Lots of chatter so some may need to brace themselves

[Coach34]

Completely different discussion with regards to baseball.

Fact of the matter is for many schools they simply don't have 30 million just laying around and it's going to take time for them to build that up.

One way to fill the gap even if it is firing a rock at Godzilla is to take it from baseball. And that may very well benefit us this job cycle.

Schools are going to pay whatever it takes to win. LSU, Tenn and others will keep spending 6-10MM in NIL on baseball no matter what the ****ing House says

You guys thinking the House BS will help us are delusional

[Coach34]

Its going to cost 1.3MM or so just to try and keep Reese and McPherson. 2 players. We bout to find out if we are a big boy and if crowds matter

[cheewgumm]

No. Which is why I said he will not accept it. But there was some interest there.

Why would he be interested?

If you listen to that video you referenced he basically talks about is the atmosphere at State and the crowd.


Which many on here say is irrelevant.

So why would that matter? Why would he have any interest?

[Todd4State]

Schools are going to pay whatever it takes to win. LSU, Tenn and others will keep spending 6-10MM in NIL on baseball no matter what the ****ing House says

You guys thinking the House BS will help us are delusional

Which is exactly why guys like O'Conner are interested in our job***

[Todd4State]

Why would he be interested?

If you listen to that video you referenced he basically talks about is the atmosphere at State and the crowd.


Which many on here say is irrelevant.

So why would that matter? Why would he have any interest?

Because our fans take our crowds for granted. Is the crowd going to win a game, identify recruits, run practice, etc- no.

But having support helps attract people who can.

[Brobi-wan]

Saying crowd sizes DON’T matter is an oversimplification of the NIL problem. Could you imagine Bryant-Denny or Death Valley with 1/3rd capacity?

Yuck

[StarkVegasSteve]

Why would he be interested?

If you listen to that video you referenced he basically talks about is the atmosphere at State and the crowd.


Which many on here say is irrelevant.

So why would that matter? Why would he have any interest?

Crowd size indicates overall interest in the program. It is not going to win you recruits or games but it may show a potential hire that we give a 17 and will care when it comes to giving towards NIL.

[bulldogcountry1]

Its going to cost 1.3MM or so just to try and keep Reese and McPherson. 2 players. We bout to find out if we are a big boy and if crowds matter

Or if a HC change plays a factor.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Or if a HC change plays a factor.

I mean we had a booster out of Houston pledge 3 mil a few weeks ago for baseball NIL. 1.3 will not be a problem. And after today, I think the number for McPherson will go down a good bit.

[Coursesuper]

I mean we had a booster out of Houston pledge 3 mil a few weeks ago for baseball NIL. 1.3 will not be a problem. And after today, I think the number for McPherson will go down a good bit.

No it wont, he has talent, a ton of it, one outing is not going to change that.

[StateDawg44]

This^^
A lot of folks don't understand how it's going to go.

Right... thank goodness ED has a few resident experts who have it all figured out already.***

[Hot Rock]

Schools are going to pay whatever it takes to win. LSU, Tenn and others will keep spending 6-10MM in NIL on baseball no matter what the ****ing House says

You guys thinking the House BS will help us are delusional

Both things can be true. Yes, LSU etc... will continue to spend money but most places won't.

[CaptainObvious]

The schools in the conference where it just means more will for the most part continue to dole out money for baseball. But remember that LSU, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Alabama. Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky all spend money on the Olympic sports too! Gymnastics, Swimming, Diving, soccer, etc.... They are going to still spend the lions share on Football and Men's Basketball, with Baseball, Women's Basketball, Softball getting what's left over.

[Quaoarsking]

Let's all root for Virginia to lose tonight.

I don't know if that necessarily knocks them out of a Regional but it would prevent them from playing their way into a lock this week. Beat case scenario, UVA isn't picked and we announce O'Connor next week sometime.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Let's all root for Virginia to lose tonight.

I don't know if that necessarily knocks them out of a Regional but it would prevent them from playing their way into a lock this week. Beat case scenario, UVA isn't picked and we announce O'Connor next week sometime.

We will not announce a new HC until we are done playing. That I can 100% guarantee you.

[Quaoarsking]

We will not announce a new HC until we are done playing. That I can 100% guarantee you.

Well, Steve Robertson has said otherwise, so who knows?

[Coursesuper]

Well, Steve Robertson has said otherwise, so who knows?

Rosebowl, that?s the kind of concrete info that I want to hang on to.

[Coach34]

Well, Steve Robertson has said otherwise, so who knows?

I dont see any way we announce a coach before that school is done playing. So if we do- that means we are hiring a coach that didnt make a Regional or is an Asst coach. No coach is going to create that nightmare going into a Regional/Super/CWS

Or its some type of pro coach

[StarkVegasSteve]

Well, Steve Robertson has said otherwise, so who knows?

I mean I could be wrong, but it would floor me if we announced a HC while our team was still playing, or had yet to play. My gut, and some rumblings I have heard, tells me the hire will break June 3rd, be announced by the university June 4th, and the press conference will be June 5th. Unless we make a Super then all bets are off when it will be announced.

Edit to Add: This also works on the premise that the other coach does not have a team still playing. If that is the case, that would also push the timeline.

[Todd4State]

I mean I could be wrong, but it would floor me if we announced a HC while our team was still playing, or had yet to play. My gut, and some rumblings I have heard, tells me the hire will break June 3rd, be announced by the university June 4th, and the press conference will be June 5th. Unless we make a Super then all bets are off when it will be announced.

Edit to Add: This also works on the premise that the other coach does not have a team still playing. If that is the case, that would also push the timeline.

I would say the odds are that we'll announce around the time the CWS is played just because I think our candidates will likely be involved in Super Regionals most likely unless our top target is eliminated at that point.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I would say the odds are that we'll announce around the time the CWS is played just because I think our candidates will likely be involved in Super Regionals most likely unless our top target is eliminated at that point.

Yea I was kind of operating off if O’Conner is the hire. If it is someone else, the timeline could shift. I do think it is the same days though. I think it breaks one day, the next day the university officially announces it, and we have the presser the day after.

[Quaoarsking]

I dont see any way we announce a coach before that school is done playing. So if we do- that means we are hiring a coach that didnt make a Regional or is an Asst coach. No coach is going to create that nightmare going into a Regional/Super/CWS

Or its some type of pro coach

As mentioned repeatedly on here, through no fault of O'Connor, UVA is probably not going to a Regional without a run in the ACC Tournament, so there's an opportunity to hire a coach while we're still playing but his old team isn't.

I completely agree we won't hire a coach until his team is done, but if we go on a surprise run, that shouldn't delay us.

[KB21]

Wes Johnson just got a raise and extension through 2031 with Georgia.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Wes Johnson just got a raise and extension through 2031 with Georgia.

Good for Wes. I kind of always figured his candidacy was for a raise

[Cooterpoot]

Both things can be true. Yes, LSU etc... will continue to spend money but most places won't.

That's the point, we'll still be behind several SEC schools we're behind now. We won't move up in the pecking order much if at all.

[KB21]

Good for Wes. I kind of always figured his candidacy was for a raise

That's what most who were associated with Mississippi State felt about Wes being a candidate.

[StarkVegasSteve]

That's what most who were associated with Mississippi State felt about Wes being a candidate.

Wes’ wife literally never moved full time to Starkville the year he was the asst. He was never going to be the HC.

[Santiago]

Wes Johnson just got a raise and extension through 2031 with Georgia.

That is a lifetime for Wes and his track record on jobs

[Santiago]

It will be hard for things to not leak if a coach finishes their season before us.
edit: not from Selmon, but from the other side of things.

[KOdawg1]

I think it's O'Conner.

[StarkVegasSteve]

It will be hard for things to not leak if a coach finishes their season before us.

Leaks are a completely different story. Leaks are happening right now.

[Santiago]

Leaks are a completely different story. Leaks are happening right now.

I am aware and hearing things.
I meant.....Leaks to those that cannot help themselves but start talking like major in the loop guys.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I think it's O'Conner.

A&M is probably going to make us go up more than we want to on O?Conner, so we will see how that plays out. They also could just say we do not want a drawn out search and go hire Rob Vaughn.

[StateDawg44]

A&M is probably going to make us go up more than we want to on O?Conner, so we will see how that plays out. They also could just say we do not want a drawn out search and go hire Rob Vaughn.

Is Earley even getting canned?

[StarkVegasSteve]

I am aware and hearing things.
I meant.....Leaks to those that cannot help themselves but start talking like major in the loop guys.

