To me, there is a long list of concerns.
- 31 years old and working for his 7th school
- Has never stayed anywhere long enough to see a class through from being a freshman to a senior. Therefore, have to question whether he has the knowledge of how to develop players from first year to 4th or fifth. Certainly has not done it before.
- One year of head coaching experience and the team did not appear in any of the post season tournaments
- Will struggle coaching against the guys in the Big Ten just because the others have been in more situations and they are just better and more experienced at managing a game
- Will struggle recruiting because he has no track record as a head coach. His resume just does not compare. Has put no one in the NBA as a head coach. Can't claim any big tournament wins or runs. If Tom Izzo is coming into a home, he has a lot more to sell. So does Bo Ryan, Fran McCaffery, John Belien, Thad Matta, Matt Painter, Tom Crean, ....... Go to Northwestern's basketball page and read Chris Collins' bio. No head coaching experience but it is very impressive. Plus, he is also the son of a prominent basketball figure.
- Hired a young and inexperienced staff. I think this is a big mistake. Should have hired someone who has been through it before as a head coach to help him. He will need it.
- Needs to get off to a good start to prove himself at this level but wants to implement a system that does not fit the current roster.
- Does not have college or high school playing experience to draw back on or help him relate to what the players are going through.
I know as I am typing that I am going to shot down by every poster on this board. I just think it is going to be difficult. If his last name was Birkengobreski he would not have been hired. Brining in a bunch of players off his roster at FIU will do little help. This is a huge step up and you need high caliber players. Not third team Atlantic Sun players. Hope I am wrong.