Top 3 Coaching jobs in America according to coaches

[TUL]

As I said, I have no idea where you went to school or what work it took you to get there. I thought that was clear. You are just a faceless poster to me, so I have no idea what you did or didn't do.

And no I didn't go to Harvard; as I said, I went to Duke and Columbia. No basketball, too short

Oh, I just noticed your avatar, great! You own them?

 

[UpstateNYCat]

Y'alls feelings on UCLA being Top10? Can't say I agree with it, 1 title in the 40yrs since Wooden retred, pathetic fan base. I'd move IU, UL, MSU, Zona and UM above them, maybe even tOSU and Cuse as well.

 

[TUL]

Y'alls feelings on UCLA being Top10? Can't say I agree with it, 1 title in the 40yrs since Wooden retred, pathetic fan base. I'd move IU, UL, MSU, Zona and UM above them, maybe even tOSU and Cuse as well.

Two words for you:

Los Angeles


Oh. And super hot girls.

 

[GLR5555]

Two words for you:

Los Angeles


Oh. And super hot girls.

That logic implies Hawaii should no doubt be No. 1 then.

 

[TUL]

LA has fantastic exposure, beautiful girls and weather, great opportunities outside of basketball... A LOT to make it attractive. Then add in nice facilities and big history?

 

[FtWorthCat]

I would go with Kentucky, Kansas and Arizona. All are in major conferences, in which there are basically no other traditional powers. And no, just because they won a lot of Championships 50 years ago doesn't make UCLA a power.

 

[Mark Gastineau]

I would go with Kentucky, Kansas and Arizona. All are in major conferences, in which there are basically no other traditional powers. And no, just because they won a lot of Championships 50 years ago doesn't make UCLA a power.

Arizona?

 

[FtWorthCat]

Arizona is the most underrated job in America. They can recruit California and Nevada, as well as nationally, and they pretty much own their conference. They are a basketball crazy school too, some of the best fans in the country. Best current program west of Lawrence, Kansas by a wide margin.

 

[Mark Gastineau]

Arizona is the most underrated job in America.

I would say it's actually overrated. 1 title and only 4 final fours in its entire history, all by Lute Olson. If recruiting were such a boon out there, you'd figure they would have done something of substance recently. Hell, Arizona hasn't been to a final four since 2001.

 

[FtWorthCat]

They've lost to Wisconsin in the Elite Eight the last two years, and have 4 top 50 players coming this year.

 

[Mark Gastineau]

They've lost to Wisconsin in the Elite Eight the last two years, and have 4 top 50 players coming this year.

That's how you help justify Arizona as a top-3 job over Duke (5 titles and 16 final fours)? Interesting.

 

[FtWorthCat]

We'll see what happens to Duke when K leaves. The ACC is brutal, and Duke will struggle to keep up without K. I don't see guys lining up to follow him. Part of what makes Arizona a good job, in my opinion (and I understand I'm thinking outside the box a little) is that you can kind of create your own legacy there. It wouldn't surprise me to see Steve Kerr leave Golden Sate if the Arizona job opened up. At Duke you'll always be compared to K. The other top programs have been very successful under several different coaches. Duke was a historically solid program before K, but not really a top program. They were the upstarts in 1978.

 

[Bigblueforever]

"We are coming for you Kentucky."

Yeah, we noticed in November. And again in March. You won't even be in the same competition until you take down the ludicrous Helms banners, win a few real ones, and get the 22-6 head-to-head up to something a little less laughable.

That will never happen!

 

[Mark Gastineau]

We'll see what happens to Duke when K leaves. The ACC is brutal, and Duke will struggle to keep up without K. I don't see guys lining up to follow him. Part of what makes Arizona a good job, in my opinion (and I understand I'm thinking outside the box a little) is that you can kind of create your own legacy there. At Duke you'll always be compared to K. The other top programs have been very successful under several different coaches. Duke was a historically solid program before K, but not really a top program. They were the upstarts in 1978.