Ehh…..maybe. Baseball is a little bit different because there are just not as many guys covering it full time and so there are less loose lips.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Is Earley even getting canned?

It would be the shock of the century if that guy stayed. The only people that do not know he is in over his head are the players.

[Tbonewannabe]

I think it's O'Conner.

I would be thrilled with O'Connor. Look at UVA before him. Also compare UVA during his tenure there with MSU. He would be an upgrade over pretty much any coach in our history.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I would be thrilled with O'Connor. Look at UVA before him. Also compare UVA during his tenure there with MSU. He would be an upgrade over pretty much any coach in our history.

I think most would be very happy with O’Conner. He has the pedigree, he has a national championship, multiple trips to Omaha, etc. I will say that if you want a fiery coach, ala Cohen, he will not be your guy. He is going to be like Lemonis temperament wise.

[Todd4State]

I think it's O'Conner.

That's the rumor but it seems a little too clean. He was very close to going to A&M last year and they will be in the market again. Not sure how O'Conner feels about A&M and we weren't an option last year so we'll see how it plays out.

[Todd4State]

I think most would be very happy with O’Conner. He has the pedigree, he has a national championship, multiple trips to Omaha, etc. I will say that if you want a fiery coach, ala Cohen, he will not be your guy. He is going to be like Lemonis temperament wise.

You're not going to find anyone with a better resume' that's for sure. Not only did he win a NC there he won the ACC's only one since the 50's.

[StarkVegasSteve]

That's the rumor but it seems a little too clean. He was very close to going to A&M last year and they will be in the market again. Not sure how O'Conner feels about A&M and we weren't an option last year so we'll see how it plays out.

He will be in their top 3. I think it will be Heefner, O’Conner, and Vaughn. In what order I have no clue.

[Pancho]

the screws are tightening a bit

[Coach34]

As mentioned repeatedly on here, through no fault of O'Connor, UVA is probably not going to a Regional without a run in the ACC Tournament, so there's an opportunity to hire a coach while we're still playing but his old team isn't.

I completely agree we won't hire a coach until his team is done, but if we go on a surprise run, that shouldn't delay us.

D1 has them in currently so beating BC tonight and maybe 1 more should do it unless some behind them start making noise

[StarkVegasSteve]

the screws are tightening a bit

Not really. We are going to get a sitting P4 HC. But again, like I have stressed for weeks, some are going to view whoever the hire is as an abject failure if it is not Brian O’Conner.

[Quaoarsking]

D1 has them in currently so beating BC tonight and maybe 1 more should do it unless some behind them start making noise

I would probably have them in if I were on the committee. They missed a huge opportunity for an RPI boost when their series at Florida State got canceled.

It all comes down to whether the committee will be sticklers on RPI or not. They're not consistent on that from year to year.

[Quaoarsking]

Not really. We are going to get a sitting P4 HC. But again, like I have stressed for weeks, some are going to view whoever the hire is as an abject failure if it is not Brian O’Conner.

Count me in. It's a failure if it's not O'Connor and an abject failure if it's not one of about 3 other guys.

I'm 100% #O'ConnororBust

[BigDawg81]

Only name I hear about the Texas A&M job is Rob Vaughn for now. As far as our coaching search goes, I have heard a few suggest that we have our guy. I believe that it’s O’Conner or Waz. I don’t think you could go wrong with any of those guys.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Bakich smoke is getting a bit warmer.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Count me in. It's a failure if it's not O'Connor and an abject failure if it's not one of about 3 other guys.

I'm 100% #O'ConnororBust

Then I would probably prepare for it to be a failure in your eyes. I do not think it will be an abject failure in your eyes though.

[KB21]

Bakich smoke is getting a bit warmer.

In what circles? Outside of Supertalk putting him on their hotboard today, I'm not sure he's been getting mentioned as a possibility by any of the baseball media guys.

[Todd4State]

In what circles? Outside of Supertalk putting him on their hotboard today, I'm not sure he's been getting mentioned as a possibility by any of the baseball media guys.

There's a reason for that. Some don't want a major distraction even if they are looking around. I know we're not used to that because of Dan Mullen but the way he handled it wasn't the norm and it was unprofessional IMO.

[Todd4State]

He will be in their top 3. I think it will be Heefner, O’Conner, and Vaughn. In what order I have no clue.

I like that group. But I will say it's a little surprising if Wasikowski isn't in their top 3. I think he is on par with O'Conner and Bakich.

[StarkVegasSteve]

There's a reason for that. Some don't want a major distraction even if they are looking around. I know we're not used to that because of Dan Mullen but the way he handled it wasn't the norm and it was unprofessional IMO.

Correct. I mean O’Conner is only the hot IT name because it was brought up by some of the D1 guys and our fans just zeroed in on that HAD TO BE the hire. The only comment he made was that he was happy at UVA. Same as Wes said for UGA. Like I have said for 3 weeks, Bakich has interest in this job. Him finally being added to the hot board also tells me that his name has been fed to them by some industry sources.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I like that group. But I will say it's a little surprising if Wasikowski isn't in their top 3. I think he is on par with O'Conner and Bakich.

O’Conner-1 national championship, 7 CWS appearances
Bakich-National runner up, 2 Supers, 6 Regionals
Wasikowski- 2 supers, 3 Regionals.

Wazikowski is not quite on the Bakich level and is nowhere close to O’Conner.

[TNDawg35]

O?Conner. Bakich
, or Waz would be a terrific hire?

[StarkVegasSteve]

O?Conner. Bakich
, or Waz would be a terrific hire?

I think any of the 3 would be a fantastic hire. Bakich is who I want because of familiarity with the conference and I think he would recruit lights out here. But you cannot be unhappy at hiring a national championship winning coach in O’Conner.

[Cooterpoot]

O'Connor/Was give me either and I really don't care which but can't see it being Bakich.

[cheewgumm]

I think any of the 3 would be a fantastic hire. Bakich is who I want because of familiarity with the conference and I think he would recruit lights out here. But you cannot be unhappy at hiring a national championship winning coach in O’Conner.

Same

Want Backich, but will think Selmon did good with any of these.

[HoopsDawg]

O'Connor/Was give me either and I really don't care which but can't see it being Bakich.

Just no need to pay a big buyout.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Just no need to pay a big buyout.

There is if you have the money, which we do, and we think it is worth it to pay. And the only ones who know that are making the hire.

[Todd4State]

O’Conner-1 national championship, 7 CWS appearances
Bakich-National runner up, 2 Supers, 6 Regionals
Wasikowski- 2 supers, 3 Regionals.

Wazikowski is not quite on the Bakich level and is nowhere close to O’Conner.

He hasn't been a head coach nearly as long as O'Conner or Bakich but I feel like as far as identifying talent and coaching goes he is up there with them. In time he will have a similar resume'.

[Todd4State]

Just no need to pay a big buyout.

We don't need to go cheap. We need to get this right. And to be honest going cheap would disappoint me more than not getting a name coach even if it is a really good coach.

[Turfdawg67]

There is if you have the money, which we do, and we think it is worth it to pay. And the only ones who know that are making the hire.

Is a huge buyout included when deciding if baseball makes money??****

[HoopsDawg]

We don't need to go cheap. We need to get this right. And to be honest going cheap would disappoint me more than not getting a name coach even if it is a really good coach.

We aren't going cheap. No need to be stupid either.

[Homedawg]

I mean we had a booster out of Houston pledge 3 mil a few weeks ago for baseball NIL. 1.3 will not be a problem. And after today, I think the number for McPherson will go down a good bit.

I've heard nothing of this. Not saying you're wrong but last I heard a week ago our budget was less than 3 for next year. But we will find out. Keep Reese and we know someone came up with up. Bc he gonna cost.

[Pancho]

what will ultimately determine which one of these guys is hired?

[AlSwearengen]

How has Bakich recruited at Clemson?

[Pancho]

last 2 years he's had top 10 classes

[StarkVegasSteve]

I've heard nothing of this. Not saying you're wrong but last I heard a week ago our budget was less than 3 for next year. But we will find out. Keep Reese and we know someone came up with up. Bc he gonna cost.

Was told it by 3 different people two weeks ago. He is a really big booster.

[Todd4State]

One thing I like about Bakich is he is at a program in the ACC that is similar to a SEC program in terms of resources. He would be a really good fit.

[AlSwearengen]

To Todd?s point and I?m not downing O?Conner at all, but Virginia is polar opposite of MSU and probably the type of kid it attracts. A good coach will usually figure it out and make it work though.

