Pearl's Already Gone: The Exit Strategy Hypothesis

[jp1]

Yes, but much of that demographic refuses to acknowledge UT bball has existed for generations so they wouldn't grasp people having same seats for generations
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Does this "demographic" include all people 35 and under?
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[cd12]

My daughter will never acknowledge that Bruce even existed.

 

[OrangeInKy]

Does this "demographic" include all people 35 and under?
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No, because I am 32. I am old enough to remember sitting in TBA during Devoe,Houston,O"Neill,Green,Buzz era's but too young too recall Ernie and Bernie but have studied and appreciate UT history as a whole. Unlike some on the board, I acknowledge UT success that occurred before my time and although I appreciate the fact that Pearl took it to new levels, I abhor the notion that he IS UT bball. He should go. I guess the term "demographic" is bad term, I was refering to the group that keep throwing out UT's bad era's without understanding the reason why those coaches were hired, in their argument for keeping Bruce. UT bball has more to offer a coach than ever. I was referring to the "Bruce put UT bball on the map" crowd. Bogus statement considering 4 of 5 greatest UT players were pre-Bruce and the other was a Buzz recruit. That is the group I was referring to.
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[AllVolinGA]

Let me start by saying that I like what Bruce had done for UT basketball; no one can deny that he brought BACK the excitement to the program and got it off the life support system it was on due to the terrible hires under Dickey. With that being said, I personally, know that it is time for him to go. He took a gift he was given and a trust and dumped on it for reasons that are unfathomable. While I am willing as a person to forgive him is personal transgressions, I can not continue to support him as the coach of UT basketball as he lost that right the moment he looked at that picture and lied about it, then continued to compound that lie with trying to get others involved in the lie. Finally, if you come forward and confess your mistakes openly, don't go out the next day and do the same thing again, it leaves you with ZERO credibility. Most people would have been willing to forgive and forget the whole BBQ/phone call mess if he would have done the right thing first when he had the opportunity. Sorry Bruce, but you have shot your golden goose.

 

[OrangeInKy]

Let me start by saying that I like what Bruce had done for UT basketball; no one can deny that he brought BACK the excitement to the program and got it off the life support system it was on due to the terrible hires under Dickey. With that being said, I personally, know that it is time for him to go. He took a gift he was given and a trust and dumped on it for reasons that are unfathomable. While I am willing as a person to forgive him is personal transgressions, I can not continue to support him as the coach of UT basketball as he lost that right the moment he looked at that picture and lied about it, then continued to compound that lie with trying to get others involved in the lie. Finally, if you come forward and confess your mistakes openly, don't go out the next day and do the same thing again, it leaves you with ZERO credibility. Most people would have been willing to forgive and forget the whole BBQ/phone call mess if he would have done the right thing first when he had the opportunity. Sorry Bruce, but you have shot your golden goose.

Well put. There are many, such as you and I, that realize what he has done and appreciate it, yet still think he should go for reasons that have nothing to do with bball and his coaching skills.
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[Tenacious D]

No, because I am 32. I am old enough to remember sitting in TBA during Devoe,Houston,O"Neill,Green,Buzz era's but too young too recall Ernie and Bernie but have studied and appreciate UT history as a whole. Unlike some on the board, I acknowledge UT success that occurred before my time and although I appreciate the fact that Pearl took it to new levels, I abhor the notion that he IS UT bball. He should go. I guess the term "demographic" is bad term, I was refering to the group that keep throwing out UT's bad era's without understanding the reason why those coaches were hired, in their argument for keeping Bruce. UT bball has more to offer a coach than ever. I was referring to the "Bruce put UT bball on the map" crowd. Bogus statement considering 4 of 5 greatest UT players were pre-Bruce and the other was a Buzz recruit. That is the group I was referring to.
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That's a vaild point, and one that's often completely overlooked by the chicken littles around here - the Tennessee job has never been more attractive than it is at the moment, even given the uncertainty of the 'AA sanctions (which will loom infinitely smaller, once Pearl has resigned).

And admittedly, the credit for the currently elevated state of the program is due almost entirely to the efforts and successes of Bruce Pearl, alone. And I don't think it can be argued otherwise, even by his staunchest critics. In his time here, he managed to awaken a program which had lied mostly dormant for a number of years, and in doing so, proved that this was a place where bball could not only survive - but thrive - and where both the fans and UTAD were hungry for and eager to support a program which sought to compete at the highest levels.

