Yea, I really can’t see a scenario where Casey doesn’t coach for the entire season. That’s probably best for the players and the program but, wow, what a mess the University has on its hands. If there are more departures on the staff side, that certainly could cause some players to exit stage right. Should be a real interesting couple of days. I do think the AD should go, though. Aside from this disaster (and this was HIS guy, make no mistake about that), his track record isn’t exactly stellar. A great opportunity to start anew.
Yea, I really can’t see a scenario where Casey doesn’t coach for the entire season. That’s probably best for the players and the program but, wow, what a mess the University has on its hands. If there are more departures on the staff side, that certainly could cause some players to exit stage right. Should be a real interesting couple of days. I do think the AD should go, though. Aside from this disaster (and this was HIS guy, make no mistake about that), his track record isn’t exactly stellar. A great opportunity to start anew.
John’s on leave if he’s fired no way his son stays on the team, right?
If this debacle isn’t enough for Nemec to get rid of PS, then he’s truly infallible. PS should not be part of the selection process in hiring the next coach. This is a big moment for the future of the program, and we cannot afford to mess this up.
Perhaps this is a blessing in disguise getting out of the albatross of this contract…
Job 1 - fill the staff. Job 2 - get a new AD. Reinvent that position and staffing Job 3 - new AD part of process to select coach. Our BOT needs to utilize successful alums with that played d1 sports here
Post by alsostagparty on Oct 17, 2023 7:40:45 GMT -5
Schlickmann has been a disappointment, and it was puzzling to see him elevated to VP. I guess, being in the DA role when Mahoney became a reality, he got full credit. I haven’t heard much vision from him regarding where FF basketball is headed (nor in his actions). Whether Paul somehow hangs on or not, Nemec has to use this upsetting situation as an opportunity to set things right. Our program has struggled in play, recruiting, retaining players, scheduling, fan communication/involvement and media following. Lots to improve on.
Last Edit: Oct 17, 2023 8:09:53 GMT -5 by alsostagparty
Post by gofairfield on Oct 17, 2023 7:48:52 GMT -5
I wish Jay nothing but the best going forward, but I think this is positive news for the Stags. He was going to have to leave the role sooner or later. Casey will do just fine. And now let's get Derek Needham to come back as the head coach next year!
I'm new here but have been a devoted fan since 1974. I think its very sad that the program has gone downhill so badly. I mean you spend millions on a new arena and have this stuff going on is very sad. I think its time the president of the U to reinvent the whole athletics department from top to bottom. Like I said I am very sad that this program has gone down this road. I will always be a Stag fan but its very hard right to be one and I can really understand the apathy that is going on . Just my two cents worth and happy to be part of this board
I unfortunately did not have the luxury of analyzing any of Casey's Niagara teams. I know he is not the ferrari of a coach that we are all seeking, although not the prettiest of track record, it's a guy who knows the ins of the MAAC - on the bright side.
Aside from all the "noise" going on, that is behind us and main priority is the 2023/24 season. Arguably the most important as another failed season, record wise, would leave a sour taste to what seemed like momentum in the program. We have the talent, we have a a former MAAC coach, we can pick up the pieces.
Let's have some hope as I know some were not in favor of the playstyle of Jay to begin with.
Last Edit: Oct 17, 2023 8:18:53 GMT -5 by mstags22
D1 athletics is a bit cut throat and coaches are paid a lot because of that. Clean program and win. We operate like a D3 program - enough of that.
Nemec need to step up and clean this mess up. Clean up a bunch of underachievers in the athletics department and SID. He need to make his presence felt. No tweets or communications with his name directly on it. We need our leadership out in front or we need new leadership.
Although the calls to have a total reset are correct in my view, will this crisis be the turning point where the "powers that be" FINALLY act in a proactive manner. The interest generated by the successful opening of the Leo HAS to be followed up with a move that positions Fairfield to be a serious player in the northeast basketball world.
What is emerging from this mess is the opportunity for Fairfield to hire a new coach that will make an impact on and off the court.
Jay should have been let go at the end of last season, he has shown that he did not know how to coach as evidenced by the extremely poor shooting and refusal to play zone defense from time to time. Unfortunately the program and University has egg on its face but happy to see a catalyst for change.
Schlickmann has been a disappointment, and it was puzzling to see him elevated to VP. I guess, being in the DA role when Mahoney opened, he got full credit. I haven’t heard much vision from him regarding where FF basketball is headed (nor in his actions). Whether Paul somehow hangs on or not, Nemec has to use this upsetting situation as an opportunity to set things right. Our program has struggled in play, recruiting, retaining players, scheduling, fan communication/involvement and media following. Lots to improve on.
This needs to be a president hire NOT AN AD HIRE. I think the first thing for Nemec to do is to realize Paul messed up with Lax and Basketball our two biggest sports. The ideal situation should have Nemec lead both the AD and BBALL hire. He needs to lean on Gene Doris. Yes you might say what did Gene do well.... he brought in the most decorated coach in Fairfield Athletics history, increased all the endowment and provided us with stability of a positive direction. These ADs want to make splasy sexy hires or want their guys. That is why you need the president to provide his input with a credible source to lean on (Gene). Shortlist for AD JM Caparro: BC Ass. AD: NBA background, Was Interim Director at BC JASON BUTIKOFER: UCONN Assistant AD: Long history of experience could be great for NIL Stephen Butler: Richmond Assistant AD: Former Niagra AD
Shortlist for Head Coach: Darren Savino-UCLA- Great NJ/NY/NEPSAC Ties former Joe Desantis Assistant Kimani Young-UCONN Assistant- Great NY/NJ Ties- New Heights AAU: Played under Don Haskins Joe Gallo: Merrimack Head Coach- NY/NJ/Mass/Nepsac Ties: Took Merrimack to D1 plays a great zone, discipline squad, Was an assistant at Dartmouth and Robert Morris Kyle Smith: Wash State Head Coach- Former Columbia head Coach: Resume speaks for itself: Gerry McNamara: Syracuse Assistant: Great NBA and NY Ties: Has helped immensely in recruiting, endowment and NIL
WE DON'T WANT LUKE MURRAY: He is a bad guy! Yes Bill Murray would be nice at games but luke is the scum of College Basketball we don't need another scandal.
