williamspo
Well-known member
Right now, UM's men, MSU's men, and MSU's women basketball programs are a work in progress. They are all struggling - perhaps not for long but who knows?
It is too early to say when or whether either men's program will assert itself as a dominant force.
For the sake of discussion, let's assume that none of these programs reaches a point of respectability (I realize that is an extreme statement).
If we assume that competitiveness isn't achieved (granted, small chance), what does an Athletic Director do to manage the situation. The easier program to use as an example is the MSU women. Bad year last year, not looking any better this year. Last year could be explained by a lack of recruits, same can be said this year. Also, they replaced one of their assistant coaches.
One could argue that they have the basis of a world-beating program, but one could as easily say the wheels are coming off. If an AD looks at this and says "Oh, my God, this is not looking good," what does the AD do?
Take Jim O'Day. He has a background in newspaper publishing and business. I assume he doesn't have the expertise to offer tactical or strategic suggestions. Presumably, the same is true of Fields in Bozeman.
Do these AD's bring in a consultant? Are there people who do that?
It must be agonizing for the MSU AD to see what is happening to their women's program and (I assume) not have the expertise or insight to right the ship. It is easy to fire a coach, but that is a last resort for an AD. What does an AD do other than wait and see.
I know that the AD will always be supportive, but at what point does the AD step in and say to a coach, "You need help."
Anyone have insight as to how this is "done" in the athletic world? No, I am not saying that this is the right time for intervention in any of the three programs. But, if that time arises, how is it done? Or, is it?
It is too early to say when or whether either men's program will assert itself as a dominant force.
For the sake of discussion, let's assume that none of these programs reaches a point of respectability (I realize that is an extreme statement).
If we assume that competitiveness isn't achieved (granted, small chance), what does an Athletic Director do to manage the situation. The easier program to use as an example is the MSU women. Bad year last year, not looking any better this year. Last year could be explained by a lack of recruits, same can be said this year. Also, they replaced one of their assistant coaches.
One could argue that they have the basis of a world-beating program, but one could as easily say the wheels are coming off. If an AD looks at this and says "Oh, my God, this is not looking good," what does the AD do?
Take Jim O'Day. He has a background in newspaper publishing and business. I assume he doesn't have the expertise to offer tactical or strategic suggestions. Presumably, the same is true of Fields in Bozeman.
Do these AD's bring in a consultant? Are there people who do that?
It must be agonizing for the MSU AD to see what is happening to their women's program and (I assume) not have the expertise or insight to right the ship. It is easy to fire a coach, but that is a last resort for an AD. What does an AD do other than wait and see.
I know that the AD will always be supportive, but at what point does the AD step in and say to a coach, "You need help."
Anyone have insight as to how this is "done" in the athletic world? No, I am not saying that this is the right time for intervention in any of the three programs. But, if that time arises, how is it done? Or, is it?