Have at it guys…
ACC TOURNY: PITT vs ND Game Thread
Have at it guys…
Have at it guys…
Comments are closed.
For the love of football
Pittsburgh's #1 Site for Pitt, Duquesne, RMU and WPIAL Recruiting, Analysis and News
Just another WordPress.com site
Sick with a bad cold. No reason not to suffer further and watch my favorite team.
Go Pitt.
Ugh.
LikeLike
Am watching also. Not impressed even with that mini-run.
LikeLike
ND getting away with murder under the basket.
LikeLike
poor court presence and ball handling skills by this team.
LikeLike
Plus their cheerleaders are prettier than ours.
LikeLike
Heather spends a lot of time on the phone…
LikeLike
A low blow, Reed.
LikeLike
Whoever she was texting got her to smile.
LikeLike
Is that a noose around Heather-the-Presenter’s neck?
Foreshadowing KS future?
LikeLike
I guess that’s better than pooping your pants by watching the game
LikeLike
Maybe she got a donor to ante up a bit more in payout if she tells Stallings not to get on the plane home.
LikeLike
Carr and Stevenson at the beginning of the year were the two guys I thought could be pretty good. Now they are exposed. Carr is definitely ot a pg. Maybe some type of combo, but he can’t run an offense. Stevenson is just too small. That said, this is about the best Ive seen them play.
LikeLike
They say Pitt plays hard. But Pitt is poorly coached and they don’t have the players. I could play hard to and do nothing.
LikeLike
Double dribble??
LikeLike
Pitt doesn’t have any slashers or post up players
They live and die by the three
LikeLike
Ouch, a shot at the incontinents…..
LikeLike
As I heard all last week”, They play hard, bless their hearts”.
LikeLike
Well it’s half time and now only 1 half to go to end this disaster of a season. I honestly don’t know what else to say.
LikeLike
Participation trophy for hard play goes to Pitt.
LikeLike
Down 12 at the half. Hope they can make a full comeback. Would be nice for the kids to get 1 win in their conference.
LikeLike
$7.5 million buyout is what Colin Dunlap says. Based on inside booster sources.
LikeLike
Heather better text a little harder to bring that number down!
LikeLike
Yes PittFan28……..It would also be nice if we were all young millionaires. Just not going to happen.
LikeLike
So glad Herman was able to propel the program forward during his short stay.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pitt BB is a joke now. It was heading south anyway as Dixon recruiting was poor. I just can’t fault the players here. But whoever is the next coach will face a bigger rebuild than Stallings had. But the players are simply over matched and the talent is simply not gong to make a material difference going forward. But Luther, the transfer and a bring in a real player or two and you have the makings of a team that an compete for the middle of the pack next year. .
LikeLike
Here is a good Pitt Blather article – Chas is the best for Pitt BB…
http://www.pittblather.com/2018/03/06/all-signs-leading-to-the-exit/
LikeLike
Chet, I think we would all be thrilled to be in the middle of the pack next year. I’m just not sure it’s possible at this point.
LikeLike
Holy cow bat man. Pitt with a run.
LikeLike
Heather not clapping
LikeLike
Look out! This is by far the best they’ve played. Would love for them to know off ND. Pitt happens!
LikeLike
Wow, we are actually getting screwed. Sign of improvement that they have to screw us to win.
LikeLike
Carr gets a charge that wasn’t there. JWF gets hammered going for a layup, no call…. Such is PITT BB
LikeLike
such is ND BB
LikeLike
Certainly Pitt does happen!
WOW!
LikeLike
Lead at 7 now. ND trying to their best to help keep the WASTE around. ND missed 12of last 14 shot attempts WOW!
LikeLike
That kid with the puffy doo looks like Side Show Bob from the Simpsons – LMAO!
LikeLike
frantic pace inside 5
LikeLike
Nice of Stallings to wear a PSU tie for the game. Must be his final F-U.
LikeLike
That’s OK, Homers the coach.
LikeLike
Certainly our kids don’t give up and I give credit to all for that effort.
LikeLike
Never saw that before, ref removing something under hoop while kid shooting free throw.
LikeLike
Stallings should get another year.
LikeLike
Wow! ND 17% in 2nd half!!!! We should extend Stallings after this one LOL
LikeLike
HOLY MOLLY IRENE!!!
LikeLike
Fight Pitt Fight
LikeLike
I hope we win but this game doesn’t change my mind.. I hope it doesn’t influence Heather, either. Stallings must go.
LikeLike
It would be great to end ND’s season.
LikeLike
how in the world do they call that foul?!
LikeLike
I guess Carr can’t be in his spot, that was traveling on Colson.
LikeLike
Close but no cigar….AGAIN
LikeLike
In the infamous words of the late great Tom Petty; “and they went dowwnnnnnn swing’n”
(Like Tommy Dorsey).
LikeLike
Really good fight in these guys. GOOD-BYE STALLINGS! On to Football thankfully.
LikeLike
OK – can we concentrate on a team that actually did beat some ACC opponents this last season? ONTO FOOTBALL!!!
LikeLike
For a group of misfits these kids really impressed me today!
Now I hope Heather the Presenter really impresses all of us soon!
LikeLike
You do realize BB will dominate the talk until Stallings fate is decided and if he goes talk will only increase. Possible removal of a head coach will always overshadow spring ball. Will try to limit it and concentrate on football, which is a whole nother kettle of fish!
LikeLike
With this loss Pitt extends its losing streak to a school-record 19 games. They now have the longest losing streak in all of Division 1. No other team is even into double-digits. Thanks Barnes.
LikeLike
Oh no, Stallings just got extended
wwb April 1, 2018 at 5:`3 pm
LikeLike
The kids did fight hard at times and did not seem to give up. That’s a credit to them given the circumstances and to an extent the current head coach.
LikeLike
PSN says no buyout and Stallings would not lower the amount. If true he’s here next year.
LikeLike
And most fans won’t visit The Pete if KS returns.
$10 million either way…
LikeLike
If so promote him to associate AD in Charge of Shoes and give him a ‘George Costanza office’ in the Pete’s basement…
LikeLike
ND preordained to win by ACC to get team into NCAA
But the kids really tried and that is better than some of our other teams at times
LikeLike
Someone please tell me KS staying is some kind of sick joke……PLEASE!!!!!!
LikeLike
Kids played great, within themselves and even beyond their capabilities at times. Kid dribbling off his foot near the end was a killer as was the nonfoul called a foul on Colson over Carr’s back. Kids didn’t break. Pitt frosh players, to paraphrase Rodney Dangerfield, just did not get any respect, from the refs.
NBA considering an eligibility rules change to do away with the one and done kids who come out of HS to go one fake year of college just to play basketball for that year. Consider Carmelo Anthony, Kyrie Irving and the lot. Might even the playing field for all colleges and maybe even Pitt.
I am not ashamed that the Pitt freshman BB team were All-ACC academic kids. I am proud. Read the Pitt Blather article that Reed points out above on Pitt’s freshman players. Have too many of you forgotten how tough it was to be a college freshman, let alone a starting representative on your college’s big time basketball team? And then to be ridiculed for being a loser? Insult the adults who were supposed to groom them to be better, not the kids. Apparently their academic instructors did a better job with them. Good for Pitt and good for the kids.
LikeLike
called a foul on Carr for Colson falling over Carr
LikeLike
Yes JA. That was one of 3 terrible calls against these young men in the last 2:30 minutes. Terrible way to end a most disappointing season for the players as I have seen effort the whole season. Sometimes the effort was misguided but none the less it was there, at least to me.
The other two were the charge on Carr and JWF getting jacked-up on his head while driving for a layup.
LikeLike
Took a read of the PSN article and it made no sense to me what so ever. It states in that very article that Heather has said publicly that any discussions would not be held until after the tournament. I assume that was the tournament that PITT played in and finished a few hours ago.
