Lute to step down?

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Like I said, our football coach is a Stoops brother and our AD absolutely loves Kelvin Sampson and wanted him at AZ for many years. Our athletic department is just like everyone else around the major conferences that take winning seriously soi I gather we'd definitely hire Calipari under the right circumstances although I can see UCLA fans not wanting him in the Pac-10. He'd be scary good at Arizona and I expect him at Dixon to wind up as the front-runners.

 

[Russ Smith]

Like I said, our football coach is a Stoops brother and our AD absolutely loves Kelvin Sampson and wanted him at AZ for many years. Our athletic department is just like everyone else around the major conferences that take winning seriously soi I gather we'd definitely hire Calipari under the right circumstances although I can see UCLA fans not wanting him in the Pac-10. He'd be scary good at Arizona and I expect him at Dixon to wind up as the front-runners.

Dixon, Few, Tony Bennett would all be names I'd expect to see come up and have some interest in the UA job.

I think Calipari may be in a similar situation to Tim Floyd where he probably took the job thinking he'd use it as a stepping stone, but now realizes he may not get as much freedom somewhere else.

I'm quite confident UA will get a very good coach, it certainly could be Calipari but my guess is it won't be.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Thats a pretty silly question. Despite your delusions UA is a top 8 program in college basketball in terms of cache and tradition.

That's like asking why a college football coach would go to a USC, Oklahoma, Alabama, and so on. Keep in mind those were losing programs not too long ago. When you can rely on tradition and that gets you recruits. Recruits help you win. Not to mention the amount of money that is pored into that program. It's essentially the schools identity.

Make sense?

To be honest, no, it really doesn't make sense. The best part about this is you calling me delusional. I can't go point by point to argue how this is incredibly stupid and myopic fast enough.

"Despite your delusions UA is a top 8 program in college basketball in terms of cache and tradition. "

I can name eight better off the top of my head, Kentucky, UNC, UCLA, Kansas, Duke, Indiana, Georgetown, Syracuse. I would say that U of A is right outside that group, but maybe you forget that U of A basketball was nothing before Lute got there. Lute Olson is U of A basketball. Has he built an incredible legacy there? Of course, but as you said yourself his behavior can only be described as erratic as of late. In addition the team itself has not been the same since the dreadful loss to Illinois, ever since then it's been one disappointing early exit after another.

"That's like asking why a college football coach would go to a USC, Oklahoma, Alabama, and so on."

My personal favorite comment...just beyond hilarious. Comparing a team that has been very good over the life of one coach to programs that have been institutions in college football for decades...just classic. Maybe you need to brush up on your college football history? I can understand a UCLA, North Carolina or Kentucky fan making that argument, but U of A? Really?

"Recruits help you win."
Salient point. Every year I have U of A fans tell me about their top recruiting classes, while most of these teams are making the tourney they are usually followed by early exits. I keep hearing every year about Notre Dame's top football recruiting classes as well, there is definitely a relationship with good recruiting classes, but what does it matter without production?

"Not to mention the amount of money that is pored into that program. It's essentially the schools identity."

I think you meant poured? Are you saying the identity of the school is a well funded program? That may be part of the identity, I think of it more as a very good Pac-10 basketball program that has had a lot of very good guards in the NBA as of late.

I am not surprised that you are making these comments, I have talked to many U of A fans who see their basketball program on par with the UCLA's of the world, but to be honest that is just not the case. Do I think U of A will get a good coach? Probably, but the idea that U of A basketball is a powerhouse that will always be elite is a bit over the top.

 

[Dback Jon]

Don't Cry for me Arizona...



U of A will have no problem attracting a good coach - the question is, can Livengood pick the RIGHT ONE?

U of A is developing history, but it is still the Lute show. Another coach is needed that can continue the legacy.

Personally, I don't think calipari would be a good fit for Tucson. Too slick, too bright lights kinda guy.

Jamie Dixon, to me, would be the perfect choice.

 

[DWKB]

Don't Cry for me Arizona...



U of A will have no problem attracting a good coach - the question is, can Livengood pick the RIGHT ONE?

U of A is developing history, but it is still the Lute show. Another coach is needed that can continue the legacy.

Personally, I don't think calipari would be a good fit for Tucson. Too slick, too bright lights kinda guy.

Jamie Dixon, to me, would be the perfect choice.

Yeah, learn from Ill and don't hire a coach like Weber

 

[Mr. Boldin]

WTF?

All I can do is laugh. I hate to say it but all this garbage has stained the guys legacy to be sure.

