Tate: You're fired!
CHAMPAIGN — Popularity was always my goal. Attract happy readers with clever phrases. Everybody's buddy. Be electable.
Well, life isn't turning out as planned. It looks like there's been serious slippage along the way. And since the populace is uncomfortable in coming to my side, it's time for me to come to theirs.
No more voting my conscience. No! Instead, it's time to vote the feelings of my constituency.
The question screams: How can the Big Ten be labeled No. 1 in men's basketball when, if you'll just listen, every last one of these head coaches deserves to be ditched and replaced.
The conference folks are disillusioned in Minneapolis, discouraged in West Lafayette, up in arms in Champaign-Urbana, fearful in Bloomington and throwing in the towel in Evanston. They're falling back on wrestling in Iowa City. The outer borders of State College and Lincoln have lost hope.
Let me respond, "I hear you!" The majority rules. There are reasons for pink-slipping all 12 basketball coaches, and because the mood is so backward, they will be enumerated in reverse alphabetical order.
— Bo Ryan, Wisconsin:
Bo stands for Borrrring! Is it worth getting all those victories when, as Badger fans, you have to put up with this snail's pace, passing the ball endlessly and putting everybody to sleep? Bo wouldn't last 20 minutes at Kentucky, either with the fans or the one-year recruits.
Wisconsin plays a different game than nearly everyone in the country. It's called Bo-Ball. And for all its Big Ten successes — 16-2 in 2008 — look how it falters at the NCAA tournament level: Wisconsin just lost to Butler 61-54 in the Sweet 16, lost to Cornell by 18 and Xavier by 11 in second-rounders, lost to Davidson by 17 in the Sweet 16, and lost early to UNLV and Arizona. Not only that, Bo probably likes Newt (just kidding).
— Matt Painter, Purdue:
His ship sailed. The Boilermaker product had a great opportunity with three superb four-year stars — JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore and Robbie Hummel — but like predecessor Gene Keady and Wisconsin's Ryan, found the Final Four beyond his reach. UConn routed the Boilers 94-76 in the 2011 NCAA second round, and they fell to Duke, UConn and Xavier in previous years.
Nor does Painter have them well-prepared for the Big Ten tournament. In 2010, the 14-4 Big Ten co-champs fell behind Minnesota 39-11 in a 69-42 opener in Indianapolis, and last year they succumbed by 18 to Michigan State. Painter is going through a multiyear recruiting slump, and two recent home losses indicate the program is headed into the mediocre range.
— Pat Chambers, Penn State:
He made a bad choice. Pat is a spirited guy, but he should be fired for bad judgment, poor timing and general principles.
Penn State's adult fandom has disappeared and the campus is a graveyard with the Sandusky scandal hanging over everyone's head, capped this week by the death of football icon Joe Paterno. Chambers left Boston University to take over for Ed DeChellis, who slipped out of town ahead of the posse. Those folks don't care about basketball. The Nittany Lions finished 3-15 in the Big Ten as recently as 2010. I like Chambers, but the fans rule by their lethargy.
— Thad Matta, Ohio State:
Building too-high expectations can be a problem. Come on, Thad, you're out-recruiting everyone in the conference by miles, and you can't keep them around long enough to repeat your NCAA runner-up splash in 2007. Since then, the Buckeyes landed in the NIT in 2008, lost a first-round NCAA game to Siena (yes, Fran McCaffery's Siena!!) in 2009, fell to Bruce Pearl (no excuse; none) and Tennessee in 2010, and were no match for Kentucky in the Sweet 16 last year. Strategists complain Matta doesn't trust his bench and can't seem to get a handle on hot-shooting opponents.
Buckeye fans are fearful of more early NCAA departures because Matta is bringing in athletes who spend their best college years in the NBA. It could be this year or bust.
— Bill Carmody, Northwestern:
He's too Ivy-ish. Hey, Jim Phillips, how long are you going to beat a dead horse? Carmody has been employing his Princeton style for 12 years, and his best Big Ten finish was 8-8 in 2004 when the overall record was 14-15. They hit bottom with a 1-17 conference mark in 2008, and they're still trying to climb out. Their best player in 2009, Kevin Coble, simply dropped off the team.
The Wildcats need someone to buck up recruiting, toughen the chase for loose balls and try something other than that weak zone defense. This is a team that has never reached the NCAA tournament, and they never will without a new beginning.
— Doc Sadler, Nebraska:
You're no Tom Osborne, Doc. Keep fighting this uphill battle and you're going to need a toupee. This is a football state. That's how the Cornhuskers gained admission to the Big Ten. If the school's alignment was based on basketball, it would be in the Mid-American Conference.
