Update on replacing T.J. Otzelberger
- Thread starter ChrisMWilliams
- Start date
I don't know the details of his contract buyout, but usually a fired coach gets paid the difference between his new job and the job he was fired from. So as an example, if he made $2million at the previous job, then got a job making $1million, the previous school continues to pay the difference of $1million until the buyout time is over.
Here is where you are wrong ... recruiting is a lot of phone calls, a lot of travelling, a lot of contact, a lot of gyms in places like Onalaska Wisconsin. FH does not do those things. FH closes the deal, he is the guy who handles the offical visit, in-home visit and occasional AAU tournament. Guys like TJ do the heavy lifting, handle 95% of the recruiting contact and let FH close the deal.
If you think FH is going to do the dirty work that TJ did than you are dreaming!
This staff needs recruiters first and foremost and then X's & O's guys secondly. FH has a game philosophy that is simple and effective. He doesn't need guys mucking up that process. He needs coaches finding him the Jimmies and Joes!
FH does not even get a wiff of Matt thomas if TJ Otz doesn't lay the ground work. TJ identified this kid as a sophomore, scouted him, develop a relationship, cultivated it with his parents, coach, AAU program dozen other people in Matt Thomas's life ... he then sold him on visiting Ames, he then sold FH on the potential of this kid and he (TJ) let FH close the deal.
FH saw MT play in a couple of AAU tournaments, watched film, hosted him on a trip to Ames and closed the deal. All of the work was done by Otzelberger. FH enjoyed the fruits of his efforts.
Isn't that EVERY head coach? Of course the assistants do most of the work, that is their job!
We all enjoyed TJ's time here at Iowa State but the program will survive just fine without him.
That could change if he moves to Lubbock.
Side note, I Asked John Walters about this topic at CR Cyclone Tailgate. He said it is far from a done deal but he felt he could easily support that decision. Salder would be a huge risk for TT IMHO. Much like Nebby Tech has little MBB tradition and is a tough place to recruit to. I would love to have that much experience on our bench.
Yes that is every head coach but an elite recruiter (and IMO Otzelberger was an elite recruiter) gets prospects to consider the school. Head coaches such as FH have to close the deal - two different job descriptions.
But my point was simply - people stating that FH can easily pick up the duties of TJ is not an accurate assessment of the situation. Thinking that Sadler can do what TJ did for recruiting as suggested by some is also silly thinking IMO.
I agree with you. Conversely, its also silly to think TJ can coach as well as Sadler can. So where we lose an edge recruiting-wise, we gain it in coaching Xs and Os.
D
DistrictCyclone
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What's all this Texas Tech talk? Is Tubby trying to get Sadler on his staff, or are there posters that just don't realize that Tech already has a head coach?
Yes, FH has had several talented players.
But, except for LE's last couple of of classes, recruiting has been just fine at ISU for several years now. Now I am not suggesting that ISU is a magnet for elite talent. But, WM brought in some very good talent. GM brought in some great talent (partial credit goes to TJ). Things haven't always materialized with the talent with several players transferring out, under performing etc. That, however, is another issue. But bringing basketball talent to Ames has not been the biggest of concerns in the pre TJ era or during the TJ era.
There is no reason to believe recruiting wise we're going to collapse in the post TJ era.
But, except for LE's last couple of of classes, recruiting has been just fine at ISU for several years now. Now I am not suggesting that ISU is a magnet for elite talent. But, WM brought in some very good talent. GM brought in some great talent (partial credit goes to TJ). Things haven't always materialized with the talent with several players transferring out, under performing etc. That, however, is another issue. But bringing basketball talent to Ames has not been the biggest of concerns in the pre TJ era or during the TJ era.
There is no reason to believe recruiting wise we're going to collapse in the post TJ era.
Larry's 2nd to last class brought in Adam Haluska and Jackson Vroman. His last class (which he never got to coach) brought in Will Blalock and Curtis Stinson.
Yep...not to shabby at all! But I am sure some on here will not give the HC (LE) credit for that...wait...sorry...that is a different discussion! Please proceed!
But ... the coaching aspect of assistant coaches is over-rated IMO.
The general job description of assistants:
1) Recruiting 50%
2) Video tape/game prep/scouting 20%
3) Off-season development/skill work 10%
4) Keeping players eligible 10%
5) Strategic X's & O's development 10%
With the head coach having almost the inverse.
From reports, Fred is at an AAU tournament nearly (if not all) open recruiting weekends. I don't discount the "dirty work" that assistants do, especially TJ (he was awesome, and will be missed) - but another person will be hired. Fred doesn't have to pick up TJs workload. That person will make calls to HS coaches and visit tiny gyms in Arkansas, Tennessee, Arizona, or wherever they have contacts and relationships. Fred knows what he needs - whether that's Xs and Os, or a guy who is a road warrior and can relate to 16 yr olds. I'm also confident that if he needs to pick up slack in either area - he can do it. I do not get the sense that he's some prima Donna HC that rests on his laurels. He knows the program has an uphill climb yet. Remember that although he seems like the worlds nicest guy, he's uber competitive.
Lutz was impossible to replace, Otz is impossible to replace, and the next guy will be impossible replace when be leaves. I'm not worried. As long as Fred is here we are landing recruits no matter who is doing the dirty work.