So it seems to me that PSN contradicted themselves or I did not comprehend the article or it wasn’t presented properly..
LikeLike
“If so promote him to associate AD in Charge of Shoes and give him a ‘George Costanza office’ in the Pete’s basement…”
Haha I thought a similar thing, except I was going to stick him in the stinky nasty bathroom in David Lawrence Hall where nobody goes to poop (I always reserved the bathrooms in upper floor of alumni hall for that)
LikeLike
Buyout aside, what is KS scheduled to make in years 3&4 of his contract anyway?
LikeLike
Maybe there is some way to keep continuity between these kids and the possible new coach
I think they’re can grown into good players if effort is any indication
Who knows what the BOT does
LikeLike
Unfortunately if you really watch that was a foul on Carr. Bonzi went straight up got the rebound and Carr just kept backing up underneath him. Maybe he was off balance, but still a foul.
LikeLike
This core of this PITT hoop team needs to stick together but they do need help. They also desperately need a new head coach. Another big man and ball-handler along with a year in the weight room.
LikeLike
very much agree
LikeLike
The true reason for the loss was the coach not calling a TO once we had it to 3 with 8-9 minutes left as ND worked it the whole way back to 12. If he would have calmed then then, maybe at the 2-3 minute mark they are even or tied when he finally calls a TO. Not the kids, it’s the coach and most people know that.
LikeLike
Pitt will not spend the money to buyout KS and hire a good coach which means if he is fired, Pitt starts all over again.
LikeLike
It’ll get worse if they have to bring him back because he wouldn’t lower the buyout. Not saying I would lower it if I were him, just saying
LikeLike
Matt, that’s called boxing him out. Carr move a little and Colson was over his back. Carr just bent down further. It should have been a non-call and then a traveling. << differences of opinions buddy.
NRS, correct, I hope not but I expect the wailing to follow the next hire the same way it did when KS was hired.
LikeLike
IMHO, Pitt’s hiring KS made no sense and after 2 years, it still does not make sense…Buyout Shmyout..time to move forward with a new coach…the lack of enthusiasm for KS is astounding…bags on the heads of Oakland zoo…too many empty seats at the Pete…this team peaked vs WVU and it has been a steady downward slide for this team since that game….the team was not even competitive in the ACC this year.
LikeLike
iKE @ 7:33,
Hey, at this point I’m just hoping we can see if the wailing occurs over the NEXT hire! :>)
LikeLike
if heather wants this grant guy from charleston, he’ll be available in another 90 minutes
LikeLike
i want me some matta meatballs or some hurley fries
LikeLike
Foul was on Carr, that,unfortunately was one they got right.
LikeLike
I actually hope CoC loses that game, maybe keep him a little under the radar, but do not count him out just yet. He does a nice job winning these types of games.
LikeLike
I’d be pleased with either the CoC coach or the NE coach.
Both actually calling plays and instructing the players. Wait, was that a time out?
LikeLike
Someone on the Lair called today “the end of an error.”
Very clever.
We can only hope.
Hail to Pitt.
LikeLike
a multi million dollar one unfortunately
LikeLike
ABS – Anybody But Stallings
LikeLike
Thad Matta?
LikeLike
Hope you guys are watching CoC game. Grant is what a good coach should be. Intense but calm. Look at his eyes, those are the eyes of a hunter, not prey. In OT now.
LikeLike
He may be a good coach but its tough for me to get too excited about a guy taking Northeastern (Not Northwestern) to overtime.
LikeLike
But if Pitt can get this guy for $1.5M over Matta at $3M, it would be a good value. I’ll give you that.
LikeLike
I tuned into the game as I am not going to subject myself to this fiasco this year. So I an not up to speed with the individual players game. Just some general thoughts. But after watching this game, be honest no one looked like a player who is on the come. I think a couple can contribute but no one is a program changer here. Next year can be better but really the recruiting is far worse than Dixons and unless is carving out his potential buyout to recruits, he simply has to go.
LikeLike
And that,ladies and gentlemen, is how you do it. At any level against any opponent, you look at how a man coaches. Heather, I hope you have already contacted this guy.
LikeLike
Chet, when was the last time PITT BB had a program changer? Adams could have maybe been one….
LikeLike
Dejuan Blair
LikeLike
and before that Charles Smith
LikeLike
I don’t disagree Biff. Dejaun did have some talented help though. He could help this team in two or three years though.
Terrell Brown was better than Adams their freshman years. It’s not understood enough how hard it is to play as freshman when you’re not of an elite status, especially without a D Blair on your team. What were Blairs numbers when he was a true freshman?
LikeLike
Not quite sure what a program changer is. It seems like it should be somebody that substantially changes the arc of a program.
Pitt was doing fairly well before Blair arrived. The Elite Eight run was at the end of Blair’s sophomore year. Sam Young and Levance Fields drove those teams although everybody remembers Blair far more reverently. I agree with others below that Charles Smith and then Brandin Knight are the closest to what I perceive as program changers at Pitt.
Looking at stats rather than relying on five year old eye tests, Steven Adams had a better freshman year than Brown. Not sure why you believe that Brown is better. Adams did benefit from playing with Woodall (senior), Patterson (junior) and Zanna (junior) although Woodall was injured for part of that season while Patterson and Zanna were first year starters.
IMO Dante Taylor actually had a better freshman year than Brown while playing far fewer minutes. Dante was a freshman player who had to fit in among a bunch of first year starters.
LikeLike
while I believe Terrell Brown can be a pretty decent player (not a star but pretty productive), I agree that Ike is way off course here stating that Brown was better than Adams as a frosh. Without looking at the stats, I can guarantee that Adams had more offensive rebounds
LikeLike
I hope you had a chance to listen to Grant after the game. He’s a guy who has his priorities in order. Oh crap, I promised to not stump anymore for this guy, but he’s just so impressive. Well, we can only hope.
LikeLike
I’m assuming you’re his agent?
LikeLike
My kind of guy. High character and wins with a plan.
Lyke has to cut ties with KS first.
The slow dance in Pittsburgh begins tonight – we should raise funds for charities by pledging per day that KS is still the HC at Pitt. If he is canned, pledge per day until his replacement is hired.
LikeLike
My first point was no one is on the come meaning no one looks like the talent is big time. Pitt has never recruited well enough to have that many lottery picks. So yes correct I am observing no one is a must and will lead the program to great things. They played well today and competed.
LikeLike
https://sports.yahoo.com/pitt-student-section-shows-love-panthers-0-19-acc-season-010512135.html
Y’all will like this
LikeLike
I also have a feeling after today Pitt is looking for any way to keep Stallings and not make that payment. Stallings is not bending on that 10 million so no matter what we think, Pitt eats it or brings him back to dismiss him with 4 million after next year. I sense that is still the likely scenario.
LikeLike
but Pitt loses $12M next year in lost revenues, concessions, parking and merchandise sales…not counting dried up donations and damage to the brand equity
so if you think $4M buyout next year, add another $12M. Thats $16M in cost
Take the $10M buyout hit now and pay Matta $3M
Save yourself $3M
LikeLike
Charles Smith, he came to PITT 34 years ago. Blair made an immediate impact on a veteran type team a decade ago.
LikeLike
Charles is probably Pitt’s greatest player
LikeLike
Congratulations to Kevin Stallings for a record setting perfect ACC season. It took only 2 years to erase 15 years of competitive basketball. Although he was put in a no-win situation by empty suit Scott Barnes, the performance this season was inexcusable. Barnes and his search cronies set Pitt basketball back a decade. Time to demand a claw-back of all funds paid to Barnes…My money is on Matta for next coach if the administration can get their finances and priorities in line.
LikeLike
Nope, Smith’s not even close. Billy Knight.
