Comments on: Examining Ed DeChellis: Why Are Some Coaches Trading Down?

By: rtmsf

rtmsf — Thu, 26 May 2011 19:00:13 +0000

In reply to Andrew.

Andrew – my take on that is a little different, obviously. In theory, Chicago is a better recruiting ground, but plenty of good to great players come out of the GA/SC/FL area and Duke/Carolina can’t get all of them. Plus, in Chi-town you have to deal with the very difficult AAU/CPL system, and as we know, Purnell had almost no experience with that going into this job. As for the pressure, it’s still Clemson, a football school. All those types of schools really want is a coach who can take them to NCAA tournaments on a consistent basis — they typically couldn’t care less how deep you go so long as you get there and win a game every few years.

DePaul is a sleeping giant in many ways, but it’s a school that’s been on Rip van Winkle mode for damn near 25 years now, and I wonder how much longer it is until we can say that the nap has turned into a full-fledged coma.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 26 May 2011 18:32:44 +0000

I always thought the Purnell move made total sense. I would argue that you have a better chance at building a consistent winner at DePaul than at Clemson, even if the Blue Demons recent history has been underwhelming. Bigger city, more fertile recruiting ground, less immediate significant competition for those recruits than at Clemson. And, because you’re coaching in a pro town for a smaller school, you’ve got less pressure on you to win fast.

And, like you allude to, the DeChellis and McDermott moves seem like guys getting out of town ahead of the coming pink slip.

But the Sidney Johnson move still seems odd.

By: rtmsf

rtmsf — Thu, 26 May 2011 16:26:38 +0000

In reply to Chris. Yeah, those are fair observations, but the kind that to me are sorta "cherry on top" characteristics when the other two are in place. For most coaches, at least.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 26 May 2011 16:14:47 +0000

Perhaps there are things we are not deigned to know. Perhaps Purnell wanted to work in Chicago.

Maybe DeChellis’ family has relatives in Annapolis.

Maybe McDermott is related to Warren Buffett.

It’s not always about money and prestige, though I submit those are usually the two main motivators.