The next coach will be certain as to what this program can achieve, whomever it may be, and that the depth of our commitment will match the height of our consistently high expectations. Now, being fully aware of this, I assure you that the Houston's, Green's and Peterson's of the world need not apply, nor would they even be considered. And the establishment of this high-water mark is directly attributed to Pearl, and again, to his distinct credit.

Simply, the list of interested candidates which we used to select Pearl's replacement will be much larger, and likely much better, than the one which we used when he was hired.

 

[Incipient]

These last couple points are important to remember (and were made in another thread as well). Bruce Pearl is the reason we're at the level where we can consider firing Bruce Pearl without panic. He's the reason we have a chance to make a splash hire. If he's gone (as I hope and expect he is), he deserves thanks and a hat tip on the way out, for the good things he did, even though there were some bad.

 

[Jaytrain5]

And admittedly, the credit for the currently elevated state of the program is due almost entirely to the efforts and successes of Bruce Pearl, alone. And I don't think it can be argued otherwise, even by his staunchest critics. In his time here, he managed to awaken a program which had lied mostly dormant for a number of years, and in doing so, proved that this was a place where bball could not only survive - but thrive - and where both the fans and UTAD were hungry for and eager to support a program which sought to compete at the highest levels.

For all his flaws, the guy was one helluva promoter for UT basketball. The wins solidified Tennessee's relevance, but Pearl put asses in the seats and put the program in the spotlight from day one.

 

[bleedorange0037]

That's a vaild point, and one that's often completely overlooked by the chicken littles around here - the Tennessee job has never been more attractive than it is at the moment, even given the uncertainty of the 'AA sanctions (which will loom infinitely smaller, once Pearl has resigned).

And admittedly, the credit for the currently elevated state of the program is due almost entirely to the efforts and successes of Bruce Pearl, alone. And I don't think it can be argued otherwise, even by his staunchest critics. In his time here, he managed to awaken a program which had lied mostly dormant for a number of years, and in doing so, proved that this was a place where bball could not only survive - but thrive - and where both the fans and UTAD were hungry for and eager to support a program which sought to compete at the highest levels.

The next coach will be certain as to what this program can achieve, whomever it may be, and that the depth of our commitment will match the height of our consistently high expectations. Now, being fully aware of this, I assure you that the Houston's, Green's and Peterson's of the world need not apply, nor would they even be considered. And the establishment of this high-water mark is directly attributed to Pearl, and again, to his distinct credit.

Simply, the list of interested candidates which we used to select Pearl's replacement will be much larger, and likely much better, than the one which we used when he was hired.

I would be more inclined to believe this if not for the fact that 14 months ago, our AD hired the gridiron equivalent of Wade Houston to coach our football team. A guy who spent a lot of time working for a legendary coach, but has had little to no success as a head man. If Hamilton chooses to wait until the hammer falls in June, then I would imagine the hiring process would go in much the same way, possibly worse, if that's even possible.

 

[Jaytrain5]

I would be more inclined to believe this if not for the fact that 14 months ago, our AD hired the gridiron equivalent of Wade Houston to coach our football team. A guy who spent a lot of time working for a legendary coach, but has had little to no success as a head man. If Hamilton chooses to wait until the hammer falls in June, then I would imagine the hiring process would go in much the same way, possibly worse, if that's even possible.

He had less than a month to signing day, and was hiring a third coach in less than 3 years for a .500 football program. Different set of circumstances entirely.

 

[Tenacious D]

These last couple points are important to remember (and were made in another thread as well). Bruce Pearl is the reason we're at the level where we can consider firing Bruce Pearl without panic. He's the reason we have a chance to make a splash hire. If he's gone (as I hope and expect he is), he deserves thanks and a hat tip on the way out, for the good things he did, even though there were some bad.

Couldn't agree more.

But had he been unwilling to step aside (hypothetically), and allowed the program to suffer beneath what was coming from the 'AA, his legacy would have perceived in a much different and far less favorable light.

What the Pearlophiles don't seem to understand (although I thought I explained it pretty concisely and effectively in the OP), or simply cannot bring themselves to admit, is this:

It's best for both Tennessee and Pearl for him to step aside here - both in the near and long-term futures of each, respectively.

Ironically, while Pearl seems to have finally realized this, it's those who most ardently oppose his leaving who can't / won't acknowledge the same.