LikeLike
Here’s what we need more of this season in FB — a QB making plays and a defense getting sacks and interceptions…
Go Pitt!
LikeLike
Yes. Billy Knight is it! Watched him often in the old Fieldhouse!
Charles Smith a close 2nd.
LikeLike
IMHO……Sam Clancy is not far behind either.
LikeLike
Donate the Pitt Day of Giving receipts to getting rid of Stallings
LikeLike
with regard to last night’s conservation, I don’t know how Brandon Knight’s name was not mentioned when it came to a program changer. I’m not saying that he was Pitt’s best player, I’m saying that while he was the PG, the program changed dramaticallly for the better
LikeLike
Off topic…Duzz on the FAN at 7am today.
LikeLike
Duzz was on for nearly a 1/2 hour
— Pickett is THE man but Towne will get a good look in the spring .. but Pickett can do it all. Loves his attention to detail.
— Reed should be happy to know that he gives himself a C grade .. and he felt the same after the two 8-win seasons. He said that in many ways, he thought the staff did a better job this year than the previous two.
— He gives Heather an A grade for her first year (no surprise)
— He never thought the tarp idea had any weight to it … and the best way to increase attendance is to win a championship
— He was sold on the Kent State OT transfer after viewing the Clemson film. He also said that there is young talent on the OT that nobody knows about, but didn’t mention any names.
— He said that his front 7 (defense) had much more depth now, and he really thinks the DL will step up under Partridge’s coaching. He really likes the DL performance at the end of the season.
— He thinks the team is one year away from competing for a championship.
LikeLike
One more thing (per PG tweet)
Pat Narduzzi on future of Pitt-Penn State series: “I know Heather’s worked her tail off trying to get ‘em, but there’s gotta be a marriage. They gotta wanna play us and I don’t see that right now.”
He agrees that an OOC arrangement with a P5 team should be a home and home while mid-level teams should be strictly be a home game for Pitt.
LikeLike
jst thought of one more thing … when asked about Levian Bell (MSU alum who he knows well). PN thinks being labeled as a ‘franchise player’ is a great thing and Bell should be honored
LikeLike
actually …. it’s Le’Veon ,,, which I assume would qualify him for Pitt’s French brigade (or whatever it’s called) if he was in the locker room across the hall at SS facility
LikeLike
wwb— thanks for the info…
Go Pitt.
LikeLike
“but Pitt loses $12M next year in lost revenues, concessions, parking and merchandise sales…not counting dried up donations and damage to the brand equity
so if you think $4M buyout next year, add another $12M. Thats $16M in cost
Take the $10M buyout hit now and pay Matta $3M
Save yourself $3M”
Problem with this scenario is that it assumes the program is instantly fixed next year and sold out every game under a new coach. Won’t happen. Spending $10m only lets the rebuild start a year (or two) earlier
LikeLike
Don’t know about you guys but I can’t wait for Reeds QB article. Narduzzi did mention this morning that he thought this was the best dept at the QB position he’s had since coming to PITT. I know very little about the backups and only think I know anything about KP.
LikeLike
don’t expect anything positive about Towne
LikeLike
Interesting you would say that wwb, couple things on that subject
Reed told all of us from the get go what he learned from some USC people and everything thing he told us turned out to be as good as gold
He also raved about Nate P and he was dead right about that as well.
So I would expect an accurate depiction but until anyone see’s the kid in some sort of a practice situation, then we really can’t be sure. … but any kind of feedback will be better than none at all.. . . .ike
LikeLike
here is more from DiPaola about Duzz’s radio interview
http://triblive.com/sports/college/pitt/13392027-74/pitts-narduzzi-said-roster-has-enough-talent-to-win-acc-championship
LikeLike
Yeah, I believe when Narduzzi said a year away I think he meant this coming season..
LikeLike
Agree about Brandin Knight being in that small group of program changers. Smith played against stronger competition, but Knight was a one man band. Blair was remarkable, big strong and quick.
So glad this season is done.
LikeLike
Narduzzi says the roster has enough talent to win the ACC…
LikeLike
Maybe he meant the Coastal
LikeLike
Seriously hope there is no QB controversy this year. We need Pickett to be a star.
Let’s hope Narduzzi wasn’t blowin smoke regarding the O-line.
I think the defense will be much stronger this year and we will have a pass rush.
Maybe Salahuudin is the four star that outperforms as a freshman.
LikeLike
come to think of it … he did make mention that a really good QB and a RB can make a the OL look really good …. which I believe was mentioned here last week or so
LikeLike
I know you’re trying Jay but…… you may have a ways to go…..
LikeLike
ike.
I think it’s the best I can do. I’m really trying but he needs to stop saying this kind of stuff or I’m going to have to stop posting.
WIN the ACC? WIN? Not compete. WIN?
Is someone burning toast? Or, am I about to have a stroke?
LikeLike
I can’t believe that Pitt would ever take a $10 million hit to cut Stallings loose. If he doesn’t agree to accept less, we can expect him to be back next year. Also, the comments he made in the closing press release suggest that he would regard leaving his young team behind as almost treason. And his players do appear to really be behind him, they stayed together and there were no cliques.
LikeLike
I hate to agree …. but I do. Would not surprise me if he is not axed.
LikeLike
If he stays he will have to become more positively engaged with the students and fan base. This is an integral part of being a modern head coach. And this is the area in which he has failed miserably, even more so than that hot mess on the court. You can buy yourself an extra year if you do so. I just think he is old, and has no interest in doing that. Sort of like Paul ?Evans, and look how that turned out. Good coach, disappeared forever.
LikeLike
Can’t “become more positively engaged” if his family is still in Tennessee. As a coach, you are either all in or not in at all.
LikeLike
Agreed. He took this job for some extra cushion in retirement. Pitt fans (and their impression of him) are pretty low on his priority list right now I fear.
LikeLike
Take money out of the equation for a moment. Is he a good coach and recruiter? Based on his record, several incidents (Louisville and last year’s player runoff), his public persona, and his recruiting success at Pitt, I’d say that KS is not a good coach. If he’s not a good coach then fire him and move on. In other words, if there wasn’t a $10 million buyout, would you fire him? If the answer is ‘yes’, then fire him and figure out the buyout.
As other have correctly said, this situation is going to cost you whether you keep him or not. So do what’s best for Pitt athletics.
LikeLike
Spot on.
LikeLike
I still say you need to have the next guy lined up first so we don’t get a lot of guys turning us down and creating another PR nightmare.
LikeLike
It also has to be someone worthy of season tickets or you are just digging a deeper financial hole.
LikeLike
I was a ten year Pete Season ticket holder…cancelled this past season as I could not justify spending 2K on a crappy sports product – glad I did, the product’s awfulness exceeded even my worst case imagined scenario.
I support the kids as students and athletes but every day that goes past with that shoe salesman as coach lessons my ‘fan’ interest in the product even more. I grew up in North Carolina in the 1970’s – I am a die hard CBB junkie, it’s in my blood…in all my years I have never seen a major college program decline so rapidly as Pitt has done in the last 2 years. One more year and Pitt BB will be off my radar entirely.. this is a 3 alarm dumpster fire as it stand now.
$10 Million buyout seems like a lot but it is peanuts compared to the long term damage KS has done to the Pitt Brand among fans, media, local business revenues, and potential recruits in just 2 years…not to mention that Pitt BBall is now the laughing stock among serious fans and media nationwide…
I estimate I spent over $3.5k per season for 2 seats in the Pete’s Nosebleed section including food, drink, parking and ‘pre/post gaming’ at local Oakland watering holes;…can only imagine what the loss of high roller support means financially per seat to the University and to the local businesses in Oakland…and this is not even counting the piss poor TV ratings, loss of merchandise sales, loss of hits and ad revenues to Pitt Athletic web sites and general apathy that has arisen among casual Pittsburgh Sports fans…it will take a decade to recover if Stallings is allowed to crap all over the Pete one more year…and we will have lost an entire generation of young fans too…
Having the real $$ numbers available to her, if ADHL brings back Stallings for one more year she will show me that she is borderline incompetent too.
