketball_is_the_firs.html)

QuoteDonahue said this squad has shown it can compete with the top teams in the country in a way none of his clubs has before. This year's team, he said, is Cornell's deepest and most talented yet.

"I'm going to try for the rest of my coaching career to get a group like this, and I may never get there," he said. "I'm pretty sure I won't."

Gives some hope that he doesn't want to jump upstream.

I don't really read that quote as having anything to do with whether he plans to stay or go.  I think it's just a compliment about the senior class and how much he's enjoyed working with them.

I also think that even if he were to move on, he's been around basketball in general, and the Ivy League in particular, to know how special this group is. If he were to jump to say an A-10 or a Big East schools, he'd probably be able to attract better players but not ones who are as good students as they are athletes, who have no discipline issues, who put team above their own superstar status, etc. Outside of about a few dozen programs, the seedy side of big-time college basketball makes it highly unlikely that a competitive program in a big-time conference will have character, intelligence, etc. of this group. So when he says he's unlikely to get another group like this, it could still mean he's looking to leave but just realizes he won't be likely to recruit kids like this in another environment. The bright spot, if you're a Cornell fan, is that he's too smart not to realize this. So even if he is contemplating moving on, he's unlikely to go just anywhere. He might go to a Notre Dame or a "public Ivy," but I think he'd probably turn down a place like UNLV or Memphis because he knows a competitive teams at places like these involve an entirely different kind of kid.

Quote from: Swampy

Quote from: Josh '99

Quote from: Jim HylaTo get this started again, here's a quote from an article in The Syracuse Post-Standard. (http://blog.syracuse.com/sports/2010/03/cornell_basketball_is_the_firs.html)

QuoteDonahue said this squad has shown it can compete with the top teams in the country in a way none of his clubs has before. This year's team, he said, is Cornell's deepest and most talented yet.

"I'm going to try for the rest of my coaching career to get a group like this, and I may never get there," he said. "I'm pretty sure I won't."

Gives some hope that he doesn't want to jump upstream.

I don't really read that quote as having anything to do with whether he plans to stay or go.  I think it's just a compliment about the senior class and how much he's enjoyed working with them.

I also think that even if he were to move on, he's been around basketball in general, and the Ivy League in particular, to know how special this group is. If he were to jump to say an A-10 or a Big East schools, he'd probably be able to attract better players but not ones who are as good students as they are athletes, who have no discipline issues, who put team above their own superstar status, etc. Outside of about a few dozen programs, the seedy side of big-time college basketball makes it highly unlikely that a competitive program in a big-time conference will have character, intelligence, etc. of this group. So when he says he's unlikely to get another group like this, it could still mean he's looking to leave but just realizes he won't be likely to recruit kids like this in another environment. The bright spot, if you're a Cornell fan, is that he's too smart not to realize this. So even if he is contemplating moving on, he's unlikely to go just anywhere. He might go to a Notre Dame or a "public Ivy," but I think he'd probably turn down a place like UNLV or Memphis because he knows a competitive teams at places like these involve an entirely different kind of kid.

You're right. If you watch the video that Al posted (CU on YouTube), he does talk more about just those attributes. None of that was in the newspaper article, however.

That is one reason why the bigger conference schools would not want him, recruiting in the Big East or any BCS conference is a lot different than recruiting in the Ivy league where he has recruited his whole life, if he leaves it will probably not be for a BCS school but more likely somewhere in between such as an A10 school such as Fordham

To get to the BCS he would have to prove himself in a quality mid major conference such as the A10

Quote from: phillysportsfanTo get to the BCS he would have to prove himself in a quality mid major conference such as the A10

Well, there's always the possibility that a struggling BCS program like Northwestern or Oregon State decides to hire an Ivy coach.

Northwestern already has a former Ivy coach in Bill Carmody, so the thought that a struggling big conference team might hire an Ivy coach is not unreasonable.  OTOH, based on the upward trend in performance (including a win over Purdue this year) I'd be surprised if NU will be in the market for a new coach.  There are plenty of others, though, that might.

Quote from: petergNorthwestern already has a former Ivy coach in Bill Carmody, so the thought that a struggling big conference team might hire an Ivy coach is not unreasonable.  OTOH, based on the upward trend in performance (including a win over Purdue this year) I'd be surprised if NU will be in the market for a new coach.  There are plenty of others, though, that might.

That's what I was getting at -- that Northwestern hired Carmody and Oregon State hired Craig Robinson.

Quote from: Weder

Quote from: petergNorthwestern already has a former Ivy coach in Bill Carmody, so the thought that a struggling big conference team might hire an Ivy coach is not unreasonable.  OTOH, based on the upward trend in performance (including a win over Purdue this year) I'd be surprised if NU will be in the market for a new coach.  There are plenty of others, though, that might.

That's what I was getting at -- that Northwestern hired Carmody and Oregon State hired Craig Robinson.

And it hasnt worked out well for either of them, Oregon State only hired Robinson because he is Obama's brother in law, after a good first year Oregon State really dropped off this year, and Northwestern after a good start and a lot of hype had a disappointing end of the year

Quote from: phillysportsfanOregon State only hired Robinson because he is Obama's brother in law...

Really? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Robinson_(basketball)#Coaching_career) Amazing that they tried to hire three other guys - guys that they probably assumed were also related to a candidate for President - before settling for the guy who produced the best season in Brown's admittedly unimpressive history.

Quote from: petergNorthwestern already has a former Ivy coach in Bill Carmody, so the thought that a struggling big conference team might hire an Ivy coach is not unreasonable.  OTOH, based on the upward trend in performance (including a win over Purdue this year) I'd be surprised if NU will be in the market for a new coach.  There are plenty of others, though, that might.

It bears pointing out here, I think, that despite playing in the Big Ten Northwestern is hardly the archetype of a big sports school (their most successful sport is women's lacrosse; their men's basketball team has never made the NCAA tournament and their football team holds the record for the most DI-A losses) and maybe has more in common with Cornell and Penn than it does with Michigan and Ohio State.  I'd be pretty surprised to see a school that fits the jock-school stereotype more closely hire an Ivy coach, though it seems fairly apparent that Donahue has opened some eyes over the past couple of years.

Quote from: ugarte

Quote from: phillysportsfanOregon State only hired Robinson because he is Obama's brother in law...

Really? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Robinson_(basketball)#Coaching_career) Amazing that they tried to hire three other guys - guys that they probably assumed were also related to a candidate for President - before settling for the guy who produced the best season in Brown's admittedly unimpressive history.

Exactly the three other coaches turned them down and they were desperate so they figured why not pick a guy closely related to a Presidential candidate. He was at Brown two years and got them to the CBI, that is a good accomplishment for Brown but how can you make a decision on how good a coach is from 2 years. I know Oregon State is not a great basketball school but they are still in the PAC10, no other coach could make the jump from an okay Brown team in 2 years to a PAC10 school

New York Post :-| reports St. John's will be looking to replace Norm Roberts, and that Amaker could be on their list: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/college/basketball/sources_roberts_will_be_out_at_st_FlDAcnbK6Ky5bo3UVmXqHI

Donahue just interviewed by Francesa on WFAN.  Said he and his family really enjoy Cornell, and it would have to be an exceptional situation for him to move on to another program.

Quote from: scoop85Donahue just interviewed by Francesa on WFAN.  Said he and his family really enjoy Cornell, and it would have to be an exceptional situation for him to move on to another program.

Sounds like another non-answer answer on which no assumptions should be based.

Quote from: Jordan 04

Quote from: scoop85Donahue just interviewed by Francesa on WFAN.  Said he and his family really enjoy Cornell, and it would have to be an exceptional situation for him to move on to another program.

Sounds like another non-answer answer on which no assumptions should be based.

Or like what an agent would tell him to say.

Not sure, but seeing coach with his young son yesterday makes me think that he might not be so quick to uproot. I played golf with him this fall at the RTJGC (good luck as a single on the first tee) and he talked quite a bit about how much he and his family liked Ithaca. That's certainly not dispositive, but it doesn't hurt.

The good part is if he stays after this year, I think we got him here for the next 20 years

If he wins a game in the tournament, he'll receive offers galore and he'll take off.  Steve will always have a job in the Ivy League if things don't work out at another school -- St. John's for instance.  That program is about as low as they could possibly go.  They haven't been to the tournament since 2002 and haven't been considered a legit contender in more than a decade. There's no downside to taking that job, especially if Steve thinks he really has the stuff to resurrect that program -- which I might add has a proud history as the only legit college basketball team in the NYC area.

My only doubts about Donahue going to SJU is 1) the quality of life and living arrangements in Jamaica, Queens, not the most family friendly environment, especially for a white family.  I suppose he could live on Long Island and commute? and 2) his recruiting experience in the NYC area.  I can't recall a single player from the NYC area that Donahue has recruited (with the one exception being Jason Canady a few years ago, but he quit after one year).  SJU needs to recruit from within the city if they are going to be successful, the teams that were good in the late 90s had guys from Lincoln, Rice, etc., the top basketball schools in the area.  Seth Greenberg, Tommy Amaker, etc. have way more cache as recruiters than Donahue.

By the way, I'm just assuming there's going to be a job available at a Big 6 or high mid major school that can double his current salary.  Maybe this is just a bad year for vacancies, in which case he won't have anywhere to go.  It probably won't be SJU, but someone else will come calling guaranteed.

Quote from: YankeeLoboMy only doubts about Donahue going to SJU is 1) the quality of life and living arrangements in Jamaica, Queens, not the most family friendly environment, especially for a white family.

You dink. Passing by the uncomfortable racial implications of this...

Have you ever been to the St. John's campus? No? I didn't think so. I grew up a mile from the campus and I assure you that it is family friendly. Even for white people! Ignore the town on the mailing address, put away the LL Cool J album and take a look at the actual neighborhood.

Quote from: ugarte

Quote from: YankeeLoboMy only doubts about Donahue going to SJU is 1) the quality of life and living arrangements in Jamaica, Queens, not the most family friendly environment, especially for a white family.