What a joke.

And now we are leaving the future of the program in the hands of Livengood. Awesome.

If you think the last year has stained Lute's reputation then you have a lot to think about.

The program isnt in the hands of Livengood, because our boosters are going to control the coaching search by the mass of their donations. the Click's and Moreno's of our boosters will be the ones with the final say on the coach, because they want a winner and ARE willing to pay for one.

 

[Mr. Boldin]

Hell of a career for Lute, he is U of A basketball. Will be interesting to see where it goes from here. Why would Calipari leave a program he has built up and just went to a title game with to go to U of A? How big a name coach will U of A be able to pick up?

Memphis is exactly that, a program he built up in a non BCS league. Not saying Cal ends up at UA, but if I had to put money down, I would put it all on Cal. There is a reason Pastner left for Memphis and their is a reason Lute gave Paster his blessing to coach under Cal.

Cal has done a great job at Memphis, but to think the Memphis job long term is better than a school of UA's caliber (not UCLA, UNC, Duke, ect. but a high caliber job) then you are wrong.

Cal has been clamoring for a major conference job and from what I know he has had his eye on Tucson as well as a few other schools.

 

[Mr. Boldin]

Well if we're going off internet reports that Gaddy kept in touch with UCLA, the same people say Stover is still talking to Arizona. I have no idea if Gaddy has kept in touch with UCLA I do know the rumor came out a couple of weeks ago and UCLA recruiting guys immediately said there's nothing to it, he's going to UA unless something unexpected comes up.

Regardless if Gaddy kept in touch with UCLA, the master of class Mr. Howland has his hand prints all over Gaddy's again wavering decision. UA has no contact with Stover, I am not sure if he has had contact with UA, but as I have been told UA has not and will not contact him, much like they do with any other recruit with a verbal to another school.

I think UA will absolutely get a good coach in to replace him, I just meant I'm not sure it's going to be Calipari. I don't think UA would give him that much freedom, particularly after what happened with Brandon Jennings.

I dont think UA has to give him the freedom that some here are stating. Hiring Cal will be based on the size of the check, which shouldnt be a problem. If JL wants to ties Cal's hands on what he can or cant do with the program, it wont matter because JL should have his hands tied before he is fired anyway.

 

[Mr. Boldin]

Anyone who thinks UA is on equal playing grounds with UCLA is delusional.

However, landing Cal as the next coach would go a long way towards putting us back up there with them.

In terms of history and tradition we are not near most of those schools mentioned. However, UA is a top 10-15 program and as Mao stated one of the most profitable basketball schools in the nation. Landing a very good coach is extremely plausible and Cal should be the clear cut #1 choice.

In my opinion I just see the whole thing with Paster as foreshadowing for what is to come this spring.

 

[TJ]

If this is true (which I hope it isn't) I will be devastated. Lute is considered a God in Tucson. I won't repeat what everyone else has said on this thread, but this pulls on my heart strings a bit, and I'm sure the rest of the UofA alumni feel the same way.

We love you Lute. Godspeed!

 

[Arizona's Finest]

To be honest, no, it really doesn't make sense. The best part about this is you calling me delusional. I can't go point by point to argue how this is incredibly stupid and myopic fast enough.

"Despite your delusions UA is a top 8 program in college basketball in terms of cache and tradition. "

I can name eight better off the top of my head, Kentucky, UNC, UCLA, Kansas, Duke, Indiana, Georgetown, Syracuse. I would say that U of A is right outside that group, but maybe you forget that U of A basketball was nothing before Lute got there. Lute Olson is U of A basketball. Has he built an incredible legacy there? Of course, but as you said yourself his behavior can only be described as erratic as of late. In addition the team itself has not been the same since the dreadful loss to Illinois, ever since then it's been one disappointing early exit after another.

"That's like asking why a college football coach would go to a USC, Oklahoma, Alabama, and so on."

My personal favorite comment...just beyond hilarious. Comparing a team that has been very good over the life of one coach to programs that have been institutions in college football for decades...just classic. Maybe you need to brush up on your college football history? I can understand a UCLA, North Carolina or Kentucky fan making that argument, but U of A? Really?

"Recruits help you win."
Salient point. Every year I have U of A fans tell me about their top recruiting classes, while most of these teams are making the tourney they are usually followed by early exits. I keep hearing every year about Notre Dame's top football recruiting classes as well, there is definitely a relationship with good recruiting classes, but what does it matter without production?

"Not to mention the amount of money that is pored into that program. It's essentially the schools identity."

