Not trying to argue just gain some perspective. Opinions on what should happen or maybe even rumors of what might happen.
I figured Mullins was pretty safe in year 5 unless they were absolutely awful. I kind of thought a middle of the pack finish would probably get him year 6 with the expectation we are back at competing for championships level in year 6. That is not the vibe I am getting on here. My opinion is that is probably what it should be but seems to me that some are suggesting his seat is much warmer than that and another non post season year could be the end. For the record, I love Bryan but I don't really care who the coach is just want the program back at the top.
I think the main problem here is Mullins has 2 years left on his contract so either now or next offseason you have to decide whether or not to give him an extension because recruiting on the last year of a contract is a death sentence.
The problem is, what has Mullins done that's worth an extension? They're going to likely take a big step back in year 5 after 4 years of building up a team with Marcus Domask (who is being recruited by Big 10 and Big 12 schools) to a peak of a #125 KenPom (in year 3!) and they dropped to #138 KenPom in year 4. I think the people that are actually running things aren't buying the 23 wins mirage last year like some are.
I badly want Mullins to work out and hope he's the guy but I don't think it's a death sentence for the program if things don't work out as opposed to football where if Nick Hill doesn't work out, I'm not sure we can attract anyone better than him. Plenty of good candidates will line up for the SIU job.
@salukiworld What is your opinion on what has to happen in year 5 to get the year 7 extension to not kill recruiting. You have to either move on or give the extension or you are putting everyone in a no win situation IMO. Personally, if we have a decent season with a lot coming back I would probably give the extension, if we are terrible probably not.
@salukiworld What is your opinion on what has to happen in year 5 to get the year 7 extension to not kill recruiting. You have to either move on or give the extension or you are putting everyone in a no win situation IMO. Personally, if we have a decent season with a lot coming back I would probably give the extension, if we are terrible probably not.
I personally wouldn't mind a short extension like what Hinson got after his mirage of a 4th year. The problem is, it might be short in years but it won't be short in dollars. Mullins got a hefty contract for being a first time coach ($475,000 per year). That's a lot of commitment for a school that's cash-strapped like SIU.
I believe Mullins should receive an extension because he has faced adversity that most first year coaches don't experience from covid rules NIL and the portal it is a tough adjustment especially with no overall experience in the staff I just think he should be given a little leeway after all we lived thru the end of Lowry and BBQ got an extension without ever beating certain schools in the valley and not beating a power 5 team on the road yes patience is thin but a little more may be neede
@jabman62 This is fair... I am also pretty convinced if we move on from Mullins a few years down the road he is going to be a really good head coach, I would hate for that to happen elsewhere, but sometimes coaches need to fair to in order to succeed.
I think a short extension of a couple years now with a reasonable buyout would be helpful for Mullins and staff for both recruiting and for hiring a solid assistant. What proven guy wants to join a staff where the head coach only has 2 years on his contract left and a message board with what we assume are connected individuals saying he's on the hot seat?
If they are able to maintain a top half team next year and he's able to keep the key contributors around, who knows who that will be at this point, I think he should get a small extension, if he doesn't get an extension now (without knowing what the rosters in The Valley will look like it's hard to say how difficult that will be...but there looks to be quite a bit of turnover so seems reasonable). Unless there are some serious red flags out there that we just don't know about, I don't see the AD pushing for a make or break year next year (i.e. BBQ's last year).
If next year is a complete train wreck...I could see them pulling the trigger, but that is the only scenario I see them making a change.
Short extension, same money, don't hamstring our recruiting. $475k-$500k is not a lot of money in today's mid major coaching dynamic. If the admin is upset maybe they can have a stronger say in who is hired as the new assistant. They should require an experienced offensive minded coach who is a good recruiter. If the admin is upset they can set expectations with Mullins moving forward, but don't hamstring the program. It is not currently time to make a head coaching change.
Give him a year extension but no pay raise. That gives Brian a little leeway with his contract and SIU isn't locked in to a contract that they will regret.
Listen I hate to be the one to break it to you guys. If Bryan does not win next year it will be his last. I don’t like that I fully support him but I don’t make the decisions
Listen I hate to be the one to break it to you guys. If Bryan does not win next year it will be his last. I don’t like that I fully support him but I don’t make the decisions
WOW
I guess those things happen when the administration and athletic director weren't here when you were hired and they have expectations for what they want in the future
Listen I hate to be the one to break it to you guys. If Bryan does not win next year it will be his last. I don’t like that I fully support him but I don’t make the decisions
What does "win" mean here though. Like win either the regular season or MVC tourney? Get an at large to NIT/NCAA? I remember in Bobber's interview with Leonard he said Mullins was doing "excellent", could have been AD speak, but seems awfully quick to go from "excellent" to win or you're fired in a few months. I know he didn't hire Mullins, but to flip that quickly, just seems like something is going on behind the scenes we just don't know about.
Exact quote:
“...And let me tell you, I have never seen anybody who has his style. He is a different type of coach than I have ever been around. There is never any bad body language with him. He is so analytical, and his kids have all bought in. Brian is really doing an excellent job.”
Listen I hate to be the one to break it to you guys. If Bryan does not win next year it will be his last. I don’t like that I fully support him but I don’t make the decisions
What does "win" mean here though. Like win either the regular season or MVC tourney? Get an at large to NIT/NCAA? I remember in Bobber's interview with Leonard he said Mullins was doing "excellent", could have been AD speak, but seems awfully quick to go from "excellent" to win or you're fired in a few months. I know he didn't hire Mullins, but to flip that quickly, just seems like something is going on behind the scenes we just don't know about.
Exact quote:
“...And let me tell you, I have never seen anybody who has his style. He is a different type of coach than I have ever been around. There is never any bad body language with him. He is so analytical, and his kids have all bought in. Brian is really doing an excellent job.”
Yeah, agree this seems pretty 0 to 60 and would be a very quick hook coming off a solid (if somewhat disappointing) season, with all the offcourt intangibles being very positive. Not sure I’m buying that he’d be expected to get to the postseason next year with a new-look squad.
If they get rid of Mullins in year five for no NCAA bid we have become Illinois! The college game has changed due to COVID and NIL. SIU will be stuck in the ludicrous situations of having fans and supporters that do not have reasonable expectations. He has changed the culture and is building something that can last. As far as I am concerned he has 6 more years no matter what!