You dink. Passing by the uncomfortable racial implications of this...

Have you ever been to the St. John's campus? No? I didn't think so. I grew up a mile from the campus and I assure you that it is family friendly. Even for white people! Ignore the town on the mailing address, put away the LL Cool J album and take a look at the actual neighborhood.

In that case, he might leave for St John's!

Quote from: YankeeLobo

Quote from: ugarte

Quote from: YankeeLoboMy only doubts about Donahue going to SJU is 1) the quality of life and living arrangements in Jamaica, Queens, not the most family friendly environment, especially for a white family.

You dink. Passing by the uncomfortable racial implications of this...

Have you ever been to the St. John's campus? No? I didn't think so. I grew up a mile from the campus and I assure you that it is family friendly. Even for white people! Ignore the town on the mailing address, put away the LL Cool J album and take a look at the actual neighborhood.

In that case, he might leave for St John's!

Not necessarily, but you two have a good fight over it.::dribble::

I would bet St Johns would hire Amaker before Donahue because of Donahue's lack of experience recruiting at that level, better chance of him going to Fordham

Quote from: phillysportsfanI would bet St Johns would fire Amaker before Donahue because of Donahue's lack of experience recruiting at that level, better chance of him going to Fordham

Freudian slip?

Oops

Wouldnt be surprised to see Seton Hall fire their coach after tonight blown out in the first round of the NIT, you know its gotten bad when the students start chanting We Hate Bobby! and one section yells Fire and then points to the other section to yell Bobby

http://setonhall.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?fid=330&tid=132380806&mid=132380806&sid=959&style=2

Quote from: phillysportsfanWouldnt be surprised to see Seton Hall fire their coach after tonight blown out in the first round of the NIT, you know its gotten bad when the students start chanting We Hate Bobby! and one section yells Fire and then points to the other section to yell Bobby

http://setonhall.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?fid=330&tid=132380806&mid=132380806&sid=959&style=2

Done.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5003199

Yeah that was a lucky prediction, that is going to be a messy situation though with their one player, Robert Mitchell who "was arrested on Tuesday and charged with entering a house in South Orange on Monday and robbing eight people at gunpoint, Essex County prosecutors said. He was charged with robbery, kidnapping and burglary. All three offenses carry 10- to 20-year maximum prison sentences."

DePaul is looking for a coach.  Daily Herald (http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=366390)

QuoteAs she kicks her coaching search into high gear this week, Ponsetto wields approval from the Board of Trustees and President Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider to offer a package similar to the likes of Louisville's Rick Pitino ($2.25 million per year) and West Virginia's Bob Huggins ($20 million over 10 years).

"The trustees made a commitment that DePaul should go out and get the best coach that it possibly can," Ponsetto said. "It may be that it turns out someone will be very high on the list of paid Big East coaches."

Ponsetto wants a top-notch recruiter as well as someone with the "technical acumen" to match wits with the league's high-profile coaches such as Pitino, Huggins, Connecticut's Jim Calhoun and Syracuse's Jim Boeheim.

"Several of the people that we're looking at are currently head coaches in very successful programs," Ponsetto said. "While everybody understands and appreciates and recognizes our tradition, somebody would have to leave something really good if we get any of our top several choices."

Ponsetto indicated most, if not all, of those top choices have their teams in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

...

Whether or not they look at Donahue, I would imagine a 10x increase in salary is hard for anyone to turn down

Quote from: phillysportsfanWhether or not they look at Donahue, I would imagine a 10x increase in salary is hard for anyone to turn down

DePaul and Oregon will be looking to reel in bigger names than Donahue for the amount of money they're willing to spend...Seton Hall or St John's are more up his alley.  He'll be sitting in the college coaching poor house with only $500K annual salary.

I dont even think Seton Hall or St Johns will consider him which are probably better jobs. I think the only job he might get consideration for his Fordham and I dont think he takes it so I think he will be here next year.

Article from The Syracuse Post-Standard (http://blog.syracuse.com/sports/2010/03/coach_steve_donahue_worked_thr.html) on Coach Donahue's work to bring CU up.

Quote from: phillysportsfanone section yells Fire and then points to the other section to yell Bobby

Really glad nobody was that clever in 1995. :-O

Norm Roberts fired today as St. Johns' coach.

You don't think he's gunning for the Temple job?

Quote from: billhowardYou don't think he's gunning for the Temple job?

Ha! I think Dunphy is as safe at Temple as Donahue is at Cornell.

Quote from: ugarte

Quote from: billhowardYou don't think he's gunning for the Temple job?

Ha! I think Dunphy is as safe at Temple as Donahue is at Cornell.

Dunphy has lost in the first round of the NCAA's for three years in a row. He's not going anywhere.

Donahue has done better than that, and is still not done this year. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Right now I'm most worried about the Seton Hall job. ::uhoh::

Dunphy has maintained Chaney's winning ways, and has a great reputation in Philly and the Big Five.  And he's a "Philly guy."  He's staying.

Quote from: Jeff Hopkins '82Dunphy has maintained Chaney's winning ways, and has a great reputation in Philly and the Big Five.  And he's a "Philly guy."  He's staying.

Yeah, that was my point. Losing to Cornell does not put Dunphy at risk. He's been great for Temple. He's been better than latter-years Chaney. Man, I loved watching John Chaney.

Quote from: ugarte

Quote from: Jeff Hopkins '82Dunphy has maintained Chaney's winning ways, and has a great reputation in Philly and the Big Five.  And he's a "Philly guy."  He's staying.

Yeah, that was my point. Losing to Cornell does not put Dunphy at risk. He's been great for Temple. He's been better than latter-years Chaney. Man, I loved watching John Chaney.

Like watchinga train wreck  ::dribble::

I think this thread deserves a bump after the win today...

Quote from: YankeeLoboI think this thread deserves a bump after the win today...

why?

So we can be reminded how badly the Lobos got routed?

Quote from: Jordan 04So we can be reminded how badly the Lobos got routed?

I already acknowledged that on another thread.

Quote from: Jim HylaFrom the NY Times article quoted on another thread:

Quote"What Steve has already done at Cornell is phenomenal," Noel said. "I like to focus on what else could be done."

Some on eLynah think poorly of Noel, as some of you know I've had my run ins with him, but he has done a fantastic job of picking coaches, and I'm sure he's going to do whatever he can to keep Donahue here.

From the post game press conference:

(Could you describe the moment afterwards going into the crowd and being with your family? I don't know who the guy was
that you hugged, I assume he was the athletic director at Cornell?)

"Yeah, that's Andy Noel, who stood by our program for the first seven, eight years when we really didn't do much (tearing up)
and had great belief in what we were doing. It doesn't happen a lot in college basketball in particular that someone sticks by a
coach for this long, and I'm very fortunate that I was able to reward him for all of his patience."

Quote from: YankeeLobo

Quote from: Jordan 04So we can be reminded how badly the Lobos got routed?

I already acknowledged that on another thread.

Oh, so we shouldn't mention it incessantly for the next 2 months like a loss to Penn?

Quote from: Jordan 04

Quote from: YankeeLobo

Quote from: Jordan 04So we can be reminded how badly the Lobos got routed?

I already acknowledged that on another thread.

Oh, so we shouldn't mention it incessantly for the next 2 months like a loss to Penn?

Considering the Lobos' early flameout, maybe they should be looking for a new coach.

Seeing that it would be a step backwards for him, I highly doubt Donahue would be interested though.  :-)

Quote from: jeff '84From the post game press conference:

(Could you describe the moment afterwards going into the crowd and being with your family? I don't know who the guy was
that you hugged, I assume he was the athletic director at Cornell?)

"Yeah, that's Andy Noel, who stood by our program for the first seven, eight years when we really didn't do much (tearing up)
and had great belief in what we were doing. It doesn't happen a lot in college basketball in particular that someone sticks by a
coach for this long, and I'm very fortunate that I was able to reward him for all of his patience."

Video of the entire post-game Cornell press conference is here: http://ivybbn.com/?cat=5

Worthwhile viewing just to see the emotion with which Donahue spoke the above quote.

Quote from: cth95

Quote from: Jordan 04

Quote from: YankeeLobo

Quote from: Jordan 04So we can be reminded how badly the Lobos got routed?

I already acknowledged that on another thread.

Oh, so we shouldn't mention it incessantly for the next 2 months like a loss to Penn?

Considering the Lobos' early flameout, maybe they should be looking for a new coach.

Seeing that it would be a step backwards for him, I highly doubt Donahue would be interested though.  :-)

LOL yeah, Donahue would definitely not jump at the opportunity to make over $1 million a year and live in one of the best climates in the country : )

Quote from: YankeeLobo

Quote from: cth95

Quote from: Jordan 04

Quote from: YankeeLobo

Quote from: Jordan 04So we can be reminded how badly the Lobos got routed?

I already acknowledged that on another thread.

Oh, so we shouldn't mention it incessantly for the next 2 months like a loss to Penn?

Considering the Lobos' early flameout, maybe they should be looking for a new coach.

Seeing that it would be a step backwards for him, I highly doubt Donahue would be interested though.  :-)

LOL yeah, Donahue would definitely not jump at the opportunity to make over $1 million a year and live in one of the best climates in the country : )

You just confirmed the reason for many of our responses to your posts.  Notice the :-)?

Personally, I would rather live in Ithaca.  I have been to New Mexico.  It is very pretty, but it is too hot in the summer and there is not much variation in the seasons.  Once it gets to about Thanksgiving, I like to see snow until almost April.  I live in Vermont now, which is colder than Ithaca but a little less cloudy in the winter.  As nice as it is out west, there is just something about the green we have in the northeast that seems more vibrant too me.  The brown in arid regions gets old.  Granted my preference is different than most, but maybe Donahue feels the same way.

Not even going to bother...

