Quote:
Originally Posted by TomCollins
It might be possible that Illinois normally is a top 10 job, but it's a bad spot now with the state of the Big Ten and how many good coaches are already there (abnormally high). Gotta compete with Izzo, Matta, Crean, Ryan, Belein every year now. Wisconsin, Ohio State, Michigan go back to historical averages, Illinois becomes a better job. Right now, a little more iffy. Much better to go to a place that's not quite as historically good but gives you a better shot to go on a run. Maybe somewhere like Arizona for example.
true, but finishing 6th gets one a NCAA and Illinois is willing to pay $2.2M as a starting point and up over $3M depending on the quality of the candidate. That would put the job about #7 overall in pay. For the right candidate, Illinois will match what Izzo is paid.
Even if Leonard leaves, there are still 6 top 100 RSCI players on the roster and commits from 2 more. 4 of these were freshman between 50-100 last year, who are often the type to not contribute much first year but come on strong.
Given how much Weber fouled up, the new HC is stepping into as much grace period as any coach would ever get for the amount of money Illinois is throwing out there.
C.R.E.A.M.