Looking like KJH is the play

[papatomany]

I honestly don't think a player exodus would occur. As for Kellie's record potentially being "considerably worse even than Holly," well, I completely disagree, and you saying that makes me kinda sorta hope she gets an opportunity to prove that statement wrong! Kellie got a team to this year's Sweet 16 with a roster full of no-names, and you could see on their faces that they all respected her, believed in her game plan, and would have walked through fire for her. That was NEVER the case with Holly, and that's why our all-American laden Lady Vols went home after the first game.

I know people keep ignoring the backstory about all that transpired at NCSt. and why that simply wasn't the right fit for her. But none of those issues would hinder Harper at Tennessee.

All I know is, whether it's Harper or someone I've never heard of, I'm just relieved that there will be a fresh start next season. No matter who it is I have a feeling the fans are going to be excited to see how the season plays out. I'll be getting tix no matter who gets to sit in the Big Chair.

The problem I have is that Holly's worst years, let's call them the "fireable years" gave us an 86-47 record (65% in the SEC), but Kellie's best four year period is 90-45 (67%), which was the last three seasons with Western Carolina and the first with NC State. In fact, Holly' was 25-8 last year, which is better than any season Kellie has yet had.

Traditionally, folks that are hired because of one run in the tournament tend to mediocrity at their next stop, while folks that have great success (not marginal or "yeah, but" situations) at less prestigious places (like, for instance, Pearl) tend to be pretty successful when they move up.

 

[butchna]

Her team was not really up too the task at times. But if fans want her and she fails this program will be down for a decade or two.

Weird math. Right coach and you’re winning regularly in at least two. Only takes one class.

 

[lvocd]

The problem I have is that Holly's worst years, let's call them the "fireable years" gave us an 86-47 record (65% in the SEC), but Kellie's best four year period is 90-45 (67%), which was the last three seasons with Western Carolina and the first with NC State. In fact, Holly' was 25-8 last year, which is better than any season Kellie has yet had.

It’s apples to oranges. In this period, Holly had been gifted with the keys to drive what was the equivalent of a Rolls Royce (as far as financial, media and fan support), while Harper was driving a very nicely-appointed Honda Accord. These circumstances simply cannot, and should not, be compared as even remotely similar.

 

[papatomany]

It’s apples to oranges. In this period, Holly had been gifted with the keys to drive what was the equivalent of a Rolls Royce (as far as financial, media and fan support), while Harper was driving a very nicely-appointed Honda Accord. These circumstances simply cannot, and should not, be compared as even remotely similar.

I hate to say it this way, but... you're wrong. The point is that Kellie should have achievements at her level like Karl Smesko or Aaron Johnston at South Dakota State. Those are the type records that most often lead to an Urban Meyer type success story. Comparing the records does matter because there are people at her level who are WAY more successful. It is exceptionally rare for someone to have mediocre success at a lower level then great success at a higher level. There is nothing from Kellie's record to suggest she'll succeed beyond Holly and plenty to suggest that her results will be the same or worse.

 

[creekdipper]

One problem with citing "records" is taking into account comparative strength of schedule. How tough are Smesko's and Johnston's opponents? Harper scheduled a number of hard opponents this year resulting in a 1-7 opening to the season with a very young team. That schedule reaped dividends later, although someone keeps quoting this year's results as though they were worse than Holly's (ignoring Holly's cupcake non-conference schedule which inflated early standings).

If we're going by records alone, let's hire Molly Miller from Drury. At one point this season, her overall record was something like 116-13 and she had them ranked #1.

 

[TenUhSee]

One problem with citing "records" is taking into account comparative strength of schedule. How tough are Smesko's and Johnston's opponents? Harper scheduled a number of hard opponents this year resulting in a 1-7 opening to the season with a very young team. That schedule reaped dividends later, although someone keeps quoting this year's results as though they were worse than Holly's (ignoring Holly's cupcake non-conference schedule which inflated early standings).

If we're going by records alone, let's hire Molly Miller from Drury. At one point this season, her overall record was something like 116-13 and she had them ranked #1.

 

[creekdipper]

An added plus is the merchandising sales (for those who remember the Farrah posters hanging in many a dorm room).