The fans care ... almost. They'd like to see the team do better, but it's no big deal. Congratulations on that lone NIT win in 2008. And congratulations on your two Big Ten wins, an accomplishment that matches the 2010 record (2-14) in the Big 12. Here's the question: If all those athletes are willing to fly over multiple states to play football, why can't you get five for basketball? Just a thought: Maybe Nebraska needs a fresh start.
— Tubby Smith, Minnesota:
The party is over, Tubby. The 1998 NCAA title at Kentucky was 1998, a century ago. You've been a great coach, but you can't keep your top players in uniform at Minnesota. Devoe Joseph left to lead Oregon in scoring, and Trevor Mbakwe is lost for the season. It seems like you lose players for one reason or another every year.
Tubby, this is Year No. 5 in Minneapolis, and the Big Ten audit shows 35-44. Nor does it figure to get any better in the near future. Your rivals have advantages in talent, facilities, you name it. The best advice is for you to get out before it gets ugly.
— Tom Izzo, Michigan State:
I'm thinking, I'm thinking. First of all, Tom, you're too short. Second, you should have better control over the Izzone section than to allow those nasty insults toward Robbie Hummel. Third, if you're going to risk playing on an aircraft carrier, at least win the game. And did I hear right? The Spartans have lost three straight to Michigan? What is this, payback for letting Izzo get started with all those hot recruits when the Wolverines were hitting probation?
Last year's 19-15 finish was accompanied by some internal difficulty. We can't have that. Last time I checked, Jud was still available. Maybe the Spartan brass should give the old man a call.
— John Beilein, Michigan:
They didn't spruce up Crisler Center for the Victors Valiant to be fumbling around. When I checked in Saturday, the Wolverines were trailing at Arkansas 34-14. That's not exactly what we've come to expect from a Top 25 team but, then, maybe that rarefied air is causing shortened breath.
Generally speaking, the Wolverines need a kick in the pants. Two isolated NCAA wins since 1999 won't cut it. Two wins in 13 years. Ouch! Since Beilein was responsible for both successes, the football-oriented fans will cut him some slack. But not for long. A sharp upgrade is expected after the 30-42 Big Ten record of his first four years. No excuses. Trey Burke stepped right into the point slot held by Darius Morris. The time is now. Win or else!
— Fran McCaffery, Iowa:
Oh, for the glory days at Siena! Iowa is another story. In eight seasons, Steve Alford managed one NCAA win as he took a vibrant, arena-packing program and left it in wounded state for Todd Lickliter. Lick wasn't the right guy (38-57) and, based on McCaffery's initial 4-14 Big Ten record and so-so recruiting developments, he isn't, either.
Lest it be overlooked, the chair-throwing tantrum was impressive. Not as good as Bobby Knight, but acceptable. If you can turn some of that energy in the other direction, perhaps the Hawkeyes can become valid again. You've got until the end of the season. Then Darth Vader should step in and do his duty. Iowa needs to start over ... again (Dr. Tom, where are you?)
— Tom Crean, Indiana:
You pace too much. They should send you scent shield antiperspirant by the box. You're stretching the sideline limits as though you can help a shoddy defense or give better direction to one of Jordan Hulls' 25-footers.
My question: How can you go 12-50 in three-plus Big Ten seasons and deserve all those years of contract extensions? Early-season upsets of Kentucky and Ohio State, coupled with touted recruiting, has revived the latent DNA in this basketball state. But the 80-63 result at Ohio State put IU in its place. Tom, you're going to let down the faithful, which means they'll be calling on a rockin' John Mellencamp to handle your buyout. Better be hitting those threes at Wisconsin tonight ... live by 'em, die by 'em.
— Bruce Weber, Illinois:
If you're going to walk the green mile — trustees want a black coach — do it with grace. No need to go out yelling and screaming. It distracts the refs, upsets the fans and confuses the players. Your shouted reminders to "block out" fall on ears otherwise occupied.
It's the record, Bruce. The 2005 run was spectacular, and it provided Illinois with its fifth Big Ten title in eight years. But that set the bar too high. And that makes it unacceptable to win two NCAA games since 37-2, not to mention weak showings in Chicago and St. Louis, and six straight losses to Purdue. Grumbling has reached fever pitch, which was predicted by the adviser who encouraged you to take the Oklahoma job last year.
Loren Tate writes for The News-Gazette. He can be reached at ltate@news-gazette.com.