I think you meant poured? Are you saying the identity of the school is a well funded program? That may be part of the identity, I think of it more as a very good Pac-10 basketball program that has had a lot of very good guards in the NBA as of late.

I am not surprised that you are making these comments, I have talked to many U of A fans who see their basketball program on par with the UCLA's of the world, but to be honest that is just not the case. Do I think U of A will get a good coach? Probably, but the idea that U of A basketball is a powerhouse that will always be elite is a bit over the top.

"I can name eight better off the top of my head, Kentucky, UNC, UCLA, Kansas, Duke, Indiana, Georgetown, Syracuse. I would say that U of A is right outside that group, but maybe you forget that U of A basketball was nothing before Lute got there. Lute Olson is U of A basketball. Has he built an incredible legacy there? Of course, but as you said yourself his behavior can only be described as erratic as of late. In addition the team itself has not been the same since the dreadful loss to Illinois, ever since then it's been one disappointing early exit after another."

I didn't just say 8 off the top of my head. These are 6 or 7 programs I put in front of U of A.

UCLA - Kentucky - Kansas - UNC - Duke - Indiana (maybe)....and thats about it. You can say all you want about Gtown and Syracuse and Mich State but U of A has more Final Fours, the record for tourney appearances, more league titles, and definitely more NBA players then everone outside of those top guys I named. So I guess we can agree to disagree.

Lutes been there for 20 years. Duke wasn't anything before Coach K. By your reasoning I should leave them out also? What about Indiana with Bobby Knight?

I agree it's been a disappointing last few years but we still make the tourney and supply NBA talent in that span. For perspective last year was your best in a decade and you didn't even make the dance.


"My personal favorite comment...just beyond hilarious. Comparing a team that has been very good over the life of one coach to programs that have been institutions in college football for decades...just classic. Maybe you need to brush up on your college football history? I can understand a UCLA, North Carolina or Kentucky fan making that argument, but U of A? Really?"


Can you name me another coach at Oklahoma other then Barry Switzer and Bob Stoops? How about at Nebraska other then Tom Osborne? Or Joe Pa at Penn State? or Bobby Bowden at FSU? Sometimes it takes just one coach to establish credibility...

"I think you meant poured? Are you saying the identity of the school is a well funded program? That may be part of the identity, I think of it more as a very good Pac-10 basketball program that has had a lot of very good guards in the NBA as of late."

Thanks for the grammer lesson ASU grad. Yes I meant "poured". You sure showed me.

I was saying the identity of the school is THE BASKETBALL PROGRAM. So yeah I think the boosters and alums are going to do whatever it takes to keep it relevant. Did I break that down slow enough for you? Did you read that in-between beer bongs big guy?

"I am not surprised that you are making these comments, I have talked to many U of A fans who see their basketball program on par with the UCLA's of the world, but to be honest that is just not the case. Do I think U of A will get a good coach? Probably, but the idea that U of A basketball is a powerhouse that will always be elite is a bit over the top."


We see ourselves as elite becasue we are elite. And yes I consider Top 10, "elite". A top 10 program in the country is going to get alot of love from coaches at pretty much every other school not named above.

I find it laughable that ASU grads are saying we have delusions of granduer about our basketball program. You mean kind of like your football powerhouse? The one that hasn't done anything since 1996 and is bottoming out AGAIN this year? And employed Dirk Koetter? LOL

We actually are relevant in the conversation of top programs when it comes to our sport. Not so much with the Devils. But keep talking....

 

[Russ Smith]

Memphis is exactly that, a program he built up in a non BCS league. Not saying Cal ends up at UA, but if I had to put money down, I would put it all on Cal. There is a reason Pastner left for Memphis and their is a reason Lute gave Paster his blessing to coach under Cal.

Cal has done a great job at Memphis, but to think the Memphis job long term is better than a school of UA's caliber (not UCLA, UNC, Duke, ect. but a high caliber job) then you are wrong.

Cal has been clamoring for a major conference job and from what I know he has had his eye on Tucson as well as a few other schools.

I don't get that part, why does Pastner being at Memphis hint that Cal will come to UA?

Pastner left because he got a big raise, are you expecting him to come back now with Cal or do you think Lute blessed that move knowing Cal would replace Lute and Pastner would replace Cal? Because I think there's no way that Pastner would get that job if Cal left.

I'm just not following your thought process I guess.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

If you think the last year has stained Lute's reputation then you have a lot to think about.