H2P
LikeLike
Pitt has rarely done what is best for Pitt athletics, or else Waanstedt would still be here. They got lucky in BB when they hired a couple of unknown coaches who happened to succeed pretty well. I really think that the administration believes that sports cannot be high profile as long as the funding problems continue in Harrisburg. The Paul Evans analogy is a good one, a good coach who rubbed certain people the wrong way and was fired. I will always remember his quote that if you gave him a good center and point guard, he could win with about anyone from the gym at the other positions.
LikeLike
I did not watch a single Pitt game this year. I am prepared not to watch a single game next year if Stallings is back, which I fear he will be. Please fix this Heather, BOT and Mr. Physics!
LikeLike
OK, here is the quandary .. if no immediate announcement, it probably means IMO that a contract buyout is being negotiated. If impasse
Will he stay or will he go? Queue The Clash(?)
LikeLike
Or it could mean Pitt will keep status quo
LikeLike
^^ Barvo from above. (not a fan of the reply function) I don’t think Brown is better than Adams or D Taylor. My point was that those two had more experienced players around them their freshman years and from what I could tell, Brown improved throughout the season as he gained confidence. I think Brown’s season is comparable to Adams freshman all things considered. …
No way can PITT keep KS. The damage is done and to deep to repair. Keeping him and the damage may become irreparable. PITT would be better off firing Stallings and letting Heather run the team. << That’s how bad it is… ike
LikeLike
No way Ike??? This is Pitt
Screwer up of all things sports!
SOP or WTSOP!
LikeLike
Sorry, as you no doubt recognize I use the reply. There’s no ambiguity or searching.
I agree. Brown certainly improved to the point that I think he has the most promise on the roster. He became more physical and his shot blocking was there nearly all season. That bodes well for him as a defender and rebounder. The big problem for him, as it seems it is for many bigs, is learning how to play without fouling. He committed to Pitt with promise as a shooter. If he can develop that game inside the arc he will have a lot of value.
Under Stallings I’m not sure that will happen since it’s a five out, weave around the arc, take bad 3s or dribble out the shot clock kind of offense. Therefore I’m with you there too. Stallings needs to go.
LikeLike
On a busy day, replies can be lost to all but who is being replied too. I guess that can be a good thing every now and again?
LikeLike
Brown improved over the year. KS gave him no development time before Luther got hurt which was idiotic. So he was thrown to the fire against ACC teams.
LikeLike
I agree wwb, if there is NO announcement from PITT fairly soon, it could mean the firing proceedings may have commenced.
LikeLike
Both Brown and Peace would have benefited from a redshirt year. But of course you could say that about all the freshmen, except maybe Carr. He probably gained the most from playing. I think he has a lot of upside with the right coaching and a more defined system.
LikeLike
Re: Pitt vs PSU playing FB…Pitt has no room to cry foul. We are treating WVU the exact same way PSU treats us with regard to a long term scheduling commitment. It is unbecoming for Pitt to beg PSU for a long term commitment and just as unbecoming for Pitt to treat WVU the way we have on the same subject…Ms. Lyke, make your best effort with PSU, and when they respond in their usual arrogant fashion, sign a long term FB scheduling commitment with WVU and forget about PSU!
LikeLike
Exactly. She should come out and say we tried, they want to play an easier schedule…..and never ever bring it up again.
Do the same with WVU.
LikeLike
agree 100 percent
Although I would not even counter at this point. If you could get WVU next year I would get out of the PSU game next year. ( Just a dream, but would be a great FU)
LikeLike
Beat psux first this season, then FU them.
LikeLike
hot off the press (not breaking news)
https://deadspin.com/who-killed-pitt-basketball-1823270654
LikeLike
this was written like it could have been one of us
LikeLike
Buyouts should be pretty easy to complete. It’s just a matter of agreeing on the number. Maybe Heather is in the process of tapping alums’ pocketbooks to see what can be gathered up from the outside before the deal is done. If they can package the $10 million, KS has no say in the matter and will be gone. The PR would be too negative if Pitt were to pull the money out of depleted university budgets, so I think this deal rides on getting sufficient outside money. BTW, any new coach would want a similar deal with huge buyout given the treatment KS gets..
LikeLike
maybe Heather will beat Colorado State to the punch
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/will-becky-hammon-coach-colorado-state-mens-hoops-spurs-brass-praises-mum-trailblazer-080750394.html
LikeLike
I would suspect talking to, and lining up interested parties also is going on, or at least should be. One of the biggest blunders the former head of the NCAA selection committee made is not having a coach ready once Jamie was shown the door. I mean, it’s not like he didn’t know it was happening!
LikeLike
Exactly and IF Pitt has decided to keep KS for another year, whose to say he wants to stay and listen to the noise.
HL has to have a list of real replacements regardless of the decision in hand.
As a Pitt fan I can’t get too excited with Lucy holding the ball.
Now, if it was a golf ball…never mind.
LikeLike
As we also know, Jamie wasn’t the number 1 plan either…..
It’s fun playing the what if and who it should be game but the realism in me says we don’t know 10% of the goings on in Oakland Pa…
LikeLike
JoeKnew, many head coaches currently under contract cannot negotiate a deal while still employed, or they will forfeit salary or must pay a termination fee. Some actually have some morality, and will not discuss a future job until it is actually open. It is unseemly for a potential coach to say that if a school will just go ahead and fire its current coach then he/she will take the job. That kind of person would probably not show any loyalty to Pitt if a more prestigious job would then come open..
LikeLike
By the way, Dom Cosentino must have read my mind about that absurd last second shot at the end of the first half of the Virginia game… I mentioned this a while ago as the low point of a horrible season.
LikeLike
FWIW, Tyler Boyd was absolved of any wrongdoing last summer when his car was wrecked and the driver had pot. Apparently, Boyd had lent his car out but was not even in the car during the accident.
This will make UPItt unhappy
LikeLike
Two likely scenarios. Which do you choose…
Stallings stays another year. Keeps pretty much the same roster with addition of Kingsby, Golden and potentially another. Luther and Ellison back.
Pitt hires some career assistant or unheard of coach, most of the roster leaves and they start over with the same results next year. Maybe a few wins. If lucky, they will be in the same place next year as if they had kept KS.
The scenario that will never happen…
Pitt hires a named coach that keeps the good from the roster, brings in some top recruits and Pitt is a middle of the pack ACC team next year.
I am torn….only because I believe Reed that Pitt puts academics first. I have zero belief they will hire a guy that can fix (back to Dixon glory days) the program fast (2 years). There is zero history to suggest otherwise.
LikeLike
Precisely, NRS. I think they will pick your first choice to keep the current group of kids.
LikeLike
I think this process can compare to jury deliberations……the longer it goes, the more likely the defendant will be found not guilty. In this case, the longer it goes, the more likely KS gets another year.
LikeLike
Dan above ^^ not from Heaven but a few posts up.. The PITT football team will be a more complete team this coming season than any since “King Pat” arrived. Which btw, anyone who calls Narduzzi a name like that and then contests any accusations of him not liking the guy is in the Nile. Their record may not end up indictaing this but their play sure should.
Not making any excuses for this team yet but I’ve always been the type of fan that watches the game with my head first and suffer in silence while my heart heals itself second. I may not be the absolute biggest PITT football fan but I know I’m tied with the biggest for first place, with all you other guys and gal…. ike
LikeLike
Just wondering, can Ms. Lyke insist that there are changes to the assistant coaches and potentially bring on someone herself with the plan to actually replace KS the following year? She would even announce that. Perhaps a tactic to make KS more uncomfortable than he already is and potentially get him to consider a reasonable buyout. I realize the poor press for Pitt but it’s already there today.