We get it Loren..we Illini fans are just all stupid... Coach Weber actually deserves a contract extension for a program wallowing in mediocrity since 2005. Look, for example, at all the joy we have provided the handful of Penn State basketball fans on this planet during past seven years. Man, I would miss such classic post-Nittany Lion loss comments from Coach Weber such as, "I feel bad about the loss, but I feel good for my friend Ed Dechellis," or, "I should have prepared the team better after nine days off.". Thanks Loren for helping me see the light. Should have kept that Zook guy around as well. Damn you, Mike Thomas.. Damn you...
Bruce Weber should have been fired after the 2009-10 season when they went to the NIT and lost at home to Dayton. That coupled to the 2008-09 season when they stayed home should have been enough to fire Weber and find a coach that can contend for Big Ten championships every year, always make and win consistently in the NCAA tourney. It's high time Illinois fired Weber this season if he fails to advance to Sweet 16 or better and finish in top 3rd of the Big Ten. Anything less is mediocre and unacceptable for Illinois standards of the early 2000s. Guenther was a mediocre and cowardly AD and couldn't bring himself to fire Weber or Zook but Thomas doesn't have any qualms with firing an underperforming coach. Weber with his mediocre record of the past 6 years needs to be stopped in his tracks NOW or Illinois will become consistently irrelevant!
Once again, I feel as though I'm being scolded for not appreciating what I've got. Just because most of the league has mediocre basketball programs, or the fans and alumn don't like the way their team is operated, does'nt mean at Illinois we have to except it. Put whatever spin on it you want, Weber and his teams are not living up to the expectations he set forth when he took over this program. Since 05', there has'nt been any consistency to this program. The writings on the wall, time for change!
Since only the fans are nuts, let me remind Loren of just a pair of recent musings via radio shows:
1) Loren, proclaiming on a Monday Morning Quarterback with Jim Turpin..."I'm not afraid to criticize Weber, and I think the Illini have some serious problems"...
or
2) Paul Klee at an Esquire show: "The program is stuck at .500 in the Big Ten for the last five years. At some point it's not what you say, it's what you do. This coaching staff is so defensive focused. They say they trust the bench, but they don't trust the bench. They say they wanted Demetri and want Sam M to push the ball, but they don't. That's just not the style of offense they play."
These past years are so reminding of the final few of Lou Henson's era. We were completely stuck in a 9-10 loss pattern, and early exits from the NCAA's.
Bruce Weber's time at Illinois is like a director taking over a movie (from Self) with a bunch of Oscar worthy actors. His "movie" won a bunch of awards in 2005, and he even won best director. But since then, top notch actors (recruits) don't come to be in his movies, and they are mediocre movies at best. Even when the box office ratings (record) are good, to the astute movie fan they are often hard to even watch.
If Mioses Saint Tate was governor of Wisconsin, I'd say recall him. They guy has been consumed with hate for fans for decades. Like all true believer conservatives, Moses can't stand anyone who disagrees with him -- they're traitors! The dean of Big Ten sportwriters? More like, Clown of Big Ten sportswriters. I see that so far comments here reject his thin-skinned hatred of fans. But the Sleepy Gazoo surrogates will arrive soon to defend Moses Saint Tate in blind lockstep. They think that shouting down someone somehow wins an argument. Poor little children.
First of all, learn how to spell. Mioses is not a word or a name. Second, stop with the Moses Saint Tate stuff. It is stupid and looks very childish on your part. Third, stop with comments about conservatives. You have no idea what you are talking about and again it makes you look stupid. Fourth, Tate doesn't hate fans although after reading your mindless garbage I would not be shocked if he did. Finally, if you have a problem with an article than stop reading it!!!! I again am baffled at the whole Moses Saint Tate reference that you always use. It is not funny, it makes no sense whatsoever...
What is up with your constant reference to shouting? No one is shouting, I certainly am not. I am actually typing if we are being literal, I am not even talking right now. All your post keep talking about shouting which is rather odd. Anyway...and why do you keep talking about conservatives? This is an article about basketball.....Oh, on another note I am educated but that is for another time and place. I am just curious as to why you keep talking about shouting. No one is shouting.
Mr. Tate,
When you stand and point a finger of accusation at someone please roll your hand over....there are three fingers pointing back at you! I tired of your constant dooms day attitude towards Illinois sports long ago. There should be a 13th name on the list and it's yours. Retire already.
I've said multiple times what ends up on these forums is not much different from what you'd here at a local diner. In my own life, that is really true. Some disappointed in the progress of the Illini program. Some more upset than that. Then someone says, "My goodness, they're 15-5, what are you complaining about?"
To Ed Horton above, I agree with parts of your comments. Loren has said on the radio, and obviously in this column, that fans are complaining everywhere. Frankly even I have commented way too much about Illini disappointments.