 

[JohnnyD1024]

Missouri State
SOS 77
Record vs top 25: 3-4
RPI 52

Florida Gulf Coast
SOS 219
Record vs top 25: 0-2
RPI 63

Common opponents: Stanford
Missouri State lost to Stanford 55 to 46
Florida Gulf Coast lost to Stanford 88 to 65

*note* Florida Gulf Coast played Stanford in their 4th game of the season compared to Missouri State playing them in the Sweet 16.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

Her team was not really up too the task at times. But if fans want her and she fails this program will be down for a decade or two.

I just think it’s a huge blow if Walz doesn’t have the same type of success he did at Louiseville... I think we as fans think oh bam he turns it around or Kellie turns it around honesty the person that comes in whoever it is will have to hit the ground running, build relationship with these players, get in on the 2020 recruits, and everybody has to remember the new coach will have to get ready for the Europe trip these ladies are taking so that will be a great time to see how they gel.

I just want the new person to be successful and as much talent is on this time as long as I see progression and change for the better I am ok with that. Do the ladies look like they know what they are doing ? Is there someone out there being challenged to take games over consistently if not are they being sat down?

Not everybody can challenge these ladies to live up to the legacy and Jeff Walz has the proven record to say hey if you listen to me this is where we can go and you can FINALLY be the ones to get me over the hump ... while Kellie can say I lived this grind every day was pushed to my limits with super stars around and I know what it was like to sacrifice my game for the good of the team to make sure we succeeded. Both approaches could work but both coaches need to adapt which Holly just was not good at.

 

[JVol76]

He is not wrong. Rich Rod was to be announced at news conference, Rod backed out.

Do a little research. Rich Rod accepted the job AFTER Steve Spurrier and Nick Saban were contacted and turned down the job. When Rodriguez backed out they went back to Saban and he accepted. Don't believe that then go ask Spurrier, Mal Moore or even Paul Finebaum

 

[JohnnyD1024]

Do a little research. Rich Rod accepted the job AFTER Steve Spurrier and Nick Saban were contacted and turned down the job. When Rodriguez backed out they went back to Saban and he accepted. Don't believe that then go ask Spurrier, Mal Moore or even Paul Finebaum

Still doesn't change the fact that they lucked into Saban. If Rich Rod doesn't back out at the last second then Mal Moore never goes into complete desperation mode and stalk Saban outside his house until he agreed to coach Alabama.

 

[VolBall09]

It’s apples to oranges. In this period, Holly had been gifted with the keys to drive what was the equivalent of a Rolls Royce (as far as financial, media and fan support), while Harper was driving a very nicely-appointed Honda Accord. These circumstances simply cannot, and should not, be compared as even remotely similar.

At the end of the day coaching is coaching. I tend to disagree that you cannot compare them. If Harper was really that great of a coach she wouldn’t be 16 years in and still coaching at a mid-major program. Sometimes people are where they belong.

Making excuses for Harper’s poor record is a bad call. That’s her record for a reason. You can blame whatever you like but at the end of the day she was in charge when her teams were taking all those losses.

Smesko at FGCU has an 84% win percentage coaching at the mid major level at a program he started himself. He had the same caliber or often less talented players than Harper and still manages to beat people because he can flat out coach.

 

[JVol76]

Still doesn't change the fact that they lucked into Saban. If Rich Rod doesn't back out at the last second then Mal Moore never goes into complete desperation mode and stalk Saban outside his house until he agreed to coach Alabama.

I don't disagree with that. I hope that Fulmer will be as aggressive as an AD when it comes to hiring coaches. As bad as I hate Bama they set their sites high and came out ahead. That's what UT needs to do as well, if the Gumps can do it no reason UT can't.

 

[STL0611]

Do a little research. Rich Rod accepted the job AFTER Steve Spurrier and Nick Saban were contacted and turned down the job. When Rodriguez backed out they went back to Saban and he accepted. Don't believe that then go ask Spurrier, Mal Moore or even Paul Finebaum

Do a little research; Mal Moore is deceased.

 

[GBOTango]

Ms. Warlick could recruit, but couldn't manage players. I wonder if Coach Harper can do both.

 

[sccshortstop]

That would be a fine looker on the sidelines for a change. Looks alone and she is my pick!

 

[JVol76]

Do a little research; Mal Moore is deceased.

Went right over your head didn't it?
Do I need to draw you a picture in Crayon so it'll help alleviate your ignorance on this? Nothing you say will change the facts of anything so accept it. You are however free to believe anything you want so have at it., I'm sick of discussing the matter with people who don't have a clue what they are talking about.