LikeLike
How about we keep Stallings as director of basketball operations,and hire a new head coach.
Give Stallings an office, make him a recruiting analyst. It would be cheaper and we might actually get something for our money.
LikeLike
we can assign him the Nashville recruiting area
LikeLike
I’m doing two articles, one on the QB position and another very in depth article about Ricky Town.
Interesting story to say the least…
If someone could rip our a DL article or Special Teams article I’d very much appreciate it as I have volunteer commitments for the next three days.
Otherwise it may be next week for something new.
BTW, I agree with Narduzzi one his “C” grade so far… disagree with the talent level to win ACC this year.
Just don’t think the departed position coaches did their jobs very well so I very much wonder if HCPN’s early recruits are ready to play at this level and really produce.
…and my jury is still out on Hartley as the LBs coach…they haven’t been very good over his three years here.
But this truly is a fun part of the year when speculation runs rampant.
LikeLike
The Pete will avg 2k next year if KS returns
With a new coach they should be back up to 8k (still nowhere near capacity but a huge improvement)
so the difference is 6k per game over 18 games is $8M
That figure excludes the loss of several more millions in donations and millions lost in brand equity
So anyway you slice it, pay the Rockports coach his $9M and move on
LikeLike
8k is assuming they win. I don’t see Pitt hiring a coach that will upgrade the team next year to a winning one. I want the change….I just think Pitt isn’t up for doing it big time like they should to fix the problem.
LikeLike
they will win more than zero games in the acc next year
the excitement and hope alone will draw fans in and will prevent season ticket holders from cancelling
LikeLike
Stallings is getting paid over $300k per win
when you add the buyout thats $1.5M per win this year
Pitt should have no business being in athletics
LikeLike
So true. Great way to look at it.
LikeLike
I don’t understand the thinking that the current roster is going to ALL leave if WASTE is removed. Where did this come from? Is it generally assumed that the next coach will destroy the current roster like WASTE did? Is he such a beloved and fatherly figure that the team couldn’t imagine playing for anyone else?
By the way, what does it really matter if most of them do leave. There are about 3 guys on the current roster that MAY have potential to be something in 2 more years. Luther is a nice player too but why would he go? He decided to stay here after EVERYONE left last year. He seems committed to the University not the coach.
LikeLike
There are hundreds of ways to approach a coach to gage his interest without compromising him or the institution. Coaches and schools are used to working around that all the time, and I mean all the time. Shouldn’t be a major problem. You know what buyout is, go from there.
LikeLike
Rumor holds KS wants the full banana to walk.
I cant blame him. I think all of us, in his situation, would do the same.
Plus, many of these guys can’t give it up. Instead of playing with the grandkids and drinking Old Fashioneds, they want to recruit and do camps and get their nose bloodied by the press.
That said, I will still root for Pitt all the while praying Herman is eventually held responsible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Stallings contract has got Pitt right behind the eight ball. A not so young coach doesn’t need to negotiate for any buyout below what’s written in his contract. Just play out the remaining years and get paid the remaining $10 million he’s owed. At the end of the Pitt contract he can go off into the sunset a rich man to enjoy his retirement.
LikeLike
Does anybody know who (1) wrote the contract, (2) what was the approval process for the contract, and (3) was there any institutional control over the whole process?
My opinion: Whoever wrote it should never be allowed near another contract. Whoever approved the contract was truly incompetent, and didn’t know what (s)he was doing. If the whole process took place within Barnes’s office, Gallagher is responsible for this whole mess.
As a former attorney (who dealt with contracts all the time), I am totally dumbfounded by all this.
LikeLike
Sheesh, talk about rubbing salt into a wound…Boston College upsets NC State and advances to the tourney Quarterfinals….
LikeLike
Hey Tommy, you mean BC, the team that didn’t win an ACC game a few years ago???
LikeLike
Yup, the same BC that’s 13-69 in league play with that coach. Something we should aspire to, stay the course!
LikeLike
Guys – KS is not the guy to turn things around. His ceiling is the NIT. We need a coach that can get Pitt to Elite 8’s. Matta, Crean, Hurley and yes Grant. You sold me Joe.
LikeLike
You shouldn’t be so sarcastic JoeK. I was only pointing out a fact. This program began it’s downward fall before KS got there.
LikeLike
Truth is, I cannot blame KS for wanting every cent he was promised. We would all do the same. The guy came here in good faith to build on an existing strong basketball program, only to find the cupboard bare and the players and fans in insurrection. The Seniors break his rules, show no leadership, and the AD who hired him then bails out, leaving him with no institutional support. The fans abandon him big time and make him the subject of ridicule. Bags over the heads before the end of year two. He recruits three years of players in one year, only to find that he is criticized for not getting wins out of Freshmen. Give this man a break, guys…
LikeLike
Me too, facts.
LikeLike
VoR, Sorry, but Stallings new exactly what he was getting into with his team. He was an experienced head coach who couldn’t handle a couple of 22 yr olds. He knew he would have to replace at least 7 kids, and ran the rest off. He had at least 18 months to recruit. Ask yourself, why did one of his best recruiter choose to go back to James Madison? And he never moved here either. Also, ask yourself what Stallings ever did to engratiate himself to the fan base. He isn’t the first guy to replace a well liked coach.
I might have expected a young coach with limited experience to struggle with these things, but not a guy with well over 20 yrs experience.
LikeLike
I agree VOR 100% and I also agree that his time was short but it’s time for him to go. I say again and to answer Pete’s comment yesterday. The way KS was treated from the start was bush league from the fans. Sure the way he was hired and get this, his appearance of all things wasn’t and still isn’t on the man. Yet the minute after he was hired he was ridiculed un-mercilessly. I don’t buy the bunk about KS, fans were just unhappy they didn’t get their man.
Same thing is about to repeat itself.
BTW making fun of his appearance is funny to me. Funny in the way when the POV has a round-table and many are unwilling to participate and to show what they look like. Ironic I say. Kiddie stuff.
That said, his coaching left me baffled. I do wonder where JD’s 5th year recruits are right now but.. .. It’s time to move on… ike
LikeLike
I dont think it was bush league by the fans
Fans just dont turn on you unless you give them good reason
Let me count the reasons
1. alienated fans from the first presser
2. had a senior laden team that he could not control
3. recruited a bunch of stiffs that no other ACC school even approached
4. failed to develop his players over the course of the year
5. rarely engaged the Zoo
6. cant even break his own clipboard
7. can’t even spring for a better brand of shoes
8. family still down in Tennessee
9. was a bill of goods
10. and gladly makes $300k per win
LikeLike
Stallings was hated before the presser. THAT’S MY POINT ABOUT BEING UNFAIR! The shoe and shoe-salesman, otis and all the rest of the kiddie name calling. I ask you Tx, is that not bush league garbage?
LikeLike
Sometimes people are very deserving of their names and do everything to justify them.
What other coach in Pitt history did any Pitt fan wear bags over their heads?
There isnt one because it never happened until now
Only school without a win in conference out of 400 plus schools
0-24 in his last ACC games
Attendance at 1982 levels
Its bush league he’s collecting a check
LikeLike
Ike, and also, the downward spiral was making the NCAAs Jamie’s last year. Yup, plummeting.
LikeLike
Artis and Young, Artis being a nut job rule breaker. Name a few other players that Jamie left behind?? Cam Johnson that’s it. What a cupboard of players?