Re: Donahue, I think it's a moot point anyway.  I'm not a huge fan of Alford, but most UNM fans are in love with the guy and I think he'll be here for a while.  He has done wonders with the program, but he also did wonders at Iowa for a couple years before things headed South.  We'll see.

Quote from: YankeeLoboRe: Donahue, I think it's a moot point anyway.  I'm not a huge fan of Alford, but most UNM fans are in love with the guy and I think he'll be here for a while.  He has done wonders with the program, but he also did wonders at Iowa for a couple years before things headed South.  We'll see.

My earlier post was a joke, hence the smiley face.

I was also just playing devil's advocate about New Mexico.  It is actually one of my favorite places in the country.  You seem to take a lot of things a little too seriously.

I just happen to like very green summers (I do live in the Green Mountain State) in which the temperature doesn't get much above 80 with rain some days and sun others. I hope for the right balance for crops to grow and enjoy not having to rely on irrigation while praying the aquifers and rivers won't be dry in 50 years.  I also like having snowbanks along my sidewalk and driveway, snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing in the fields and trails near my house, skating on outdoor ponds, and having at least 10 ski areas within 2 hours of my house.

Believe it or not, One of my favorite things is going out and walking around on a cold, still night with the moon shining off the snow so brightly that I don't even need a light to walk around.  A full moon on a good snowpack is bright enough to go hiking up a mountain without a headlamp.  The best nights are those still, clear nights when the temperature is below zero, the snow squeaks under your feet, and you can feel the hairs freezing in your nose.

Quote from: cth95

Quote from: YankeeLoboRe: Donahue, I think it's a moot point anyway.  I'm not a huge fan of Alford, but most UNM fans are in love with the guy and I think he'll be here for a while.  He has done wonders with the program, but he also did wonders at Iowa for a couple years before things headed South.  We'll see.

My earlier post was a joke, hence the smiley face.

I was also just playing devil's advocate about New Mexico.  It is actually one of my favorite places in the country.  You seem to take a lot of things a little too seriously.

I just happen to like very green summers (I do live in the Green Mountain State) in which the temperature doesn't get much above 80 with rain some days and sun others. I hope for the right balance for crops to grow and enjoy not having to rely on irrigation while praying the aquifers and rivers won't be dry in 50 years.  I also like having snowbanks along my sidewalk and driveway, snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing in the fields and trails near my house, skating on outdoor ponds, and having at least 10 ski areas within 2 hours of my house.

Believe it or not, One of my favorite things is going out and walking around on a cold, still night with the moon shining off the snow so brightly that I don't even need a light to walk around.  A full moon on a good snowpack is bright enough to go hiking up a mountain without a headlamp.  The best nights are those still, clear nights when the temperature is below zero, the snow squeaks under your feet, and you can feel the hairs freezing in your nose.

My post was as well, it also had a smiley face.  I don't understand the love for Ithaca though.  I spent 4 years there and me and most of my friends would not want to endure another winter in upstate New York.  Personal preference I guess!

Thanks for the equally descriptive response :)

Vermont's really nice too.  Has the same problem as New Mexico though, not enough going on there for a younger person to spend too much of his 20s there unless settling for a lower salary, like I'm currently doing in New Mexico.

Quote from: yankeeloboMy post was as well, it also had a smiley face.  I don't understand the love for Ithaca though.  I spent 4 years there and me and most of my friends would not want to endure another winter in upstate New York.  Personal preference I guess!

Thanks for the equally descriptive response :)

The problem with Ithaca is that it is not cold enough.  Central NY is also too cloudy from October through April since you get constant moisture coming off of Lake Ontario.  Sleet and freezing rain suck.  

If the temperature stays below freezing almost the entire winter, most of the precipitation will be snow and you can stay dry when you go outside.  Snow-covered ground is pretty, while bare ground in winter is just bleak and depressing.  You can also find many ways to play in snow.  It is not much fun to do things outdoors when it is damp with temps between 30 and 45.  Cold, sunny days can be very pretty and refreshing.  Cold, cloudy days are ok, but they get old after awhile.  If I had to live any further south than I do, I would probably move to the southwest.  

I grew up in SE Connecticut where a normal winter day is in the high 30's.  I love that area, but I can't stand the winters.  The 10 degree days here feel warmer than the 30 degree days near the ocean where I grew up, because it is very difficult to keep the dampness from seeping through your clothes.

Quote from: Al DeFlorio

Quote from: jeff '84From the post game press conference:

(Could you describe the moment afterwards going into the crowd and being with your family? I don't know who the guy was
that you hugged, I assume he was the athletic director at Cornell?)

"Yeah, that's Andy Noel, who stood by our program for the first seven, eight years when we really didn't do much (tearing up)
and had great belief in what we were doing. It doesn't happen a lot in college basketball in particular that someone sticks by a
coach for this long, and I'm very fortunate that I was able to reward him for all of his patience."

Video of the entire post-game Cornell press conference is here: http://ivybbn.com/?cat=5

Worthwhile viewing just to see the emotion with which Donahue spoke the above quote.

Thanks Al, I was looking for that before bed last night.

Quote from: Al DeFlorio

Quote from: jeff '84From the post game press conference:

(Could you describe the moment afterwards going into the crowd and being with your family? I don't know who the guy was
that you hugged, I assume he was the athletic director at Cornell?)

"Yeah, that's Andy Noel, who stood by our program for the first seven, eight years when we really didn't do much (tearing up)
and had great belief in what we were doing. It doesn't happen a lot in college basketball in particular that someone sticks by a
coach for this long, and I'm very fortunate that I was able to reward him for all of his patience."

Video of the entire post-game Cornell press conference is here: http://ivybbn.com/?cat=5

Worthwhile viewing just to see the emotion with which Donahue spoke the above quote.

That was nice to see.  Thanks for posting the link, Al.

Quote from: Al DeFlorio

Quote from: jeff '84From the post game press conference:

(Could you describe the moment afterwards going into the crowd and being with your family? I don't know who the guy was
that you hugged, I assume he was the athletic director at Cornell?)

"Yeah, that's Andy Noel, who stood by our program for the first seven, eight years when we really didn't do much (tearing up)
and had great belief in what we were doing. It doesn't happen a lot in college basketball in particular that someone sticks by a
coach for this long, and I'm very fortunate that I was able to reward him for all of his patience."

Video of the entire post-game Cornell press conference is here: http://ivybbn.com/?cat=5

Worthwhile viewing just to see the emotion with which Donahue spoke the above quote.

Indeed - thanks!

Quote from: Al DeFlorio

Quote from: jeff '84From the post game press conference:

(Could you describe the moment afterwards going into the crowd and being with your family? I don't know who the guy was
that you hugged, I assume he was the athletic director at Cornell?)

"Yeah, that's Andy Noel, who stood by our program for the first seven, eight years when we really didn't do much (tearing up)
and had great belief in what we were doing. It doesn't happen a lot in college basketball in particular that someone sticks by a
coach for this long, and I'm very fortunate that I was able to reward him for all of his patience."

Video of the entire post-game Cornell press conference is here: http://ivybbn.com/?cat=5

Worthwhile viewing just to see the emotion with which Donahue spoke the above quote.

Like everyone else, Al, thanks. But now you got me thinking. Are any schools out there looking for a new AD AND a new coach? Would any dump their AD to land a targeted coach? Maybe this thread should be titled "Odds that Donahue & Noel stay."::uhoh::

Apparently St. John's offered Billy Donovan $3 million a year, and he turned it down.

Quote from: Willy '06Apparently St. John's offered Billy Donovan $3 million a year, and he turned it down.

Is that one of the entry level jobs you are offering? I'll take it!

No, but we can give you the position as an unpaid internship with the possibility of a transition to a permanent position in 12-18 months.

Quote from: Willy '06Apparently St. John's offered Billy Donovan $3 million a year, and he turned it down.

Isn't that "tampering" if its done during the season, or is there no such thing in college sports?

Quote from: Trotsky

Quote from: Willy '06Apparently St. John's offered Billy Donovan $3 million a year, and he turned it down.

Isn't that "tampering" if its done during the season, or is there no such thing in college sports?

Florida's season is over.

Found a great blog post on the NCAA Hoops Head Coach Meat Market

http://thesportseconomist.com/2010/03/notes-from-ncaa-hoops-head-coach-meat.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheSportsEconomist+%28The+Sports+Economist%29

Quote from: Willy '06Found a great blog post on the NCAA Hoops Head Coach Meat Market

http://thesportseconomist.com/2010/03/notes-from-ncaa-hoops-head-coach-meat.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheSportsEconomist+%28The+Sports+Economist%29

"At St. John's, they're not getting certain types of players because they're doing things the right way."

They made great sport of this on WFAN.  Essentially, St. John's fired its coach for being ethical.

Quote from: Trotsky

Quote from: Willy '06Found a great blog post on the NCAA Hoops Head Coach Meat Market

http://thesportseconomist.com/2010/03/notes-from-ncaa-hoops-head-coach-meat.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheSportsEconomist+%28The+Sports+Economist%29

"At St. John's, they're not getting certain types of players because they're doing things the right way."

They made great sport of this on WFAN.  Essentially, St. John's fired its coach for being ethical.

I read that in the Daily News and gagged. The good news is that this probably means Donahue is a poor fit for SJU, though $3 million can buy a whole lot of ethical flexibility. As we just learned, though, $3.5 million buys even more.

Quote from: Trotsky

Quote from: Willy '06Found a great blog post on the NCAA Hoops Head Coach Meat Market

http://thesportseconomist.com/2010/03/notes-from-ncaa-hoops-head-coach-meat.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheSportsEconomist+%28The+Sports+Economist%29

"At St. John's, they're not getting certain types of players because they're doing things the right way."

They made great sport of this on WFAN.  Essentially, St. John's fired its coach for being ethical.

They fired him because he didn't win games.  I would say the majority of university administrations don't care how you win as long as you win, it's basically a Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy and that goes for college fooball and basketball.  Think about it, Kentucky hired John Calipari for God's sake!  A guy who has had 80 wins and 2 final fours vacated!  They don't care about ethics, in fact they like guys like Calipari because they HAVE the connections to all the crooked people that pay off kids to go to their schools.

