The unofficial online home for fans of the Western Michigan University Broncos. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

Obviously we are doing a "national search" so really it is anyone's guess at this point. Who are we trying to get?

• Cornell Mann - Hawk's circle, I'd like is to move on.
• Saddi Washington - Dream hire IMO. Maybe Saddi can connect better with the new AD.
• Dwayne Stephens - He's developed some big men at MSU but remains to be seen how good of a coach he actually is. He's been at MSU for a longgg time. I've met him a couple times, good guy but he always seemed so reserved.
  

I would like to see a coach that embraces the power of social media, embrace the transfer portal, and learn how to get some NIL deals going on for our players. Even if something small like a $250 deal for the player to tweet out a short ad. B. Artis White has a huge presence on TikTok, he should be getting massive NIL deals.

Stephens name has been mentioned for several openings over the years but appears to be heir apparent to Izzo.
Cornell Mann & Stephens are cousins.

Regarding Saddi
Alumni going back home makes the coaching position double tough.
Everyone has sky high expectations. Easy disappointment
Tim Lester would be good example

"I would like to see a coach that embraces the power of social media, embrace the transfer portal, and learn how to get some NIL deals going on for our players. Even if something small like a $250 deal for the player to tweet out a short ad. B. Artis White has a huge presence on TikTok, he should be getting massive NIL deals."

All this was being done/worked on with members of the community who had newer sports related companies and supported his presence as the coach. He hit in the portal big-time both years. Greg Lee doubled his production in opne year in the program and parlayed it to a BIG offer. Lamar led the fricking league in scoring and Markeese was at the top in rebs (neither had ever produced close to this previously and are foundational pieces). Do you even listen to yourself lol? BAW is a savvy young man and is doing just fine. I hope he can get healthy and have the type of career he deserves but if not, he'll be just fine.

Corn will probably need a new job in another week and I hope he gets a look as he's a good guy. Cuonzo getting 3 million per year and the folks are restless (lost to umkc this year and their recruiting has been substandard to say the least)

rayray, Nacho doesn't listen to himself - just the voices in his head.

Seems that WMU is on cruise control with the unstated goal of alienating and pissing off the Alumni base (the few of us who care about WMU athletics, more than jumping on the bandwagon every so often)…therefore I predict the hiring of…wait for it…






None other than Jay Smith! I would burn a couch in the middle of campus! But it would be entertaining for days!

He may even still own a home over here?

(03-08-2022 12:40 PM)wmutkelaw Wrote:  Seems that WMU is on cruise control with the unstated goal of alienating and pissing off the Alumni base (the few of us who care about WMU athletics, more than jumping on the bandwagon every so often)…therefore I predict the hiring of…wait for it…






None other than Jay Smith! I would burn a couch in the middle of campus! But it would be entertaining for days!

He may even still own a home over here?

How about Andy Bronkema? Proven success as a HC at Ferris State, West Michigan native, young guy. Go get him.

Saadi could get any job he wants. He's not coming here.

Go w/ some rising D2 coach.

This will be a good first evaluation of the new AD.

Tom Crean will be available.

If they could just do this one thing and bring Saddi home, I would be SO EXCITED. Season Tickets, the richest caviar, the bubbliest champagne, let's go!!!

Washington has to be aware of the state of the program.

Hate to say it but being an assistant at U-M is a better job than being our HC right now.

Bates was probably making about the same as UMs equipment manager. No way we can afford Saddi. I'd love to see the Ferris guy here.

With the college basketball season still going, there is plenty of time and plenty of candidates who are assistant coaches who would love an opportunity to be a head coach. Western has a lot to offer with the exception of salary. However, it is a great university with huge basketball potential if the stands are full.

Some D2 names that could be worth looking at could include the following:
Justin Wieck - Minnesota Duluth (played at Iowa)
Brooks McKowen - Upper Iowa University
John Tharp - Hillsdale (over 450 wins as a head coach; .650 winning percentage)
Andy Bronkema - Ferris State
Ric Wesley - GVSU (just resigned)
Ben McCollum - Northwest Missouri St

Bronkema is supposedly in running for UW-Milwaukee job.

Also Hawkins interviewed for his old job at Quincy University.

(03-08-2022 03:19 PM)TexanBronco Wrote:  Some D2 names that could be worth looking at could include the following:
Justin Wieck - Minnesota Duluth (played at Iowa)
Brooks McKowen - Upper Iowa University
John Tharp - Hillsdale (over 450 wins as a head coach; .650 winning percentage)
Andy Bronkema - Ferris State
Ric Wesley - GVSU (just resigned)
Ben McCollum - Northwest Missouri St

Do any of them have some D1 experience?
That McCollum won national coach of the year 2 or 3 times it looks like.

Bruce Weber is available lol.

(03-10-2022 10:53 AM)Bronco14 Wrote:  

(03-08-2022 03:19 PM)TexanBronco Wrote:  Some D2 names that could be worth looking at could include the following:
Justin Wieck - Minnesota Duluth (played at Iowa)
Brooks McKowen - Upper Iowa University
John Tharp - Hillsdale (over 450 wins as a head coach; .650 winning percentage)
Andy Bronkema - Ferris State
Ric Wesley - GVSU (just resigned)
Ben McCollum - Northwest Missouri St

Do any of them have some D1 experience?
That McCollum won national coach of the year 2 or 3 times it looks like.

I guess the question is what is a priority?
- having experience at the D1 level, even if it is just as an assistant / DOBO
- having experience as a head coach, even at the lower level

I would assume that the search firm will have candidates from all angles.

(03-10-2022 12:19 PM)Nacho Wrote:  Bruce Weber is available lol.

This is worth 6 minutes of your time.

....."LOL"

(03-08-2022 01:27 PM)MajorHoople Wrote:  Tom Crean will be available.

Crean would be great

(03-10-2022 09:33 PM)Charm City Bronco Wrote:  Crean would be great

He's a CMoo graduate and married to Joanie Harbaugh.

Doubt either one of them would want to come to Kalamazoo-Western.