Star Tribune: Midmajor basketball coaches find fewer reasons to leave

[BleedGopher]

per Amelia:

The pull of major-conference schools isn’t as strong as it once was.

In recent years, schools and coaches in smaller conferences — led by those like Gonzaga’s Mark Few and Butler’s Brad Stevens — are feeling the difference. Salaries have gone up. Publicity has expanded. Recruiting is easier. Winning? Hey, you can do that, too, without having to leave the small program you helped build.

As a result, midmajor coaches have become more comfortable, more successful and suddenly less attainable for programs like Minnesota. The Gophers reportedly had interest in at least two such coaches — Stevens and Virginia Commonwealth’s Shaka Smart — in their search to replace Tubby Smith. UCLA also reportedly wanted both of them but announced Saturday it has hired New Mexico’s Steve Alford, who also previously coached at Iowa.

This past week, Smart signed a contract extension through 2023 with VCU, while Stevens is reportedly happy at Butler.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/200747061.html

Go Gophers!!

 

[Buttcheeks McGaffigan]

It's too bad for the Gophers, but I'm glad coaches are showing some loyalty.

 

[UofMdad]

The mid-majors can thank the 'U' for the most recent rash of outlandish HC contracts in the history of college basketball. Maybe, it really is better to be the big fish in a small pond.

 

[Buttcheeks McGaffigan]

UCLA had a big part in the improved contracts.

 

[lugnard]

Some of these are pretty good gigs - conferences aren't that competitive and a good runs gets them into the show. Fan base rabidly faithful - I mean what else do you do in Wichita when not assembling aircraft?

You have to make a pretty good case to land one of the good ones.

 

[MNVCGUY]

For whatever reason longevity at a school still exists to some degree in basketball despite the fact that it is nearly gone in college football. I applaud these guys that are willing to stay put instead of chasing the bright lights and big paydays. I think if I was in their shoes I would be more than happy to make a million plus at a school where I know there is almost no chance I will get fired vs. going somewhere where if I have a bad year I could get canned like that.

 

[lugnard]

For whatever reason longevity at a school still exists to some degree in basketball despite the fact that it is nearly gone in college football. I applaud these guys that are willing to stay put instead of chasing the bright lights and big paydays. I think if I was in their shoes I would be more than happy to make a million plus at a school where I know there is almost no chance I will get fired vs. going somewhere where if I have a bad year I could get canned like that.

Agree. Ever been to Wichita? Its an odd place for sure.