But, when you say Loren is right, do you mean all the way right? Because, despite his occassional combative approach with grumbling fans, he (and Paul Klee) are critical of this program on the radio much more so than in print. No, not with the fervor some of the radio show callers and forum posters are, but they are critical.
Every Loren article can be summed up thusly.
We can't bust heads like we used to, but we have our ways. One trick is to tell 'em stories that don't go anywhere - like the time I caught the ferry over to Shelbyville. I needed a new heel for my shoe, so, I decided to go to Morganville, which is what they called Shelbyville in those days. So I tied an onion to my belt, which was the style at the time. Now, to take the ferry cost a nickel, and in those days, nickels had pictures of bumblebees on 'em. Give me five bees for a quarter, you'd say.
Now where were we? Oh yeah: the important thing was I had an onion on my belt, which was the style at the time. They didn't have white onions because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones...
I don't know what you Tate haters are reading! I have seen many articles that have gone for and against coach Weber! He is a sports writer and has to come up with articles whether you like them or not! I do find many interesting but I also find some not so. I have been a supporter of Weber but have started to doubt him more and more this year. I have no problem in seeing him go but I will say I do not see much out there to take his place! The fans of the Illini seem to over value the schools ability to get a "name" coach! You expected a much bigger name to coach the football team and you didn't get it so now you all have B@tched about him and he hasn't even coach a game yet! I was told once that a good coach does not suddenly become a bad one! I will tell you if Weber is fired I do not expect them to hire by race! Also if McClain has a shot at the head coach job I will stop watching the Illini! I would not mind id Howard got a shot but I think that the best thing to do is not just jump in without checking the water first! Relax folks, these kids should focus on their education first ans not worry so much about the games you all are so upset about!
I suggest you go back and look at the historical data as to where this program belongs before you write factually incorrect posts about "overvaluing our ability to get a name coach". No one is saying we are Kentucky or North Carolina, but we sure aren't a team that should have 1 tournament win in 5 years and no Big Ten championships since 2005. The current state of this program in unacceptable in relation to previous history.
I agree that the kids should focus on education, but Weber makes $2 million a year. It's not about the kids, it's about ineffective leadership.
Wow, Loren, this is one of the most disingenuous articles I've ever seen. And that is saying quite a bit considering some of the ones you have written over the past few years. Perhaps you should listen more to your colleage Klee and realize that it's not outlandish to think Weber should be fired.
2005 was magical. Since Self's players left Weber has had ample opportunity to build a team. He has failed and our program is barely over .500 in the conference. A bad year or 2 in unavoidable. 6 isn't.
The fact that you continue to write these inflammatory articles speaks volumes as to your motivation nowadays.
Loren, I'll keep it real simple...
In Lou Henson's last 5 (post probation) years, the Illini went 45-45 in the Big Ten, made the NCAA three out of 5 times, went 1-3 in the NCAA. Our AD decided that's not good enough, and forced Lou to "retire".
In Bruce Weber's last 5 years, the Illini went 44-44 in the Big Ten, made the NCAA 3 out of 5 times, and went 1-3 in the NCAA.
I am simply asking the AD to tender Weber the same consideration as was given Henson for an identical performance.
Be very very careful what you write here Loren. Yes, all these coaches can be fired or kept. Looking closely at all of them, only Izzo is the longest survivor and why is that,,,well lets start with 4 final 4's and tons of success. And there are others on here that show promise of Izzo type success, Matta is one, that can if he wants make that same path of longevity. But the others, many of them fine, as Weborn is also fine, (not great) but fine,,,others may soon bite the dust as you say, and that is the way it has always been. That is why they are greatly overpaid. The fact that the big ten is the best conference is a byproduct of the teams that have great players, not necessary great coaches..There is a difference.
I find it interesting how you try to diffuse the poor job by Weborn by lumping him in with the pact and trying to compare him to other teams and other coaches. It will not work, it is not working, and that is fact. What you are missing is that we do not dislike the losses, but how we LOSE...It is how he acts, how he handles this talent that is upsetting. And down deep, you know that also but cannot really come out and say it for fear of losing your close contact with Weborn.
Loren, you're a funny guy. Last year, you write a column that calls out players, then a week later, you write a column that derides fans for calling out players. Now you chide everyone who wants the coaching staff replaced for their Dave Wannstadt-like performance. We are all looking forward to your column a few months from now when you write the calm, steady-handed, resaonable, "it was time for Weber to go" column.