I?ve seen Bakich getting after the opposing dugout early in the year and he looks the part, so I?m going to assume he has some intensity to him.

[StarkVegasSteve]

One thing I like about Bakich is he is at a program in the ACC that is similar to a SEC program in terms of resources. He would be a really good fit.

He also has seen how to run an SEC program with his years under Corbin at Vandy. And the guy is a machine on the recruiting trail.

[StarkVegasSteve]

To Todd?s point and I?m not downing O?Conner at all, but Virginia is polar opposite of MSU and probably the type of kid it attracts. A good coach will usually figure it out and make it work though.

I?ve seen Bakich getting after the opposing dugout early in the year and he looks the part, so I?m going to assume he has some intensity to him.

He has the look of Cannizarro, minus the off the field stuff, with the fire of Cohen. He also recruits like Cannizarro. He goes and gets DAWGS.

[Cooterpoot]

I don't believe Bakich is a legitimate option. He was the talk a couple weeks ago but he's not now. That buyout is crazy big & Selmon ain't blowing that money when he can get just as good cheaper.

[Todd4State]

I don't believe Bakich is a legitimate option. He was the talk a couple weeks ago but he's not now. That buyout is crazy big & Selmon ain't blowing that money when he can get just as good cheaper.

Thing is or should I say rumor is- that there has been some tension between Bakich and Clemson recently about support. It's caused some issues with their supporters too.

Because of that I wouldn't be surprised if the buyout becomes less of an issue. This feels like it might be a potential divorce.

Edit to say: I guess we'll see. I just think that the buyout stuff is a little overblown because if a coach wants to come here and we want that coach I think it will get worked out. No one wants a coach that doesn't want to be at their school. Unless you're Mississippi State and we're talking about Dan Mullen.

[CaptainObvious]

Is a huge buyout included when deciding if baseball makes money??****

You must have entered the wrong room. This is a Thread about potential baseball coaches for Mississippi. The Economics Classroom is 3 doors down!

[StarkVegasSteve]

Thing is or should I say rumor is- that there has been some tension between Bakich and Clemson recently about support. It's caused some issues with their supporters too.

Because of that I wouldn't be surprised if the buyout becomes less of an issue. This feels like it might be a potential divorce.

Edit to say: I guess we'll see. I just think that the buyout stuff is a little overblown because if a coach wants to come here and we want that coach I think it will get worked out. No one wants a coach that doesn't want to be at their school. Unless you're Mississippi State and we're talking about Dan Mullen.

The buyout is of no issue at all because we have the money. The money was raised between 5-6 people to fire Lemonis, buyout the new staff from their current schools, and then pay them here.

[Cooterpoot]

Thing is or should I say rumor is- that there has been some tension between Bakich and Clemson recently about support. It's caused some issues with their supporters too.

Because of that I wouldn't be surprised if the buyout becomes less of an issue. This feels like it might be a potential divorce.

Edit to say: I guess we'll see. I just think that the buyout stuff is a little overblown because if a coach wants to come here and we want that coach I think it will get worked out. No one wants a coach that doesn't want to be at their school. Unless you're Mississippi State and we're talking about Dan Mullen.

I don't think he's worth that massive buyout, would handcuff us a bit if we did. And his name has basically died off from a couple weeks ago, which seems to indicate we took a look and we're going another route or he's getting something out of Clemson.

[Homedawg]

Was told it by 3 different people two weeks ago. He is a really big booster.

Well based on what I've heard it must be in his head, bc that pledge hasn't been made to this point.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Well based on what I've heard it must be in his head, bc that pledge hasn't been made to this point.

Just passing along the info. It was not from anyone inside the athletic dept but was from 3 people who definitely would know

[Homedawg]

Thing is or should I say rumor is- that there has been some tension between Bakich and Clemson recently about support. It's caused some issues with their supporters too.

Because of that I wouldn't be surprised if the buyout becomes less of an issue. This feels like it might be a potential divorce.

Edit to say: I guess we'll see. I just think that the buyout stuff is a little overblown because if a coach wants to come here and we want that coach I think it will get worked out. No one wants a coach that doesn't want to be at their school. Unless you're Mississippi State and we're talking about Dan Mullen.

I'd listen to cooter on this. Selmon isn't spending a ton of money on a buyout. Just won't

[Coach34]

I'd listen to cooter on this. Selmon isn't spending a ton of money on a buyout. Just won't

This is literally about the only thing I have heard leak out so far in this search. We arent blowing millions on a buyout to hire someone

[basedog]

Well usually when a Coach and school have issues, a buyout can be done without much trouble. Let’s hope things workout for whoever we been talking to. Seems all have a buyout.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Does Kendall Rogers get a little kick back for his hype tweets? Got Wes a Raise!

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/georgia-extends-head-baseball-coach-wes-johnson-through-2031/

[HoopsDawg]

My guess is the Oregon coach or the Kansas coach.

[Coach34]

Wes never for a second wanted our job. Wes wanted leverage for a raise. He aint the only one

[Coach34]

My guess is the Oregon coach or the Kansas coach.

agreed. Its going to be lower P4. Ive said that from the start

[Quaoarsking]

agreed. Its going to be lower P4. Ive said that from the start

It's kinda iffy to call Oregon a "lower P4" program just so that you can turn out to be right. If it's O'Connor is Virginia a lower P4 program too? Can you spin Bakich into being "lower P4" because Clemson doesn't commit to baseball and he was at Michigan before that?

[confucius say]

Wes never for a second wanted our job. Wes wanted leverage for a raise. He aint the only one

Good. He was my least favorite of the names mentioned.

[confucius say]

agreed. It's going to be lower P4. Ive said that from the start

Oregon is not lower P4.
That would be an incredible hire if we could pull that off.

[confucius say]

Crowd size indicates overall interest in the program. It is not going to win you recruits or games but it may show a potential hire that we give a 17 and will care when it comes to giving towards NIL.

We have had multiple starters the last two years who said publicly that crowd size and environment is why they chose us. Hujsac said it every interview.
It's not end all be all, but it matters.

[confucius say]

That's the point, we'll still be behind several SEC schools we're behind now. We won't move up in the pecking order much if at all.

Lemonis said point blank that we were middle of sec in nil funding.
But that said, he wasn't a great recruiter. Overweight people who are not Type A guys rarely are.
You get a dynamic recruiter like Cann and money won't be our issue.

[cheewgumm]

Lemonis said point blank that we were middle of sec in nil funding.
But that said, he wasn't a great recruiter. Overweight people who are not Type A guys rarely are.
You get a dynamic recruiter like Cann and money won't be our issue.

Hahaha

Sorry, you are too fat to coach here

[confucius say]

Hahaha

Sorry, you are too fat to coach here

Funny I know. But you don't see many really overweight people who are great recruiters. Especially when they aren't alphas.

[Coach34]

It's kinda iffy to call Oregon a "lower P4" program just so that you can turn out to be right. If it's O'Connor is Virginia a lower P4 program too? Can you spin Bakich into being "lower P4" because Clemson doesn't commit to baseball and he was at Michigan before that?

Oregon has 100% been lower P4 and has only recently had success due to them finally funding baseball

The upper ACC’s are not lower P5. Clemson, Virgin, and Wake have been good programs for awhile.

[Coach34]

Funny I know. But you don't see many really overweight people who are great recruiters. Especially when they aren't alphas.

John Madden, Bill Parcells, and others disagree

[BeardoMSU]

Especially when they aren't alphas.

Hire Andrew Tate, I guess**

[cheewgumm]

Wes Johnson must have heard there was also a height limit so he pulled out and stayed and a school with no limit.

[confucius say]

John Madden, Bill Parcells, and others disagree

Neither of those guys were great recruiters. Madden barely even coached college. And parcels wasn't obese for most of his life.
Lemonis has a huge gut. Great guy. Really like him. But he's way overweight for somebody 5'10" and not an alpha.

[Quaoarsking]

Oregon has 100% been lower P4 and has only recently had success due to them finally funding baseball

The upper ACC’s are not lower P5. Clemson, Virgin, and Wake have been good programs for awhile.

In 4 full years under Wasikowski, Oregon made a Regional every year, hosting twice and winning twice. They're about to host again, and we'll see, but I bet they win again.

That's not "lower P5." Literally 0 people on this board or others were thinking Wasikowski when they predicted we would get a "lower P5" coach.

