Doug Gottlieb

[Hawgon]

I'm scratching my head on this one. It's March 1st, and this is all supposedly suddenly decided?

A tad bit early, wouldnt ya think?

Unless, it's already decided. 

[Breems]

I'm scratching my head on this one. It's March 1st, and this is all supposedly suddenly decided?

A tad bit early, wouldnt ya think?

I'd think so.

Maybe Doug hasn't watched the last two games, which I believe took a bit of heat off the situation.

[klp1]

I think were safe. We wont lose Pelphrey.

depends on what the definition of "were safe" is......

[Hawgon]

I'd think so.

Maybe Doug hasn't watched the last two games, which I believe took a bit of heat off the situation.

They heat may have already been off, as in they had no effect as that everything had already been decided.

[HawgAdvocate]

It is.  And it's not the first time he's said something like this.  I remember him saying on the Sports Animal on OKC radio during our 2-14 SEC season that he couldn't see anyway of Pelphrey surviving after the season was over.  BUT if what you say is true, the language does seem to be a bit different this time.

You should listen to it. Gottlieb sounded like the sole reason he was coming on the air with those guys was to break this story.

He also talked at length about how Anderson had gotten himself a better contract from Missouri after getting offers from both Georgia & Oregon (not to mention feelers from Bama and Auburn, if not others).

[cityhog]

Maybe, just maybe this new found passion Pel has exhibited has been his 'audition tape' for another job.

[Dogtown Donkey]

Look at everyone wanting to get happy but holding it in. 

We'll see. The pieces of the theory puzzle fit, though. But they could also fit into "saving his job" puzzle.

[Breems]

Look at everyone wanting to get happy but holding it in. 

The emblem of being a Razorback basketball fan.

[AnthroHog]

You should listen to it. Gottlieb sounded like the sole reason he was coming on the air with those guys was to break this story.

He also talked at length about how Anderson had gotten himself a better contract from Missouri after getting offers from both Georgia & Oregon (not to mention feelers from Bama and Auburn, if not others).

Anderson got his contract extended and bump in pay to $1.55 million per year in April 2009 after Georgia offered more than $2 million per year. 
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4029709

An Oregon radio station reported that the Ducks offered him close to $3 million per year in April 2010, but Anderson stayed with Missouri and didn't get a raise or extension.
http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindducksbeat/2010/04/oregon_basketball_in_missouris.html

It looks like Anderson got himself a better contract after leading Missouri to only its fourth Elite Eight ever and becoming a hot name in coaching searches.  He didn't use the interest from Auburn or offer from Oregon to improve his contract last year.

Anderson has turned down more money from two different schools to stay at Missouri.  It will be interesting to see what happens if Arkansas comes after him.

Here's something I find interesting:

Despite last year's contract extension, Anderson said he will listen to offers from other schools if he feels it is in the best interest of his family. Anderson said his decision to listen to other offers won't create a problem between him and Missouri athletic director Mike Alden. Instead, he claimed that Alden and Missouri chancellor Brady Deaton have been supportive of him throughout the whole process.

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2010/04/18/mike-anderson-answers-rumors-oregon-coaching-vacancy/

[Dwight_K_Shrute]

Look for this to blow up.  I just sent the link to Bo.  He will follow this like a bulldog and get to the bottom of what's going on.  Book it.

[Hawgon]

Here's something I find interesting:

QuoteDespite last year's contract extension, Anderson said he will listen to offers from other schools if he feels it is in the best interest of his family. Anderson said his decision to listen to other offers won't create a problem between him and Missouri athletic director Mike Alden. Instead, he claimed that Alden and Missouri chancellor Brady Deaton have been supportive of him throughout the whole process.

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2010/04/18/mike-anderson-answers-rumors-oregon-coaching-vacancy/

He is just following his mentor.  That is exactly what Nolan always said.

[AnthroHog]

He is just following his mentor.  That is exactly what Nolan always said.

Thanks, I didn't realize Nolan ever said that.  I was hoping that it was in his family's best interests to come back to Fayetteville if given the opportunity.

[Jack The BN]

Pel is not going to be fired.

[mmhogs17]

Pel is not going to be fired.

Shut up, Jack Abbott

[WMHawgfan]

I am just curious about Mike's mindset. I would love to have him here but does he really want to be here? Just posing a question. Would you want to coach where you were mentored? Stepping in here he would have to know that he is going to be compared to Nolan in every way. I personally think we need to turn loose of the past and just get a guy that can win and not hold him responsible for having to do it the same way Nolan did.

[Breems]

Look for this to blow up.  I just sent the link to Bo.  He will follow this like a bulldog and get to the bottom of what's going on.  Book it.

Darn it you.  You ruined it!

[Dwight_K_Shrute]

Shawn Arnell just mentioned it as well.  It will never make it's way on to Bo's show.

[GuvHog]

I'm scratching my head on this one. It's March 1st, and this is all supposedly suddenly decided?

A tad bit early, wouldnt ya think?

Not if Jeff Long already has a head Coach who has agreed to take the job and take over the day after Pel is let go.

I can see Pel being let go but I don't see Mike Anderson being offered the job.

