It's time to review Providence

[FenwayFriar]

Providence fans acting like the victim here when they were okay with poaching players from other BE schools

This is such an idiotic and intellectually dishonest statement that it doesn't even deserve a response. But I'll give one because it's one of those days.

Yes, you're totally right that an 18 year-old who's been at a Big East school for 7 months then transfers to another Big East school is the same exact situation as a coach, who's native to the city he coaches in, who's coached there for 12 years, who's publicly stated numerous times it's his "dream job," who just had a 30-minute CBS Sports documentary made about his love for his community/city/state/school/players, who's entire message was based on loyalty, who made up a team slogan of "Us We Together Family Friars," who was given the key to the city, who was just coming off a regular season conference title and Sweet 16 run, who's signed four "lifetime" contracts with PC, then leaves for another Big East school without even having the courtesy to say goodbye on the way out. Totally the same.

And of course you're totally right that a player entering the transfer portal AFTER the season ends followed by Big East schools beginning to recruit them is the same exact situation as a Big East school reaching out to a current Big East coach in January PRIOR TO the season ending, leaking the information slowly over the following two months, which then causes distractions within the team, derailing a once-promising season, going through the exit process in just about the worst way possible, causing recruits to de-commit, causing current players to transfer, and basically cementing the school as a stepping stone job for eternity. Again, totally the same.

Oh and I didn't even bring up the whole "Big East Brotherhood" myth that people assumed member schools looked out for each other. The C7 was so strong, they said. Jay rallied the troops in 2013 and all 10 schools were in it together, they said. BS. Our conference is no less ruthless than the SEC, B1G or any other. Any one of our school's would throw everyone else under the bus if the money was right. At the end of the day it's a business, so Ed took the money and ran. But don't get it wrong, Georgetown acted shady. Ed acted shady. Not sure how you can really dispute that.

[kayako]

Yes, you're totally right that an 18 year-old who's been at a Big East school for 7 months then transfers to another Big East school is the same exact situation as a coach, who's native to the city he coaches in, who's coached there for 12 years, who's publicly stated numerous times it's his "dream job," who just had a 30-minute CBS Sports documentary made about his love for his community/city/state/school/players, who's entire message was based on loyalty, who made up a team slogan of "Us We Together Family Friars," who was given the key to the city, who was just coming off a regular season conference title and Sweet 16 run, who's signed four "lifetime" contracts with PC, then leaves for another Big East school without even having the courtesy to say goodbye on the way out. Totally the same.

First off, I hope you didn't take it personally. Providence fans are great on this message board. Cooley is a bit of a salesman, and his loyalty message may have been exaggerated. But I see that as an honest effort in trying to maximize what he had at Providence, and in hindsight I think it worked in getting the fanbase engaged and bought in. He's not the first coach to leave his dream job. Would it have been better off for Providence if Cooley had acted with more reservation because he may take another job someday?

And of course you're totally right that a player entering the transfer portal AFTER the season ends followed by Big East schools beginning to recruit them is the same exact situation as a Big East school reaching out to a current Big East coach in January PRIOR TO the season ending, leaking the information slowly over the following two months, which then causes distractions within the team, derailing a once-promising season, going through the exit process in just about the worst way possible, causing recruits to de-commit, causing current players to transfer, and basically cementing the school as a stepping stone job for eternity. Again, totally the same.

Xavier and Seton Hall went through exactly same situations. You don't have to like it, but schools do send out feelers mid-season. Coaches instruct their agents to keep the channel open if they are interested. Hell, Providence themselves probably did this when they hired Cooley. Sure you can question Cooley's loyalty, but I don't see the problem in Georgetown gauging interest mid-season. It sucks losing commits, but Providence would be in same exact situation whether he had jumped to Georgetown or Texas, and whether the deision was made during the season or after. There is no soft transition when a coach leaves for another program... And I think you're totally dismissing how much setback it could cause a program to lose players they were relying on. It worked out for UCONN, but it sounded like they had a plan for Floyd Jr, and obviously DePaul was devasted by losing David Jones.

Oh and I didn't even bring up the whole "Big East Brotherhood" myth that people assumed member schools looked out for each other. The C7 was so strong, they said. Jay rallied the troops in 2013 and all 10 schools were in it together, they said. BS. Our conference is no less ruthless than the SEC, B1G or any other. Any one of our school's would throw everyone else under the bus if the money was right. At the end of the day it's a business, so Ed took the money and ran. But don't get it wrong, Georgetown acted shady. Ed acted shady. Not sure how you can really dispute that.

I can agree that schools will do what's in their best interest. Jay rallied the coaches back in 2013, not the presidents. But if Georgetown is shady for approaching Cooley's agent mid-season, and Cooley is shady for taking that offer, why rope in all other schools? Should fellow BE athletic departments condemn the hiring like it's an act of terrorism?

[gosports1]

Why is Tobin Anderson being mentioned? Does he really have the resume? FYI fun fact he coached at the same school as former PC coach Chiesa

[adoraz]

Seeing these mediocre coaches PC is targeting along with PC losing their best players/recruits is brutal.