And the fact that you threw Wake Forest out there as not being "lower P5" when by any objective standards they're a worse program than Oregon (whether you start in 2021 or go back further) is baffling.

[Todd4State]

Well usually when a Coach and school have issues, a buyout can be done without much trouble. Let?s hope things workout for whoever we been talking to. Seems all have a buyout.

This is exactly what I am saying. Buyouts are negotiable. Especially when a school doesn't want the coach and the coach doesn't want to be there.

[Quaoarsking]

Oregon restarted baseball in 2009. That's 15 completed seasons, not counting 2020 or 2025.

In that stretch, they've played in 9 Regionals, hosting 3 times (twice as a top 8 seed) and winning 3 of them. That's not spectacular, but they've come on strong this decade, but about half of P4 programs are worse. Hell, it's only 1 fewer Regional appearance than we have in that same time period :(

In that same stretch, Wake Forest has only made a Regional 5 times, winning 2 and hosting twice (once as a top 8 seed).

We can argue back and forth on what the cutoff of "lower" P5 is, and I'm pretty confident Oregon doesn't belong there, but you killed your own argument when you threw Wake Forest out there.

[Todd4State]

Does Kendall Rogers get a little kick back for his hype tweets? Got Wes a Raise!

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/georgia-extends-head-baseball-coach-wes-johnson-through-2031/

He absolutely should.

[confucius say]

Oregon is a top 5 team in the country by almost every poll. I think one poll has them 6.
They are not lower P4.
Was would be an incredible hire. Probably the best hire in our history at the time of the hire.

[Todd4State]

Lemonis said point blank that we were middle of sec in nil funding.
But that said, he wasn't a great recruiter. Overweight people who are not Type A guys rarely are.
You get a dynamic recruiter like Cann and money won't be our issue.

If we're middle of the SEC in NIL funding that was partially on Lemonis. We have how many MLB players and former MLB players all highly invested in the program? I wonder how many of those players he contacted? I love Jake Mangum and Tanner Allen but guys like that are not going to help us with their minor league salaries and MLB minimums.

We've seen Clark and Palmeiro come back plenty. How often have we seen Papelbon? Maholm? Frazier? Renfroe? Etc? Not to mention we could probably get some NIL from people like Roy Oswalt who Lemonis pissed off because he wouldn't let him work with our pitchers after we fired Foxhall. Just a few of those players alone could buy us an elite team without putting much of a dent in their pockets not to mention what our fans donate already.

And what our fans donate would likely go up with a hire of an elite coach. I think O'Conner, Backich,Waz, and etc. would be able to generate that kind of excitement pretty quickly.

[Todd4State]

Oregon is a top 5 team in the country by almost every poll. I think one poll has them 6.
They are not lower P4.
Was would be an incredible hire. Probably the best hire in our history at the time of the hire.

And it seems like he is a bit on the rise too. Watching his team play- they do not play like a West Coast college baseball team at all.

I think you could say that about a couple of the potential candidates though.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Hire Andrew Tate, I guess**

That was Cannizarro the Cajun Andrew Tate, didn't work

To be fair, Schloss is not an alpha anything. Looks like a 5ft 11in crooked cop but he can coach baseball and snagged great recruits everywhere he goes.

Maybe the douche bag look is an asset in baseball coaching. O'Sullivan has that Summers Eve vibe too.

https://gray-kbtx-prod.gtv-cdn.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fdo0bihdskp9dy.cloudfront.net%2F06-25-2024%2Ft_dd38cb9e35d24dd1ad8bbe38b3e1f926_name_fil e_1280x720_2000_v3_1_.jpg?auth=2289a0e4e4ecfe28979 a64f9757edb953b5239136a7135805c612ae0d0a9c273&width=1920&height=1080&smart=true

[msudawg1200]

John Madden, Bill Parcells, and others disagree

Uh, Parcells didn't get fat until he got older with the Cowboys, and he put the A in Type A personality. Ever heard him go at it with Phil Simms or Lawrence Taylor?

[Coursesuper]

If we're middle of the SEC in NIL funding that was partially on Lemonis. We have how many MLB players and former MLB players all highly invested in the program? I wonder how many of those players he contacted? I love Jake Mangum and Tanner Allen but guys like that are not going to help us with their minor league salaries and MLB minimums.

We've seen Clark and Palmeiro come back plenty. How often have we seen Papelbon? Maholm? Frazier? Renfroe? Etc? Not to mention we could probably get some NIL from people like Roy Oswalt who Lemonis pissed off because he wouldn't let him work with our pitchers after we fired Foxhall. Just a few of those players alone could buy us an elite team without putting much of a dent in their pockets not to mention what our fans donate already.

And what our fans donate would likely go up with a hire of an elite coach. I think O'Conner, Backich,Waz, and etc. would be able to generate that kind of excitement pretty quickly.

You are way off base here, that wasn't on Lemon that was on your former AD who the majority of them hated his ass. He did so many dumbass things with these guys before and when he was AD and I can't blame them. We have a few coming back, two of them are the ones that have put the majority of the money for the buyout up and they are also helping with the new staff. But the majority still don't trust the new admin yet, hopefully is slowly changing. We have players that didn't make it to the show have done very very well for themselves in life and will be a significant help along with the ones who you mention.

[confucius say]

That was Cannizarro the Cajun Andrew Tate, didn't work

To be fair, Schloss is not an alpha anything. Looks like a 5ft 11in crooked cop but he can coach baseball and snagged great recruits everywhere he goes.

Maybe the douche bag look is an asset in baseball coaching. O'Sullivan has that Summers Eve vibe too.

https://gray-kbtx-prod.gtv-cdn.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fdo0bihdskp9dy.cloudfront.net%2F06-25-2024%2Ft_dd38cb9e35d24dd1ad8bbe38b3e1f926_name_fil e_1280x720_2000_v3_1_.jpg?auth=2289a0e4e4ecfe28979 a64f9757edb953b5239136a7135805c612ae0d0a9c273&width=1920&height=1080&smart=true

Ha, the crooked cop comparison is good!

But he's doesn't have a gut.

[KB21]

You are way off base here, that wasn't on Lemon that was on your former AD who the majority of them hated his ass. He did so many dumbass things with these guys before and when he was AD and I can't blame them. We have a few coming back, two of them are the ones that have put the majority of the money for the buyout up and they are also helping with the new staff. But the majority still don't trust the new admin yet, hopefully is slowly changing. We have players that didn't make it to the show have done very very well for themselves in life and will be a significant help along with the ones who you mention.

I'm not going to name any names, but I had a former player who is a banker in Mississippi tell me in my office one day that he absolutely hated John Cohen, and that as long as he was around, he was going to follow the program from afar.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I'm not going to name any names, but I had a former player who is a banker in Mississippi tell me in my office one day that he absolutely hated John Cohen, and that as long as he was around, he was going to follow the program from afar.

Cohen was a cagey person to begin with but it became worse when he got the AD job. He only ever wanted to talk to his circle and the MLB guys we had, and a few of them did not like him.

[Coursesuper]

Cohen was a cagey person to begin with but it became worse when he got the AD job. He only ever wanted to talk to his circle and the MLB guys we had, and a few of them did not like him.

Its not a few.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Its not a few.

Oh I was short selling the number. A lot of them do not like him.

[confucius say]

I'm not going to name any names, but I had a former player who is a banker in Mississippi tell me in my office one day that he absolutely hated John Cohen, and that as long as he was around, he was going to follow the program from afar.

Former players who played for him say the say thing.

[BuckyIsAB****]

He also has seen how to run an SEC program with his years under Corbin at Vandy. And the guy is a machine on the recruiting trail.

Is he a real candidate or no, your opinion

[StarkVegasSteve]

Is he a real candidate or no, your opinion

Yes. He is absolutely a real candidate. Will he get the job? I do not know. I am not in the room with Selmon and the search committee. Me personally, he is my number 1 candidate. I think he is a guy that carries you for the next 12-15 years and can win 1-2 national championships in that time. He has the fire of Cohen without the abrasive personality. And he recruits like Cannizarro.

Something about O’Conner just holds me back. I think it is just that he has been at UVA so long. I just worry how much fire is there. Because this is not a sit back and manage job. You have to live and breathe Mississippi State baseball 24/7/365.

[Chuck3124]

Erik Bakich come on down please!! Ever since that super regional last year vs Florida when he was ejected from the game, started getting the fans fired up I said that?s our guy. He seems like a perfect fit for us

[HoopsDawg]

Yes. He is absolutely a real candidate. Will he get the job? I do not know. I am not in the room with Selmon and the search committee. Me personally, he is my number 1 candidate. I think he is a guy that carries you for the next 12-15 years and can win 1-2 national championships in that time. He has the fire of Cohen without the abrasive personality. And he recruits like Cannizarro.