There's big money at stake in both sports, so naturally human beings are going to do unethical things to get their hands on it.  It's the same reason why handing the government the power to spend trillions of dollars is akin to asking for politicians to be crooked, their $150K salary isn't enough to satisfy their greed or their ill-gotten lifestyle, the same way it's tough for a poor high school basketball player to turn down $30K from a college booster. It's too easy to entice recruits with under the table offers that are a lot to them, but amount to peanuts in the big picture of college sports money.

Similar to politics, the only sure way to keep (crooked) money out of big time college sports is to take the money out of college sports (tickets, TV, endorsements).  Horse, barn door, etc.

Quote from: KeithKSimilar to politics, the only sure way to keep (crooked) money out of big time college sports is to take the money out of college sports (tickets, TV, endorsements).  Horse, barn door, etc.

Taking the money out of politics makes sense, taking it out of sports doesn't.  Sports is something people actually want and are willing to consume.  Politics is the opposite, more of it = you have less to spend.  One way to fix it is implementing massive penalties for breaking the rules - i.e. lifetime ban from the sport if you're proven to have violated the rules.  I'm sure fewer baseball players would use HGH if they knew getting caught meant the end of their careers.  Instead, they get a slap on the wrist.  The performance increase from using it, and corresponding financial benefits, make it a smart economic decision to use it for many of them (i.e. Albert Pujols, do you really think the guy is clean?)  

Provide people the right economic incentives/disincentives and, unless they're stupid, they act in accordance with the rules.  Economics 101.  Calipari should have been banned from coaching a long time ago.

The New York Times weighs in: http://thequad.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/23/with-jobs-open-cornells-donahue-stays-on-point/

Here is a dumb question:

Why doesn't Cornell just offer Donahue a bigger salary next season?

The indirect financial benefit to Cornell by having a successful BBall program would more than make up for the cost.

Quote from: YankeeLobo

Quote from: KeithKSimilar to politics, the only sure way to keep (crooked) money out of big time college sports is to take the money out of college sports (tickets, TV, endorsements).  Horse, barn door, etc.

Taking the money out of politics makes sense, taking it out of sports doesn't.  Sports is something people actually want and are willing to consume.  Politics is the opposite, more of it = you have less to spend.  One way to fix it is implementing massive penalties for breaking the rules - i.e. lifetime ban from the sport if you're proven to have violated the rules.  I'm sure fewer baseball players would use HGH if they knew getting caught meant the end of their careers.  Instead, they get a slap on the wrist.  The performance increase from using it, and corresponding financial benefits, make it a smart economic decision to use it for many of them (i.e. Albert Pujols, do you really think the guy is clean?)  

Provide people the right economic incentives/disincentives and, unless they're stupid, they act in accordance with the rules.  Economics 101.  Calipari should have been banned from coaching a long time ago.

We could get money out of college athletics if schools decided to put athletics at the priority level that it is in D3.  People would still be able to "consume" sports through professional leagues, where there's a lot less corruption because the owners are up front about the fact that they're doing it for the money.

I'm not saying that college sports should go all the way to a D3 philosophy, though as a supporter of the no scholarship rule in the Ivies I would prefer some movement in that direction. I just don't see it happening. Thus "Horse, barn door, etc.".

An analogy (sports/politics) doesn't have to be perfect to be instructive.

Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post weighs in: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/college/basketball/cornell_wants_coach_to_stay_well_nQJumIftUbZWy1FESC86vN

Quote from: Roy 82Here is a dumb question:

Why doesn't Cornell just offer Donahue a bigger salary next season?

The indirect financial benefit to Cornell by having a successful BBall program would more than make up for the cost.

I have no doubt that Cornell will try to increase his salary to retain him. But it's not clear to me that there's a huge financial benefit. Are you increasing your annual giving because the team went to the sweet sixteen? If not, who is?

Cornell research has actually shown that increased winning for sports teams doesn't necessarily increase giving:

http://www.johnson.cornell.edu/news/collegesports.html

Quote from: mnagowski

Quote from: Roy 82Here is a dumb question:

Why doesn't Cornell just offer Donahue a bigger salary next season?

The indirect financial benefit to Cornell by having a successful BBall program would more than make up for the cost.

I have no doubt that Cornell will try to increase his salary to retain him. But it's not clear to me that there's a huge financial benefit. Are you increasing your annual giving because the team went to the sweet sixteen? If not, who is?

Cornell research has actually shown that increased winning for sports teams doesn't necessarily increase giving:

http://www.johnson.cornell.edu/news/collegesports.html

By winning 2 games, Cornell has won $2.4 million for the Ivy League. That money is distributed to the member schools, though I'm not sure if it is distributed evenly or if there is a winner's bonus. There are a lot of ways to spend that money, but a competitive raise for the guy who earned it isn't a bad one.

At the same time, if it comes to a bidding war, an Ivy League school will lose. The Athletic Department budget, much less the budget for just basketball, isn't nearly as large as those in the major conferences. If you asked Andy Noel - who I'm sure wants to retain Donahue - if he would match a $2 million offer from St. John's, he would smile, decline and say "I hope he at least buys dinner when I'm in town to watch the hockey team at MSG."

Thanks, Al, for the Post article, which includes this quote:

Quote from: Andy Noel"I would be shocked if there weren't a lot of offers after this season because there were a lot of offers the past two seasons...I'm thrilled for Steve. He deserves attention he receives, but I certainly don't want to lose him. I'll do anything and everything in my power to make Cornell as attractive a job as it can possibly be for him with hopes he can stay many years and become the Pete Carril for Cornell.

So, at least we know that he's being selective and LIKES coaching Cornell. That's reassuring, but not totally reassuring because I think the offers this year will blow the last two years out of the water. That said, like Coach Donahue, I'm going to enjoy this run and not think about "replacements" until I hear that someone has stolen him away.

Quote from: ugarte

Quote from: mnagowski

Quote from: Roy 82Here is a dumb question:

Why doesn't Cornell just offer Donahue a bigger salary next season?

The indirect financial benefit to Cornell by having a successful BBall program would more than make up for the cost.

I have no doubt that Cornell will try to increase his salary to retain him. But it's not clear to me that there's a huge financial benefit. Are you increasing your annual giving because the team went to the sweet sixteen? If not, who is?

Cornell research has actually shown that increased winning for sports teams doesn't necessarily increase giving:

http://www.johnson.cornell.edu/news/collegesports.html

By winning 2 games, Cornell has won $2.4 million for the Ivy League. That money is distributed to the member schools, though I'm not sure if it is distributed evenly or if there is a winner's bonus. There are a lot of ways to spend that money, but a competitive raise for the guy who earned it isn't a bad one."

My understanding is that the Ivy League doesn't give any of that money to its member schools. They keep it for their own staff salaries, etc.

http://cornellsun.com/section/news/content/2010/03/18/ncaa-tournament-bid-aids-university-finances

QuoteThe third component of income for Cornell Athletics is the financial payment that teams receive if they qualify for the NCAA basketball tournament. However, according to Quant, the Ivy League conference office keeps the payment to help fund operations. Cornell does not receive the extra money directly, whereas in other conferences the schools may benefit from the payments.

Although it might be different if you win a game or two.

Quote from: mnagowskiMy understanding is that the Ivy League doesn't give any of that money to its member schools. They keep it for their own staff salaries, etc.

http://cornellsun.com/section/news/content/2010/03/18/ncaa-tournament-bid-aids-university-finances

QuoteThe third component of income for Cornell Athletics is the financial payment that teams receive if they qualify for the NCAA basketball tournament. However, according to Quant, the Ivy League conference office keeps the payment to help fund operations. Cornell does not receive the extra money directly, whereas in other conferences the schools may benefit from the payments.

Although it might be different if you win a game or two.

Providence Journal article says the same: http://www.projo.com/news/content/NCAA_COLLEGES_MONEY_03-15-10_28HNTUS_v32.3b40a1e.html

Fordham apparently has offered Hofstra's Tom Pecora the job (as per ESPN), so that's one less place he could land.

Quote from: scoop85Fordham apparently has offered Hofstra's Tom Pecora the job (as per ESPN), so that's one less place he could land.

That is huge, I bet Donahue stays now, because that was the one place I could see him getting an offer from and accepting. None of these Big East schools like St Johns who offered Billy Donovan $3 mil or Depaul or Seton Hall will want Donahue since they are willing to offer too much money, they will want a bigger name guy.

This Sweet 16 run might be what keeps Donahue here because it kept him off the coaching market for an extra week

Northern Iowa just locked up their coach for 10 years.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5025035

Though giving may not increase due to team success, the purchasing of school branded merchandise and applications certainly increase and are direct sources of revenue to the school. I'm not sure how many t-shirts the school would have to sell to offset at $2m raise, but I'm sure someone with time can figure that number out...

Quote from: Luke 05Though giving may not increase due to team success, the purchasing of school branded merchandise and applications certainly increase and are direct sources of revenue to the school. I'm not sure how many t-shirts the school would have to sell to offset at $2m raise, but I'm sure someone with time can figure that number out...

If the T-shirts were free to make and sold for $15 then we're talking about 133,333 shirts. That's roughly one shirt for every two living Cornell alums.

Quote from: Willy '06Northern Iowa just locked up their coach for 10 years.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5025035

Eh, they signed a 10yr contract but there's a buyout clause in his contract that any Big 6 school could pay easily.  He may not leave this year but if his success at UNI continues, there's no way he finishes that contract.

Quote from: YankeeLobo

Quote from: Willy '06Northern Iowa just locked up their coach for 10 years.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5025035

Eh, they signed a 10yr contract but there's a buyout clause in his contract that any Big 6 school could pay easily.  He may not leave this year but if his success at UNI continues, there's no way he finishes that contract.

