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Bryce and Bobby Hurley both interviewed with DePaul back in 2015. Would be fun to see Bryce back in the Midwest, but this is arguably the worst job in the power five and a complete rebuild. Tall task ahead. At least, you would have a nice recruiting pool.

Will Wade is likely another name to look out for. He is always willing to take undesirable jobs and turn the program around.

[On Ed Schilling:]

On Ed Schilling: I don't know anything more about the man than what folks have posted here and what a quick look at his Wikipedia page tells me. OK, so 20 years ago he left the HC job at Wright State with a very mediocre record. Since then, he's had a string of assistant jobs (from Wikipedia):

2003–2005   Memphis (assistant)
2013–2017   UCLA (assistant)
2017–2019   Indiana (assistant)
2020–present   Grand Canyon (assistant)

Maybe he was never cut out to be a head coach. Not everyone is right for the job. Or maybe he's got the right stuff to be an excellent HC, but his first opportunity didn't go well, and subsequent chances never materialized. In any event, I agree with everyone who says that someone can grow a lot professionally and personally over a 20-year period. (Indeed, let's be sad for those who do not.)

Schilling is not mentioned in this morning's Victory Bell report. So maybe he's not even in the conversation. But if he is, then I'm sure that Bryce's impressions of him will be taken very seriously, as they should be.

The Company We're In: Per Paul's Victory Bell update this morning, Valpo is not exactly in elite company among the schools that still have vacant head coaching positions: "There have been 54 openings on the coaching carousel this offseason and as of Tuesday morning, 43 of those have been filled. Valparaiso joins Cal State-Northridge, Coppin State, Kennesaw State, New Hampshire, NJIT, North Carolina A&T, Sam Houston State, Southern Utah, Utah State and Utah Valley as the other schools with openings."

It's possible, even likely, that we get someone who has been passed over, perhaps on multiple occasions, or not even noticed enough to be passed over. If he turns out to be the right guy for this school, that won't matter.

On Greg Tonagel: Also via Paul's update, I was disappointed to learn that Tonagel was never seriously in the mix. I'm guessing that he wasn't interested. In any event -- as an academic in a world where career ambition sometimes overcomes deeper meaning in one's work -- I admire this guy for staying at a place that's right for him. Maybe someday he goes D1. But I'm sure it won't be because of others' expectations of what constitutes success.

Ed Schilling's name has never came up in any conversation I've had with any person about the Valpo job. Not once.

Good to know. I heard he was explored as a target. But, if you haven't heard anything, his candidacy must have ended pretty quickly.

Curious though – how many names have you heard regarding the position? I'm assuming there might be a few that ended early and were never shared publicly or mentioned in your articles? So, just wondering how many names you have heard that were actually in the mix/explored? (And, if you're willing to share, what percentage of the names tossed around on social media were accurate? 50%? 75%?)

I'm asking this because I don't know the answer, not because I'm suggesting anything.

If there is a financial issue, I wonder if the financially strapped universities can juice their offers with incentives based on financial return of the team.  For example, maybe the lower base-pay offer could include additional payment as a percentage of ticket sales, tv revenue, NCAA tournament payout, etc.

If we have a confident coach with a healthy incentive package, we may be able to 'out bid' other schools only offering guaranteed pay.  Actually, the entire staff should be on an incentive package.

Again, I don't know how it works in college athletics, so simply asking if anyone has insight.

Yes! Not only is it possible, it's actually pretty common to you have incentives built-in to the contract. This can include a variety of things such as -number of wins, postseason awards, academic performance, etc. At Indiana, Archie Miller actually had bonuses reliant on how they finished in RPI or Kenpom. Lots of different ways to get creative.

Hearing Ed Schilling is in play. Not sure if he has interviewed, but definitely is a potential target.

Obviously, great track record with IU, UCLA, Memphis, and GCU. From Indiana. Connections to Bryce, Woodson, Alford, and Calipari.

His name came up a couple times. And a source confirmed there is some fire behind the smoke. So we'll see.

54% of D-1 men's bb players are black. Only 24% of D-1 coaches are black. Valpo's % of black and Hispanic faculty members is disgracefully low. A Hispanic President and an African American AD is a good start toward changing that dynamic. Let's keep it going.