Duke had as many final fours before Coach K as Arizona has EVER had. Duke was the runner-up twice before Coach K. Duke won countless regular season and tournament conference championships prior to Coach K. You are either minimizing all that was accomplished before Coach K, or totally overlooking all historical reality. Either way, you're completely wrong. And to think nobody is going to line up to follow Coach K when he retires? Seriously? This will be the most coveted opening when it becomes available. The only two jobs that are comparable are Kentucky and Kansas (sorry UNC, but it's the truth). Regardless, nobody needs to line up. Coach K will pick his successor (likely Capel), and the future looks very, very bright, considering the legacy Coach K will have left, the facilities in place, and the brand that has been strengthened over the past 30 years.

Also, every coach at Zona will always be compared to Lute Olson, the only coach to every do anything at Arizona.

This is your board, but you're not making any sense.

 

[FtWorthCat]

Capel is the best they can do? Thanks for proving my point. Dude won 58% at Zero-U and most of that is due to having Blake Griffin for a year. The fact that you admit K will retain power even after he retires tells me all I need to know about that job.

 

[Mark Gastineau]

The fact that you admit K will retain power even after he retires tells me all I need to know about that job.

Of course he's going to have influence over the program after he retires. He's won the most games in the history of the men's game and 5 national titles over three decades. Nobody has had that kind of prolonged success. Any reasonable person would realize that he's more than earned his right to give some input.

Sleep on Capel all you want. Perfectly fine by me. There's a clear reason why Duke recruiting is at another since his arrival.

Stand by your Arizona pick. I'll side with what the coaches said, since they actually know what they're talking about.

 

[michaeluk26]

Of course he's going to have influence over the program after he retires. He's won the most games in the history of the men's game and 5 national titles over three decades. Nobody has had that kind of prolonged success. Any reasonable person would realize that he's more than earned his right to give some input.

Sleep on Capel all you want. Perfectly fine by me. There's a clear reason why Duke recruiting is at another since his arrival.

Stand by your Arizona pick. I'll side with what the coaches said, since they actually know what they're talking about.

Arizona is a great job though. I also don't think Duke will fall off as much as people think after K. Of course the next coach, no matter who it is, wont win like K but Duke will land a great coach and continue to be a powerhouse program.

 

[Mark Gastineau]

Arizona is a great job though. I also don't think Duke will fall off as much as people think after K. Of course the next coach, no matter who it is, wont win like K but Duke will land a great coach and continue to be a powerhouse program.

Totally agree that Arizona is a great job. Probably a top-10 coaching destination, but definitely not top-3 or ahead of Duke at this point.

 

[KY_DO_ENT]

Who is getting 2.5 year degrees? I'd like specific player names who have recently played.

It is possible. I graduated in 3 years at a top university and worked essentially full-time, simply by entering with some credit and taking some classes every summer.

If we presume that one would have to earn 132 semester hours to earn a degree, by taking 16 credit hours per term (plus health and a p.e. course), one could do it:

Summer before Freshman year - 16 hours
Freshman Fall - 16 hours
Fresham Spring - 16 hours
Summer before Sophomore year - 16 hours
Sophomore Fall - 16 hours
Sophomore Spring - 17 hours
Summer before Junior - 17 hours
Junior Fall - 16 hours - graduate in December!

Theoretically, without overloading (more than 16 hours on average) or entering with any college credits from high school, one could graduate in about 2.5 calendar years. With the right tutors and preference for athletes, it is completely doable. Doing it in 3 years is obviously easier...4 years is pedestrian. 5 years...what I *should* have done! ;-)

 

[MSU129]

Of course he's going to have influence over the program after he retires. He's won the most games in the history of the men's game and 5 national titles over three decades. Nobody has had that kind of prolonged success. Any reasonable person would realize that he's more than earned his right to give some input.

Sleep on Capel all you want. Perfectly fine by me. There's a clear reason why Duke recruiting is at another since his arrival.

Stand by your Arizona pick. I'll side with what the coaches said, since they actually know what they're talking about.

I know you know more about Duke ball than me, but I attribute the recruiting at Duke recently to the hype of K. As you said he has done things that no other coach has ever done and he coaches the US team. Kids see this, and they want to say they played for him before he retires...plus they think it helps their chances with the US team. Just like kids want to play for Cal because he gets players to the pros. Both of those coaches will be hard to replace.