[Omaha1]

Why is Tobin Anderson being mentioned? Does he really have the resume? FYI fun fact he coached at the same school as former PC coach Chiesa

I’m trying to think what Cu would do in a similar situation and and who we would hire… Max has a couple of guys that were assistants who are now D1 head coaches. Devries at Drake and Lutz at (now) Western Kentucky. Did Cooley have anyone similar to that?

[Wizard of Westroads]

Why is Tobin Anderson being mentioned? Does he really have the resume? FYI fun fact he coached at the same school as former PC coach Chiesa

It's called "intellectual lazyism," throwing out the name of a guy who won an NCAA game without looking at his resume. No way he's getting a serious look at PC.

[FenwayFriar]

Yes, you're totally right that an 18 year-old who's been at a Big East school for 7 months then transfers to another Big East school is the same exact situation as a coach, who's native to the city he coaches in, who's coached there for 12 years, who's publicly stated numerous times it's his "dream job," who just had a 30-minute CBS Sports documentary made about his love for his community/city/state/school/players, who's entire message was based on loyalty, who made up a team slogan of "Us We Together Family Friars," who was given the key to the city, who was just coming off a regular season conference title and Sweet 16 run, who's signed four "lifetime" contracts with PC, then leaves for another Big East school without even having the courtesy to say goodbye on the way out. Totally the same.

First off, I hope you didn't take it personally. Providence fans are great on this message board. Cooley is a bit of a salesman, and his loyalty message may have been exaggerated. But I see that as an honest effort in trying to maximize what he had at Providence, and in hindsight I think it worked in getting the fanbase engaged and bought in. He's not the first coach to leave his dream job. Would it have been better off for Providence if Cooley had acted with more reservation because he may take another job someday?

And of course you're totally right that a player entering the transfer portal AFTER the season ends followed by Big East schools beginning to recruit them is the same exact situation as a Big East school reaching out to a current Big East coach in January PRIOR TO the season ending, leaking the information slowly over the following two months, which then causes distractions within the team, derailing a once-promising season, going through the exit process in just about the worst way possible, causing recruits to de-commit, causing current players to transfer, and basically cementing the school as a stepping stone job for eternity. Again, totally the same.

Xavier and Seton Hall went through exactly same situations. You don't have to like it, but schools do send out feelers mid-season. Coaches instruct their agents to keep the channel open if they are interested. Hell, Providence themselves probably did this when they hired Cooley. Sure you can question Cooley's loyalty, but I don't see the problem in Georgetown gauging interest mid-season. It sucks losing commits, but Providence would be in same exact situation whether he had jumped to Georgetown or Texas, and whether the deision was made during the season or after. There is no soft transition when a coach leaves for another program... And I think you're totally dismissing how much setback it could cause a program to lose players they were relying on. It worked out for UCONN, but it sounded like they had a plan for Floyd Jr, and obviously DePaul was devasted by losing David Jones.

Oh and I didn't even bring up the whole "Big East Brotherhood" myth that people assumed member schools looked out for each other. The C7 was so strong, they said. Jay rallied the troops in 2013 and all 10 schools were in it together, they said. BS. Our conference is no less ruthless than the SEC, B1G or any other. Any one of our school's would throw everyone else under the bus if the money was right. At the end of the day it's a business, so Ed took the money and ran. But don't get it wrong, Georgetown acted shady. Ed acted shady. Not sure how you can really dispute that.

I can agree that schools will do what's in their best interest. Jay rallied the coaches back in 2013, not the presidents. But if Georgetown is shady for approaching Cooley's agent mid-season, and Cooley is shady for taking that offer, why rope in all other schools? Should fellow BE athletic departments condemn the hiring like it's an act of terrorism?

Do you think you're breaking news with anything you said? Not once did you mention what I originally responded to... that this situation is anything like Big East players transferring to another Big East school. It's obviously totally different. You just went on an entire soliloquy about something completely different than what you originally stated. Just admit your original take stinks, and we'll move on.

Yes, I do believe the other Big East school should condemn the hiring. Like, 100% obvious yes. No not like it's an act of terrorism, but nice snarky commentary. This entire situation is SHADY is because it's IN CONFERENCE. If it's all just no big deal, why has it never happened in the entire 45-year history of the Big East? I don't know why that's so hard to understand or comprehend. If this was Michigan, no one would care.

[gosports1]

PC needs to hire a name like Georgetown and StJohns just did. I don't get why some still claim PC is a difficult place to coach. Cooley showed you can win there. They are willing to pay since Cooley was top 15 in salary. School is committed having built a great practice facility a few years ago. The AMP is a difficult place to visit. City and state support the program
I wonder if Mike Brey would be interested

[stever20]

PC needs to hire a name like Georgetown and StJohns just did. I don't get why some still claim PC is a difficult place to coach. Cooley showed you can win there. They are willing to pay since Cooley was top 15 in salary. School is committed having built a great practice facility a few years ago. The AMP is a difficult place to visit. City and state support the program
I wonder if Mike Brey would be interested

Sounds like Brey interviewed with South Florida.