How about hiring the coach best suited to make Valparaiso competitive in the Missouri Valley regardless of color?

lol I think this is exactly the point the statistic is making. If over half of the players in college basketball are black, but only 1/4 of the coaches are black, then statistics indicate that there are several qualified black candidates that aren't getting opportunities that they should. So, it's not only a ethical/mission-based decision but also attacking a market inefficiency. Therefore, hiring the best suited candidate and exploring a diversity hire are often the same thing.(PS – the idea that any administration would hire someone only because they are black even if they not qualified is a ridiculous take. This would never happen. This is just an excuse used to perpetuate a cycle of the same people over and over getting opportunities. Not saying this is your opinion, just saying have to be cognizant of this false narrative/red herring.)

I think the religious point proffered is an excellent consideration. Not sure if there is necessarily a right answer to the question: is religion helping or harming recruiting? This is a point that definitely should be given much thought. Some programs like Baylor use it to their advantage. But, they are in a much different situation than Valpo. Personally, I tend to be more in the "let's not over emphasize religion" camp. But, I also feel like it is a coach's decision. The coach has to be authentic. If that is part of his personality, then go for it. Yet, in terms of the administration, I don't think we have to say "it has to be" or even "it should be" a religious guy.

Love Diebler. Awesome guy. Just not sure if he wants to leave Ohio State just yet. If he is ready to come to Valpo, I'm down!

Side note: I wonder if we could try to bring back Erik Buggs as an assistant coach (particularly if a familiar face takes over). He has been doing quite well in Tennessee. Would love to see him back at Valpo. Just not sure if he wants to leave Memphis.

Wouldn't be surprised if Dusty May ends up at Penn State.

Penn State is reportedly hiring the VCU coach (around 3.5 million annually, according to sources, if true). VCU likely to hire internally.

So, that means right now California is the only major job opening. And that is dumpster fire. Interesting to see what he does -might be better off just waiting till next year (unless something opens up or someone retires).

https://twitter.com/low_madness/status/1639261206715170828

Very encouraging message. I like the transparency throughout the process.

The one interesting thing was that he said he met with Lottich and "we agreed" a change in leadership was needed. Makes it sound like Lottich either (1) saw the writing on the wall and was content moving on/maybe even wanted to move on or (2) the coach and AD had different views on the future of the program and agreed to part ways over these differences.

Of course, there is also the possibility that this was just a kind, PR friendly way to announce the breakup. This may be the most likely option. But still, "we agree" is an interesting choice of words.

Looking forward to the future.

Paul just released his list of candidates in The Victory Bell. Check it out.

Who was on his list?

The usual names? Or anybody new/different?

Another name to kick around is Kellen Sampson.

He is the head-coach-in-waiting, but might be worth giving him a call just in case he doesn't want to wait for his dad to retire. Widely regarded as one of the top assistant coaches in the country.

He could get better offers and, financially, probably would make about the same salary as he currently does as an assistant (reportedly around $300,000), so it make more sense for him to just wait. But, you never know.

Plus, we can get some Indiana/Sampson family redemption!

The former Texas Tech coach, Mark Adams, just became available. I mean he would fit right in at Valpo.


Texas Tech coach Mark Adams steps down following suspension (usatoday.com)




Adams spent decades coaching college basketball in Texas at all different levels. He came to Texas Tech in 2016 as a member of former coach Chris Beard's staff and was elevated into the top job when Beard left for the Texas job in 2021. A Texas Tech graduate, Adams went 43-25 in his two seasons leading the Red Raiders, including a Sweet 16 appearance last year.
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[/size]"Adams was encouraging the student-athlete to be more receptive to coaching and referenced Bible verses about workers, teachers, parents, and slaves serving their masters," the statement read. "Adams immediately addressed this with the team and apologized.

haha I'm assuming, this was sarcastic?

Because, yeah, hiring an old coach accused of racist comments and spitting on players is not exactly what a program in need of a change of culture and public perception needs.

I agree USC. Coaching is coaching. Good coaches know their limitations (and every coach has limitations) and they find assistants to bolster those areas. But it is still 5 players, two baskets and a ball. It's what you do with those components that makes the difference.

Fordham this season is a good example. For a generation since Digger Phelps, Fordham basketball has been a losing proposition. Then they hired a former Villanova assistant. Last season they slogged their way to 16-16. Villanova came calling and snapped the guy up to fill their open HC position. One of his assistants who was never a DI HC, was promoted to HC.  He immediately put his stamp on the team, changed an improving culture into a tough, take no prisoners culture in his first year. As of last week they were in second place in the A-10 (are you paying attention Loyola?). They lost to Richmond recently but the Richmond coach was quoted as saying something like this is not the Fordham that everyone was used to in the past. One year, pretty much the same kids, a new coach, a new vibe, a new result. Coaching matters; good coaching matters a lot. And good coaching is not restricted to what NCAA level one is coaching at.