The program isnt in the hands of Livengood, because our boosters are going to control the coaching search by the mass of their donations. the Click's and Moreno's of our boosters will be the ones with the final say on the coach, because they want a winner and ARE willing to pay for one.

Listen - I am not looking a gift horse in the mouth. Lute is the program and has done everything for that school.

I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt last year with all that mess. But to convince Horne, Budinger, and Wise to stay and get Gaddy to recommit.....well it comes across as a bit selfish.

If hes not healthy and its something that just came up - thats somewhat understandable. But the timing of this and after getting everyone to buy by back in just destroys the program.

What ever comes of this its not good for the program in general. I would like to think he would leave his "baby" in better hands....

 

[Russ Smith]

Regardless if Gaddy kept in touch with UCLA, the master of class Mr. Howland has his hand prints all over Gaddy's again wavering decision. UA has no contact with Stover, I am not sure if he has had contact with UA, but as I have been told UA has not and will not contact him, much like they do with any other recruit with a verbal to another school.


.

I'm sure if Gaddy wants out that Ben would absolutely take him. That said blaming his wavering on Howland is hysterical, Lute Olson personally promised him he'd be his coach and help get him to the NBA, now Lute is not going to be the coach(presumably for health reasons). IF Gaddy is wavering it's because of Lute Olson's job situation, not Ben howland.

If Howland had that sort of power over Gaddy he'd have verballed to UCLA in the first place.

 

[DWKB]

I didn't just say 8 off the top of my head. These are 6 or 7 programs I put in front of U of A.

UCLA - Kentucky - Kansas - UNC - Duke - Indiana (maybe)....and thats about it. You can say all you want about Gtown and Syracuse and Mich State but U of A has more Final Fours, the record for tourney appearances, more league titles, and definitely more NBA players then everone outside of those top guys I named. So I guess we can agree to disagree.

Lutes been there for 20 years. Duke wasn't anything before Coach K. By your reasoning I should leave them out also? What about Indiana with Bobby Knight?

I love this kind of discussion. I do need to point out that you're wrong on the Final Fours. UofA is tied with Cuse, and behind both Georgetown and MSU in FF appearances. I'd also point out that Louisville, UConn, Arkansas, and Okie St all have a good claim for 7-10.

Duke had already reached 4 FFs before Coach K and IU had already won 2 titles before Knight.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

"Can you name me another coach at Oklahoma other then Barry Switzer and Bob Stoops? How about at Nebraska other then Tom Osborne? Or Joe Pa at Penn State? or Bobby Bowden at FSU? Sometimes it takes just one coach to establish credibility..."

You really need to drop this argument...it's just screaming ignorance. Please read up a bit about the history of college football. Once you do you'll understand how ridiculous it is to compare U of A basketball to Alabama, USC, and Oklahoma football.

Just for example, why don't you take a gander at the Wiki page for Oklahoma football...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_Sooners_football

Name me another coach at Oklahoma? How about the 5 that are already Hall of Famers? You are really talking out of your ass on this one, just drop this argument.

"Thanks for the grammer lesson ASU grad. Yes I meant "poured". You sure showed me. "

That would be a spelling lesson, friend. Not trying to show you up, although you also did spell grammar wrong.


"We see ourselves as elite becasue we are elite. And yes I consider Top 10, "elite"."

Elite means best of the best, and best of the best for decades, not through one coach. You think U of A is elite because you went to U of A and want to defend your school. That's fine and admirable, but doesn't make it true. Like I said, UCLA, Kentucky and UNC are on a different level with U of A. U of A bball is an excellent program, but just isn't elite. Get some perspective from someone like Mr. Boldin who is at least realistic about the college basketball pecking order, maybe you'll listen to him because he is a U of A fan?

"I find it laughable that ASU grads are saying we have delusions of granduer about our basketball program. You mean kind of like your football powerhouse? The one that hasn't done anything since 1996 and is bottoming out AGAIN this year? And employed Dirk Koetter? LOL"

This is called a red herring argument. Nobody said anything about ASU football, and I don't think you'll find anything I've said about ASU being a football powerhouse. In addition, being one of three teams that hasn't made a bowl game in what, the last 10 years, I am not sure I would be bringing up football. Let's try to keep on topic.

"But keep talking...."

I will, but preferably with somebody like Mao or Mr. Boldin who aren't completely delusional.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

I love this kind of discussion. I do need to point out that you're wrong on the Final Fours. UofA is tied with Cuse, and behind both Georgetown and MSU in FF appearances. I'd also point out that Louisville, UConn, Arkansas, and Okie St all have a good claim for 7-10.