 

[Magherr]

Kelly Harper was a great player, I would guess a nice person, but her husband is the “Co-Coach”. Seriously??

 

[creekdipper]

That would be a fine looker on the sidelines for a change. Looks alone and she is my pick!

She fine!!!

From what I've read, she was a heckuva player and regarded very highly by her players and fan base. Sounds like she runs her program in a very classy way.

Her name has been mentioned as a possible candidate to take over at Mo St should tbey lose their coach.

 

[volman128]

Whelp, that’s not true. He’s been AD for like a year, but whatever.

He was *head coach* of the football program when it started its spiral down the toilet. If you'd put your thinking cap on, it shouldn't be too hard to understand what I meant, but whatever.

 

[sccshortstop]

She fine!!!

From what I've read, she was a heckuva player and regarded very highly by her players and fan base. Sounds like she runs her program in a very classy way.

Her name has been mentioned as a possible candidate to take over at Mo St should tbey lose their coach.

Probably a good candidate if Kelli leaves but I strongly expect that hometown hero Jackie Stiles is penciled in to be the new head!

 

[creekdipper]

Kelly Harper was a great player, I would guess a nice person, but her husband is the “Co-Coach”. Seriously??

If the nepotism rule were the only barriet, that would be easy enough to get around. The family's income would just about triple from Kellie's salary bump alone. Jon could just be an unpaid consultant or "volunteer coach." It would actually free up a position for another assistant or recruiter.

Many parents probably like the idea of a family atmosphere (including Jakson and Kylie) around their daughters. As someone else said, it's a kind of neat and "progressive" example to see the wife getting the spotlight with the husband supporting her. He always has her back, they take recruiting trips together, and they both appear down-to-earth and plain-spoken (and intelligent). We got to hear Jon doing the post-game radio interview after the Iowa State win.


That sounds like a really good situation to keep someone grounded. I would think that an interview process would probe into the dynamics of the amount of input and areas of responsibility for each assistant coach on the staff and how thst plays out. For instance, Jackie Stiles did a great job halping develop their guards.

 

[creekdipper]

Probably a good candidate if Kelli leaves but I strongly expect that hometown hero Jackie Stiles is penciled in to be the new head!

That's what I thought, too, although Jackie has been battling some very serious health issues which is still causing her eyesight to deteriorate, I believe. She's one brave lady.

The Lady Bear message board discussed it a little (although tbey're obviously hoping that Kellie stays). You can't help but feel badly for them. Also, Miller is a Drury alum, so that would be hard for her/ them. She's also a hometown hero.

 

[VolBall09]

If the nepotism rule were the only barriet, that would be easy enough to get around. The family's income would just about triple from Kellie's salary bump alone. Jon could just be an unpaid consultant or "volunteer coach." It would actually free up a position for another assistant or recruiter.

Many parents probably like the idea of a family atmosphere (including Jakson and Kylie) around their daughters. As someone else said, it's a kind of neat and "progressive" example to see the wife getting the spotlight with the husband supporting her. He always has her back, they take recruiting trips together, and they both appear down-to-earth and plain-spoken (and intelligent). We got to hear Jon doing the post-game radio interview after the Iowa State win.


That sounds like a really good situation to keep someone grounded. I would think that an interview process would probe into the dynamics of the amount of input and areas of responsibility for each assistant coach on the staff and how thst plays out. For instance, Jackie Stiles did a great job halping develop their guards.

It is neither neat, nor progressive. To me it reeks of co-dependence and an inability to function without your spouse. This is about coaching basketball. For all we know he's the one responsible for any success she has had at all. What happens if they hire Kellie but she isn't allowed to have him on her staff? Just seems to me like it could be a total wreck.

Also way too many possible interpersonal issues. God forbid one of them have an affair or something and end up in a messy divorce. That would sure be great for things.

 

[sccshortstop]

I still really think we will do a few other interviews that may not need AD approval such as GG. From all I hear and have heard she never had a chance in Texas following Conradt sp . I really am afraid that some of the yahoos on here will bitch and moan whoever is hired and maybe more so if it is Kelli. Philip has a plan by just talking to her since her husband is on her staff and that would be interesting. I really am not a big Fargas fan at this time since she really has not done much at LSU but one of my all time favorite LVs!