Man do you guys like to pick a fight over a seemingly innocuous observation.... love the passion for college soccer! I wouldn't / didn't put Grant's record up there with some of the elite coaches of the elite programs, but Bakersfield isn't an elite job. And, I have no idea how well funded Memphis is so it is hard to say whether he overachieved, underachieved, or just played par. I do agree that the lack of California ties is a head-scratcher, but this article indicated that the CSUB AD worked at Memphis - as did an assoc. AD - so they should know what they are getting. http://www.bakersfieldcalifornian.com/sports/csub/x429886229/CSUB-hires-Grant-as-mens-soccer-coach
Hey guys, first time to post here. Lifelong Memphis guy and wondered if anyone knew anything about who was going to get the Memphis job? I saw some of the comments on Coach Richie Grant. Having lived in Memphis and graduated from there I know a little bit about the program. Up until a couple years ago no money was put into scholarships or facilities. All money was put in to our basketball program and some to football. Then because of title IX, a lot of the other money goes to women's sports. That is why men's sports at Memphis (except basketball) are put at a disadvantage. Even with those challenges Coach Grant still kept a pretty high winning percentage (like 600%). Just my thoughts. I think Coach Grant is a good get for Bakersfield.
Reasonable people can disagree and not have it be a fight. I don't think anyone is fighting with you. I just disagree with the notion that Grant to Bakersfield is a "good hire."
No? UConn, Louisville, SMU (historically), add in USF and UCF...things don't look all that "not-strong." Temple, Rutgers, and Cincinnati are tough teams and can be dangerous at any time.
Well that answers the question about who is going to be the new coach at FIU... http://www.fiusports.com/Sports/Men...Calabrese-Named-FIUMensSoccer-Head-Coach.aspx Not sure where that leaves ETSU. Football is back on the horizon and I'm sure will drain even more resources and community support away from Soccer. Be interesting to see who takes the ETSU job though, new conference...
Would be a shame if ETSU's program struggled after getting off to a strong start. In any case, it seemed as though Calabrese deserved a shot at a bigger job. Probably a better hire than Arena was.
Good to see a solid hire of a mid-major guy moving on up like George and Weezie. He had success as a head coach because of HIS ability to build a program not necessarily tagging along a successful head coach. Not saying that model is right for everyone but good to see a guy climb the ladder because of hard work and success. In other words, he paid his dues. If he has success at FIU, there is probably another move coming.
For the record, Bakersfield is not a horrible place to live. Low cost of living compared to other towns in the state and it's much nicer than Fresno and other valley towns. Also a TON of soccer fields where state tourneys and such are held. And it's got Buck Owens Crystal Palace for your country fix . The shopping sucks, tho!
Maybe this had something to do with Kuntz leaving UCI. http://thelantern.com/2014/01/unive...el-drake-expected-named-ohio-state-president/
Bryan Green from Drexel hired as the head coach at Belmont: http://belmontbruins.com/sports/m-soccer/2013-14/releases/201401283isjq9
Side question, but I am sure this is the place to get it answered. Can somebody tell me the head coach at U. Kentucky before Johan Cedergren came on board? And maybe a word on why Cedergren was brought in? Thanks!
http://kentucky.247sports.com/Article/UK-mens-soccer-coach-Ian-Collins-let-go-after-18-years-47630 Some posters here had a lot to say about Collins. If you're really interested in that, presumably a forum search could come up with it.
Loyola (Md) with a new coach: http://www.loyolagreyhounds.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/020614aaa.html Seems an odd choice considering the thinking was they got rid of Mettrick in order to find someone who could bring them to the next level. Nichols has no collegiate coaching experience but clearly has a great record with youth/high school development and teams. Does anyone have more background on Nichols? Will he successfully transition to Loyola and the Patriot?
Dude has been a tremendous youth and HS coach in Maryland. I mean, tremendous and he is as plugged in to the soccer scene in the mid-Atlantic as one can be. I suspect he'll be able to recruit very well based on his contacts and relationships.
Exactly right. This guy does not have a stellar reputation in the area at all. When you pillage the region to stock your club and high school teams you don't create much good will. Especially when you tell everyone it's all about the Bays Academy and then leave the Bays to start another club when those Bays Academy kids can no longer play for your High School team. Actually it alienates you from most of the soccer community. This hire was a total inside job and easy to predict will not end well. A slap in the face to Mettrick who is a genuine good guy.
More news re Steve Nichols, i.e., "NICHOLS STEPS DOWN AS BALTIMORE BOHS (PDL TEAM) COACH:" http://www.baltimorebohemians.com/#...CH/c1b5l/A7845E61-72E3-4589-8715-E8EE91514D91