 

[bleedorange0037]

He had less than a month to signing day, and was hiring a third coach in less than 3 years for a .500 football program. Different set of circumstances entirely.

If Hamilton waits till this summer to decide, it won't be that different of a situation at all. The hiring period will have long since passed, and hiring a coach to a school facing NCAA sanctions won't be easy.

 

[Incipient]

I would be more inclined to believe this if not for the fact that 14 months ago, our AD hired the gridiron equivalent of Wade Houston to coach our football team. A guy who spent a lot of time working for a legendary coach, but has had little to no success as a head man. If Hamilton chooses to wait until the hammer falls in June, then I would imagine the hiring process would go in much the same way, possibly worse, if that's even possible.

If the hammer falls in June, then the Green's, Houston's, and Peterson's of the world can apply. That'd also be idiotic of the AD.

If the decision is carried out in March, the AD has shown at least the minimal intelligence necessary to make the hire and avoid the aforementioned group.

Also, I think comparing Dooley to Houston is unfair, but that's not an argument for this forum (or really one that can be solidly determined until we wait a couple years).

 

[Tenacious D]

I would be more inclined to believe this if not for the fact that 14 months ago, our AD hired the gridiron equivalent of Wade Houston to coach our football team. A guy who spent a lot of time working for a legendary coach, but has had little to no success as a head man. If Hamilton chooses to wait until the hammer falls in June, then I would imagine the hiring process would go in much the same way, possibly worse, if that's even possible.

I cannot and will not attempt to defend the Dooley hire. While both his previous experiences as a head coach and last year's results don't seem to infer that he is the next Saban, I'm also not ready to call him the next Dubose, either. We'll know more about his long-term prospects after this coming season, IMO.

So, I cannot yet provide what I believe to be an informed opinion as to your specific example - but I am supremely confident in saying this - Tennessee has an infinitely better chance of hiring the next Bill Self in March than they ever will in September (when the AA' likely would have announced sanctions).

And that's exactly why this is happening right now.

Hypothetically.

 

[justingroves]

If Hamilton waits till this summer to decide, it won't be that different of a situation at all. The hiring period will have long since passed, and hiring a coach to a school facing NCAA sanctions won't be easy.

He's not.

 

[tcarroll90]

Tenacious D: True most people have an opinion and yours is noted. I would think that trying to value yours as with being an hypothesis is somewhat over the top. I for one do not believe there is a word of truth in it. UT is not stupid. I think when they reduced BP salary they were showing NCAA that they were willing to police their institution. We all agree that cheating is not condoned. However, there are degrees of cheating. From what I have read BP cheating does not reach the level of cheating that has been proven by past incidents. Telephone calls to recruits from coaching staffs are the norm. If you don't think so than let us have investigation of all of the programs nation wide and let us see what falls out. Had BP let his interview with the NCAA stand that could have been lying, but he amended his statments before conclusions where reached. I believe that in a court of law that would not be perjury. From My experience in being a studen at UT over 50years ago and following UT for these many years I believe that UT keeps Coach Pearl and moves on . I do believe that the name of VolNation should be change to NEGAVOLS!

This :good!:

 

[bleedorange0037]

I cannot and will not attempt to defend the Dooley hire. While both his previous experiences as a head coach and last year's results don't seem to infer that he is the next Saban, I'm also not ready to call him the next Dubose, either. We'll know more about his long-term prospects after this coming season, IMO.

So, I cannot yet provide what I believe to be an informed opinion as to your specific example - but I am supremely confident in saying this - Tennessee has an infinitely better chance of hiring the next Bill Self in March than they ever will in September (when the AA' likely would have announced sanctions).

And that's exactly why this is happening right now.

Hypothetically.

Agree with this part 100%. I know you seem to have some sort of insider knowledge, but all the documented sources have continued to indicate that Hamilton plans to at least let things play out with the infractions committee this summer. I would personally rather not see Pearl go, but if he has to, I'd rather see it happen next week, or whenever we're eliminated from the tourney, as opposed to over the summer. By that time it will be a tall order to hire a decent coach.

 

[OrangeInKy]

These last couple points are important to remember (and were made in another thread as well). Bruce Pearl is the reason we're at the level where we can consider firing Bruce Pearl without panic. He's the reason we have a chance to make a splash hire. If he's gone (as I hope and expect he is), he deserves thanks and a hat tip on the way out, for the good things he did, even though there were some bad.