Something about O’Conner just holds me back. I think it is just that he has been at UVA so long. I just worry how much fire is there. Because this is not a sit back and manage job. You have to live and breathe Mississippi State baseball 24/7/365.

I definitely worry about the fit with BOC.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I definitely worry about the fit with BOC.

And I think he would still succeed. He's too good of a coach to not have success wherever he is. I just don't know if the success would be to the level it has been at UVA.

[Quaoarsking]

I think a guy who has been to Omaha 3 of the last 4 years, and who this year was widely expected to be out of a Regional (screwed by RPI/scheduling) but had fought back onto the bubble, probably still has the fire

[StarkVegasSteve]

I think a guy who has been to Omaha 3 of the last 4 years, and who this year was widely expected to be out of a Regional (screwed by RPI/scheduling) but had fought back onto the bubble, probably still has the fire

Like I said, I think he would succeed. I just do not think it would be at the level he does at UVA

[gtowndawg]

I'm not going to name any names, but I had a former player who is a banker in Mississippi tell me in my office one day that he absolutely hated John Cohen, and that as long as he was around, he was going to follow the program from afar.

I have a friend that played for Cohen as well...he's not a fan at all.

[gtowndawg]

Question: Could O'Conner be like Howland? On paper, great success, and Howland did ok, but it was a job to coast into retirement.

[KOdawg1]

Question: Could O'Conner be like Howland? On paper, great success, and Howland did ok, but it was a job to coast into retirement.

I don't think so, and here's why.

Howland had already started to sputter towards the end of his time at UCLA. He went to 3 final 4s and then missed the tournament twice in his last 5 years and never made it past the round of 32 in the other 3.

BOC has been to the CWS 3 times in the last 4 years coming into this year. Plus, he's only 54 years old. Sure, he's been at UVA for a long time, but it's not crazy to think he's got 10-15 more years left in the tank.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Question: Could O'Conner be like Howland? On paper, great success, and Howland did ok, but it was a job to coast into retirement.

I think he is on the higher end of that projection. Like I think O’Conner could get us to Omaha. I just do not think he could win it. I also just wonder about how he will handle the portal. He has been very anti portal in the past and you need to be able to evaluate close on portal guys here.

[Quaoarsking]

O'Connor is younger than Wasikowski and Lemonis, and only 6 years older than Bakich.

[StarkVegasSteve]

O'Connor is younger than Wasikowski and Lemonis, and only 6 years older than Bakich.

He is actually a month older than Wasikowski. He is 10 months younger than Chris though.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I will just be honest, I am getting major Schlossnagle flashbacks in this O’Conner pursuit. All the talkings heads are saying the same stuff as last time.

[Santiago]

I will just be honest, I am getting major Schlossnagle flashbacks in this O’Conner pursuit. All the talkings heads are saying the same stuff as last time.

Not just O'Conner .

[gtowndawg]

O'Connor is younger than Wasikowski and Lemonis, and only 6 years older than Bakich.

That's fair, I thought he was an older guy.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Not just O'Conner .

It is just very rare that the guy that is out there publicly as the priority candidate get the job. I mean from Rosey?s latest post, we are not considering Wasikowski.

[BigDawg81]

Rosebowl has talked more about Fitzgerald more than any other candidate. To much smoke for Waz not to be a target but I might be and probably wrong. I’m curious to what the On3 site is hearing from their sources.

[Chuck3124]

It is just very rare that the guy that is out there publicly as the priority candidate get the job. I mean from Rosey?s latest post, we are not considering Wasikowski.


Really?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Rosebowl has talked more about Fitzgerald more than any other candidate. To much smoke for Waz not to be a target but I might be and probably wrong. I’m curious to what the On3 site is hearing from their sources.

Fitzgerald has people really pushing for him to get the job and he and Selmon do know each other.

[cheewgumm]

Fitzgerald has people really pushing for him to get the job and he and Selmon do know each other.

Gross

[Coursesuper]

Gross

Do you know anything about him?

[DownwardDawg]

Do you know anything about him?

Who is he?

[Coursesuper]

Who is he?

Head Coach Kansas, LSU asst. before.

[CaptainObvious]

Is Polk pushing for Raffo? He is available again you know! 😳

[mparkerfd20]

Fitzgerald would be an extremely underwhelming hire. I'd be pissed.

[cheewgumm]

Head Coach Kansas, LSU asst. before.

What makes him a good choice?

[Tbonewannabe]

Who is he?

Just looking at his Wikipedia, similar Division 1 experience to Lemonis. I would definitely be letdown with Kansas coach.

[Tbonewannabe]

Fitzgerald would be an extremely underwhelming hire. I'd be pissed.

Agreed.

[Jarius]

Neither of those guys were great recruiters. Madden barely even coached college. And parcels wasn't obese for most of his life.
Lemonis has a huge gut. Great guy. Really like him. But he's way overweight for somebody 5'10" and not an alpha.

There are obviously exceptions and I hate to paint with a broad brush, but generally fat people are undisciplined and in a lot of cases lazy. Not always, but it is definitely a red flag in a hiring process.

[cheewgumm]

There are obviously exceptions and I hate to paint with a broad brush, but generally fat people are undisciplined and in a lot of cases lazy. Not always, but it is definitely a red flag in a hiring process.

Hahahah

[State82]

Head Coach Kansas, LSU asst. before.

And 9 years at Dallas Baptist as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator. He's in his 3rd year as head coach and was Big 12 Coach of the Year this year. Pretty nice resume but I just don't know.

[cheewgumm]

And 9 years at Dallas Baptist as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator. He's in his 3rd year as head coach and was Big 12 Coach of the Year this year. Pretty nice resume but I just don't know.

Does Huxler get credit for how good Bama's defense was before he got here?

[Cowbell]

I don't understand why any of you would pay any attention to Rosie. Isn't in the loop at all. And Kendall is working to get O'Conner more money at VA and has been since the beginning.

[Cooterpoot]

Look, it's O'Connor, Wasikowski, & Fitz in that order unless something crazy happens with Bakich. The HEAVY smoke right now is O'Connor. It changes every week or two, but it's O'Connor right now. Was is strong too obviously.

[cheewgumm]

Does Huxler get credit for how good Bama's defense was before he got here?

To me, it feels like hiring the recruiting coordinator at Bama in their prime and thinking he's a great recruiter.

coach of the Year one year, is good. Well done. Its one year though.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Look, it's O'Connor, Wasikowski, & Fitz in that order unless something crazy happens with Bakich. The HEAVY smoke right now is O'Connor. It changes every week or two, but it's O'Connor right now. Was is strong too obviously.

I have been told since the beginning we probably would not be looking West Coast. Maybe Wasikowski is able to get his name involved and knock the interview out of the park, but I do not believe it at this point. I do think he would kill to get this job, but I think he would do the same for the A&M job or the Bama job if Vaughn got the A&M job.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I don't understand why any of you would pay any attention to Rosie. Isn't in the loop at all. And Kendall is working to get O'Conner more money at VA and has been since the beginning.

The problem is that he did the same thing last year when A&M came open and he got O?Conner exactly zero additional funds. You are not wrong though in saying that is what he is trying to do.

[Quaoarsking]

Virginia lost last night, dropping their RPI to 59.

I would still put them in if I were on the Committee. They are 16-11 in the ACC with an entire series at Florida State canceled. But who knows if the committee will be sticklers on RPI or not. That's not consistent from year to year.

Hopefully they don't make it and we announce O'Connor on Monday.

[KB21]

I doubt we announce anything until we are finished.

[Santiago]

Aggies may cause O'Connor to pause .

[KB21]

I will say that if it does end up being Erik Bakich, then that will be the most "kept quiet" interest in an open coaching job ever.

[Quaoarsking]

I doubt we announce anything until we are finished.

Probably not wise, remembering 2018.

[KB21]

Probably not wise, remembering 2018.

Maybe. We can come to an agreement without announcing it. I don't know that we ever had an agreement in place with Schlossnagle when he pushed Cohen to go ahead and announce it.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Maybe. We can come to an agreement without announcing it. I don't know that we ever had an agreement in place with Schlossnagle when he pushed Cohen to go ahead and announce it.