LikeLike
He’s going to get $9M breaks with his buyout
Pitt cannot afford an empty Pete and alienating big time boosters and season ticket holders
He is a bad fit and his ceiling is the NIT
Your $50 basketball ticket should have higher value than ZERO ACC wins, an RPI ranking of 216, and a slight chance at a NIT bid
I’m not sorry for him one bit. He knew what he was walking into and continued to alienate fans and failed to adjust
Most coaches could have gotten more wins out of a wet paper bag
He can go back to Rocky Top where his family lives
LikeLiked by 1 person
JoeKnew, Seniors are handled by sitting them down and playing backups. Stallings had no backups. I can’t believe he knew the talent situation at Pitt when he took the job. What happened with Louisville? Two suspensions for Artis. I’d like to know more about the situation where the assistant went back to James Madison, but could have been family issues. You must admit that he ran into a perfect storm of negativity when he got here, from the introduction on.
LikeLike
https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2018/3/7/17093662/pittsburgh-basketball-kevin-stallings-buyout-fired-why-did-you-do-this-you-dummies
LikeLike
Who allowed Herman to get away with this?
LikeLike
Gallagher and the BoT’s
That who. And they continue to pay Barnes after he left for Oregon State last January.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tx is right no need to feel bad.. the guys a multimillionaire ! It’s all so crazy…..,coaching a game ….
Sometimes I just want to say “ the Hell with all sports” but I am reminded they/sports are entertainment businesses
LikeLike
KS wants out at that buy out. It is that simple. If Pitt offers him less, he is either back or fired for cause and then the litigation begins. Pitt hired him, reviewed the terms of the deal, approved the contract and failed to structure the contract in a way to protect Pitt if Stallings is a complete failure. I don’t know if that is the case but KS is owed close to 10 million if he is let go. He has 4 years remaining on hos contract and consider his income next year at over 2 million, For me I put lipstick on the pig and hope for the best next year. Then Pitt is in a position of strength and can let him go. If the team plays better, that is a bonus. Is Pitt BB going to make money next year? No. Lets say Pitt wins 5 or 6 games next year. That opens up a larger consideration for a coach to come here and not hold Pitt hostage.
LikeLike
The downward spiral started BEFORE Stallings? Dixon made the tourney his last year. The following year Stallings had TWO players on the roster who are playing professionally and a third that’s starting for the #12 team in the nation- and went 4-14 in the ACC. FOUR WINS! Then 0-18 this year. ZERO wins!
Anybody that is trying to justify keeping him here another year would be recommending the crew of the Titanic “sit tight” and start bailing with kitchen pots.
We’ve hit a large, balding iceberg, my friends and this ship is sinking fast. I say we toss out a life preserver and hope we reel in a good coach!
LikeLike
Barnes might have nudged ahead of Smug Steve in the race for administrative incompetence. Smug probably did more but Barnes did his in only 18 months, so he was much more efficient. The $10M buyout clause given to a coach who was about to be fired is unconscionable (to use a legal term)
If Pitt can’t sue, Heather at least must hire a hitman to rid the world of Barnes
wwb
LikeLike
VoR, if we ever meet Ill fill you in on that, defiantly not family issue.. Many ways to handle two players with NBA asperations.
If you ever changed jobs I’ll bet you did your homework and learned everything you could about that company and corporate culture. Did he do that? Then he sure should have known. If not, was he just happy to have a job, and orgasmic when he saw the contract, so much so he’d sign up for anything??
I will say the backlash was brutal. But it’s how you handle that situation, and you have to be fair and ask did he do anything to reach out and improve it with students, fans, or administrators?
LikeLike
Stallings? About to be fired by Vanderbilt and lands a job at PITT. Now, about to be fired by PITT but not without a $10,000,000 buyout. Yet he’s referred to as Otis. LOL! Calling someone a name makes you all Otis.
LikeLike
I’m sure Kevin can handle the insults
He’s walking off with $9M of undeserved money
Oh what Hell he served in his 2 years at Pitt
Cry me a river
LikeLike
Try again Tx, you’re the one crying the loudest. I’m not and certainly Stalling isn’t. Try reading my comment again.
LikeLike
Ike you are right! I guess “Otis” is laughing all the way to the bank….
LikeLike
I can only hope a recent conversation inside the Pitt offices went something like this. Says the female AD to the chancellor “WELL, YOU’RE THE A_HOLE THAT SIGNED THE F_ING CONTRACT!”
LikeLike
Gallagher needs to admit he F’ed UP
LikeLike
Read the anecdote that Hiltbrand added to this tweet.
LikeLike
Sure does explain why the Stallings family is still in Nashville.
Click on the twitter link Joel provided.
LikeLike
KS has had 2 full years to prove the media wrong. I guess the media was right. And his wife has $2.5M reasons each year to forget about it. Shes back in Tennessee anyway.
LikeLike
So I suppose if the coaching hire was Crean or Matta we wouldn’t need to wait to get word until after the Big Dance since neither is working at this time. Anyone else means waiting for a while. Man, I hate this….
LikeLike
texasguy I think I stated this before us fans in old section 22 during the I can’t Hackett time wore bags over are head that said I can’t Hackett
LikeLike
I stand corrected then. But we all knew what HackJob did to Pitt football. I dont think it comes close to KS though and you guys didnt make TV for all the world to see. Pitt then makes the mistake of hiring Majors back. Pitt can ill afford to make a mistake with this new hire. I dont want that physicist or the BoT involved at all. This is all on Heather because she deserves full credit or blame. Thats her job that she signed up to do.
LikeLike
Totally depressing, to say the least. JoeKnew, you have convinced me that Pitt needs to write the check and move on. KS must be an SOB to work and play for. Hopefully, there will be enough left in the cookie jar to hire a decent coach with at least a chance of success.
LikeLike
VoR, I’m honestly not sure what he’s like personally as I don’t know him. I can comment on his coaching, recruiting, and limited interactions with students and fans. He just leaves a lot to be desired. None of us, and I do mean none of us would not have signed that contract. We would have sold our brothers once we saw how it was structured Heck, Upitt would have bought half of Estonia with that.
I really do wish there was some recourse with Barnes over the way the hire occurred. But let’s make one thing crystal clear. This hire will be on Heather. She also knows upfront what she has to work with. She is in charge. This is her moment,can’t blame anyone else. I honestly hope she’s up for the challenge. On this I think we all can agree.
LikeLike
Heather – The clock is Ticking. Two minutes until midnight.
LikeLike
I can’t stress enough how big a moment this is for her. Any future ambitions she has will be defined by this hire,or non hire. She can make her bones on this one. Does she have the brass ones to hire someone like Grant?
Also, am I the only one who has a perverse sense of excitement when there is a coaching hire? I mean I love it. The chance to improve the program, set a new course, or a totally numb feeling of” you are kidding,right?”.
LikeLike
Huh? Didn’t hurt Barnes and his actions in the Stallings hire were borderline unethical.
Pitt fans need to realize that other universities look at people that come from Pitt and say “Oh well that’s Pitt so that kind of stuff happens over there! it won’t happen here.”
He’ll, we just saw Renaldo Hill, who may have been our worse position coach ever, get an NFL modeling the same thing at a much higher salary of around $400K.
LikeLike
What ticks me off is that nobody at pitt is being held accountable for this mess. I understand that the AD is long gone, but he did NOT operate in a vacuum. And if he did, who allowed it? This is a $10M+ mistake including all sources of lost revenue. BoT should be embarrassed for allowing this to happen. But instead it’s blame blame blame.
LikeLike
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&p=iron+maiden+two+minutes+until+midnight#id=1&vid=f42395ec678b3fbbef6b1a6f58276766&action=click
LikeLike
One other thought. I go crazy when talking heads get all excited over us staying close with ND. Honestly, there’s not a team in the ACC we match up better against. They are small and slow. Everyone gets all excited. We should look good against that matchup. So very,very,overrated.