I'm glad that somebody said this. The 10 year contract makes it expensive for UNI to fire him but not that expensive for Iowa State to steal him.

Maybe Caril can get this message to Donahue:

But Hall of Fame coach Pete Carril, who stayed at Princeton for 29 years instead of moving on to other opportunities, cautioned Donahue to be careful what he wishes for. "I had a chance to leave Princeton myself several times, and I thought a lot about the word happiness," he said. "You may get more money, you may get more prestige, you might be part of ESPN and all that, but, on the other hand, you've got an outstanding number of pressures that are hard to defend, and a system where the athletes aren't a part of the regular student body. "If he's a happy guy enjoys going to work every day and enjoys the team he coaches, that's a challenge right there," Carril added. "Especially the way the world is turning today, things are moving so fast. . . . How can you take it more than one day at a time?"

Quote from: Willy '06Northern Iowa just locked up their coach for 10 years.

Hmmm. Incarceration. I didn't think of that. Is it legal? How could we do it for away games?:-D

Quote from: mnagowski

Quote from: Roy 82Here is a dumb question:

Why doesn't Cornell just offer Donahue a bigger salary next season?

The indirect financial benefit to Cornell by having a successful BBall program would more than make up for the cost.

I have no doubt that Cornell will try to increase his salary to retain him. But it's not clear to me that there's a huge financial benefit. Are you increasing your annual giving because the team went to the sweet sixteen? If not, who is?

Cornell research has actually shown that increased winning for sports teams doesn't necessarily increase giving:

http://www.johnson.cornell.edu/news/collegesports.html

I hate when people ruin a perfectly good argument with facts. :-D

Actually, you can read the article about the report and its conclusions two ways. The editor chose to emphasize that the effect was small. But the report itself does note that there is a short spike in benefits to the university based on athletic success. Depending on the size and duration of the spike, a few hundred thousand per year in salary could be offset.

Quote from: Roy 82

Quote from: mnagowski

Quote from: Roy 82Here is a dumb question:

Why doesn't Cornell just offer Donahue a bigger salary next season?

The indirect financial benefit to Cornell by having a successful BBall program would more than make up for the cost.

I have no doubt that Cornell will try to increase his salary to retain him. But it's not clear to me that there's a huge financial benefit. Are you increasing your annual giving because the team went to the sweet sixteen? If not, who is?

Cornell research has actually shown that increased winning for sports teams doesn't necessarily increase giving:

http://www.johnson.cornell.edu/news/collegesports.html

I hate when people ruin a perfectly good argument with facts. :-D

Actually, you can read the article about the report and its conclusions two ways. The editor chose to emphasize that the effect was small. But the report itself does note that there is a short spike in benefits to the university based on athletic success. Depending on the size and duration of the spike, a few hundred thousand per year in salary could be offset.

I did get an email today from Andy asking for a $75 donation in light of all the success last weekend. Maybe the bump is bigger if they harass you and ask for it.

Quote from: Jacob '06

Quote from: Roy 82

Quote from: mnagowski

Quote from: Roy 82Here is a dumb question:

Why doesn't Cornell just offer Donahue a bigger salary next season?

The indirect financial benefit to Cornell by having a successful BBall program would more than make up for the cost.

I have no doubt that Cornell will try to increase his salary to retain him. But it's not clear to me that there's a huge financial benefit. Are you increasing your annual giving because the team went to the sweet sixteen? If not, who is?

Cornell research has actually shown that increased winning for sports teams doesn't necessarily increase giving:

http://www.johnson.cornell.edu/news/collegesports.html

I hate when people ruin a perfectly good argument with facts. :-D

Actually, you can read the article about the report and its conclusions two ways. The editor chose to emphasize that the effect was small. But the report itself does note that there is a short spike in benefits to the university based on athletic success. Depending on the size and duration of the spike, a few hundred thousand per year in salary could be offset.

I did get an email today from Andy asking for a $75 donation in light of all the success last weekend. Maybe the bump is bigger if they harass you and ask for it.

Admittedly, the report was for your average state school, and not a school like Cornell. I could actually see there being a large financial benefit if Cornell was able to communicate the current situation in a clear and effective manner.

The fact is that Cornell appears to be increasingly losing out on a lot of students, not just athletes, because the financial aid isn't there relative to some of the Ivies and other selective schools. Harvard and Princeton's financial aid will soon be good enough so that most of their athletes will be on full rides, just not for athletics. And the University just had its hand slapped by the Ivy office for trying to offer some students (read: athletes) need-based financial-aid on par with the other Ivies.

More here: http://www.metaezra.com/archive/2010/01/report_ivy_league_investigatin.shtml

Somewhere the alumni body needs to hear, "If you want us to continue having athletic (and other) successes, we will need your help in increasing the endowment for financial aid." Either that message is being lost, or it's just not getting out there for anybody but the major donors to hear.

Donahue mentioned in this article re St. John's failed attempt to get GA Tech coach.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5027590

Quote from: Jacob '06I did get an email today from Andy asking for a $75 donation in light of all the success last weekend. Maybe the bump is bigger if they harass you and ask for it.

$75? You got off easy.  I was asked for $250.  I wonder if the difference is the graduation year or the MD after my name.

Quote from: Greenberg '97

Quote from: Jacob '06I did get an email today from Andy asking for a $75 donation in light of all the success last weekend. Maybe the bump is bigger if they harass you and ask for it.

$75? You got off easy.  I was asked for $250.  I wonder if the difference is the graduation year or the MD after my name.

Based on my limited experience with Cornell fundraising, the amount is usually based on your previous gifts.

The New York Times today says that Donahue is being vetted for the St. John's position.

Quote from: dbilmesThe New York Times today says that Donahue is being vetted for the St. John's position.

The St. Johns AD had said they were looking for a guy who coached at a power conference and had success at the highest levels.  While I think Donahue would be a good hire for any program, he certainly doesn't meet those criteria.  But I guess St. Johns is getting a dose of reality that the school is no longer as plum a job as it used to be.

Not only a mention, but the article gives an idea of the salaries being paid to coaches these days.

SJU is one place I wouldn't mind seeing Donahue move on to. If he could rebuild the "home town" program, that might even be more impressive than what he's done at Cornell.

Quote from: Jordan 04SJU is one place I wouldn't mind seeing Donahue move on to. If he could rebuild the "home town" program, that might even be more impressive than what he's done at Cornell.

Counterintuitive as it might be, since they'd be stealing the coach of my real favorite team, I'd start paying attention to the Johnnies again if Donahue were to take over.

I dont see them hiring Donahue, they are just offering too much money, probably 10 times his current salary. They are now interviewing BC's coach, they would probably rather hire a mediocre BCS coach since he has at least coached at the BCS level than hiring Donahue who has only ever been in the Ivy league

Quote from: dbilmesThe New York Times today says that Donahue is being vetted for the St. John's position.

What newspapers does he read?

Quote from: Roy 82

Quote from: dbilmesThe New York Times today says that Donahue is being vetted for the St. John's position.

What newspapers does he read?

All of them, of course.

I dont think we have to worry about St Johns but Seton Hall might be much more willing to hire him as they would only be roughly doubling his salary and after their former coach Gonzalez's antics they really want a much more classy coach

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/college/basketball/hall_eager_for_big_red_chat_0loLdZvjB5SSMziCEMQRdO

The report by Frank is another self serving piece by an academic who would prefer that all sports were abolished. I don't think the sports boom at major state Universities in this nation would be occurring if there wasn't money in those fields!

Quote from: Email from Coach DonahueDear Big Red Basketball Fans,

I know we were called the underdog, the Cinderella, the long shot, the feel-good story of the Sweet Sixteen. Well, we may have been all those things. But first and foremost, we were, and of course still are, Cornellians. And that is what made us great on and off the court--it was that Big Red spirit and work ethic that got us to the Sweet Sixteen.

I just want to thank you all for your tremendous support throughout the season and into the amazing post-season. I read your texts and Facebook postings, your emails and letters. It was so motivating and inspiring to know that so many thousands of alumni were behind us. I can't describe how grateful I am that you took the time to cheer us on. I also heard that you all gathered in 90 cities around the world to watch the game together, and I know we had hundreds of alumni travel thousands of miles to watch us play in Syracuse. To all of you, I say thank you, thank you, thank you. We could not have come as far as we did without you.

Now I hope you'll join me in cheering for our tremendous hockey team as they play in their NCAA tournament up in Albany, and I'll look forward to next year's Big Red basketball season!

Coach Steve Donahue

I was going to post about that, but I figured it's probably meaningless. All coaches who leave say they forward to the next season.

Quote from: Jordan 04I was going to post about that, but I figured it's probably meaningless. All coaches who leave say they forward to the next season.

This is true.

Quote from: laxmanThe report by Frank is another self serving piece by an academic who would prefer that all sports were abolished. I don't think the sports boom at major state Universities in this nation would be occurring if there wasn't money in those fields!

Yeah, and there was tons of money in subprime mortgages as well.

Frank clearly states that there are lots of non-pecuniary benefits to inter-college athletics. He obviously doesn't want them abolished. Consistent with most of his work, he questions the value of the arms race.

No way Donahue goes to Penn but this is bizarre:

http://blogs.dailypennsylvanian.com/thebuzz/2010/03/26/athletic-director-steve-bilsky-speaks-out-on-coaching-search/

They are looking at 6 D-I coaches
1 D-I assistant
2 NBA assistants

I guess Allen is not the clear candidate

Parts of this discussion seems to think that Steve Donahue is only suited to coaching Ivy Leaguers, that he might not be able to coach students lacking 1300 SATs, that the other schools want someone who's paid his dues at a better than mid-major school. I hope he stays. I think he's qualified to coach most anywhere.

Quote from: billhowardParts of this discussion seems to think that Steve Donahue is only suited to coaching Ivy Leaguers, that he might not be able to coach students lacking 1950 SATs, that the other schools want someone who's paid his dues at a better than mid-major school. I hope he stays. I think he's qualified to coach most anywhere.