We had an MOU with Schloss

[basedog]

I don't think TAM will fire their coach, we shall see. I also don't see SC firing their coach and we shall see again. As far as some of u guys saying "maybe" BOC is burn out, maybe a Virgina but no way do I think he is burn out from Coaching. Our season and a few other coaches season will end in a bout 10 or 12 days. Things are fixn to get really interesting.

[BigDawg81]

I don't think TAM will fire their coach, we shall see. I also don't see SC firing their coach and we shall see again. As far as some of u guys saying "maybe" BOC is burn out, maybe a Virgina but no way do I think he is burn out from Coaching. Our season and a few other coaches season will end in a bout 10 or 12 days. Things are fixn to get really interesting.
SC already said that Maineri is coming back. A&M? We will see. Let’s hope A&M makes a run.

[DownwardDawg]

Head Coach Kansas, LSU asst. before.

Gotcha. Thanks.

[Coach34]

SC announced Manieri is getting another year

[StarkVegasSteve]

SC announced Manieri is getting another year

They bid against themselves and gave him a fully guaranteed 4 year contract

[KB21]

There has been another donation to the athletics programs. This time, it's a $2.4 million donation from a family in Vicksburg.

[StateDawg44]

I don't think TAM will fire their coach, we shall see. I also don't see SC firing their coach and we shall see again. As far as some of u guys saying "maybe" BOC is burn out, maybe a Virgina but no way do I think he is burn out from Coaching. Our season and a few other coaches season will end in a bout 10 or 12 days. Things are fixn to get really interesting.


I agree. I think he stays.

That said, they certainly should fire him. But I don't see it happening.

[Saltydog]

A name I've never heard mentioned but I like Kirk Sarloos at TCU. Early to mid 40's in age, former MLB pitcher and a heck'uva good coach.

[StarkVegasSteve]

A name I've never heard mentioned but I like Kirk Sarloos at TCU. Early to mid 40's in age, former MLB pitcher and a heck'uva good coach.

Kirk would be a great coach but he is at his Alma mater and does not want to leave at all.

[KB21]

Kirk would be a great coach but he is at his Alma mater and does not want to leave at all.

Kirk played at Cal State Fullerton.

[Saltydog]

He's a west coast guy. Played at CSF if i'm not mistaken............

[StarkVegasSteve]

He's a west coast guy. Played at CSF if i'm not mistaken............

My apologies on that. You are correct. I was getting him mixed up with someone else. Regardless, he is happy at TCU. I reached out to someone in the know at TCU when we fired Lemonis to see what he knew about Sarloos and said Kirk will retire in Ft Worth if he has the chance. Loves it there and his family loves it there.

[KB21]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT0413U1EG0pfMAy8vMvRto-NOPIpg108sQNA&s

That is a heck of a coaching staff!

[Jarius]

Hahahah

its true. If a guy has a health condition that prevents him from excercising or some sort of thyroid issue that is the exception. Otherwise the only reason people are fat is because they lack discipline and / or are lazy or are in some sort of huge depression. All of those are red flags for someone being hired and given a multi million dollar contract. It doesn’t completely disqualify someone but it is a negative check mark. Obviously the older someone gets the more likely they are to have issues that would prevent them from exercising as vigorously as they did when they were younger, but the air doesn’t have calories in it to my knowledge.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I just have a hunch.....Erik Bakich is going to be the new HC. the buyout will not be an issue because we were willing to pay Mingione's and his is more than Bakich.

If I have to guess how this goes:

Rodgers will report we are having meetings with O'Conner. He will report that they are going well. Then, he will come out and say that O'Conner turned us down to stay at UVA and it's a massive win for UVA and the ACC.

Two days later, Erik Bakich will be hired.

[cheewgumm]

I just have a hunch.....Erik Bakich is going to be the new HC. the buyout will not be an issue because we were willing to pay Mingione's and his is more than Bakich.

If I have to guess how this goes:

Rodgers will report we are having meetings with O'Conner. He will report that they are going well. Then, he will come out and say that O'Conner turned us down to stay at UVA and it's a massive win for UVA and the ACC.

Two days later, Erik Bakich will be hired.

This would be fantastic

[Jarius]

I just have a hunch.....Erik Bakich is going to be the new HC. the buyout will not be an issue because we were willing to pay Mingione's and his is more than Bakich.

If I have to guess how this goes:

Rodgers will report we are having meetings with O'Conner. He will report that they are going well. Then, he will come out and say that O'Conner turned us down to stay at UVA and it's a massive win for UVA and the ACC.

Two days later, Erik Bakich will be hired.

let’s will this into existence.

[Cooterpoot]

I just have a hunch.....Erik Bakich is going to be the new HC. the buyout will not be an issue because we were willing to pay Mingione's and his is more than Bakich.

If I have to guess how this goes:

Rodgers will report we are having meetings with O'Conner. He will report that they are going well. Then, he will come out and say that O'Conner turned us down to stay at UVA and it's a massive win for UVA and the ACC.

Two days later, Erik Bakich will be hired.

Mingione was never a candidate. We never even sniff his crazy ass. Bakich at $5MM+ is going to be a hard sell but we can hope!

[Cowbell]

The problem is that he did the same thing last year when A&M came open and he got O?Conner exactly zero additional funds. You are not wrong though in saying that is what he is trying to do.

Not a bad way to make a living

[Cooterpoot]

It's not going to take long to see if O'Connor is real

[KOdawg1]

It's not going to take long to see if O'Connor is real

Yep.

[StarkVegasSteve]

It's not going to take long to see if O'Connor is real

It will be Wednesday or Thursday of next week and we will know something one way or the other.

[Coach34]

Agree- things setting up for Va to get left out after that bad loss last night

[Quaoarsking]

Agree- things setting up for Va to get left out after that bad loss last night

Fingers crossed!

[Coach34]

Fingers crossed!

I think you are going to be disappointed Q- buttttttt this is the perfect time for him to make the move. Curious to see it play out

[Coach34]

There are obviously exceptions and I hate to paint with a broad brush, but generally fat people are undisciplined and in a lot of cases lazy. Not always, but it is definitely a red flag in a hiring process.

Andy Reid says suck my dick

[SPMT]

Andy Reid says suck my dick

True lol!!

They are either lazy or workaholics typically.

[KB21]

https://x.com/baseballamerica/status/1925661423813730348?s=46&t=boMwTsd5d1vappV0mJtn8g

Baseball America has 40 names to watch in the coaching carousel for this summer. Bakich is not one of the names, and this isn?t just specific to Mississippi State.

[CaptainObvious]

Kirk played at Cal State Fullerton.

This is the kind of Kracker Jack Reporting the rest of us come here for! You can't get that type of quick correction on ESPN!

[sandjunky]

https://x.com/baseballamerica/status/1925661423813730348?s=46&t=boMwTsd5d1vappV0mJtn8g

Baseball America has 40 names to watch in the coaching carousel for this summer. Bakich is not one of the names, and this isn?t just specific to Mississippi State.

Baseball American kinda sucks when it comes to college baseball

[Todd4State]

Baseball American kinda sucks when it comes to college baseball

Amen! They're very "grow the game" with their views.

They're the ones that kind of fanned the flames on Waz. So that will be interesting to see how that plays out.

D1 has better info but they definitely have biases as well.

[Todd4State]

I have been told since the beginning we probably would not be looking West Coast. Maybe Wasikowski is able to get his name involved and knock the interview out of the park, but I do not believe it at this point. I do think he would kill to get this job, but I think he would do the same for the A&M job or the Bama job if Vaughn got the A&M job.

That's kind of dumb on our part.

Waz is a good coach.

[Todd4State]

Yes. He is absolutely a real candidate. Will he get the job? I do not know. I am not in the room with Selmon and the search committee. Me personally, he is my number 1 candidate. I think he is a guy that carries you for the next 12-15 years and can win 1-2 national championships in that time. He has the fire of Cohen without the abrasive personality. And he recruits like Cannizarro.

Something about O’Conner just holds me back. I think it is just that he has been at UVA so long. I just worry how much fire is there. Because this is not a sit back and manage job. You have to live and breathe Mississippi State baseball 24/7/365.

O'Conner might also really take it up a notch here. He will have more resources here and he has done it before at places with less.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if he won a NC or two. I think him being at Virginia holds him back to a degree.

[SpaceBully]

I'm obviously hoping for a BOC or a Bakich, but if I were a betting man, I'd lean towards Tom Walter.

Which isn't a bad hire. It's just not the grand slam some are hoping for.