[PoormansRobbyHampton]

9 million pages. LOL

Over. Way over. This baby may make the Hall of Fame before it's all said and done.

[linuspfs]

It's all a publicity stunt to sell more P90x in Arkansas.

[HawgAdvocate]

Gottlieb is also pushing the rumor that Tubby will be moving on from Minnesota, since it appears Minnesota is out of the Big Dance. He speculates that "three different head coaches told me the coaching fraternity is abuzz over whether Georgia Tech will buy out Paul Hewitt (reportedly in excess of $5 million dollars) and land Smith."

Gottlieb is most likely getting his info from the same group of current/former coaches.

[rude1]

As was said in a thread from a week or so ago, regarding what Mike Irwin was saying on his show (which Pork agreed with shortly after), any new coaching search can't be done without a public attempt for Mike Anderson coming first.

Gottlieb made some strong points as to why MA wouldn't/shouldn't leave. I've heard from a former player, involved in previously courting Anderson to another SEC school, who said he didn't see Anderson coming back here.

Will Long make (or be forced to make) a decision that could (once again) blow up in our face?

Wow HawgAdvocate, this is the first time I can remember that you didn't just dismiss this kind of report as nothing more than just rumor or wishful thinking. You have been right more often than not concerning the direction things are going, you must have a reason to feel this one has legitimate legs.

[batmanfan]

This could be pretty telling.  Makes me think that all the lost money on attendance and other such things is finally to much to overcome.

[Polecat]

I will be saying an extra prayer at bedtime tonight in order to help move this along...

[HawgAdvocate]

Wow HawgAdvocate, this is the first time I can remember that you didn't just dismiss this kind of report as nothing more than just rumor or wishful thinking. You have been right more often than not concerning the direction things are going, you must have a reason to feel this one has legitimate legs.

Who am I to dismiss a proven insider who just laid his nuts out there for all to see, ya know?

Believe it or not, but I put a message in to Gottlieb to see if he will acknowledge whether he was doing more speculating than claiming. He's obviously in Stillwell and not doing his radio show today, but if he does decide to respond, I'll gladly pass on what he says.

All I want is for the 2011 kids to get here. We need a talent upgrade in a major way. I've always been of the opinion that keeping Pel was the best way to make that happen. Anything is obviously still possible at this point.

[Triple T]

Gottlieb said this? Wow. Like HA just said, this guy is a proven insider.

Things should get interesting.

[WilsonHog]

What Gottlieb is saying might - and I stress "might" - fit with conditions being met which Pel has small hope of achieving....such as making the NCAA Tournament.

There are people close to the program who would be very surprised if Pelphrey is the coach next year.

We'll see.

[Hawgon]

What Gottlieb is saying might - and I stress "might" - fit with conditions being met which Pel has small hope of achieving....such as making the NCAA Tournament.

There are people close to the program who would be very surprised if Pelphrey is the coach next year.

We'll see.

Well, we ain't making the tournament unless we cut down the nets in Atlanta.

[Breems]

What Gottlieb is saying might - and I stress "might" - fit with conditions being met which Pel has small hope of achieving....such as making the NCAA Tournament.

There are people close to the program who would be very surprised if Pelphrey is the coach next year.

We'll see.

WilsonHog sighting FTW!!!

That could be, indeed.  I'm not sure who put forth that expectation.  Jeff Long having more expectations than the fans?  Wouldn't that be a doozy?

[56Hog]

He also used the word "embarrassed" with regard to Arkansas.  My guess is that came from someone in the Arkansas camp, maybe someone who chats with Gottlieb regularly and who lives in the northern suburbs of metro Fayetteville.

It may just be an educated guess but he knows the pot is about to boil over in Fayetteville, likely with the very next dumb loss by pro-PELlerhead, maybe as soon as tomorrow night and he wants to get in front of it.  Gottlieb wanted to yank the MU fans chain for sure.  My guess is he has no idea if MA is the guy or not but you can read the talk show guys comments that he may be getting restless in Columbia and the fans are too.

Interesting.

[rude1]

Who am I to dismiss a proven insider who just laid his nuts out there for all to see, ya know?

Believe it or not, but I put a message in to Gottlieb to see if he will acknowledge whether he was doing more speculating than claiming. He's obviously in Stillwell and not doing his radio show today, but if he does decide to respond, I'll gladly pass on what he says.

All I want is for the 2011 kids to get here. We need a talent upgrade in a major way. I've always been of the opinion that keeping Pel was the best way to make that happen. Anything is obviously still possible at this point.

I still believe this is all premature. There's still basketball to be played and what happens if the team goes on a run, wins the last two and a couple in the SEC tourney to the championship game? Now I don't believe this is going to happen, but an AD has to be prepared to cover both sides, in case the coach wins out or looses out. Hard to imagine that JL would be committed already to letting Pelphrey go, after he has been so supportive of him up to this point.

[PaleHorse]

Listen to the cut interview here: http://www.hogdb.com/2011/03/01/audio-arkansas-coming-open-mike-anderson/

[PonderinHog]

Well, isn't that Suspecial!

[pfrg999]

Gottlieb speculated as much on a recent ESPN college b-ball blog of his as well.