I have no doubt that either McCollum or Tonagle would've produced at least 5 or 6  more wins at this point with our current players.

Completely disagree with this – particularly the thesis of your argument.

First, coaching is always great coaching, true. But, Valpo's problem is not just coaching – it's recruiting, culture, reputation, and interest. There is so much more to being a D1 coach than coaching. Being a great D2 coach is a completely different proposition than D1. And, college basketball is riddled with D2 coaches that failed for this reason. If our only problem was coaching, I could see taking a big swing, but we can't afford to do that now.

Secondly, and more importantly, you are a bit off on the Fordham situation. In fact, Fordham actually supports the opposite conclusion you were looking for. To start, Fordham had not had a .500 or better season since 2007. So, the Villanova assistant going 16-16 in his first year was actually a major improvement. Plus, he quickly added numerous players in the transfer portal, including one who is one of the best players in the A-10 today and a major reason for their success this season. Similarly, Neptune also secured the highest recruit, Will Richardson, the school brought in in over 15 years. Thus, Neptune rebuilt the culture and talent nucleus of the team in just one season. He was a large part of the foundation for success they have now. Moreover, the new coach was not purely a D2 guy. He spent numerous years at Penn State and also was an assistant under Neptune. Therefore, I think Fordham is actually more of a shining example of why you should go after a power conference assistant, rather than a D2 guy.

We need better recruits and a better culture quickly. That is something a well-known power conference assistant or highly regarded lower level head coach can bring that a D2 coach cannot.

I went to school with Jake. Amazing man. Represents the best of what this sport & university have to offer. He's earned his way into a position where he's established a reputation for himself. Ohio State is special to him and his family. Idk where Jake ends up, but I'll root for him wherever that is in the years to come. As much as I'd love to see him back here, we have a better chance of getting Jake from State Farm than Jake Diebler.

As an assistant, he's making $500k.

https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/college/basketball/2022/09/07/how-much-do-ohio-states-assistant-mens-basketball-coaches-make/65886009007/

100% agree with this. Jake is awesome and was always super nice to me. He always told me being an Ohio State assistant was his dream job. Not head coach, but assistant. That's how much he loves Ohio State. If a coaching change happens, maybe we get lucky, but pretty sure he is going to try to stay around the Columbus as long as possible.

PS – is he recruiting Bronny? Probably, right? So, they would definitely want to keep him around if he decides to go to Ohio State, which is the current favorite.

I get that McCollum has a terrific record. But we do we really want a D2 coach? I don't really think that makes a "splash" in terms of recruiting or excitement on campus. We need to galvanize the program and not sure this will do the trick.

Please not Dane Fife! Not a big fan of Donlon either. I would like to go younger. Diebler likely isn't going anywhere yet, Ohio State was his dream job. He used to tell me all the time that he would bolt to be an assistant there in a heartbeat. At some point, maybe he leaves to get some experience to try to be the head coach, but that time is not now. (Although Diebler with Buggs as assistant would be pretty sweet).

A few other names:

Chris Victor from Seattle U – widely regarded as one of the best mid-major coaches. Not sure the salary situation and a very good chance he waits to grab a bigger job (like Washington or Washington State) down the road. But, I would at least reach out.

Dusty May – has done a nice job rebuilding FAU. Connections to IU. Could be an opportunity to come back to Indiana and take a better job but with less pressure than Power 5. Also, FAU is a little overrated, they are performing well but how good of a coach is he really?

Yasir Rosemond – assistant coach and massive recruiter for IU. Younger coach that relates well to players. Excellent recruiter (which we really need). Also worked under Avery Johnson. Has ties to Midwest, South, and West Coast. Under the radar potential hire. Again, probably would have to take a pay cut, but at least worth a call to see if he wants to be a head coach.

Awesome hearing Adam on the podcast talking about his time at Valpo and WVUR. He's a great guy and has always given back to the Valpo radio station. Cool to see him continuing to rep the University. And, the interviewer did a great job as well, asked good questions and let him cook.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adam-amin-09/id1504950354?i=1000582420276

I was reading through the new "Uplift Valpo" strategic plan that was recently announced. Buried in one of the documents, it said they are exploring a new athletic complex located near Brown Field and the hospital property. But, it did not give any other details.

Has anyone heard anything about this? Or heard rumors about what type of athletic complex they are talking about? I know there were talks a couple years ago about putting a practice facility there or potentially a new basketball stadium. I'm guessing this is just the reemergence of those conversations, but curious if anyone has any insight.Probably will never happen, but hey – we can dream, right?

