Everything I post is gossip. I’m not a reporter.
Through a connection made a few years ago, I’ve been able to look at the program from a the coaching/Admin POV, and that led to a connection with couple major donors. For the search, I’ve mostly communicated with boosters. Admin connection was a ghost. Coaches in building know as much as we do. A shared info in DMs during the fun of these past few days. But wanted to wait to put it out there once the coach was announced. I’ll say that Vandy did not leak at all they even interviewed Byington and boosters who knew didn’t say his name until this morning. I do think Vandy knew going into Friday who they were hiring once May said no. Sprinkle going out west was likely but Vandy hoped more money for both might land them.
The first thing, it’s my opinion, this is the most big money influenced search since I’ve been a fan. Starts with big money firing Stackhouse. I still don’t believe the 20+ million buyout for solely Stackhouse is accurate. But that’s not my money, and I don’t really care to find out either way. Just glad the right choice was made to fire the coach. Any candidate that was interviewed got the nod from big money before hand. I’ve heard that Chancellor and a mega donor were in all the face to face interviews. May was their top choice. Followed by sprinkle. Byington was option 3. Being turned down by May and sprinkle doesnt seem like an embarrassing situation imo. May picked a blue blood. Sprinkle wanted to stay out west.
Chris Mack- the smear campaign by Louisville athletic department clearly was well executed. I would be surprised if he lands a power 4 job this cycle. Big money wanted Mack, and I do think if Vandy got another no or two, they would’ve pulled the emergency cord and taken the “chance”.
Bucky got an interview. He wasn’t in the top 5. And personally I’m happy about that. Huge will Healy vibes. Just my opinion. I would’ve been fine with hire, but the boom or bust potential was high.
Clemson coach was a plant. Does not appear to have been interviewed or even in consideration.
Vandy identified several coaches to interview who were in the tourney, and it appears the top 3 were all done before the tourney started. Imo, that shows they had a plan.
NiL- 4 million on hand cash, 7 million pledged is the latest figure I’ve heard. I don’t know a ton about college basketball nil to compare it, but would think it’s a very solid budget considering the roster size. I’ve heard Vandy wants walk-ons to have the nil needed to off set tuition for those who don’t qualify for the schools free tuition based on income. Don’t have a problem with that.
Finally- CSL’s seat is warm. There is frustration about the Jerry situation. I don’t think there is anything imminent but it’s warmer than it was before the buyout bill was put on the table.
Through a connection made a few years ago, I’ve been able to look at the program from a the coaching/Admin POV, and that led to a connection with couple major donors. For the search, I’ve mostly communicated with boosters. Admin connection was a ghost. Coaches in building know as much as we do. A shared info in DMs during the fun of these past few days. But wanted to wait to put it out there once the coach was announced. I’ll say that Vandy did not leak at all they even interviewed Byington and boosters who knew didn’t say his name until this morning. I do think Vandy knew going into Friday who they were hiring once May said no. Sprinkle going out west was likely but Vandy hoped more money for both might land them.
The first thing, it’s my opinion, this is the most big money influenced search since I’ve been a fan. Starts with big money firing Stackhouse. I still don’t believe the 20+ million buyout for solely Stackhouse is accurate. But that’s not my money, and I don’t really care to find out either way. Just glad the right choice was made to fire the coach. Any candidate that was interviewed got the nod from big money before hand. I’ve heard that Chancellor and a mega donor were in all the face to face interviews. May was their top choice. Followed by sprinkle. Byington was option 3. Being turned down by May and sprinkle doesnt seem like an embarrassing situation imo. May picked a blue blood. Sprinkle wanted to stay out west.
Chris Mack- the smear campaign by Louisville athletic department clearly was well executed. I would be surprised if he lands a power 4 job this cycle. Big money wanted Mack, and I do think if Vandy got another no or two, they would’ve pulled the emergency cord and taken the “chance”.
Bucky got an interview. He wasn’t in the top 5. And personally I’m happy about that. Huge will Healy vibes. Just my opinion. I would’ve been fine with hire, but the boom or bust potential was high.
Clemson coach was a plant. Does not appear to have been interviewed or even in consideration.
Vandy identified several coaches to interview who were in the tourney, and it appears the top 3 were all done before the tourney started. Imo, that shows they had a plan.
NiL- 4 million on hand cash, 7 million pledged is the latest figure I’ve heard. I don’t know a ton about college basketball nil to compare it, but would think it’s a very solid budget considering the roster size. I’ve heard Vandy wants walk-ons to have the nil needed to off set tuition for those who don’t qualify for the schools free tuition based on income. Don’t have a problem with that.
Finally- CSL’s seat is warm. There is frustration about the Jerry situation. I don’t think there is anything imminent but it’s warmer than it was before the buyout bill was put on the table.
