Bruce Pearl to Memphis?

CrimsonChuck · April 2nd, 2009, 01:04 PM

Tennessee denies Memphis has spoken with Bruce Pearl - SI.com - March Madness 2009

	Quote:
	WMC-TV reported on its Web site Thursday that sources said Memphis had offered Pearl a seven-year, $21 million ackage to take over for Calipari. Calipari was introduced Wednesday as Kentucky's new coach and the highest paid in college basketball with an eight year, $31.65 million deal. "No one has talked to Memphis," Tennessee spokeswoman Tiffany Carpenter told The Associated Press.

In my interpertation of coach speak, this means that Pearl was offered this behind closed doors but talks aren't serious yet.

I think that Memphis could do better than Pearl, but anything to disrupt the Vols is allright by me.

CajunCrimson · April 2nd, 2009, 02:03 PM

"In My neighborhood the ice cream truck plays Helter Skelter" - Stephen Wright!

Ldlane · April 2nd, 2009, 03:28 PM

	Quote:	CrimsonChuck
	Tennessee denies Memphis has spoken with Bruce Pearl - SI.com - March Madness 2009 In my interpertation of coach speak, this means that Pearl was offered this behind closed doors but talks aren't serious yet. I think that Memphis could do better than Pearl, but anything to disrupt the Vols is allright by me.

I like Pearl as a coach, but not that he's at UT. I could see where he would take it at a place where BBall is king. I think it is good opportunity for him to leave dodge!

bamanut_aj · April 2nd, 2009, 03:53 PM

Bruce Pearl's first few years at ut and Jerry Green's first few years at ut are eerily similar.

Bruce is finding out what it's like to be 2nd fiddle at a football school...will his ego take him to memphis where basketball is king?

PS: what is the attraction here? is this the best they could come up? Pearl?

drfrankfree · April 2nd, 2009, 04:07 PM

I can tell you the alumni and the majority of the fanbase are deadset against Bruce Pearl. He is not the "wow" factor fans are looking for. Several high dollar alums are looking into making Rick Pitino the highest paid coach in basketball. I dont know if that will happen but thats the buzz.

CrimsonChuck · April 2nd, 2009, 04:21 PM

	Quote:	drfrankfree
	I can tell you the alumni and the majority of the fanbase are deadset against Bruce Pearl. He is not the "wow" factor fans are looking for. Several high dollar alums are looking into making Rick Pitino the highest paid coach in basketball. I dont know if that will happen but thats the buzz.

I can't say that I blame them. I wouldn't want him to be the coach at Bama either. There definitely is a wow factor if they could get Pitino, although it might be a longshot. I do find it a bit odd that their top two candidates are the coaches of their top two archrivals. Can you imagine Bama looking for a coach and interviewing Fulmer and Tuberville?

drfrankfree · April 2nd, 2009, 05:25 PM

.....ain't enough catfish and doughnuts in Tuscaloosa for those clowns

JDCrimson · April 2nd, 2009, 05:36 PM

I think this as good a place as any to bring based on what is going on. But think it might a good move if the SEC were to invite Memphis into the conference - gosh knows Memphis needs to be in a better conference if they are going to survive long term. Given, the amount money in the booster base and the facilities and commitment to basketball I think that Memphis could actually bring some value to the league such as:

Basketball presence in the Western Division would be pretty stout with Bama, LSU, Memphis, and Ark. A lot natural rivalries here.
Pretty decent convention venue - the Pyramid is probably too small for the SEC tournament. Plus, I cant think of an SEC city that hosts a bowl game - this would be one.

Logistically, Memphis and Louisville would be the ticket for East and West expansion. With LU you get pretty decent football probably on par with SoCar or a little above but you also get Pitino back in the league and that would make the SEC a killer basketball league in my opinion. Lots of good geographical rivalries here for OM, Mem, Vandy, KU, LU, and TN.

I think Memphis football would improve over time and I think it would certainly give new meaning to the Ole Miss-MU rivalry. Of course, OM probably is the one school that might be the most against MU entry into the league.

If Memphis doesnt get into a new conference I think you will see them quickly die on the vine.

I know those Memphis boosters want to get a wow coach but Cal left for the same reason no one else approaching his caliber will come - their conference is pathetic.

bmcklv · April 2nd, 2009, 07:41 PM

	Quote:	CrimsonChuck
	Can you imagine Bama looking for a coach and interviewing Fulmer and Tuberville?

Blasphemer!!!

Wayne Disney · April 2nd, 2009, 07:54 PM

	Quote:	CrimsonChuck
	Can you imagine Bama looking for a coach and interviewing Fulmer and Tuberville?

you mean Kiffin and Cheez-whiz or whatever you guys call him?

TIDEFAN7 · April 2nd, 2009, 09:56 PM

	Quote:	CrimsonChuck
	I can't say that I blame them. I wouldn't want him to be the coach at Bama either. There definitely is a wow factor if they could get Pitino, although it might be a longshot. I do find it a bit odd that their top two candidates are the coaches of their top two archrivals. Can you imagine Bama looking for a coach and interviewing Fulmer and Tuberville?

Mike Price/Mike Shula...best available....thank goodness its a new day

BamaBackerBill · April 2nd, 2009, 10:13 PM

	Quote:	TIDEFAN7
	Mike Price/Mike Shula...best available....thank goodness its a new day

What's that supposed to mean? He said it was odd that their top two candidates were from two of Memphis' top rivals (Louisville and UcheaT). Don't understand the Price and Shula comparison. They weren't from rival schools.

PalmBayBama · April 2nd, 2009, 10:36 PM

	Quote:	JDCrimson
	the Pyramid is probably too small for the SEC tournament

The Pyramid hosted the SEC tournament in 1994 and 1997. I went in 1997. Nice arena. Have basketball arenas really gotten that much bigger in the last ten years?