Lady Vol basketball program was a perennial contender for 30+ years until now. Now UT is the same as any other school in the SEC or other power 5 program. Unfortunate circumstances occurred and now it is what it is.
Here's the dilemma:
Fire Holly now:
1. The Holly/Pat connection - Pat's not here anymore, would she be disappointed if she were here? Would she try to silently nudge Holly out? Would it tarnish Pat's reputation if you fire her pick?
2. Loyalty. VFL. No doubt Holly would bleed orange if you cut her. See #1 above. VFL is a real thing. Tough to show them the door.
3. Have to find a coach that can coach and recruit
4. Have to find a coach that is not polarizing for fanbase
5. Have to retain current roster
6. Have to retain recruiting class
7. This is your first major decision. Sets a precedent.
Keep Holly:
1. Loyalty. She's a VFL. And her biggest fan is the greatest ever. Why would you doubt that?
2. Fanbase is big on Pat and Pat's handpicked successor.
3. With this big class coming in she will right the ship.
4. Did I mention VFL and Pat's pick?
5. This is your first major decision. Sets a precedent. (Same as the "fire" group, but still a real factor).
It's a tough spot. But the trend over the last few years is going down. Need to stabilize and get back up on the top of the heap. No way this team with its resources, backing and tradition should not be a final four threat every year at a minimum.
Here's the dilemma:
Fire Holly now:
1. The Holly/Pat connection - Pat's not here anymore, would she be disappointed if she were here? Would she try to silently nudge Holly out? Would it tarnish Pat's reputation if you fire her pick?
2. Loyalty. VFL. No doubt Holly would bleed orange if you cut her. See #1 above. VFL is a real thing. Tough to show them the door.
3. Have to find a coach that can coach and recruit
4. Have to find a coach that is not polarizing for fanbase
5. Have to retain current roster
6. Have to retain recruiting class
7. This is your first major decision. Sets a precedent.
Keep Holly:
1. Loyalty. She's a VFL. And her biggest fan is the greatest ever. Why would you doubt that?
2. Fanbase is big on Pat and Pat's handpicked successor.
3. With this big class coming in she will right the ship.
4. Did I mention VFL and Pat's pick?
5. This is your first major decision. Sets a precedent. (Same as the "fire" group, but still a real factor).
It's a tough spot. But the trend over the last few years is going down. Need to stabilize and get back up on the top of the heap. No way this team with its resources, backing and tradition should not be a final four threat every year at a minimum.