 

[UpstateNYCat]

LA has fantastic exposure, beautiful girls and weather, great opportunities outside of basketball... A LOT to make it attractive. Then add in nice facilities and big history?

What big name coaches were beating down UCLA's door for the job before Stevie took it? I mean, that job sucks so bad Rick Barnes didn't even throw his name into consideration.

 

[Willy4UK]

What big name coaches were beating down UCLA's door for the job before Stevie took it? I mean, that job sucks so bad Rick Barnes didn't even throw his name into consideration.

That's gold.

 

[UpstateNYCat]

IMO, would not surprise me if Brad Stevens is the next HC at Duke when K leaves. He's a perfect fit for Duke, both personality and skill wise.

 

[TUL]

While I would love Stevens there, I think he is an NBA guy now

 

[Alumni Gym]

That logic implies Hawaii should no doubt be No. 1 then.

Yeah, and Miami #2

 

[At least 23 Ws in 22 of past 35 seasons_UK 1980-81]

IMO, would not surprise me if Brad Stevens is the next HC at Duke when K leaves. He's a perfect fit for Duke, both personality and skill wise.

After Coach K leaves, who will coach Duke?
Good question.

Well, below are Coach K's former Duke assistants **and the years they were Duke assistants (to varying degrees/capacities):

i.e., COACH K's COACHING TREE:

Steve Wojo: **Duke asstnt: 1999-2014 (and played 94-98, was Honorable Mention All-Amer.) (now at Marquette)

Chris Collins: **2000-2013 (played 1992-96) (starting his 3rd season at Northwestern [his first HC job] where his winning % has been in the mid-40s.)

Johnny Dawkins: **1998-2008 (was a 2x 1st Team AA at Duke and Naismith Player of the Year in '86; now beginning his eighth season as HC at Stanford where his winning % is 58.5)

Tommy Amaker: **1988-1997 (starting 9th season at Harvard; was HC at Seton Hall 4 yrs and Michigan 6 yrs. His winning % at each of these places was in the mid-50s. It's 67.4% at Harvard.)

Mike Brey: **1987-1995 (starting 16th season at Notre Dame. His winning % there is 66.5. Before that, he was HC at Delaware for five seasons.)

Bob Bender: **1983-89 (NBA HC from 1989-2002 and has been an NBA asst. coach ever since)

Quin Snyder: **1993-99 (he's assistant-coached four different NBA teams one season each, was at Missouri seven seasons, and just completed his first HC season in the NBA [with Utah])

--
Current:

Jeff Capel: **2011-present (was HC at VCU four seasons, and OU five)

Conclusion:

Of the above names, Brey and Amaker definitey have the most head-coaching experience, and they were both Duke assistants for eight or nine seasons.

 

[Mark Gastineau]

IMO, would not surprise me if Brad Stevens is the next HC at Duke when K leaves.

I highly doubt it is anyone but Capel.

 

[sluggercatfan]

Go figure...got banned on Otis site for commenting on their post of this topic...just trying to give my honest opinion

 

[sluggercatfan]

After Coach K leaves, who will coach Duke?
Good question.

Well, below are Coach K's former Duke assistants **and the years they were Duke assistants (to varying degrees/capacities):

i.e., COACH K's COACHING TREE:

Steve Wojo: **Duke asstnt: 1999-2014 (and played 94-98, was Honorable Mention All-Amer.) (now at Marquette)

Chris Collins: **2000-2013 (played 1992-96) (starting his 3rd season at Northwestern [his first HC job] where his winning % has been in the mid-40s.)

Johnny Dawkins: **1998-2008 (was a 2x 1st Team AA at Duke and Naismith Player of the Year in '86; now beginning his eighth season as HC at Stanford where his winning % is 58.5)

Tommy Amaker: **1988-1997 (starting 9th season at Harvard; was HC at Seton Hall 4 yrs and Michigan 6 yrs. His winning % at each of these places was in the mid-50s. It's 67.4% at Harvard.)

Mike Brey: **1987-1995 (starting 16th season at Notre Dame. His winning % there is 66.5. Before that, he was HC at Delaware for five seasons.)