To all you Tate haters out there -- would you enjoy the stories more if he told you what you wanted to hear? Such as fire Weber or that the basketball team is terribly underperforming? While I don't completely disagree with either of those, 90% of Illini fans have expectations too high. Loren is one of the sharpest guys around and he knows what he is talking about. If you think we can just get rid of Weber and expect to swoop up a coach that brings in blue-chippers annually, you're kidding yourself. Can we improve, yes, but get some realistic expectations. Illinois basketball has had some great seasons, but that doesnt make you a big time national program.
Brilliant Loren. Everybody wants to win and it is the only criteria by which fans vote, so it is quite easy to make a case for the removal of every B1G coach. Thanks for putting the big picture in perspective that each coach has fan reasons to be replaced. Tongue-in-cheek humor.
Doesn't the word 'fan' derive from the word 'fanatic'? Sometimes the fan comments sound like it derives from the word 'luna-tic'. You twitch Loren and the fans bash, purely cause and effect.
Since only 1 team wins a national champion each year and only 1 team wins (excepting the occasional ties) the conference championship, there are tens and dozens of tens worth of 'losing' teams. This means everybody is upset. It is called 'polarity', a formula to pit people against each other. This is a far weaker position than everyone unified and pulling | intending toward a focused goal. Happens every day in all ways on this planet.
The players make shots, make turnovers and make defensive stops. Find a way to play as a team playing your best game (to date) and most likely you win the game. Go Illini!
Ok Loren I give up. I'll stop complaining. It takes too much out of me to care this much. I will just not care. It will save me money and time. You guys will be ok without me. I'm 55 I have been a fan all my life. You see in the first fourty years or at least after 16 years of age we didn't have this medium to voice our disappointment. But your right and I am wrong but I thought my opinion was part of being a fan. You see fans are berated by everyone we are fringe nuts who do not have a life. I'm done I can't win. If I am honest and write what I think I'm just a dumb fan. I care to much to be healthy. This is where you and I are different. I have always thought we could and should win. I think we have a great state and an even greater university. You have been telling me for last 5 years that it just wasn't possible because we never have won before. I just could never allow that defeatest attitude to get in my soul. You win I'm done.
Tate on his radio show the other day defended Weborn for not getting a T on the Bertrand flagrent call. Even though the play was right in front of Weborn, even though there was time for Weborn to visit with Bertrand, even though Weborn has 8 assistant coaches that also saw the play, even though a play like that has hardly ever been called flagrant, even though first a proper foul was called on the Penn State player, even though Weborn was hot as hell about it, puckered up, turned 5 shades of red, glared, backed away so he would not say something, he was visibley upset, even though he was not man enough to stick up for his kids, his team,,,Tate stated that the reason Weborn did not get a T was that he did not have the opportunity ( and normally would not) to see the replay until after the game and Weborn could not get mad enough or stick up for his kid unless he was sure of the missed calling. Hum,,,,last time I looked, coaches get plenty of T's and they never are 100% sure, but they still stick up for the kid. Now, here is my question, why is Loren sticking up for Weborn.
What does…. Until Lon Kruger went to Florida, the Gators only won 1 (not vacated by NCAA) NCAA tournament game in their 100 year history…that’s 1 EVER!! after Kruger left Florida, presumably to a program of higher standing and reputation, Illinois …..Donavan since 1996, when Kruger left… 1 sweet 16* 1 elite 8 * 2 NCAA championships *11 NCAA appearances out of 15 years.. HOW DID THEY DO IT??
Oops my past post meant to be a response to Illinigolf above who wrote “ If you think we can just get rid of Weber and expect to swoop up a coach that brings in blue-chippers annually, you're kidding yourself. Can we improve, yes, but get some realistic expectations. Illinois basketball has had some great seasons, but that doesn’t make you a big time national program.” Again… Florida NEVER had a good season, yet alone a great season before Kruger the Donavan.. we need to figure out how they swooped up a coach that brings in blue-chippers
Tate, #1, Don't care about the status of the other B1G basketball schools. Only how the Illini are making progress.(we are going backwards) We should have hired Thad. Now we know how lucky they are. #2, I haven't listened to you and Turp on the radio for the longest time because I can't stand when you two "hang up" on callers that don't agree with the two of you. I thought that was the way call in shows where supposed to work, if you don't agree with the caller then shut them up with your wisdom. #3, Now that Zook is gone, Weber is in the crosshairs. Why are you surprised? I'll tell you why. Mediocrity. Because there are certainly many established coaches out there that would jump at the opportunity to coach in the B1G and for the Fighting Illini. I would rather start over with a new coach at this point. Weber is not the answer.
I would love for you to respond to the majority of the posts......... OH I just got hung up on
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