[gosports1]

Yes, you're totally right that an 18 year-old who's been at a Big East school for 7 months then transfers to another Big East school is the same exact situation as a coach, who's native to the city he coaches in, who's coached there for 12 years, who's publicly stated numerous times it's his "dream job," who just had a 30-minute CBS Sports documentary made about his love for his community/city/state/school/players, who's entire message was based on loyalty, who made up a team slogan of "Us We Together Family Friars," who was given the key to the city, who was just coming off a regular season conference title and Sweet 16 run, who's signed four "lifetime" contracts with PC, then leaves for another Big East school without even having the courtesy to say goodbye on the way out. Totally the same.

First off, I hope you didn't take it personally. Providence fans are great on this message board. Cooley is a bit of a salesman, and his loyalty message may have been exaggerated. But I see that as an honest effort in trying to maximize what he had at Providence, and in hindsight I think it worked in getting the fanbase engaged and bought in. He's not the first coach to leave his dream job. Would it have been better off for Providence if Cooley had acted with more reservation because he may take another job someday?

And of course you're totally right that a player entering the transfer portal AFTER the season ends followed by Big East schools beginning to recruit them is the same exact situation as a Big East school reaching out to a current Big East coach in January PRIOR TO the season ending, leaking the information slowly over the following two months, which then causes distractions within the team, derailing a once-promising season, going through the exit process in just about the worst way possible, causing recruits to de-commit, causing current players to transfer, and basically cementing the school as a stepping stone job for eternity. Again, totally the same.

Xavier and Seton Hall went through exactly same situations. You don't have to like it, but schools do send out feelers mid-season. Coaches instruct their agents to keep the channel open if they are interested. Hell, Providence themselves probably did this when they hired Cooley. Sure you can question Cooley's loyalty, but I don't see the problem in Georgetown gauging interest mid-season. It sucks losing commits, but Providence would be in same exact situation whether he had jumped to Georgetown or Texas, and whether the deision was made during the season or after. There is no soft transition when a coach leaves for another program... And I think you're totally dismissing how much setback it could cause a program to lose players they were relying on. It worked out for UCONN, but it sounded like they had a plan for Floyd Jr, and obviously DePaul was devasted by losing David Jones.

Oh and I didn't even bring up the whole "Big East Brotherhood" myth that people assumed member schools looked out for each other. The C7 was so strong, they said. Jay rallied the troops in 2013 and all 10 schools were in it together, they said. BS. Our conference is no less ruthless than the SEC, B1G or any other. Any one of our school's would throw everyone else under the bus if the money was right. At the end of the day it's a business, so Ed took the money and ran. But don't get it wrong, Georgetown acted shady. Ed acted shady. Not sure how you can really dispute that.

I can agree that schools will do what's in their best interest. Jay rallied the coaches back in 2013, not the presidents. But if Georgetown is shady for approaching Cooley's agent mid-season, and Cooley is shady for taking that offer, why rope in all other schools? Should fellow BE athletic departments condemn the hiring like it's an act of terrorism?

Do you think you're breaking news with anything you said? Not once did you mention what I originally responded to... that this situation is anything like Big East players transferring to another Big East school. It's obviously totally different. You just went on an entire soliloquy about something completely different than what you originally stated. Just admit your original take stinks, and we'll move on.

Yes, I do believe the other Big East school should condemn the hiring. Like, 100% obvious yes. No not like it's an act of terrorism, but nice snarky commentary. This entire situation is SHADY is because it's IN CONFERENCE. If it's all just no big deal, why has it never happened in the entire 45-year history of the Big East? I don't know why that's so hard to understand or comprehend. If this was Michigan, no one would care.

t7




The big issue for most, i think, is how this was done. If Cooley wanted a change that's fine I can't really fault him for that. Up until the last minute he was deceitful and sneaky. Traits I didn't expect him to have. Sunday he claimed he had decisions to make and hen sunrise Monday morning his house is on the market. Obviously he knew he was leaving. He handled it poorly.
If he said something in the lines of " i have been in contact with another program. I have an opportunity to take on a challenge at a point in my life where i may need a change. My family and I have had discussions about what would be the best for us going forward. We are grateful for the time we have had at Providence. We love the city, state and the school. We were raised here. our children were raised here. This will always be part of who we are, our home. I am proud of the work we have done here and what has been accomplished with the backing of the AD and administration. I am proud of the quality of the young men choosing to play here. Not only for their athletic ability but for their morals, work ethic and supportive families. The fans and support of the community have been terrific. No one wants to play at the AMP. I expected PC to be my last stop and would be happy to have that be the case. However, this opportunity may be too great to pass up. I owe it to myself and family to at the very least explore the idea. It will be difficult to reach a decision but at the end of the day the decision needs to be what we feel is best for us. Either way , PC will always hold a special place in our hearts."