FYP. The SAT has had a maximum score of 2400 since 2005. In fact, 1300 might be the score John Wall or DeMarcus Cousins got. :-P

"I'm incredibly excited about how well Cornell has done in the NCAA," Cornell alum Sandy Weill told Business Week. "The players and the coach have handled themselves very well and it shows that you can go to incredible heights with teamwork." Weil graduated with a bachelor's degree from Cornell in 1955. He retired as Citigroup chief executive in 2003 and as chairman in 2006. During the last decade, he and his wife have donated more than $500 million dollars to Cornell University. Weil, who attended the Sweet Sixteen game, said that the Cornell basketball team's success probably will help fundraising for the program. "Pride and good feelings always moves the needle," Weill said.

Maybe he can donate enough to keep Donahue here

Quote from: phillysportsfan"I'm incredibly excited about how well Cornell has done in the NCAA," Cornell alum Sandy Weill told Business Week. "The players and the coach have handled themselves very well and it shows that you can go to incredible heights with teamwork." Weil graduated with a bachelor's degree from Cornell in 1955. He retired as Citigroup chief executive in 2003 and as chairman in 2006. During the last decade, he and his wife have donated more than $500 million dollars to Cornell University. Weil, who attended the Sweet Sixteen game, said that the Cornell basketball team's success probably will help fundraising for the program. "Pride and good feelings always moves the needle," Weill said.

Maybe he can donate enough to keep Donahue here

Even if alums would donate specifically to pay enough to keep Donahue from being lured elsewhere, I wonder if the University would be comfortable having one coach earn significantly more than the other coaches on campus (and admittedly, I have no idea what the relative pay is now, but I imagine the coaches of the "big" sports are in the same zip code).

Siena's coach McCaffery is off to Iowa, I could see Donahue going to Siena

Quote from: phillysportsfanSiena's coach McCaffery is off to Iowa, I could see Donahue going to Siena

Don't see it.  If he goes anywhere, it's to a team in a power conference

Quote from: scoop85

Quote from: phillysportsfanSiena's coach McCaffery is off to Iowa, I could see Donahue going to Siena

Don't see it.  If he goes anywhere, it's to a team in a power conference

If he goes anywhere it will be because a boatload of cash has been thrown at him by a school in a city his family wouldn't mind living in. Let's not complicate this. It is entirely possible that Siena has throwing-around money because they've been very good at bringing in good coaches on their way to helming schools in the power conferences.

It is unlikely Donahue can jump right to a Big East school, Dunphy was at Penn for all those years with all that success and the best he could do was the A10 with Temple. It is hard for Ivy league coaches to jump to a Power 6 conference school, the exceptions such as John Thompson 3rd got the Georgetown job because of his father and Craig Robinson at Oregon St because of his relation to Obama. Donahue would have to go to Siena, a good mid major and have success in order to jump to a Power 6 school as Siena's former coach just did

But your right at the end of the day it is all about money, if someone offers to more than double your current salary most likely you take the job

Quote from: phillysportsfan... Craig Robinson at Oregon St because of his relation to Obama...

You're sticking with this, eh?

One difference between Dunphy and Donahue: Dunphy only one 1 post-season game (even losing the one game playoff with P-ton in 1995) in 17 seasons at Penn. He never proved he could coach with the big six conferences. Donahue has a better post-season record and has been by far more visible than Dunphy ever was thus making him a better target for a BCS conference.

Quote from: ugarte

Quote from: phillysportsfan... Craig Robinson at Oregon St because of his relation to Obama...

You're sticking with this, eh?

Yeah because he turned Brown around in 2 years to get 19 wins and make the CBI, never made an NCAA tournament and yet still got a job at a PAC10 school. Oregon St is not a good program but they are still in he PAC10. Donahue coached here 8 years, made 2 NCAA tournaments and the best offer he got last year was from BU. Dunphy coached at Penn for 17 years, made all those NCAA tournaments, and the best offer he got was Temple, an A10 school.

Seton Hall hires Iona coach Kevin Willard

Quote from: phillysportsfan

Quote from: ugarte

Quote from: phillysportsfan... Craig Robinson at Oregon St because of his relation to Obama...

You're sticking with this, eh?

Yeah because he turned Brown around in 2 years to get 19 wins and make the CBI, never made an NCAA tournament and yet still got a job at a PAC10 school. Oregon St is not a good program but they are still in he PAC10. Donahue coached here 8 years, made 2 NCAA tournaments and the best offer he got last year was from BU. Dunphy coached at Penn for 17 years, made all those NCAA tournaments, and the best offer he got was Temple, an A10 school.

The best offer he got or the best offer he took? Dunphy is a Philly guy. He grew up in Malverne and played at LaSalle. Temple - the top coaching position in Pennsylvania (yeah, much better than the Big 10's Penn State) - was probably his dream job. Why would he go anyplace else? Not everyone is constantly trying to climb the ladder. Do you think nobody ever offered Pete Carrill a more lucrative gig than Princeton?

"Helming"? Are you sure you weren't a sportswriter in a previous life?

Alright so Dunphy probably is not the best example because your right he is a Philly guy but you would agree that as of last year Donahue accomplished more than Robinson and the best offer he got was BU which is definitely less of an offer than Oregon St. And honestly getting Brown to a 2nd place Ivy finish was not that big of a deal anyway, Miller had gotten Brown to a 2nd place Ivy finish 3 times in his 7 years there an a NIT appearance. I just dont see how one good year out of two years with a CBI appearance gets a coach a PAC10 job coming from an Ivy league school unless the coach happens to be related to the president or there is some other connection

Quote from: phillysportsfanI just dont see how one good year out of two years with a CBI appearance gets a coach a PAC10 job coming from an Ivy league school unless the coach happens to be related to the president or there is some other connection

Perhaps some other connection you should be referring to is his 6 years as an assistant at Northwestern.  Certainly assistants have a very large hand in recruiting.  That gives him recruiting in a major conference as well as head coaching experience prior to the OSU job.  But who knows, Obama has gotten blamed/credited for worse....

Quote from: semsox

Quote from: phillysportsfanI just dont see how one good year out of two years with a CBI appearance gets a coach a PAC10 job coming from an Ivy league school unless the coach happens to be related to the president or there is some other connection

Perhaps some other connection you should be referring to is his 6 years as an assistant at Northwestern.  Certainly assistants have a very large hand in recruiting.  That gives him recruiting in a major conference as well as head coaching experience prior to the OSU job.  But who knows, Obama has gotten blamed/credited for worse....

HAHA if you honestly believe that he got that job because he was an assistant at Northwestern (traditionally, one of the worst basketball programs in the country and one of a handful to NEVER have made the NCAA Tournament) then I have some swamp land in Florida to sell you that you can build on when the tide goes out...

Exactly experience at Northwestern is not something to list on your resume

All I'm saying is it's big conference experience, even if it is Northwestern.  OSU wasn't exactly a great job either.  3 other coaches turned it down before Robinson.  So yea, being Michelle's brother probably helped, but it's not as if he's completely unqualified.

Quote from: semsoxAll I'm saying is it's big conference experience, even if it is Northwestern.  OSU wasn't exactly a great job either.  3 other coaches turned it down before Robinson.  So yea, being Michelle's brother probably helped, but it's not as if he's completely unqualified.

Well I guess this whole time we agreed, I am not saying he was completely unqualified just that he would not have gotten the job if he wasnt Michelle's brother

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/2010/03/28/2010-03-28_st_johns_red_storm_to_meet_with_exucla_coach_steve_lavin_about_vacancy.html

St Johns is meeting with Lavin today, hopefully they hire him because Donahue might be their next choice.

Article actually says below that Donahue reached out to them:

"Monasch also may interview Cornell coach Steve Donohue this week. Sources told the Daily News that representatives for Donohue have reached out to express his interest in the St. John's position since the Big Red got bounced in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night."

Quote from: phillysportsfan

Quote from: semsoxAll I'm saying is it's big conference experience, even if it is Northwestern.  OSU wasn't exactly a great job either.  3 other coaches turned it down before Robinson.  So yea, being Michelle's brother probably helped, but it's not as if he's completely unqualified.

Well I guess this whole time we agreed, I am not saying he was completely unqualified just that he would not have gotten the job if he wasnt Michelle's brother

And just how is it that you know this?  What insider information do you have on the situation?  Whom have you spoken to that was privy to Oregon State's decision-making process?

Quote from: ugarte

Quote from: phillysportsfan

Quote from: ugarte

Quote from: phillysportsfan... Craig Robinson at Oregon St because of his relation to Obama...

You're sticking with this, eh?

Yeah because he turned Brown around in 2 years to get 19 wins and make the CBI, never made an NCAA tournament and yet still got a job at a PAC10 school. Oregon St is not a good program but they are still in he PAC10. Donahue coached here 8 years, made 2 NCAA tournaments and the best offer he got last year was from BU. Dunphy coached at Penn for 17 years, made all those NCAA tournaments, and the best offer he got was Temple, an A10 school.

The best offer he got or the best offer he took? Dunphy is a Philly guy. He grew up in Malverne and played at LaSalle. Temple - the top coaching position in Pennsylvania (yeah, much better than the Big 10's Penn State) - was probably his dream job. Why would he go anyplace else? Not everyone is constantly trying to climb the ladder. Do you think nobody ever offered Pete Carrill a more lucrative gig than Princeton?

Actually, the top Bball coaching job in PA is currently filled by Jay Wright.  Temple is probably #2.

But you're right, Penn State is irrelevant.

Oh St. Joe's, how quickly they forget...

Quote from: TrotskyOh St. Joe's, how quickly they forget...

#3 for St. Joe's (good catch, Jeff). One great run with Jameer Nelson and Delonte West doesn't surpass what Cheney did over decades while at Temple, just like Cornell won't be the plum Ivy job if Donahue leaves.