I don't think there's a Grand Slam hire out there that will come to MSU. My first pick would be Tim Corbin, then Vitello, then the VA HC......but all them are on a level that won't consider MSU. So, we get what we get and there's nothing we can do about it.

[Homedawg]

Mingione was never a candidate. We never even sniff his crazy ass. Bakich at $5MM+ is going to be a hard sell but we can hope!

This. Ming was never ever in the hunt.

[Coach34]

This. Ming was never ever in the hunt.

Yep- Clown Show was never going to be State?s coach

[Coach34]

nm

[Pancho]

Which current assistant is numero uno after the 4 sitting HC's?

[PGHBulldogBG]

BAK is my number 1 choice. No idea what the point would?ve been to fire Lemonis if we get stuck with Walter. I would take many assistants before Walter

[BigDawg81]

Steve reported that Marcus Thames has possibility to come on staff next season. I am curious what that means and what will be his role? He is the hitting coach for the Yankees now.

[Cooterpoot]

Steve reported that Marcus Thames has possibility to come on staff next season. I am curious what that means and what will be his role? He is the hitting coach for the Yankees now.

Player development spot

[CaptainObvious]

Steve reported that Marcus Thames has possibility to come on staff next season. I am curious what that means and what will be his role? He is the hitting coach for the Yankees now.

The Hippie is throwing crap against the wall again. We don't even have a HC and that guy continues to make stuff up. The new Head Guy will bring his staff!

[KB21]

Steve reported that Marcus Thames has possibility to come on staff next season. I am curious what that means and what will be his role? He is the hitting coach for the Yankees now.

He is the hitting coach for the White Sox. He was with the Yankees through 2021. He and Reggie Willits were on the same staff in New York. Marcus was in Miami in 2022, Anaheim in 2023, and has been in Chicago since 2024.

[StarkVegasSteve]

That's kind of dumb on our part.

Waz is a good coach.

Yea I have really come around on him. I think he would be able to win here and win big.

[Todd4State]

The Hippie is throwing crap against the wall again. We don't even have a HC and that guy continues to make stuff up. The new Head Guy will bring his staff!

We're also expanding staff. And some of our coaches may not have staff members in the roles that we are about to have therefore we will have to add staff.

[Cooterpoot]

IF we assume we're adding support staff, you have to feel like we know who we're hiring IMO. The new coach is going to be the one making the call on staff.

[confucius say]

Yea I have really come around on him. I think he would be able to win here and win big.

Same

[StarkVegasSteve]

IF we assume we're adding support staff, you have to feel like we know who we're hiring IMO. The new coach is going to be the one making the call on staff.

Not necessarily. We told Lemonis he was hiring Jake. Hell, Jake flew on the university jet to go get Lemonis.

And especially for an off the field role like Player Development, you can hire someone and tell the new HC to deal with it.

[Cooterpoot]

Not necessarily. We told Lemonis he was hiring Jake. Hell, Jake flew on the university jet to go get Lemonis.

And especially for an off the field role like Player Development, you can hire someone and tell the new HC to deal with it.

Jake was already on staff though and we had to fire a coach midseason for a scandal

[StarkVegasSteve]

Jake was already on staff though and we had to fire a coach midseason for a scandal

Well then if we already have hired a coach, which we have not, and Marcus Thames is being brought in by that new HC then the hire is not Brian O'Conner and it is probably not a sitting HC. And it's probably either Will Coggin or Reggie Willits.

[Cooterpoot]

Well then if we already have hired a coach, which we have not, and Marcus Thames is being brought in by that new HC then the hire is not Brian O'Conner and it is probably not a sitting HC. And it's probably either Will Coggin or Reggie Willits.

Naw, we've been talking about the move to a MLB developmental program expansion for a few weeks now. If that's going to be the case, I'd say Bakich is the guy. It's what Vandy does and he started that. I'm not saying we're hiring Bakich, just that he would fit that situation. Walter would kinda fall there too though. But look at the 1st round picks O'Connor has produced as well. You have to feel like IF such a program is happening a coach would be involved.

[KOdawg1]

Well then if we already have hired a coach, which we have not, and Marcus Thames is being brought in by that new HC then the hire is not Brian O'Conner and it is probably not a sitting HC. And it's probably either Will Coggin or Reggie Willits.

Could be Skip Johnson and Reggie Willits. Which would be underwhelming as hell.

I don't think we've already got our coach though.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Could be Skip Johnson and Reggie Willits. Which would be underwhelming as hell.

I don't think we've already got our coach though.

I know we don't because we haven't formally sat down with anyone for an official interview. There were some people that spoke with Mingione when he was here, but it wasn't a formal sit down interview to my knowledge.

[KB21]

Could be Skip Johnson and Reggie Willits. Which would be underwhelming as hell.

I don't think we've already got our coach though.

I get why some think Skip Johnson would be an underwhelming hire, but that guy is one of the best evaluators and developers of pitchers in college. He has produced a lot of power arms at Oklahoma that have gone on to become high round MLB picks. I think since he's been at OU, he's had around 27 pitchers that have been drafted.

[Tripp McNeely]

He is the hitting coach for the White Sox. He was with the Yankees through 2021. He and Reggie Willits were on the same staff in New York. Marcus was in Miami in 2022, Anaheim in 2023, and has been in Chicago since 2024.

Geeze, that's not a good track record of teams over the last couple of years to be pulling a hitting coach from!

[StarkVegasSteve]

Geeze, that's not a good track record of teams over the last couple of years to be pulling a hitting coach from!

He's not being talked about as a hitting coach for us. It would an be off the field. Player Development most likely.

[SteelCurtain74]

Question for those in the know. Of the main names being mentioned, how many players from those teams would/could we potentially get through the portal if that coach was hired? How many would we actually want? Would this tip the scale in favor of one coach over another?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Question for those in the know. Of the main names being mentioned, how many players from those teams would/could we potentially get through the portal if that coach was hired? How many would we actually want? Would this tip the scale in favor of one coach over another?

It would not tip the scales one way or the other. Of the coaches mentioned, Virginia and Clemson have the most players we'd want. But how many of them we'd actually get is probably 2-4 from each of them.

[Todd4State]

He's not being talked about as a hitting coach for us. It would an be off the field. Player Development most likely.

He could be our GM. I agree player development is most likely because that makes the most sense.

[Cowbell]

Not necessarily. We told Lemonis he was hiring Jake. Hell, Jake flew on the university jet to go get Lemonis.

And especially for an off the field role like Player Development, you can hire someone and tell the new HC to deal with it.

We didn't tell Lemonis anything. He agreed to keep Jake on and because he had done an excellent job and he was the key to keeping current recruits.

[StarkVegasSteve]

We didn't tell Lemonis anything. He agreed to keep Jake on and because he had done an excellent job and he was the key to keeping current recruits.

Cohen told Lemonis Jake was staying. Jake and Chris both told me that. That's not a source or anything. It came from both of them. I asked Chris at Boardtown on a Sunday in April of 21 about how he basically got hired, wildly interesting story, and I talked to Jake about it early in the 19 season.

[ScottH]

My money is now on Bakich.

[Todd4State]

My money is now on Bakich.

I for one hope you are really good at gambling because that is who my first choice would be.

[DownwardDawg]

I for one hope you are really good at gambling because that is who my first choice would be.

Me too.

[KB21]

Here's how I would categorize some of the coaches in college baseball, not all of whom are candidates for this job.

The Elite of the Elite
Dave Van Horn/Arkansas
Kevin O'Sullivan/Florida
Brian O'Connor/Virginia
Jim Schlossnagle/Texas
Tim Corbin/Vanderbilt
Tony Vitello/Tennessee
Jay Johnson/LSU

Previous Elite Who Have Fallen Off
Dan McDonnell/Louisville
Tim Tadlock/Texas Tech
Paul Mainieri/South Carolina

Just Below Elite That Could Make The Jump To Elite
Link Jarrett/Florida State
Erik Bakich/Clemson
Dan Heefner/Dallas Baptist
Scott Forbes/North Carolina
Butch Thompson/Auburn
Mark Wasikowski/Oregon
Nick Mingione/Kentucky
Chris Pollard/Duke

Rising Stars
Wes Johnson/Georgia
Dan Fitzgerald/Kansas
Steve Sabins/West Virginia
Kevin Schnall/Coastal Carolina
Mitch Canham/Oregon State
Ben Orloff/UC Irvine

Older Steady Coaches
Elliot Avent/NC State
Mike Bianco/Ole Miss
Skip Johnson/Oklahoma

[Chuck3124]

So Steve, yes I know lol, is reporting over at 247 that UVA is pretty confident they will not be conducting a coaching search.

