No doubt the Gophers needed a new coach. I seem to be in the minority, however,
thinking Richard can coach. He got his teams to beat teams ranked higher in the Top 25, he got his own teams into the Top 25. That's not something bad coaches are able to do.
For instance did Miles beat as many Top 25 teams and have as many teams of his own in the Top 25 as often?
The problem is because of roster construction, because of the wrong coaching adjustments and probably the bigger part has been circumstances due to injuries, off court suspensions, etc that didn't allow the same guys to keep playing together. As a result Pitino's teams often imploded on a race to the cellar. But, if he has some good fortune or if he figures out the consistency element over the course of a season he's going to shock some people. He just has to learn how to sustain success. I'm betting that's easier than figuring out how get there at all, like lots of coaches aren't able.
You can all dismiss the NIT Championship but it was really good coaching to accomplish that.
The Big Ten Coach of the Year season we were rolling and then we lose Springs...then Mason.
No Murphy, no Matz just when he started to "get it". Happened over and over throughout his tenure.
He ain't perfect but he can coach. I have hope he'll figure the consistency part out and get the Lobos excited.