TooLegit
Well-Known Member
Given, my Hawkeye experience hasn't had the longevity of many on this site. But in my time and with respect to the coaches I know of, have we ever landed a "big name" very successful coach and then done well? Ferentz, Fry, Gable, Olson, Davis... Gable was a star but I don't believe he coached before Iowa.
I've been as guilty as most in thinking we need to land a big name to bring the fans back. Pearl, Pastner... no doubt great coaches but I have my doubts on the fit. Traditionally, great Iowa coaches have been those who want to put down roots and wrap themselves in all that is Iowa. They realize they will be scrutinized beyond belief when they're losing and raised up like gods when they're winning. But at the end of the day, if they stick by us, we'll stick by them.
I felt, as many still do, that Keno was getting undue attention because of his lineage. That he won with his father's players and has had a recent string of poor performances to end the season. But I don't doubt that he "gets" what it takes at Iowa. With the same reasoning, I'm still very much in favor of Steve Forbes. There doesn't always have to be an Iowa connection but I think you have to list it as a positive when you're evaluating your candidates.
That said, I'm behind whoever they hire. Here's to improvement.
I've been as guilty as most in thinking we need to land a big name to bring the fans back. Pearl, Pastner... no doubt great coaches but I have my doubts on the fit. Traditionally, great Iowa coaches have been those who want to put down roots and wrap themselves in all that is Iowa. They realize they will be scrutinized beyond belief when they're losing and raised up like gods when they're winning. But at the end of the day, if they stick by us, we'll stick by them.
I felt, as many still do, that Keno was getting undue attention because of his lineage. That he won with his father's players and has had a recent string of poor performances to end the season. But I don't doubt that he "gets" what it takes at Iowa. With the same reasoning, I'm still very much in favor of Steve Forbes. There doesn't always have to be an Iowa connection but I think you have to list it as a positive when you're evaluating your candidates.
That said, I'm behind whoever they hire. Here's to improvement.