How does the issue that Donahue may have lost other job opportunities while he was coaching Cornell to the Sweet 16 factor into this?  Will Donahue get a raise from Cornell if he stays?  Can Cornell make more money by charging students for tickets to basketball and not using the money from the student activity fee towards basketball?

Quote from: Al DeFlorio

Quote from: phillysportsfan

Quote from: semsoxAll I'm saying is it's big conference experience, even if it is Northwestern.  OSU wasn't exactly a great job either.  3 other coaches turned it down before Robinson.  So yea, being Michelle's brother probably helped, but it's not as if he's completely unqualified.

Well I guess this whole time we agreed, I am not saying he was completely unqualified just that he would not have gotten the job if he wasnt Michelle's brother

And just how is it that you know this?  What insider information do you have on the situation?  Whom have you spoken to that was privy to Oregon State's decision-making process?

I think you guys are really missing what I am saying and we are sort of arguing about the same thing. All I am saying is that being related to Obama got Robinson much more attention than the average coach would after making the CBI in 2 years at Brown. And at that point Oregon St decided to take a look at him. Do you really think this played no factor in their decision to hire him?

Quote from: ugarte

Quote from: TrotskyOh St. Joe's, how quickly they forget...

#3 for St. Joe's (good catch, Jeff). One great run with Jameer Nelson and Delonte West doesn't surpass what Cheney did over decades while at Temple, just like Cornell won't be the plum Ivy job if Donahue leaves.

I'd go with Pitt above St. Joe's; they've had a run of pretty good success in the last decade or so, including an Elite Eight last year. Also they play in the Big East and get the attendant media exposure.

Donahue already interviewed with Seton Hall and did not impress them, from the NY post:

Willard emerged as the Hall's top choice after Fran McCaffery took the Iowa job and Cornell coach Steve Donahue didn't blow away the brass during an interview with the Pirates yesterday morning.

Donahue apparently is also interested in Siena, from ESPN:
Donahue has expressed a strong interest in the job, and would be a slam-dunk hire for the small private school in upstate New York

Quote from: srg1How does the issue that Donahue may have lost other job opportunities while he was coaching Cornell to the Sweet 16 factor into this?  Will Donahue get a raise from Cornell if he stays?  Can Cornell make more money by charging students for tickets to basketball and not using the money from the student activity fee towards basketball?

10 home games * 1,000 students per game * $5 additional ticket price = $50,000 a year

And that's assuming 10 home games when students are on campus. I think this year there were only 8.

At a certain ticket price students aren't going to show up. (See hockey.) So you're going to need to make Donahue's salary increase come from somewhere else.

Quote from: mnagowski

Quote from: srg1How does the issue that Donahue may have lost other job opportunities while he was coaching Cornell to the Sweet 16 factor into this?  Will Donahue get a raise from Cornell if he stays?  Can Cornell make more money by charging students for tickets to basketball and not using the money from the student activity fee towards basketball?

10 home games * 1,000 students per game * $5 additional ticket price = $50,000 a year

And that's assuming 10 home games when students are on campus. I think this year there were only 8.

At a certain ticket price students aren't going to show up. (See hockey.) So you're going to need to make Donahue's salary increase come from somewhere else.

Yeah there are so few home games it is not really even worth it for them to charge, hockey at least has the history and tradition that gets students to pay for it. Charging for basketball could easily destroy the basketball fan base

Quote from: phillysportsfan

Quote from: mnagowski

Quote from: srg1How does the issue that Donahue may have lost other job opportunities while he was coaching Cornell to the Sweet 16 factor into this?  Will Donahue get a raise from Cornell if he stays?  Can Cornell make more money by charging students for tickets to basketball and not using the money from the student activity fee towards basketball?

10 home games * 1,000 students per game * $5 additional ticket price = $50,000 a year

And that's assuming 10 home games when students are on campus. I think this year there were only 8.

At a certain ticket price students aren't going to show up. (See hockey.) So you're going to need to make Donahue's salary increase come from somewhere else.

Yeah there are so few home games it is not really even worth it for them to charge, hockey at least has the history and tradition that gets students to pay for it. Charging for basketball could easily destroy the basketball fan base

A smart administrator would make sure there is a strong fan base before trying to milk it for cash. There's been a big upswing in interest in the bball team lately, deservedly so  We'll see how well it weathers the likely drop off in results next year. Hopefully it will.

Quote from: phillysportsfan

Quote from: Al DeFlorio

Quote from: phillysportsfan

Quote from: semsoxAll I'm saying is it's big conference experience, even if it is Northwestern.  OSU wasn't exactly a great job either.  3 other coaches turned it down before Robinson.  So yea, being Michelle's brother probably helped, but it's not as if he's completely unqualified.

Well I guess this whole time we agreed, I am not saying he was completely unqualified just that he would not have gotten the job if he wasnt Michelle's brother

And just how is it that you know this?  What insider information do you have on the situation?  Whom have you spoken to that was privy to Oregon State's decision-making process?

I think you guys are really missing what I am saying and we are sort of arguing about the same thing. All I am saying is that being related to Obama got Robinson much more attention than the average coach would after making the CBI in 2 years at Brown. And at that point Oregon St decided to take a look at him. Do you really think this played no factor in their decision to hire him?

But I don't think you stated it well. My assumption after reading it was that you 'knew" some input that someone from Michelle Obama's circle had on the process. Not just that his name was now better known.

Quote from: Jim Hyla

Quote from: phillysportsfan

Quote from: Al DeFlorio

Quote from: phillysportsfan

Quote from: semsoxAll I'm saying is it's big conference experience, even if it is Northwestern.  OSU wasn't exactly a great job either.  3 other coaches turned it down before Robinson.  So yea, being Michelle's brother probably helped, but it's not as if he's completely unqualified.

Well I guess this whole time we agreed, I am not saying he was completely unqualified just that he would not have gotten the job if he wasnt Michelle's brother

And just how is it that you know this?  What insider information do you have on the situation?  Whom have you spoken to that was privy to Oregon State's decision-making process?

I think you guys are really missing what I am saying and we are sort of arguing about the same thing. All I am saying is that being related to Obama got Robinson much more attention than the average coach would after making the CBI in 2 years at Brown. And at that point Oregon St decided to take a look at him. Do you really think this played no factor in their decision to hire him?

But I don't think you stated it well. My assumption after reading it was that you 'knew" some input that someone from Michelle Obama's circle had on the process. Not just that his name was now better known.

I guess I wasnt clear then, I dont think anyone from Michelle Obama's circle said to Oregon St you should hire this guy, I am just saying he had more exposure than the average Ivy league coach as a result of his family and so he was able to make the Ivy to Big 6 conference jump

Quote from: kingpin248

Quote from: ugarte

Quote from: TrotskyOh St. Joe's, how quickly they forget...

#3 for St. Joe's (good catch, Jeff). One great run with Jameer Nelson and Delonte West doesn't surpass what Cheney did over decades while at Temple, just like Cornell won't be the plum Ivy job if Donahue leaves.

I'd go with Pitt above St. Joe's; they've had a run of pretty good success in the last decade or so, including an Elite Eight last year. Also they play in the Big East and get the attendant media exposure.

Goddammit. I only said "Pennsylvania" so I could make fun of Penn State basketball. You're right, of course.

Quote from: phillysportsfan

Quote from: Jim Hyla

Quote from: phillysportsfan

Quote from: Al DeFlorio

Quote from: phillysportsfan

Quote from: semsoxAll I'm saying is it's big conference experience, even if it is Northwestern.  OSU wasn't exactly a great job either.  3 other coaches turned it down before Robinson.  So yea, being Michelle's brother probably helped, but it's not as if he's completely unqualified.

Well I guess this whole time we agreed, I am not saying he was completely unqualified just that he would not have gotten the job if he wasnt Michelle's brother

And just how is it that you know this?  What insider information do you have on the situation?  Whom have you spoken to that was privy to Oregon State's decision-making process?

I think you guys are really missing what I am saying and we are sort of arguing about the same thing. All I am saying is that being related to Obama got Robinson much more attention than the average coach would after making the CBI in 2 years at Brown. And at that point Oregon St decided to take a look at him. Do you really think this played no factor in their decision to hire him?

But I don't think you stated it well. My assumption after reading it was that you 'knew" some input that someone from Michelle Obama's circle had on the process. Not just that his name was now better known.

I guess I wasnt clear then, I dont think anyone from Michelle Obama's circle said to Oregon St you should hire this guy, I am just saying he had more exposure than the average Ivy league coach as a result of his family and so he was able to make the Ivy to Big 6 conference jump

Ah, so ... totally unfounded speculation instead of TeaPartyish conspiracy. That's better, I guess.

Quote from: ugarte

Quote from: kingpin248

Quote from: ugarte

Quote from: TrotskyOh St. Joe's, how quickly they forget...

#3 for St. Joe's (good catch, Jeff). One great run with Jameer Nelson and Delonte West doesn't surpass what Cheney did over decades while at Temple, just like Cornell won't be the plum Ivy job if Donahue leaves.

I'd go with Pitt above St. Joe's; they've had a run of pretty good success in the last decade or so, including an Elite Eight last year. Also they play in the Big East and get the attendant media exposure.

Goddammit. I only said "Pennsylvania" so I could make fun of Penn State basketball. You're right, of course.

It does point out the irrelevance of Penn State basketball that 1) nobody thought you were joking or teasing and 2) Nobody cares that you were joking or teasing.

Speaking of Penn St basketball, we are playing them next year at Penn St

I guess I should post this in case you didnt notice, looks like another road warrior schedule although South Carolina is coming to play here, wonder how that happened
http://cornellbasketball.blogspot.com/2010/03/scheduling-news-2010-2011.html


at Penn State
at Seton Hall
at Syracuse
vs. South Carolina
at Lehigh
at Albany
at Binghamton
at VCU Tournament (with New Hampshire and Norfolk State)
at Boston University
vs. Bucknell
14 Ivy League Games

Not sure whether to trust anything the Post or News reports, but at least we now know that Donahue is serious about other jobs but no one is biting.  He seems like a helluva coach but maybe he's just a poor interviewer.  I don't know how the Iona coach got the job over Donahue.  Donahue would've gotten a 5x raise, the ex-Iona guy will be making $1 million per year.  Wow.