Duke had already reached 4 FFs before Coach K and IU had already won 2 titles before Knight.

Oh Jesus Christ. Okay how about this. Top 8 Programs the last 30 years.

Why don't we start talking about the Cardinals 1947 NFL championship for gods sakes.

But I will give you UConn. And I already gave you KU....what more do you want DWKB?

 

[Russ Smith]

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/frontpage/100496.p hp

This is bad, lots of quotes from Withey's mom about how stupid they feel because they stuck with UA and listened to people and now every coach they talked to is gone and Jeff has no recourse .

She mainly seems to be mad that they found out by text message and the internet, nobody at UA has called to tell them yet.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

"Can you name me another coach at Oklahoma other then Barry Switzer and Bob Stoops? How about at Nebraska other then Tom Osborne? Or Joe Pa at Penn State? or Bobby Bowden at FSU? Sometimes it takes just one coach to establish credibility..."

You really need to drop this argument...it's just screaming ignorance. Please read up a bit about the history of college football. Once you do you'll understand how ridiculous it is to compare U of A basketball to Alabama, USC, and Oklahoma football.

Just for example, why don't you take a gander at the Wiki page for Oklahoma football...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_Sooners_football

Name me another coach at Oklahoma? How about the 5 that are already Hall of Famers? You are really talking out of your ass on this one, just drop this argument.

"Thanks for the grammer lesson ASU grad. Yes I meant "poured". You sure showed me. "

That would be a spelling lesson, friend. Not trying to show you up, although you also did spell grammar wrong.


"We see ourselves as elite becasue we are elite. And yes I consider Top 10, "elite"."

Elite means best of the best, and best of the best for decades, not through one coach. You think U of A is elite because you went to U of A and want to defend your school. That's fine and admirable, but doesn't make it true. Like I said, UCLA, Kentucky and UNC are on a different level with U of A. U of A bball is an excellent program, but just isn't elite. Get some perspective from someone like Mr. Boldin who is at least realistic about the college basketball pecking order, maybe you'll listen to him because he is a U of A fan?

"I find it laughable that ASU grads are saying we have delusions of granduer about our basketball program. You mean kind of like your football powerhouse? The one that hasn't done anything since 1996 and is bottoming out AGAIN this year? And employed Dirk Koetter? LOL"

This is called a straw man argument. Nobody said anything about ASU football, and I don't think you'll find anything I've said about ASU being a football powerhouse. In addition, being one of three teams that hasn't made a bowl game in what, the last 10 years, I am not sure I would be bringing up football. Let's try to keep on topic.

"But keep talking...."

I will, but preferably with somebody like Mao or Mr. Boldin who aren't completely delusional.

Okay - In the "History of College Basketball" going back to Phog Allen and Adolph Rupp maybe there are other programs that made hay from 1950 - 1975 that I should acknowledge.

I am going to go "in my life" which would be the last 26 years. And U of A would be in the Top 8 of that list no question in my mind. Disagree all you want. And thanks for the spelling lesson. I am actually at work so if you could continue to edit my posts for me while you cruise for porn it would really help my productivity.

And as for the Oklahoma, USC, and Alabama...maybe I used the wrong schools as those are top 3 of all time.

How about Penn State, FSU, and say Miami? Is that better? Can we be considered in that class? It's semantics.

Again - I agree UNC, DUKE, KU, UK, and UCLA are all more accomplished. I think we are still elite because we are the most relevant West Program the past two decades, or at least until the recent revival of the Bruins.....would you dispute that?

Really I am just pissed about todays turn of events and I need a Devil fan coming in here asking me "...you guys really think you can get a good coach?" like I need a hole in my head.

And yes your football program sucks and we are going to smoke you come the Territorial Cup.

There - Now I feel better

 

[DWKB]

Oh Jesus Christ. Okay how about this. Top 8 Programs the last 30 years.

Why don't we start talking about the Cardinals 1947 NFL championship for gods sakes.

But I will give you UConn. And I already gave you KU....what more do you want DWKB?

Just clearing the air and putting out a contrarian opinion. I would agree with you if we limited the range to 64 team tournament and up.

That has all been with Lute at the helm, though, and the question does become can UofA make a transition or not. IU would have never thought they'd be in the situation they are now 20 years ago. Arkansas really screwed up post Richardson. Both were programs with a lot of cache that got blown up by the poor choices of the alumni base and AD.