Bob Bender: **1983-89 (NBA HC from 1989-2002 and has been an NBA asst. coach ever since)

Quin Snyder: **1993-99 (he's assistant-coached four different NBA teams one season each, was at Missouri seven seasons, and just completed his first HC season in the NBA [with Utah])

--
Current:

Jeff Capel: **2011-present (was HC at VCU four seasons, and OU five)

Conclusion:

Of the above names, Brey and Amaker definitey have the most head-coaching experience, and they were both Duke assistants for eight or nine seasons.

Don't think Amaker or Dawkins have a shot...don't see Duke ever have a black HC

 

[Mark Gastineau]

don't see Duke ever have a black HC

Seriously? That's just an all-around stupid comment.

Again, Jeff Capel will follow Coach K. Take it to the bank.

 

[UpstateNYCat]

I could see Dawkins, seems to be doing well at Stanford. I can only see Brey or some Duke AC getting the nod after Stevens turns them down. If he's not their first call, then they're doing it wrong. Don't necessarily see Duke following the "Carolina Way" keeping it in the family.

 

[At least 23 Ws in 22 of past 35 seasons_UK 1980-81]

...Jeff Capel will follow Coach K. Take it to the bank.

Oh man, no disrespect to you (you know Duke much better than I do), or to Jeff Capel (the person & player -- or even coach), but we're talking about following Coach K, so I just think Capel would be a terrible, terrible move on Duke's part (and I trust the Duke AD to carefully consider everything), and I think Capel's lackluster-to-mediocre career coaching record speaks for itself (volumes), especially in light of how many other, much better & more experienced* Coach K assistants there are out there (* by 'experienced' I mean time on the bench next to Coach K, or head-coaching experience, or both).

Note: In my post above, please compare those other former Duke assistant coaches' numbers (and years as Duke assistants) to Capel' numbers. Capel's resume is NOTHING like that of several others.

I mean, overall, Jeff Capel's head coaching record has not been impressive -- period -- let alone when discussing him as a potential Coach K replacement at a 'blueblood' program.

Following is Capel's record at VCU (in [the meager] Colonial Athletic Association), and conference finish-place:

2002-03: 18-10, 2nd
2003-04: 23-8, 1st
2004-05: 19-13, 2nd
2005-06: 19-10, 5th

Following is Capel's record at Oklahoma, and conference finish-place:

2006-07: 16-15, 7th
2007-08: 23-12, 4th
2008-09: 30-6, 2nd
2009-10: 13-18, 11th
2010-11: 14-18, 8th

So, in Capel's nine seasons as head coach, he won over 19 games only three times (only twice in a 'power conference'), and placed 5th or lower four times (including 8th and 11th place finishes).

He's only been a coach K assistant for four seasons (!) - total. Compare that to some of the other K assistants (Brey, Amaker, Dawkins...even Bender). Also, compare Capel's years of experience as a head coach (or lack thereof) to other K assistants.

Besides, I strongly suspect Duke and Coach K would value "number of years on the Duke bench, as an assistant" (total number of years learning K's system) (in certain circumstances) almost as much as number of years as a head coach (e.g., Kansas picking long-time Dean Smith assistant Roy Williams, who'd never coached a single college game). Ideally, though, you'd want a coaching replacement who's had a LOT of years on the Duke bench, PLUS one who's had a lot of coaching years -- successful, strong-reputation years -- as a HC in a power conference...see Brey or Amaker, esp. Brey...if he isn't too old by then. Even if you couldn't get one of those two, I think you'd go after Dawkins, who has, at times, really impressed me at Stanford. If I couldn't get any of those guys, before considering Capel, I'd at least look at Northwestern's Chris Collins, just because he was on that Duke bench for 13 seasons (and he played for K, too).

Steve Wojo's very long stint on the Duke bench ended just recently, and I think he'll do very, very well at Marquette.

So anyway, I just don't see how Capel could be a logical 1st-choice replacement...or even 4th or 5th.

(ps, The year Capel's OU team won 30 games, he had Blake Griffin, plus 2nd-round pick Willie Warren, plus 'still-playing-pro-in-Europe' Tony Crocker.)