Looks like St Johns will hire Lavin, that makes sense because they need a good recruiter although now there is speculation that BC might fire their coach

http://thequad.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/st-johns-set-to-hire-lavin-as-its-coach/
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2010/03/is-al-skinner-on-the-way-out-at-boston-college-/1

Quote from: YankeeLoboNot sure whether to trust anything the Post or News reports, but at least we now know that Donahue is serious about other jobs but no one is biting.  He seems like a helluva coach but maybe he's just a poor interviewer.  I don't know how the Iona coach got the job over Donahue.  Donahue would've gotten a 5x raise, the ex-Iona guy will be making $1 million per year.  Wow.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20100329/SPORTS03/3290380/1128/Sports/+Home-run++job+offer+isn+t+out+there+for+Donahue
You might be right about the inaccuracy of these reports, in the article Donahue flat out denies them


The 10th-year men's basketball coach is as popular as ever after leading the Big Red to a 29-5 record, including two NCAA tournament wins, and a third straight Ivy League championship. But he denied published reports that he was interested in either the St. John's or Siena jobs, and said he's turned down multiple inquiries.

St. John's cut ties recently with Norm Roberts, and former Siena coach Fran McCaffery accepted the head coaching position at Iowa on Monday.

"As I say to you all the time, really it has to be a flat-out home run," Donahue said. "No matter what you read, there's nothing that I've even entertained that I would even consider leaving Cornell for. Nothing. There's just not. I've said no to every single one of the (calls) that have inquired about me leaving here.

"To beat this situation, in terms of the people I work for, the university I represent, the family loving the area as much as they do, all those things, it would have to be an incredible situation for me to leave Cornell.

Donahue said a job opening in one of the country's major conferences (determined by the average athletic budget size of member schools) does not necessarily equate into a "home run" position.

"No, no," he said. "It does not. No. That's not why I coach. So many other reasons go into decision-making professionally."

Donahue has said repeatedly this season that people may not realize "how good I have it" at Cornell.

"All the things I just talked about: people, institution, culture, those things-- they are really important to me," he said.

According to Boston Globe, BC has fired Al Skinner and Donohue is high on the list there...

Globe (http://www.boston.com/sports/colleges/extras/colleges_blog/2010/03/bc_fires_skinne.html)

That would be a win-win if they hire Amaker

Quote from: Jeff Hopkins '82It does point out the irrelevance of Penn State basketball that 1) nobody thought you were joking or teasing and 2) Nobody cares that you were joking or teasing.

There's a fanatical Penn State football fan at my job.  He said he's met more supporters of the Penn State club hockey team than of their basketball team.

Quote from: Trotsky

Quote from: Jeff Hopkins '82It does point out the irrelevance of Penn State basketball that 1) nobody thought you were joking or teasing and 2) Nobody cares that you were joking or teasing.

There's a fanatical Penn State football fan at my job.  He said he's met more supporters of the Penn State club hockey team than of their basketball team.

The fact that Penn State is keeping DeChellis is a joke.  They are keeping him because he is an inexpensive solution and the team has not caused controversy.  That program is awful right now.

Would Zach Spiker return to Cornell if Donahue left?

I just heard on WFAN in NYC that Donahue is reportedly in the running for the BC job, which has just opened up. That would be an excellent step up for him, going into the ACC.

Quote from: srg1

Quote from: Trotsky

Quote from: Jeff Hopkins '82It does point out the irrelevance of Penn State basketball that 1) nobody thought you were joking or teasing and 2) Nobody cares that you were joking or teasing.

There's a fanatical Penn State football fan at my job.  He said he's met more supporters of the Penn State club hockey team than of their basketball team.

The fact that Penn State is keeping DeChellis is a joke.  They are keeping him because he is an inexpensive solution and the team has not caused controversy.  That program is awful right now.

Would Zach Spiker return to Cornell if Donahue left?

Rutgers keeping Fred Hill is another joke, both Rutgers and Penn St are just pathetic programs.

I dont see Spiker returning, he just took the job at Army 1 year ago.

I dont think BC is really a better job than St Johns or Seton Hall, Big East = ACC and all three of those programs are in bad shape. Plus at least basketball is #1 at Seton Hall or St Johns, basketball is not the #1 sport at BC. Donahue has already denied interest in Seton Hall,St Johns why would he want to go to BC. I think Amaker is their choice, Harvard student papers are already reporting that Amaker would leave Harvard for BC. Amaker has beaten BC the last 2 years, he has recruited at that level, he already lives in Boston.

Quote from: phillysportsfanI dont think BC is really a better job than St Johns or Seton Hall, Big East = ACC and all three of those programs are in bad shape. Plus at least basketball is #1 at Seton Hall or St Johns, basketball is not the #1 sport at BC. Donahue has already denied interest in Seton Hall,St Johns why would he want to go to BC. I think Amaker is their choice, Harvard student papers are already reporting that Amaker would leave Harvard for BC. Amaker has beaten BC the last 2 years, he has recruited at that level, he already lives in Boston.

BC is in bad shape after missing the tournament? They were a tournament team 7 times in the aughts and a Sweet 16 team in '06 (and should have been in '05). BC also probably has more to spend on a coach than either SJU or SHU. Unless Amaker is related to Sarah Palin (our next President), I have no idea why his record at Harvard, Michigan or SHU would earn him the BC job.

Quote from: ugarte

Quote from: phillysportsfanI dont think BC is really a better job than St Johns or Seton Hall, Big East = ACC and all three of those programs are in bad shape. Plus at least basketball is #1 at Seton Hall or St Johns, basketball is not the #1 sport at BC. Donahue has already denied interest in Seton Hall,St Johns why would he want to go to BC. I think Amaker is their choice, Harvard student papers are already reporting that Amaker would leave Harvard for BC. Amaker has beaten BC the last 2 years, he has recruited at that level, he already lives in Boston.

BC is in bad shape after missing the tournament? They were a tournament team 7 times in the aughts and a Sweet 16 team in '06 (and should have been in '05). BC also probably has more to spend on a coach than either SJU or SHU. Unless Amaker is related to Sarah Palin (our next President), I have no idea why his record at Harvard, Michigan or SHU would earn him the BC job.

Ok, BC is not in bad shape but BC had the worst year of the 3. Seton Hall was only a few wins out of the tournament. All three programs are probably roughly at the same point at this time, they are not Rutgers/Depaul bad but they are not good either. Not sure what BC was paying Skinner but St Johns offered Billy Donovan $3-$3.5 mil. Plus BC is so screwed up being in the ACC, every game is a plane flight away

I am not saying Amaker is a better candidate, I am just guessing that they would rather hire Amaker over Donahue because Amaker has been at that level before. Seton Hall and St Johns were not that interested in Donahue. Seton Hall hired Kevin Willard who turned Iona around in a short time but still never made the tournament. St Johns hired Lavin who was great at UCLA but hasnt coached in 7 years. Donahue is probably comparable in coaching ability at least to Willard but those schools didnt want him because he hasnt recruited at near that level before.

Jeff Goodman is reporting Donahue will interview at BC tomorrow, probably a better source that those NY post articles

http://twitter.com/goodmanonfox/status/11345570862

Donahue is apparently a finalist at BC with two former BC assistants Fairfield's Cooley and Northeastern's Coen

Donahue emerging as a possible favorite for the BC job
http://www.boston.com/sports/colleges/mens_basketball/articles/2010/04/05/donahue_emerging_in_bc_hunt/

Donahue should just wait it out at Cornell until Boeheim retires at Syracuse.

Quote from: YankeeLoboDonahue should just wait it out at Cornell until Boeheim retires at Syracuse.

That is an interesting thought given all of Boeheim's support for Donahue but I think one of their assistants Hopkins who removed himself from consideration for the Charlotte job is the next guy in line after Boeheim retires

Quote from: phillysportsfan

Quote from: YankeeLoboDonahue should just wait it out at Cornell until Boeheim retires at Syracuse.

That is an interesting thought given all of Boeheim's support for Donahue but I think one of their assistants Hopkins who removed himself from consideration for the Charlotte job is the next guy in line after Boeheim retires

Yes, he's essentially the coach-in-waiting.

http://www.boston.com/sports/colleges/extras/colleges_blog/2010/04/bc_close_to_a_d.html?localsearch:on:twit:colleges-blog

Looks like they might announce Donahue as BC's next coach tomorrow, article also mentioned Hofstra offered him 700k for five years, had not seen that anywhere else

I guess if Donahue is not at that Winter Sports honoring thing tomorrow we will know he got the BC job

ESPN reporting (Sportscenter, couldn't find an article) that BC will announce Donahue as their coach later today.

Quote from: mikekESPN reporting (Sportscenter, couldn't find an article) that BC will announce Donahue as their coach later today.

http://news.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/oncampus/?p=200&srvc=home&position=recent

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/ncb/news/story?id=5059844
http://www.boston.com/sports/colleges/extras/colleges_blog/2010/04/bc_set_to_hire_1.html

Of interest from the espn story is a statement from a Cornell source and then there's the last paragraph:

QuoteMultiple sources said here in Indianapolis that Donahue had contacted coaches about joining his staff with the Eagles, including at least one other Ivy League head coach.

To answer the thread topic:

zero

It makes it easy for a "home run" to come your way when you're out there swinging for the fences.

Good luck in the ACC, coach. Thanks for the ride.

Quote from: cth95To answer the thread topic:

zero

That's ;ike sayign what are the odds that Duke wins the squeakball tournament.  100% after the fact.

Quote from: KeithK

Quote from: cth95To answer the thread topic:

zero

That's ;ike sayign what are the odds that Duke wins the squeakball tournament.  100% after the fact.

That was my point. The question was still there, and now we know the answer.

I guess I could have added this:   :-)