 

[DWKB]

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/frontpage/100496.p hp

This is bad, lots of quotes from Withey's mom about how stupid they feel because they stuck with UA and listened to people and now every coach they talked to is gone and Jeff has no recourse .

She mainly seems to be mad that they found out by text message and the internet, nobody at UA has called to tell them yet.

KU was really high on him not too long ago.

 

[Mr. Boldin]

I don't get that part, why does Pastner being at Memphis hint that Cal will come to UA?

Pastner left because he got a big raise, are you expecting him to come back now with Cal or do you think Lute blessed that move knowing Cal would replace Lute and Pastner would replace Cal? Because I think there's no way that Pastner would get that job if Cal left.

I'm just not following your thought process I guess.

Sorry about the confusion.

Pastner left UA for obviously a pay raise and a promotion up the assistant ladder. Pastner has always said he wants to find his way back to UA somehow.

At the same time I think Pastner and Lute both knew that Pastner needed to leave in order to gain some more experience at another program. I just fell that had Pastner stayed till lute retired, Pastner either would have been ready to land a head coaching job or would not be hired onto the new coach's coaching staff.

So Pastner leaves for a coach who runs a similar style offense, is at a current top program, and has had his eyes set on the UA job for years (Pastner and Lute know this).

Obviously, it is my train of thought, but it makes sense when you sit down and think about it. What is the easiest way back to Tucson while gaining experience under a new coach? Go to the guy who wants to come to UA and the guy UA boosters would likely pay to bring in.

Pastner has a year or two under Cal's system and then when Lute retires UA has a connection to one of the better programs right now and one of the elite coaches in the game through Pastner.

I just find it hard to believe that Lute, Pastner, and Cal, were not on the same page when letting Patner go/bringing Pastner in. It made sense for everyone involved and prepares Pastner for Cal's system and Cal for transitioning to a new school via Pastner.

 

[DWKB]

I would like to say as someone who comes from a school that has already been caught up in this salary escalation trend with Self, Coach Cal's contract with Mem is $2.35M a year until 2012-13 with a $5M bonus if he stays throughout. That is a lot of cash.

 

[Mr. Boldin]

I'm sure if Gaddy wants out that Ben would absolutely take him. That said blaming his wavering on Howland is hysterical, Lute Olson personally promised him he'd be his coach and help get him to the NBA, now Lute is not going to be the coach(presumably for health reasons). IF Gaddy is wavering it's because of Lute Olson's job situation, not Ben howland.

If Howland had that sort of power over Gaddy he'd have verballed to UCLA in the first place.

Im not blaming Gaddy's wavering on Howland. His hand prints are all over the place right now now that Lute has retired. Im just saying this because Howland isnt the ethical God some UCLA fans (not you Russ) have made him out to be.

 

[Russ Smith]

Sorry about the confusion.

Pastner left UA for obviously a pay raise and a promotion up the assistant ladder. Pastner has always said he wants to find his way back to UA somehow.

At the same time I think Pastner and Lute both knew that Pastner needed to leave in order to gain some more experience at another program. I just fell that had Pastner stayed till lute retired, Pastner either would have been ready to land a head coaching job or would not be hired onto the new coach's coaching staff.

So Pastner leaves for a coach who runs a similar style offense, is at a current top program, and has had his eyes set on the UA job for years (Pastner and Lute know this).

Obviously, it is my train of thought, but it makes sense when you sit down and think about it. What is the easiest way back to Tucson while gaining experience under a new coach? Go to the guy who wants to come to UA and the guy UA boosters would likely pay to bring in.

Pastner has a year or two under Cal's system and then when Lute retires UA has a connection to one of the better programs right now and one of the elite coaches in the game through Pastner.

I just find it hard to believe that Lute, Pastner, and Cal, were not on the same page when letting Patner go/bringing Pastner in. It made sense for everyone involved and prepares Pastner for Cal's system and Cal for transitioning to a new school via Pastner.

When did UA start running the Walberg offense?

I guess I see your train of thought but I'd also seen some talk that Lute and Pastner were at odds. I know Hal Pastner said it was untrue and that Josh was always going to be loyal to UA etc but I still wonder since he started recruiting Gaddy after allegedly promising UA he wouldn't.

FYI, Gaddy's dad said he's being bombarded by coaches now about his son, UCLA, Memphis, UW. And Solomon Hill's dad said he found out about it because USC's coaches called him to ask if Solomon would be interested in USC now.

Gaddy's dad said Geary confirmed that Lute is out and said they'd probably reopen his recruitment.