(11-20-2023, 10:18 PM)msqueri Wrote: That’s semantics on mid-tier, probably my fault in choosing the term. I was trying to lump them with the below average in terms of heft programs. I mean, Oregon State isn’t even in a power conference! Kansas is Kansas! There is competition for Fisch in the realm of coaches who are better than their current employers.
This is a constant parlor game and it feels to me like people assume a) there will be a lot more openings than there are and b) candidates will be sifted through in a meritocratic and rational way. Neither of those is reality.
Understand that labels for these schools are a problem. In reality, they are all unique situations where factors the "general public" is unaware of often play a major role. The UofA paranoia is IMO present to a greater degree than most other places (of any label) though :-).
I think people know fairly accurately how many openings there actually are at any given moment. IMO people do think more coaches that are "on the hot seat" in the press will actually be let go than actually are, so I agree people often theorize as if these are "facts". IMO people create scenarios that support their own hopes/fears. They string together the "facts" they think they know and deprecate all the other "facts" they are aware of that do not fit. These scenarios have differing degrees of meritocracy and reason behind them, irrespective of the process the schools will actually use. That is what makes it a good parlor game. However, some of these people will actually be right :-). FWIW this also describes the way most people deal with any situation that contains a high degree of uncertainty.
Quote:The thought experiment to do is just to forecast out where one thinks Fisch will go. Any guesses?
Fisch has coached "everywhere", but mostly east of the Mississippi. Supposedly, he wants to return to the "east coast". Obviously, that is rumor, but it is plausible. IMO he won't take the Michigan State job even if offered. That is going to be a difficult situation for quite some time and possibly a bit of a "coaching graveyard". Michigan State alums seem to have very high expectations relative to where their program is today. That isn't a problem at Arizona :-).
The UCLA job would be a big step up. Obviously not moving further east though. Fisch has quite a few SoCal players on his current team. They would probably love to return. All that said, it appears ATM that Chip Kelly isn't going anywhere this year. If UCLA does part ways with Kelly, would Fisch be a big enough "name" to lead UCLA into the B1G? IMO no. He would certainly be a great coach for UCLA, but would not make a Lincoln Rileyesque splash in the LA media. FBOW, I think that "counts" a lot in the process.
Syracuse is not a "step up", so not a chance there. I expect Fisch was contacted though, just in case.
