Fran Looking Around?
- Thread starter RobHowe
- Start date
RobHowe
Administrator
I woke up to people asking me about this on Twitter.
I don’t know the legitimacy of it or how a guy that covers New Mexico has an “ace source” that knows information about a coaching search unrelated to his beat.
I will say that I have heard some rumblings during the last month that FM leaving is not out of the question.
There are plenty of reasons for him to stay here. We can all list them. But we also could come up reasons to go. And sports are unpredictable.
It’s something on which to keep an eye.
I don’t know the legitimacy of it or how a guy that covers New Mexico has an “ace source” that knows information about a coaching search unrelated to his beat.
I will say that I have heard some rumblings during the last month that FM leaving is not out of the question.
There are plenty of reasons for him to stay here. We can all list them. But we also could come up reasons to go. And sports are unpredictable.
It’s something on which to keep an eye.
InGoodCo
Well-Known Member
There's a lot of dynamics there. Could Fran and the U of I be tired of each other with the suspensions? Was Fran behind the Dolph stuff and think that he should be gone or is unhappy they didn't side with him in the ultimate outcome? Did that whole deal cause friction? Does/Did Fran expect better upgrades in facilities by year 10? Is Iowa sick of the side show and things aren't as pleasant here? Does Fran harbor hard feelings over his kids and the fans? His players and the fans? Does Fran think that Iowa is a football school? Top 25 most of the season, fans still don't show up?
There's probably a billion other things I am not thinking of - but you could see it. If he's looking with this type of contract and it's true, how loyal does Iowa need to be with him going further?
ssckelley
Well-Known Member
How do they figure Fran would be an improvement over Mike Anderson?
Another classic case of a State university with no pro team that has way too high of expectations. That's a young Arkansas team lead by a freshman and 2 sophomores, they have a chance to be really good next year.
Another classic case of a State university with no pro team that has way too high of expectations. That's a young Arkansas team lead by a freshman and 2 sophomores, they have a chance to be really good next year.
InGoodCo
Well-Known Member
I work with Desi Sills dad, he's got potential.
ssckelley
Well-Known Member
I'm looking at their roster and I see only 2 juniors that played significant minutes, the rest are all freshman and sophomores. I didn't check to see if any were leaving early for the pros but if everyone came back they look to have a shot at being really good next year.
1977Hawkeye
Well-Known Member
If Fran leaves, some would get their wish. That also means Barta making another head coaching hire.
I won't sit here and say that Barta struck out with the Fran hire. It's worked out pretty well overall, everything considered. But he's also the man that hired Todd Lickliter - a hire with "sizzle" as I think he described it at the time.
I won't sit here and say that Barta struck out with the Fran hire. It's worked out pretty well overall, everything considered. But he's also the man that hired Todd Lickliter - a hire with "sizzle" as I think he described it at the time.
hawkdrummer1
Well-Known Member
Arkansas has a very good baseball program, great fit for Connor. Patrick would go in fresh...having not played a minute at IOWA.
InGoodCo
Well-Known Member
In his defense, Lick had been NCOY and been to two sweet 16's with a team from the Horizon when he was hired. His name had a lot more sizzle then Fran.
InGoodCo
Well-Known Member
He just had his deal restructured and his contract is one of the longest in the sport. He's underpaid for his results tho, so maybe you are right, just seems strange after LAST season and all.
eveningnewsteam
Well-Known Member
If Fran was going to leave, this would be the time. Before Patrick starts college. Connor could play college baseball anywhere or enter the draft.
With the off court stuff this season, might just be ready for a fresh start.
With the off court stuff this season, might just be ready for a fresh start.
1977Hawkeye
Well-Known Member
Good point, though Fran had also just won the MAAC three straight years, and 3 straight trips to the dance. I like coaches who can win conference titles (as opposed to Alford finishing 2nd-3rd in the MVC before we hired him). Lick had won the Horizon 3x, too, but also had a few off years in there.
Minus Lick's NCOY, I feel Fran's resume stacked up pretty favorably to Lick's. But I guess I'm splitting hairs..
1977Hawkeye
Well-Known Member
One thing about it - *IF* Fran leaves, I feel the program is in pretty solid shape and the next coach would inherit a good roster. That should, I would think, make a hypothetical coaching search easier. Night and day difference to when Fran took over, as we all know.
InGoodCo
Well-Known Member
Dave Van Horne at Arkansas is one of the best coaches in the game. Heller is good, but not really comparable.
hawkdrummer1
Well-Known Member
Those of you with daughters know where the biggest pushback would likely come from. The youngest is pretty big for a 5th/6th grader (in this photo from last Sept).