Don't argue that one bit. I give him just due for UT bball being what it is, I just don't think it should sink back to where it was on account of him. Bruce Pearl showed that if a coach comes to UT and embraces the community and fans, the support will be there. Dickey's last 3 hires all thought they were too good to be here and were doing UT some sort of favor for taking the job. I think O'Neill would have won here. Green and Buzz(even with his nice guy rep) brought the elitist UNC attitude with them. Bruce Pearl made every effort to let it be known he appreciated the school and city and opportunity. I have no qualms giving him credit for that. I am not one who wanted him gone before the AA mess, but I respect the opinion of those that did. That doesn't make me a nega-Vol, it makes me a UT fan, not a Bruce Pearl fan.
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[OrangeInKy]

Agree with this part 100%. I know you seem to have some sort of insider knowledge, but all the documented sources have continued to indicate that Hamilton plans to at least let things play out with the infractions committee this summer. I would personally rather not see Pearl go, but if he has to, I'd rather see it happen next week, or whenever we're eliminated from the tourney, as opposed to over the summer. By that time it will be a tall order to hire a decent coach.

I no longer live in Tn, but try to listen and keep up with everything, but I haven't heard of a public show of support since the LOA was released. Could be wrong. My take is that if Pearl was safe until summer or regardless of sanctions, UT would have had a presser when the LOA was released instead of statements. I could be way off just my opinion. That would have been a day for UT to make it clear that even with with the LOA and what it might bring, he is their guy.
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[Tenacious D]

I no longer live in Tn, but try to listen and keep up with everything, but I haven't heard of a public show of support since the LOA was released. Could be wrong. My take is that if Pearl was safe until summer or regardless of sanctions, UT would have had a presser when the LOA was released instead of statements. I could be way off just my opinion. That would have been a day for UT to make it clear that even with with the LOA and what it might bring, he is their guy.
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LWS explained it earlier, ITT.

The bump infraction - some four days after the presser - was not known for some time later, and caught both MH and Slive completely unaware.

Strike 3 for Pearl.
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[kidbourbon]

I'm glad you aren't participating in the search.
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I do think the question of whether UT is realistically a destination job is a good one.

Assume we hired Bill Self instead of Jerry Green, and assume further that Self had a great deal of success. Would he still be here? Or would he have taken another position that he believed to be -- and what could objectively be viewed as -- an upgrade.

 

[Vercingetorix]

I would be more inclined to believe this if not for the fact that 14 months ago, our AD hired the gridiron equivalent of Wade Houston to coach our football team. A guy who spent a lot of time working for a legendary coach, but has had little to no success as a head man. If Hamilton chooses to wait until the hammer falls in June, then I would imagine the hiring process would go in much the same way, possibly worse, if that's even possible.

We talked about this on the last page of the thread. Hamilton had to find a coach who was willing to A) take over a terrible roster, B) play one of the nation's toughest schedules with it, C) try to salvage a fractured recruiting class in two weeks, and D) leave his current team in the lurch at the worst possible time. That coaching search was doomed from the start. There was no way Hamilton was going to walk out of it with an established, quality name.

Throw in that hiring a basketball coach ought to be ten times easier than hiring a good football coach and I'm not too worried no matter who makes the hire, as long as it's not Doug Dickey.

 

[Jaytrain5]

I do think the question of whether UT is realistically a destination job is a good one.

Assume we hired Bill Self instead of Jerry Green, and assume further that Self had a great deal of success. Would he still be here? Or would he have taken another position that he believed to be -- and what could objectively be viewed as -- an upgrade.

In that scenario, there's a good chance he'd be exactly where he is now.

 

[Scottyhop]

I do think the question of whether UT is realistically a destination job is a good one.

Assume we hired Bill Self instead of Jerry Green, and assume further that Self had a great deal of success. Would he still be here? Or would he have taken another position that he believed to be -- and what could objectively be viewed as -- an upgrade.

You could make the same argument about wether Tennessee football is a destination job.

 

[Vercingetorix]

I do think the question of whether UT is realistically a destination job is a good one.

Assume we hired Bill Self instead of Jerry Green, and assume further that Self had a great deal of success. Would he still be here? Or would he have taken another position that he believed to be -- and what could objectively be viewed as -- an upgrade.

Does it matter? If Self had had so much success in Knoxville that he got hired away by Kansas or any of the other handful of elite basketball programs, then all that would have done is dramatically enhance the prestige of the job for the next hire.