John Wildhack joins Orange Nation today at 12:15

[sufan59]

I didn't get anything specific from his tone and I believe that was the point. They want it opaque so they dont have to do anything

If anything from the tone, I wouldn’t be shocked if he genuinely wants to make a change now, but doesn’t have enough agency to make the move now. He did have enough agency though to go on radio and speak to Mike and Donna to give a thumbs up on year 3 which he would not be doing if things were better. He does seem to recognize that this is more than a talent issue and that you don’t need to be top 5 in NIL to be successful. This is a PIP. Short of a Sweet 16, the narrative has to be that we we didn’t succeed due to a lack of talent from our NIL budget that can improve and not Autry is not a good coach and underperformed with this team for him to get season 4.

 

[UnknownOrange]

i think im out on JW as AD

Football and MBB since he's come to town have been below .500 in conference play

I can give him credit for Fran, but not a lot, since FB called to sell him on his vision. Impossible to know if FB would have been on JW radar because it sounds like he wanted Chesney, and who knows how 2024 plays out.

Ultimatums never work. We'll be on the coaching hunt a year from now

 

[sufan59]

Then why are people saying a bubble team that is one-and-done in the NCAA Tournament wouldn't be good enough?

He uses the word significant twice before saying better. Autry has got to erase the narrative that he isn’t a good coach to get season 4. How we perform to our perceived talent level is I think major factor next season.

 

[CNYGuy]

He refuses to draw a clear benchmark because he wants to be able to move the goalposts later.
Infuriating

I'll devils advocate this:

If you have a similar record to this year and make a miracle run to the tournament, you can't look at that the same way as if you're 25-7 and got an at-large... On the flip side, If you're 18-3 in January and then four of your starters get hurt and you tank and miss the dance, there's extenuating circumstances to have to consider.

Setting a hard-line number or scenario does nothing but give fans something to talk about for the next 380-or-so days.

 

[Red Holzman]

What if Red miraculously turns it around next year. Hodgson and anybody else is left holding the bag.

If Hodgson is willing to wait for what he wants, he won't be left holding the bag.
I don't believe in this miracle.

 

[UnknownOrange]

I'll devils advocate this:

If you have a similar record to this year and make a miracle run to the tournament, you can't look at that the same way as if you're 25-7 and got an at-large... On the flip side, If you're 18-3 in January and then four of your starters get hurt and you tank and miss the dance, there's extenuating circumstances to have to consider.

Setting a hard-line number or scenario does nothing but give fans something to talk about for the next 380-or-so days.

NC State went on a miracle run with their coach on the hot seat and now isn't going to make the ACCT a year later. We need to be smart here

 

[orangefog]

If Hodgson is willing to wait for what he wants, he won't be left holding the bag.
I don't believe in this miracle.

I agree, Red has shown no aptitude for talent evaluation, talent accumulation, player development or in-game coaching. That doesn't just change in one season. In my opinion, he would have to change at least 2 assistant coaches and pretty much let them do everything. Then, what's the point? I wish we could just make the move this year, I know it is more complicated than that, but I just assume get this done.

 

[cusefan88]

If Hodgson is willing to wait for what he wants, he won't be left holding the bag.
I don't believe in this miracle.

If Hodgson stays he'll either wait for Cuse next March or take whatever other power conference offer he gets.

 

[BomberOrange]

Another thing he touched on was the $20 mill where he said that a majority would be put towards football, then men’s bball, then women’s bball. Don’t get me wrong, I have mad respect for coach Jack, but we are very unique in that men’s lax outdraws women’s bball. So why wouldn’t they get third?

 

[sufan59]

i think im out on JW as AD

Football and MBB since he's come to town have been below .500 in conference play

I can give him credit for Fran, but not a lot, since FB called to sell him on his vision. Impossible to know if FB would have been on JW radar because it sounds like he wanted Chesney, and who knows how 2024 plays out.

Ultimatums never work. We'll be on the coaching hunt a year from now

I was not a fan of JW prior to the Fran Brown hiring. However, even though Fran basically made himself a candidate by reaching out on his own. I got to give credit where credit is due. I can’t imagine many ADs would’ve even taken the phone call from someone not on the radar of the search and wasn’t even an agent, but Fran himself. I will say though that I believe JW has the right mindset to run the Athletic Department correctly. I do think JW has to be calculated politically on how he deals with other administrators on campus that have different priorities and visions.

 

[UnknownOrange]

I was not a fan of JW prior to the Fran Brown hiring. However, even though Fran basically made himself a candidate by reaching out on his own. I got to give credit where credit is due. I can’t imagine many ADs would’ve even taken the phone call from someone not on the radar of the search and wasn’t even an agent, but Fran himself. I will say though that I believe JW has the right mindset to run the Athletic Department correctly. I do think JW has to be calculated politically on how he deals with other administrators on campus that have different priorities and visions.

I'm just doubtful on the hiring of Fran if FB doesn't reach out first. Regardless, he's here, and football is in a much better spot

However FB was not in a good spot in 2016, 17, 19, 20, 21,22, or 23. So even if I give a tally to the FB hire, there's a lot working against JW there.