LikeLike
After seeing that New York Post article, I’m convinced that things need to happen quickly to avoid a total destruction of the brand. The brand affects everything from fund raising to recruiting, and if they don’t move quickly the damage will take years to overcome. They need to accept that the buyout must be spent and then tap all outside resources quickly to get this done. We don’t want to be behind the curve on other vacancies grabbing up the good candidates..
LikeLike
That Post article was right on. No Fake News with the Post.
LikeLike
Here’s your $9 Mill Mr Rockports. You deserved none of it. Now go back to Tennessee and dont let the door hit you on your way out. Damn Thief.
LikeLike
Over 3,000 donors gave $9m+ for Pitt’s Day of Giving. I understand that they are different “buckets” but the thought of stallings getting taking that much and more makes me want to vomit.
LikeLike
This week I will be the biggest UGA fan in the country. If they don’t have a big run in the SEC Fox will likely be gone, and frankly, Grant is a better fit for them. Crap
LikeLike
I don’t see Heather-the-Presenter having the financial wherewithal to can KS and offer a new coach the same deal he would, understandably, demand.
From Jaimie’s reduced buyout to KS’s botched search-firm hire, to this buyout, to the expected demands on the next coach, Herman’s bungling is like a virus that keeps growing and growing.
LikeLike
Gasman, after reading the first sentence of your comment, are you suggesting that Heather pays the KS buyout out of her own pocket?
You do realize that every AD past and present has their hands tied behind their backs to some degree?
LikeLike
The boosters who are paying for the BoT and Gallaghers mistake will be asking for favors. Thats how it works. Gallagher is not going to come out of this clean. He really should stay away from athletics and go back to measuring atoms.
LikeLike
Pitt cannot afford to get into a bidding war over potential coaches. As it is, they don’t pay top dollar, and now must make the big payout to Stallings. I just hope that some benefactor comes forward with a big donation to bail them out. ike, you re right that the AD has only limited potential to make this payout happen. But they have a phone to use to call the past players and doners to put the package together.
LikeLike
Ike,
That’s a lot of scratch for a BOT to approve, particularly when they are accustomed to working on the cheap.
LikeLike
A concern I always have with these coaching searches is that you normally can’t “sign, seal, and deliver” that coach until your coach is gone and the new guy’s team is done playing.
Now I get it that you can have back-channel communications, but the problem is that the guy’s current team, or some other team, can make a counter or better offer. Then you’re back to square one – especially if the available money ties your hands.
This is quite an experience for Heather… I wish her well.
Go Pitt.
LikeLike
It’s what she signed up for. This will be one of many tough decisions with this athletic department. Wait till she has to fire Susie.
LikeLike
Absolutely JoeK, couldn’t agree more. Myself, I’ll define and judge what sort or type of an AD Heather is moving forward. Not just because she was hired. She was never responsible for what was but she should be held accountable for what will be.
If I didn’t know any better I would never guess that Pittsburgh was a big part of this country and unions. They were and are still a big part of this country. Part of what unions are founded on are to give the worker an honest chance before casting aspersions upon them.
Unions were also founded on common sense… ike
LikeLike
Here is Otis’ presser when he first got hired. Note the Pitt Blue & Gold tie and Pitt Lapel pin.
LikeLike
So we know he has a Pitt blue & gold tie and a Pitt lapel pin. So why didn’t he wear the schools colors once during this season, or the lapel pin. Last game he wore Creepy Valley State tie.
LikeLike
Money laundry scheme?
LikeLike
I asked before because I was out of town, but what happened to Upitt? I miss the outrageous and rather funny posts. Anyone care to fill me in?
LikeLike
Apparently some of folks with no sense of humor and believe me you need a sense of humor (as in dark humor) to be a Pitt fan, applied some pressure to make Upitt go away. Unless he neutered himself.
LikeLike
Reed – If you’re still looking for position articles, I could put something together on special teams, if you like.
LikeLike
If I’m Heather, I fire Stallings for cause and make him sue for the money. Easy to find cause. Just ask any Corporate Exec. Bad language, demeaning the players, basically mailing it in as a coach,
wearing a Penn State thie…anything. We have a law school.
Meeting is at 9AM tomorrow in Heathers office. Go get em Fanta Woman!
LikeLike
Want to immediately become the greatest AD at Pitt Heather? Fire Stallings and the announce a new exploratory committee for an OCS or NCS
LikeLike
The current BB situation we find ourselves in is DIRE, to say the least. Our brand has been diminished, we are the laughing stock of the ACC and for that matter the entire NCAA division 1 basketball nationally! We will look like total idiots, worthy of being kicked out of the ACC if we stick our heads in the sand and ignore the STENCH of this situation and not change anything for next year. Somebody at Pitt needs to wake up tomorrow morning and smell the manure in the coffee and say WE SIMPLY CAN NOT SIT BACK AND DO NOTHING – WE MUST ACT NOW or lose ALL credibility in athletics. For the “Pete’s Sake” somebody grow a pair and grow them NOW!!! The money, in this situation, is definitely secondary BUT action is absolutely necessary!!!
LikeLike
I’m with you Dan, fire Stallings for cause and let it play out in the courts. Stallings will probably win but it will drag out any payouts Pitt has to make over the next couple of years. If nothing else Stallings may see the light and possibly settle for less than the almost $10 million owed.—If nothing else it will make for some great press and every stupid comment and transgression Stallings ever made or undertook over the past couple of years will surface.
LikeLike
The Narduzzi interview with jerry DiPaulo interview in the TribReview yesterday was enlightening IMO. Gave himself a C grade for his first 3 years(I agree). Also thinks we can challenge in the Coastal this year with a little luck and if we stay healthy(I also agree). Speaks glowingly about Pickett and what he may mean for our passing and running going forward(And once again I agree).
LikeLike
KDKA reports lawyers are negotiating departure terms.
LikeLike
KDKA also reports that possible dismissal for cause is being considered. If tthats true then Ms. Lyke is playing hard ball.
LikeLike
I Lyke that!
Will we get a puppet show or a show of strength.
I vote for the latter to the bitter end…
Hammer time Heather!
LikeLike
Great catch on the ties, Emel. I often wondered this year at his choice of ties for games . That is a passive-aggressive form of rebellion. I don’t think he wants to be here anymore than we want him. Hopefully this meeting can find a settlement that all can agree upon. Continuing with KS would be madness.
LikeLike
Hope springs eternal.
LikeLike
for those scoffing about Pitt being a title contender
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DXtptkJU8AA0YYi.jpg:large
LikeLike
Btw, just in case you didn’t realize it, the above is a scam
LikeLike
UPitt is on LOA… He’s at Pitt pulling Heathers strings to rid us of this Dicksock Rockport salesman… Problem with those Rockports and I have tried several pairs- “ they don’t last long!” The soles wear out.
LikeLike
Just heard on The Fan
— from Pitt boosters, Stallings was offered $7.5M to leave but refused
— from Stallings camp, no offer has been made
— they are allegedly meeting today
LikeLike
If any of these reports are true that Stallings has coached his last game at PITT. He’s essentially already fired. So you guys get your Andy Toole jokes ready. >> Heather Lyke’s to use Toole’s
LikeLike
should say — then Stallings has coached his last game at PITT
LikeLike
Posted weeks ago Pitt will offer Stallings a reduced buyout. He wants his full amount and I expect this will be a case where Pitt fires him for cause and then the litigation begins. PITT IS NOT CUTTING A CHECK FOR CLOSE TO 10 MILLION. He didn’t come close to earning that in Pitt’s eyes and the message is to do your f’n job or else.
LikeLike
I don’t think they can find cause against Stallings. If any lawsuit is to be made, it has to go against Barnes and maybe the search firm. Barnes was a Pitt employee and had an an obligation to the university which he failed to do, not only in interviewing only one candidate but giving KS a ridiculous buyout.