[Cooterpoot]

My money is now on Bakich.

You're going to be disappointed IMO. But things are about to pick up after today!!

[TheLostDawg]

Here's how I would categorize some of the coaches in college baseball, not all of whom are candidates for this job.

The Elite of the Elite
Dave Van Horn/Arkansas
Kevin O'Sullivan/Florida
Brian O'Connor/Virginia
Jim Schlossnagle/Texas
Tim Corbin/Vanderbilt
Tony Vitello/Tennessee
Jay Johnson/LSU

Previous Elite Who Have Fallen Off
Dan McDonnell/Louisville
Tim Tadlock/Texas Tech
Paul Mainieri/South Carolina

Just Below Elite That Could Make The Jump To Elite
Link Jarrett/Florida State
Erik Bakich/Clemson
Dan Heefner/Dallas Baptist
Scott Forbes/North Carolina
Butch Thompson/Auburn
Mark Wasikowski/Oregon
Nick Mingione/Kentucky
Chris Pollard/Duke

Rising Stars
Wes Johnson/Georgia
Dan Fitzgerald/Kansas
Steve Sabins/West Virginia
Kevin Schnall/Coastal Carolina
Mitch Canham/Oregon State
Ben Orloff/UC Irvine

Older Steady Coaches
Elliot Avent/NC State
Mike Bianco/Ole Miss
Skip Johnson/Oklahoma

To note, all at the top of your list is sec but one

[Cowbell]

So Steve, yes I know lol, is reporting over at 247 that UVA is pretty confident they will not be conducting a coaching search.

That information is worth less than the information on this thread

[Homedawg]

Why in the hell he said Marcus Thames might be on staff is beyond me. Good grief.

[Todd4State]

Why in the hell he said Marcus Thames might be on staff is beyond me. Good grief.

I thought that was a bit odd.

[Homedawg]

I thought that was a bit odd.

He got a rumor and ran with it and it's just beyond stupid

[Cooterpoot]

Things seem to be picking up but not sure that's a good thing. This thing is teetering pretty hard now and it could go in a few directions, & a couple wouldn't be good. Better buckle up!

[StarkVegasSteve]

Things seem to be picking up but not sure that's a good thing

They are picking up in the wrong direction in relation to O'Conner.

Fitzgerald has people reaching out almost every day to people within the program and boosters lobbying for him.

Skip Johnson will be a tough pull although people want to make the Selmon connection. And we could do a lot worse than a guy that is regarded as the best pitching coach in the country.

Erik Bakich is the quiet name, which tells me there's smoke there. He will not directly talk until Clemson is done, but his reps have been in contact.

Wasikowski is still trying to get his name in the mix. There's a reason all the writers add him on the hot boards, he is asking them to.

Pollard wants it and if it falls to him he's still a good hire.

Walter would probably take it, but we wouldn't get Muscara and that's really the only reason you'd hire Walter.

[HoopsDawg]

They are picking up in the wrong direction in relation to O'Conner.

Fitzgerald has people reaching out almost every day to people within the program and boosters lobbying for him.

Skip Johnson will be a tough pull although people want to make the Selmon connection. And we could do a lot worse than a guy that is regarded as the best pitching coach in the country.

Erik Bakich is the quiet name, which tells me there's smoke there. He will not directly talk until Clemson is done, but his reps have been in contact.

Wasikowski is still trying to get his name in the mix. There's a reason all the writers add him on the hot boards, he is asking them to.

Pollard wants it and if it falls to him he's still a good hire.

Walter would probably take it, but we wouldn't get Muscara and that's really the only reason you'd hire Walter.

Walter without Muscara would be close to the worst possible hire.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Walter without Muscara would be close to the worst possible hire.

I do not disagree one bit. Fortunately I think Pollard is kind of the emergency eject candidate. And that's a pretty dang good failsafe candidate.

[HoopsDawg]

I do not disagree one bit. Fortunately I think Pollard is kind of the emergency eject candidate. And that's a pretty dang good failsafe candidate.

Pollard is arguably the best coach on this list. I don't buy it bc he already turned down A&M and Miami. I think he's happy in North Carolina.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Pollard is arguably the best coach on this list. I don't buy it bc he already turned down A&M and Miami. I think he's happy in North Carolina.

Like I have been saying for a while, Rev Share has changed everything. Programs like Duke are going to be giving even less to baseball now. And you also have to remember that you can now fully fund and scholarship baseball.

[basedog]

Pollard is arguably the best coach on this list. I don't buy it bc he already turned down A&M and Miami. I think he's happy in North Carolina.

Bert Stare approves this message**

We have some very good candidates, interesting search and to get paid you send out rumors. A few agents are working so there will be lots of rumors this week, pretty sure by this time next week we may know.

[Coursesuper]

Bert Stare approves this message**

We have some very good candidates, interesting search and to get paid you send out rumors. A few agents are working so there will be lots of rumors this week, pretty sure by this time next week we may know.

Agree, 8 to 10 days.

[basedog]

Agree, 8 to 10 days.

You may agree or not, one thing about Msu Baseball, whoever we hire will have their best job ever as a HC. We have what is needed to be good once again, as JWS once said "that's a plus"!

[Coursesuper]

You may agree or not, one thing about Msu Baseball, whoever we hire will have their best job ever as a HC. We have what is needed to be good once again, as JWS once said "that's a plus"!

I absolutely agree, we are set up from a funding stand point now better than we ever have been, all that is left is to hire the right guy to lead things.

[Tbonewannabe]

I do not disagree one bit. Fortunately I think Pollard is kind of the emergency eject candidate. And that's a pretty dang good failsafe candidate.

Honestly, if you told me that when we let Lemonis go we would get Pollard, I am ecstatic about it. O'Connor possibility shouldn't dampen that enthusiasm but it does for people that are following it.

Pollard has done a lot with very little and the guy kicks ass at recruiting / player development.

[Tbonewannabe]

You may agree or not, one thing about Msu Baseball, whoever we hire will have their best job ever as a HC. We have what is needed to be good once again, as JWS once said "that's a plus"!

If all the rumors about funding are true, we are setting up to be a top 5 job and maybe only behind Texas, LSU, and UF in the SEC.

[HoopsDawg]

Like I have been saying for a while, Rev Share has changed everything. Programs like Duke are going to be giving even less to baseball now. And you also have to remember that you can now fully fund and scholarship baseball.

That makes Duke more attractive. Scholarship is valued at 92K per year. The Iron Duke's collective will always take care of the basketball team- rev share or not.

[basedog]

Honestly, if you told me that when we let Lemonis go we would get Pollard, I am ecstatic about it. O'Connor possibility shouldn't dampen that enthusiasm but it does for people that are following it.

Pollard has done a lot with very little and the guy kicks ass at recruiting / player development.

Good points, there are several good candidates, we should not be fooled by one choice if BOC stays.

[HoopsDawg]

If all the rumors about funding are true, we are setting up to be a top 5 job and maybe only behind Texas, LSU, and UF in the SEC.

I feel we have always been a top 5-8 job. A guy off the street can get us to a regional.

[basedog]

If all the rumors about funding are true, we are setting up to be a top 5 job and maybe only behind Texas, LSU, and UF in the SEC.

Our NIL baseball money is in the middle of those 3 you listed, not in the back.

[PGHBulldogBG]

BOC was more a pipe dream coach, but I do not see him being a realistic hire. He has been at UVA for a long time and I see him retiring there as long as UVA gives him what he is asking. His agents might be putting his name out there for a pay raise or more NIL, but I ultimately see him staying at UVA. I see Pollard as the much more realistic hire if we get a coach from the ACC. Skip Johnson might come depending on what we promise him, but not sure he will leave OU for State. I think we end up with Pollard, Coggin or Fitzgerald

[Santiago]

BOC was more a pipe dream coach, but I do not see him being a realistic hire. He has been at UVA for a long time and I see him retiring there as long as UVA gives him what he is asking. His agents might be putting his name out there for a pay raise or more NIL, but I ultimately see him staying at UVA. I see Pollard as the much more realistic hire if we get a coach from the ACC. Skip Johnson might come depending on what we promise him, but not sure he will leave OU for State. I think we end up with Pollard, Coggin or Fitzgerald

I would be happy with either of those 3.
Giving any of those guys top 5 money and a program, along with their fire to win would be the recipe we really need. Actually Fitz and Coggin bring the fire for that