I'm new here but have been a devoted fan since 1974. I think its very sad that the program has gone downhill so badly. I mean you spend millions on a new arena and have this stuff going on is very sad. I think its time the president of the U to reinvent the whole athletics department from top to bottom. Like I said I am very sad that this program has gone down this road. I will always be a Stag fan but its very hard right to be one and I can really understand the apathy that is going on . Just my two cents worth and happy to be part of this board
I agree just a sad state of affairs. I really was pulling for Jay Young when he was named as the H/C. I wanted him to be a “ feel good” story for the fans and for the university. The story was going to be a long time assistant who labored in the background finally gets his chance to be the head coach. He turns around a consistent loser and makes it into a perennial winner. He takes care of his players, they all graduate on time , he plays by the rules, is respected by the university community and supported by alumni. Unfortunately, not to be. It became apparent to me after four losing seasons he was not going to turnaround the program. However, I did not expect to see a embarrassing controversy during his watch. He blew a good $400k-$500k job . What a shame!
I'm new here but have been a devoted fan since 1974. I think its very sad that the program has gone downhill so badly. I mean you spend millions on a new arena and have this stuff going on is very sad. I think its time the president of the U to reinvent the whole athletics department from top to bottom. Like I said I am very sad that this program has gone down this road. I will always be a Stag fan but its very hard right to be one and I can really understand the apathy that is going on . Just my two cents worth and happy to be part of this board
Interesting take and thoughts bigtom, and welcome to this board. And seeing you post here as a newcomer, one thing that strikes me as interesting is the fact that so many new voices have kind of mixed in with the regulars to state their opinions just on this one subject alone. So with that in mind maybe the apathy about the program which you suggest might be omnipresent actually is trending in the opposite direction. If so many people are willing to comment (bringing this thread up to 7 pages and counting in less than 24 hours), that to me says a lot of folks CARE what happens, and in the end that probably will be a good thing as the situation begins to resolve itself for the better in the coming months. Let's hope this caring results in enough pressure for the people in charge to correct this sad situation quickly.
Last Edit: Oct 21, 2023 8:08:16 GMT -5 by nashvillestag
I'm new here but have been a devoted fan since 1974. I think its very sad that the program has gone downhill so badly. I mean you spend millions on a new arena and have this stuff going on is very sad. I think its time the president of the U to reinvent the whole athletics department from top to bottom. Like I said I am very sad that this program has gone down this road. I will always be a Stag fan but its very hard right to be one and I can really understand the apathy that is going on . Just my two cents worth and happy to be part of this board
Interesting take and thoughts bigtom, and welcome to this board. And seeing you post here as a newcomer, one thing that strikes me as interesting is the fact that so many new voices have kind of mixed in with the regulars to state their opinions just on this one subject alone. So with that in mind maybe the apathy about the program which you suggest might be omnipresent actually is trending in the opposite direction. If so many people are willing to comment (bringing this thread up to 7 pages and counting in less than 24 hours), that to me says a lot of folks CARE what happens, and in the end that probably will be a good thing as the situations begins to resolved itself for the better in the coming months. Let's hope this caring results in enough pressure for the people in charge to correct this sad situation quickly.
I have a slightly different perspective as it relates to the broader view of FU Athletics.
Don't be sad bigtom. Watching women's basketball, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse and field hockey has been a delight.
My spring afternoons at Alumni Diamond have been wonderful with a baseball team always in contention.
Need to fix the two marquis men's programs (basketball and LAX).
As a total Athletic Department, sure room for improvement, but prior to and since Ed Cooley, since the 70's we have never righted the mens basketball ship.
The majority of sports are performing quite well.
If mens basketball was winning the entire AD discussion goes away. No AD can be 100%. IMO, Carly and Nancy were terrific hires. Baxter on paper looked like Sydney Johnson did at the time, and had no reason to think he would not be successful.
And I'll take a risk anytime on an unproven head coach who you think has potential. If Gene Doris didn't, you'd never have had Ed Cooley.
The problem today as it relates to Men's Basketball is the bleeding has been chronic and inconsistent for 50 years.
So I think we all need to take breath. Yes, clean house in Mens Basketball and maybe even LAX but don't throw the baby out with the bath water.
Nothing is new in 50 years with multiple people in charge as it relates to mens Bball except the EC and Fred B. eras.
Our conference doesn't change, our funding remains about the same, the overall BOT philosophy on athletics has not changed and even Mahoney Arena was built without much skin in the game by the University. So unless you are talking about an unprecedented FUNDED VISIONARY PLAN for FU athletics and how it fits within the broader university, sit tight, take a deep breath and just go hire a good men's bball coach.
Last Edit: Oct 17, 2023 9:36:22 GMT -5 by paulie74