Vijay Blackmon has been hired as the men's basketball strength coach.  I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong, but I don't think that there has been a strength coach dedicated  just to men's basketball in recent seasons.  This is a behind-the-scenes investment that the coaches hoped for. 

It will be interesting to see this hire has any impact on the number of injuries over the course of the season.

This is an interesting move. Love that he played under one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in college basketball with Clif Marshall. Marshall is famous for some of the impressive player body transformations within the Hoosier program. I also like that Vijay is younger and can more easily relate to the players and the modern basketball training cycle (AAU, high school, and the transition to college).

Exciting hire for sure! First, taking on someone from a major conference with experience governing multiple sports a major plus. Secondly, love that he is younger who can relate more easily to the students and the modern NCAA/college sports environment infrastructure. Being a former player is also nice. I'm happy we went with a diverse candidate. It's about time we had a black athletic director and shows signs our athletic department is modernizing. It sounds like he is a progressive thinker, even created a mental health advisor program within the athletic department at ISU, which is surprisingly rare for major programs and definitely needs to become more commonplace. Sounds like he is also well regarded for creating partnerships within the school and community, which is going to be essential here as that has always been a major obstacle at Valpo.

Love the resume, let's hope he delivers!

(I'm most interested in seeing his approach to name, image, and likeness. Let's hope he sets up some infrastructure for that.)

https://twitter.com/ADavidHaleJoint/status/1524071293917835265

Brey is awesome. Glad someone finally said it. Way too much complaining going on over this.

Is it possible that Mike Brey has an alumni base willing and able to pay the very best athletes to play for Notre Dame?

Except, they do not have the very best athletes playing for Notre Dame basketball. They have not dominated the transfer portal. They still have subpar talent considering the program's previous stature. So, I don't think name, image, likeness has really had much impact on the team (at least not of yet). Plus, almost every team in their conference has nearly as powerful of alumni.

https://twitter.com/ADavidHaleJoint/status/1524071293917835265

Brey is awesome. Glad someone finally said it. Way too much complaining going on over this.

I know there are some drawbacks and transferring those put an additional strain on coaches/programs. But, the one transfer and/or sit out a year rules were overly prohibitive and unnecessary. I personally don't see the problem with giving players more freedom. If they want to transfer, let them transfer. You only have 4/5 years of eligibility, why not make the most of it.

Yes, the numbers themselves appear rather large. But, I think the claims of catastrophic effects of the transfer rules are largely overblown.Last year was a super exciting college basketball season. The transfer portal didn't ruin it.

(Side-note: I think it's a little much to call people unloyal, uncommitted, or whiners if they transfer. Maybe some. But, let's be real, if you had the opportunity to go from playing in Manhattan, Kansas to Miami and earn an extra $800,000, you would transfer too. Sometimes in life you just have to seize opportunities)

All this transferring seems so chaotic, and has got to be so demoralizing for the team members left behind.

For some, yes. But, most of these guys are friends and understand a guy's reasoning/motivation for transferring – and, therefore, are fine with it. For others, they are happy a guy is gone because they complain a lot, etc. And, yes, it's definitely frustrating for some. But, being around a lot of players over the years, it's typically not that big of a deal. It's just the way it is.

Those are actually great fits for Edwards.

Valpo needs to get in on some of these IU rejects.

Let's become what Nevada was a couple years ago and build a roster around other program's transfers. Become a steppingstone team for a couple years to become competitive and increase name/brand awareness. Then, once you have a little success and a foundation, you can build internally. Go full English Premier League. Let's become West Ham.

[be somewhere that I can play my game]

"be somewhere that I can play my game". Said being closer to home not a factor in leaving. There for I take it he was not happy with Matt's scheme of play calling/system and how he was used

He didn't like how he was used when there were times, particularly early in the year, when I was thinking to myself "get his ass out of there"?

I'm all for a coaching change however some of these guys really need a dose of reality.

In terms of your "these guys really need a dose of reality" take, I think it's the exact opposite. I think these guys understand more than ever their "reality." If you're not good enough or don't believe the current system fits your best attributes, then going somewhere that is a better situation for you personally is actually a pretty mature and practical decision. It is certainly better than staying in a situation where you are unhappy and never play or never succeed and end up having regrets down the road. Might as well make the most of your college experience.

As for the transfer rule, maybe it's a millennial thing, but I like freedom of choice. You are only in college for 4-5 (maybe 6) years. So, why not go somewhere where you can best fulfill your college goals? I know it sucks from a fan perspective not being able to see guys develop and is rough on coaches not having continuity, but I would rather have players have more freedom than less. With a limited shelf life, they might as well have every opportunity to pursue their happiness.