Gallagher can claim naivety (which is obvious) … and the reason for hiring Barnes was to counsel him as to what is the best for the college (yet instead, it’s quite apparent was representing KS.)
LikeLike
Sure looks Lyke Heather is a little more than what some have suggested. It was always about timing. No way do you approach a college head coach in the middle of the season about being fired. It’s just never done like that.
So it’s two birds down with one rock. Stallings gone and Heather looks like a good to competent athletic director. Some puppet she is?
LikeLike
Heather has a law degree and I know I wouldn’t want to play hardball with her. I think she is up to the challenge. Prove me right!
LikeLiked by 1 person
a contract is a contract … see my post above. Cause is not losing 19 straight. Cause is a morals charge or not showing up for practices , etc. I can’t see where Heather has any leverage here.
LikeLike
Agreed. It’s a question that gets asked everyday (albeit on a smaller scale) – when does gross underperformance become misconduct? Also, plenty of rumors flying around about stallings travel. Doubt they carry much weight though, especially if he was already offered $7.5M. Time will tell…
LikeLike
Folks, here is the schedule for Spring Practices…Ill go up for the Pro Timing Day and the Spring Game for sure, and probably one other.
Please note the following spring practice coverage guidelines:
Interview Coordination:
All coach and player interviews must be arranged through Pitt’s football media relations contacts, E.J. Borghetti and R.J. Sepich. There will be general media availability following most practices, including the following specific opportunities:
Coach Pat Narduzzi Press Briefings:
Coach Narduzzi will address the media at the conclusion of most workouts. Requests for lengthier one-on-one interviews should be made at least 24 hours in advance to E.J. Borghetti.
Player and Assistant Coach Interviews:
Players and assistant coaches are available for brief interviews (5 to 10 minutes) following each practice with media access. Lengthier interview requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance to the media relations office.
Photography:
When granted access during open practice windows, video cameramen are not permitted to shoot 11-on-11 drills or formations. Please consult a media relations staff member if you have any questions regarding video guidelines and what can be filmed. All photographers (video and still) should shoot from the sidelines and refrain from stepping onto the practice field.
Additional Guidelines:
Live blogging and tweeting during practice is prohibited. Detailed reporting of practice scripts and personnel groupings is also not permitted.
2018 PITT FOOTBALL SPRING DRILLS MEDIA SCHEDULE (subject to change)
Monday, March 12
Practice: 9:05-11 a.m.
Viewing Window: 9:05-9:35 a.m.
Interviews: 11:15 a.m. (Coach Narduzzi briefing/select players and assistants)
Tuesday, March 13
Practice: 9:05-11 a.m.
Viewing Window: 9:05-9:35 a.m.
Interviews: 11:15 a.m. (Coach Narduzzi briefing/select players and assistants)
Thursday, March 15
Practice: 9:05-11 a.m.
Viewing Window: 9:05-9:35 a.m.
Interviews: 11:15 a.m. (Coach Narduzzi briefing/select players and assistants)
Saturday, March 17
Practice Closed
Tuesday, March 20
Practice: 9:05-11 a.m.
Viewing Window: 9:05-9:35 a.m.
Interviews: 11:15 a.m. (Coach Narduzzi briefing/select players and assistants)
Wednesday, March 21
Pitt Pro Timing Day (Schedule of workout times TBA.)
Thursday, March 22
Practice: 9:05-11 a.m.
Viewing Window: 9:05-9:35 a.m.
Interviews: 11:15 a.m. (Coach Narduzzi briefing/select players and assistants)
Saturday, March 24
Practice Closed
Tuesday, March 27
Practice: 9:05-11 a.m.
Viewing Window: 9:05-9:35 a.m.
Interviews: 11:15 a.m. (Coach Narduzzi briefing/select players and assistants)
Thursday, March 29
Practice: 9:05-11 a.m.
Viewing Window: 9:05-9:35 a.m.
Interviews: 11:15 a.m. (Coach Narduzzi briefing/select players and assistants)
Tuesday, April 3
Practice: 9:05-11 a.m.
Viewing Window: 9:05-9:35 a.m.
Interviews: 11 a.m. (Coach Narduzzi briefing/select players and assistants)
Thursday, April 5
Practice: 9:05-11 a.m.
Viewing Window: 9:05-9:35 a.m.
Interviews: 11:15 a.m. (Coach Narduzzi briefing/select players and assistants)
Saturday, April 7
Practice Closed
Tuesday, April 10
Practice: 9:05-11 a.m.
Viewing Window: 9:05-9:35 a.m.
Interviews: 11:15 a.m. (Coach Narduzzi briefing/select players and assistants)
Thursday, April 12
Practice: 9:05-11 a.m.
Viewing Window: 9:05-9:35 a.m.
Interviews: 11:15 a.m. (Coach Narduzzi briefing/select players and assistants)
Saturday, April 14
Blue-Gold Spring Game: 1 p.m.
Heinz Field
—PITT—
LikeLike
This just in….Stallings signs a 4 year extension!
LikeLike
hopefully with a $1M buyout … and then gets fired ASAP
LikeLike
Sounds good Reed thanks and hey, give your buddy Pat a good slap on the back from me!
That’s the other thing, it’s easy to say fire the man with a contract and give him 4 million just like that. It’s a little more complicated than that. Now Stallings may not want all this bad blood and accusations flying around so he’s going to accept a little less than what he is owed I suspect.
LikeLike
Well, at least his viewing window is consistent. Maybe one day he will be less insecure, see the benefits and open it up a bit more.
Also, if Mark was in fact forced out I think our group is poorer for it. He was over the top outrageous but I for one really enjoyed him. Hope he comes back. Like the crazy uncle you roll your eyes at, then later realize he was right!
LikeLike
I am hearing from a number of sources that Stallings will be told that he can accept a smaller buyout or be terminated WITH cause- and Pitt feels it has a compelling case.
As for upitt.. He’s gone for now. Maybe he’ll be back but not anytime soon.
LikeLike
I’m hearing the same on KS.
HL’s list of replacements looks lyke this –
Thad Matta (ties with tOSU and he can start tomorrow)
Tom Crean (he can start tomorrow)
Nathan Davis – Bucknell (his team is going dancing)
Earl Grant – CoC (his team is going dancing)
Pat Skerry – Towson ((he can start tomorrow)
5A. Brandon Knight – Rutgers Asst. (he can start tomorrow)
LikeLike
ike.
What was all that earlier chatter about unions? You’re point must’ve gone over my head.
LikeLike
Jay, that was about growing up in a union friendly part of the country that it wouldn’t be so hard to accept someone having a job and respecting the fact until proven otherwise. Basically for hammering Heather without knowing a thing about her. << Which we really don’t.
LikeLike
ike.
Let me say respectfully that that has nothing to do with unions. pro-union or anti-union, you can’t make the statement that respecting someone in their job is “union-related.” Everybody should be given the benefit of the doubt– based on all available knowledge.
Stallings’ first day at Pitt wasn’t his first day as a coach, so his past is relevant. Many people, including myself, were underwhelmed at his resume and mediocre results at Vanderbilt. I also found him to be arrogant and crude. So, while I always want Pitt to win, I didn’t want him to stay.
We did not hire a first-time coach, as we did with Narduzzi. I have given and will give Narduzzi the benefit of the doubt, as this is his first job. We really didn’t know what we were getting with his hiring. Stallings however, was a long-time coach and deserved no such benefit.
To paraphrase the late Dennis Green, “He is who we thought he was!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jay, I was talking about Heather Lyke
LikeLike
Twittershpere is reporting that the Stallings era is now over.
LikeLike
Heather is on the clock…
LikeLike
Is this the official ‘Stallings got the can’ thread?
LikeLike