Best jobs in America
An OSU fan engaged me in some dialogue about the Cowboy basketball job. How good is it? It’s an excellent question, and one of my favorite topics, discussing the status of various jobs in college football and basketball.
A couple of years ago, I ranked the best college basketball jobs in America. Here’s how I listed them:
1. Kentucky: Four UK coaches (Rupp, Hall, Pitino, Smith) have won NCAA titles.
2. Duke: Blue Devils were a power even before Krzyzewski.
3. North Carolina: Three UNC coaches (McGuire, Smith, Williams) have won NCAA titles.
4. Kansas: Great stability. Only 6 coaches since 1919.
5. Michigan State: Stole the mantle from arch-foe Michigan.
6. Indiana: Facilities need upgrade, but mighty passion.
7. Arizona: One question: great job or great coach (Lute Olson)?
8. Syracuse: Flagship school of Eastern hoops.
9. UCLA: Big winner, but lots of coaching turnover.
10. Connecticut: Same question as Arizona.
11. Louisville: Attracts quality — Denny Crum & Rick Pitino.
12. Maryland: Never became UCLA of the East, but quite strong.
13. Illinois: Strange, 3 coaches since Lou Henson.
14. Florida: Little tradition but gaining steam.
15. Texas: Lacks passion but not resources.
16. Ohio State: Texas North — should be even better.
17. Arkansas: OU beware — Hogs fell after 2 great coaches.
18. Purdue: Three Final Four coaches since ’69.
19. Oklahoma State: Same question as Connecticut.
20. Oklahoma: Two straight coaches (before Capel) have thrived.
21. Cincinnati: Is there life after Bob Huggins?
22. Villanova: Not a huge budget.
23. Utah: Under-appreciated job.
24. Stanford: Duke West and Duke Light.
25. North Carolina State: Two coaches won NCAA titles at Little Brother.
Now that I look at the list, a couple of obvious omissions prevail. First, Memphis. The Tigers are ranked No. 1 now, and it’s a long-standing power. Gene Bartow and Dana Kirk both coached Memphis to the Final Four, and John Calipari might do it this year. Memphis moves ahead of OSU and OU. Maybe somewhere around 13-15. And Georgetown belongs on the list, too. John Thompson turned the Hoyas into a household name; Georgetown still packs a punch. I would put Georgetown somewhere around 20 or so. And the Big East is full of programs that could contend for the bottom of this top 25. Marquette, West Virginia, Pitt. Throw in the ACC, too: Boston College, Wake Forest.
If I redid the list, I think the Cowboys and Sooners probably would fall into the 24-25 range. Move Memphis and Georgetown ahead of them, and probably Marquette and Boston College, too. Something like that.
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Comments
First off, I’m not ready to jump on any “Get Rid of Sean” bandwagon. But as a natural follow-on to your article earlier this week about Sean’s possible undoing and to this blog, how about throwing out some REALISTIC early possible names in the event OSU does decide to make the change. Most of us that are lucid realize we aren’t getting Bill Self. No argument KU is easily a top 5 college bball job. Can (or will) OSU attract a successful, moderately-high profile major college coach or are we looking at a mid-major up-and-comer?
Great list, but I’d move Florida up — possibly into the Top 10. I’m guessing this list was made before the Gators won back-to-back titles.
I agree with your list. The last one! OSU will have a hard time recruiting; small town, not close to anything, no Ocean, no beaches, not known for high learning, no recreation parks near by…not much of anything. THAT IS WHY THEY NEED A HIGH PROFILE COACH, ONE WHO DOES NOT LOOK LOST, WHO SPEAKS AND DOES NOT CROAK WHEN HE TALKS, AND SHOWS SOME LEADERSHIP FROM THE BENCH!!