As Much as I want him gone... And maybe I am wrong..God let me be wrong!!!!
I just don't see it happening... GOD let me Be wrong...
I really just don't See Long pulling the trigger....
please let me Be wrong...

[Hawgon]

I still believe this is all premature. There's still basketball to be played and what happens if the team goes on a run, wins the last two and a couple in the SEC tourney to the championship game? Now I don't believe this is going to happen, but an AD has to be prepared to cover both sides, in case the coach wins out or looses out. Hard to imagine that JL would be committed already to letting Pelphrey go, after he has been so supportive of him up to this point.

Has he been supportive?  We haven't heard a peep from JL this year.

If JL really knows he can get Anderson, he has absolutely nothing to lose in firing Pelphrey.  He gives the fans and most of the boosters exactly what they want and excitement around the program will explode. 

If it doesn't work, no one will blame Long.  Nope, if he can make Anderson happen, he has nothing to lose by cutting Pelphrey.

[TRUHOG718]

This is Gottlieb's busy season (march madness). I don't see why he would put this out now unless he had valid reason.  There may be more to this than it appears.

[mmhogs17]

This is Gottlieb's busy season (march madness). I don't see why he would put this out now unless he had valid reason.  There may be more to this than it appears.

Like Wilson said, many people still feel Pel will not be here next year. Even after the 2 game winning streak.

We shall see

[rogersvillemohog]

Being from the "Show Me State" I'll believe it when I see it.
:razorback: :razorback:

[jgphillips3]

Given the renewed energy Pel seems to be displaying and the almost coherent basketball being displayed at times, I think Pel knows he is no longer safe.  He has been coaching with a frantic energy that almost screams "job on the line".  Perhaps that little extra energy is what allowed us to squeak past Kentucky and awful Auburn. 

However, barring a miracle run in the SEC tournament and a good showing at the NCAA (not NIT) tournament, he still needs to find another location to do good basketball things.  Hopefully, he can parlay this late season "surge" into a good mid-major and make this a clean transition.

[Breems]

Being from the "Show Me State" I'll believe it when I see it.
:razorback: :razorback:

Being from the "Natural" state, I'll believe it when... grrr... why couldn't we be the sunshine state or something?

[grayhawg]

A little ahead of everything, buy doesn't Mike still have a house in Fayetteville?

[PonderinHog]

We're the Land of Suspopportunititty.

[Breems]

A little ahead of everything, buy doesn't Mike still have a house in Fayetteville?

I thought he sold it.  I remember everyone getting depressed about it.

[pfrg999]

Wow... "Arkansas is a Marquee Job"
"Great Class but how many will be suspended or never see the court"
Is the main stream Sports media thinking the Same thing that we all are... Except for a Few holdouts...
That a Bad Coach or a Mediocre Coach with Great players is still a bad/Mediocre coach
That the reason for lack of Talent is that Pel has recruited Bad Players and they left or were kicked off...
That a 2011 Class .. Should Not Guarantee another year
That Arkansas IS a premier job... And thats not from us Old dudes...

Franky I am surprised with a 2 game winning Streak...

[56Hog]

Has he been supportive?  We haven't heard a peep from JL this year.

If JL really knows he can get Anderson, he has absolutely nothing to lose in firing Pelphrey.  He gives the fans and most of the boosters exactly what they want and excitement around the program will explode. 

If it doesn't work, no one will blame Long.  Nope, if he can make Anderson happen, he has nothing to lose by cutting Pelphrey.

MA would be the perfect hire for Long.  Not only is he a fan favorite who will give them the style of play needed to fill BWA but they would be on the hook to back him for the long haul.  He might not get the program back to NR's heyday but its a safe bet Arkansas BB would be respectable and that's enough for now with FB likely to be the big show for all of CBP's years here.

[batmanfan]

Bilar and Dykes are both denying the rumor.

[RazorHawg16]

Bilar and Dykes are both denying the rumor.

Where did you hear this?

[Hogeration]

Just listened to the whole audio.  That sounded like there was more than just rumor behind the statement.  If this happens, it will be good day for Razorback basketball.  Turn off the lights and key the music.  It's time for "40 minutes of hell" once again.
GHG!

[nwarazfan]

MA would be the perfect hire for Long.  Not only is he a fan favorite who will give them the style of play needed to fill BWA but they would be on the hook to back him for the long haul.  He might not get the program back to NR's heyday but its a safe bet Arkansas BB would be respectable and that's enough for now with FB likely to be the big show for all of CBP's years here.

Just respectable?  With the class we have coming and the opportunity to recruit Goodwin from in state?  Hell no.  You people have begged for Mike.  Made claims that he is the only answer for our program.  That we must have his style, even though it isn't the exact version we remember from the mid 90's, for fans to have interest.  If Coach A takes the job, he had better not lose one member of the signed class(in spite of the fact he has never been known as a great recruiter) and he had better win big with them next season and even bigger the next.  No excuses for him.  No other Arkansas coach would get a pass. 

[WilsonHog]

Perhaps, given his Oklahoma State connections with John, Gottlieb is floating this out there to gather support for keeping Pelphrey.