I also am no dummy. It might not have been up to JW to make a decision, but as the AD he has to be the face of it. The BOT might have a say and financially they could be a bit hamstrung. Tough to announce a 50M donation campaign then fire a HC and pay a buyout.

Basketball has been in a bad spot for a while and fans good graces are running on empty

 

[NKR1978]

In other words there is no news.

You (and many others) were right. I wish you were wrong. Another year wasted before we have hope again.

 

[sufan59]

Another thing he touched on was the $20 mill where he said that a majority would be put towards football, then men’s bball, then women’s bball. Don’t get me wrong, I have mad respect for coach Jack, but we are very unique in that men’s lax outdraws women’s bball. So why wouldn’t they get third?

I think you’re probably right on that men’s lax outdrawing women’s basketball currently. However, I think JW sees that the upside revenue earning potential in women’s basketball is higher than men’s lacrosse which is probably also true. So I can understand why that is a higher priority in the revenue sharing. I wouldn’t say it’s only due to optics of only investing in men’s sports. We are a lot slower than other schools embracing the growth of women’s basketball.

 

[NKR1978]

No. Meaningful means contending for the ACC (tournament) trophy (like making it to the final or semifinal and being solidly in the NCAA tourney. That's why he said what do you think it means. It doesn't mean being a bubble team and being the play in game. He knows that and he knows his fans know that.

I don't have much faith in words from anyone on the Hill. Right now it seems 21-14 and squeaking in the Tournament after a surprise ACC semifinal run will keep him for year 4 because that will be significant improvement.

 

[NKR1978]

Another thing he touched on was the $20 mill where he said that a majority would be put towards football, then men’s bball, then women’s bball. Don’t get me wrong, I have mad respect for coach Jack, but we are very unique in that men’s lax outdraws women’s bball. So why wouldn’t they get third?

Because the rest of the world puts NCAA women's basketball as the #3 sport.

 

[pearl31]

because that will be significant improvement.

I mean, I kind of hate to say it, but it would. And would be significant improvement over JB's last 2 yrs

 

[M2MPrinciples]

I think JW is sort of like Autry in that he's a good person and someone you want to in your corner but in over their head/outgunned in their role.

I recently read Stuart Scott's memoir and he repeatedly referenced JW's grace in letting him take care of his health and get time with his family.

 

[littlereg]

That's not the train of thought moving forward, its the train of thought on whether Red is the coach after next year. Clearly SU has higher expectations then just making the tournament but again when you haven't' made it in closing in on 5 years you also can't still act like its 2004. I also don't think if SU barely gets in and gets bounced 1st round that Red is somehow safe and sound. This team needs to show a huge amount of improvement next season.

Going forward with him as the coach is literally still having that train of thought that’s what you somehow fail to realize. I was 7 when it was 2004 and barely knew what cheetos were so I’m not acting like it’s 2004 at all lmao im just not babying everyone involved and being complacent like the yes men surrounding the program and fanbase.

 

[Scooch]

I don't have much faith in words from anyone on the Hill. Right now it seems 21-14 and squeaking in the Tournament after a surprise ACC semifinal run will keep him for year 4 because that will be significant improvement.

Personally I don't think that'd be enough. Seems like you're suggesting we'd be an #11 seed and in the play-in game. That strikes me as similar to Dino going 6-6 and making a bowl in his last year.

I really think Red needs to sail comfortably into the tourney or he's gonzo.

 

[HyattsCuse]

I know it’s not as important, but can’t imagine we are going to land any of the guys we are going after in the ‘26 high school ranks with next season officially being make or break for Red…maybe if we get off to a hot start next season.

It will be an entertaining off season though. I’ll tune in to see who we land in the portal, who returns, any staff additions, etc.

Trying to keep some optimism, but I just can’t see Red doing a coaching 180 and all of a sudden start looking like a quality head coach.

 

[orangepassion]

How about Red comes back next year and we name Hodgson Coach in waiting while he continues to coach at Arkansas State? Fair compromise?

 

[Scooch]

The pining for one guy at Arkansas State is going to make my head explode.

How many times does this site need to obsess over a guy because of some local tie, who then goes on to do nothing, before you folks understand that its silly.

Where is Turner Gill these days, anyway?

 

[Red2003]

I think if Autry came into next November with the #1 HS Recruiting class and #1 Portal class alot of the fanbase would still be upset. Wasting all that talent and another year squandered would be the response, etc

Simply put the fanbase that is still paying attention will not trust anything that is talked about from anyone anyway until we win games.

Then the fanbase that disengaged long ago or earlier this season will probably not pay attention to anything anyway until something gives them reason to. That probably means winning some big games or even the tourney or maybe if Carmelo starts hanging out at games.

 

[PoppyHart]

At least I'll be younger in 365 days.

 

[Red2003]

The pining for one guy at Arkansas State is going to make my head explode.

How many times does this site need to obsess over a guy because of some local tie, who then goes on to do nothing, before you folks understand that its silly.

Where is Turner Gill these days, anyway?

Thank You for this!. Happy it's not just me and Drives me crazy too. I just have to write off people just because of the coach they think will save us sometimes.

At least I have the sense to say I don't know who is the best coach to lead the program after Autry. Same as I had no idea who would be best after Dino.

The # of people that think they've solved the problem is just nuts.