In Reply to: Fair enough but we probably differ on whether UCLA … posted by mikeo on January 10, 2026 at 17:07:45
This year isn't over yet although it doesn't look too good does it but one never knows. I would think Cronin probably has 2 or 3 years before there's any meaningful heat on him.
I don't think bringing in an up and comer is really gambling too much more than bringing in someone like Cronin. For sure someone being a D1 head coach with some success for decades may be better than bringing in a coach with just a few years of success. But someone who is just starting and already experiencing success has a ceiling that is perhaps much higher than someone who has maintained a certain level of success for many years. There's still a certain amount of hope involved. Hoping the experienced coach will achieve a higher level of success in a richer environment with greater recruitment possibilities versus bringing in a young guy and hoping he will realize his demonstrated potential and reach a high level of success. Both are gambles, perhaps just different in their respective natures.
Both approaches to a new hire are legitimate IMO.