I have been thinking the past few days on the future of this program, and when I look long term (3 years from now), I just don't see Fred being in the great city of Ames....... Whether it's him leaving on his own or we decide to cut ties with him. We need options.
A pretty cool idea would be Greg Marshall. With this guy, you are looking at somebody who has coached all around the globe. He's the bad a*s type of coach I am in love with. He's a guy that doesn't tolerate BS and has a killer instinct. What he has done in the tournament with inferior talent is quite mind boggling. He's the type of man that addresses his players when needed. He definitely wouldn't tolerate snoozing against sub-par opponents. You get the best of his team every game, not just during the big games against ranked opponents. Greg Freaking Marshall would be sick...
A pipeline dream would be, like Mr. Hoiberg, a guy with more of an NBA background. He does a great job announcing NBA games on ABC, he's a winner, somebody with a lot of ties to professional basketball, and did a great job in his time coaching in the NBA. And when I look at the best coaches, a lot of them played point guards in their playing career (ie 1st time head coach Steve Kerr this season) Mark Jackson!
Golden State's loss can be our gain! He helped Steph Curry develop into the player he is. Steph thinks very highly of him as he campaigned him to stay as head coach. The man knows the concept of team basketball (3rd or 4th all time in assists in NBA and the chemistry at Golden State was great between him and his players).
The college game would be a new challenge for Mr. Jackson. I assume we'll have top 10 talent for the next couple of years as that'd be attracting for him. Any college kid would be more excited than a kid on Christmas Eve to lace 'em up for this guy! If NBA players loved playing for him, college players will double that love and enthusiasm for him. These 18 year olds definitely look for a coach who kills it in his pre-game speeches when they decide to go to school for the next few years. Mark is a pastor and he even does that well too!
BESIDES Mr. Jackson not having ties to Iowa state, this so reminds me of Jim Football Harbaugh going to Michigan. Leaves after a very successful run in the Bay Area (San Fran/Golden State by completely changing the culture in both situations), heads to a great program, and the rest is history. Tell me why this would be a bad idea! Actually don't! Because this move is GOLD
