Banachowski retires

Interesting lists. Some good but unrealistic, some outrageous. This is going to be a very interesting hire. Lets first look at the things that will dictate the choice.

1. Money- given the current situation how much they have will dictate everything. UCLA is a good enough job, that if you open the checkbook, you could go out and get the coach you want. Important to understand you can not get a top coach to leave their job to go to LA for at least $250,000. Thats a pay cut if you dont given cost of living. Here is a list of people that if you had the money, I think they would be interested and you could get. This is also where I would start if I am UCLA.
Hugh Mcutcheon-ultimately wants to be a womens collegiate coach, came way closer than anyone realizes to be the coach at Texas Tech.
Jerrit Elliot- he is a SoCal boy, and UCLA has the same appeal to PSA's as Texas, Austin is expensive as well, so change in cost of living isnt that outrageous.
Jimmy Mac-the only thing he doesnt have at UW, is the ability to year in and year out get the top tier kids from California. He can at UCLA. He is also a native.

2. "we want a Bruin" its a nice sentiment, and all things being equal, why wouldnt you hire one of your own? If they go that route, Mike Sealy would probably be the canditate. I cant believe they would hire an asst, when the job is good enough to attract a top head coach. Karch I could see if this happened two years from now, I wouldnt rule it out. Reed would probably not go, given his family situation.

3. Female- I dont see this as an issue but if they did, I could see them go after Christy Johnson, although would be shocked if she took it. Paula Weishoff IMO a good candidate. No way at this juncture in her career Denise Corlette takes that job, and I dont think thats where they would go. Anne Kordes possible but, no real connections to the area, coaches etc...Mary Wise in a little bit of a stall at Florida, change of pace, probably not realisitc but I bet she gets called.

Realistic candidates

Tom Hilbert-exceptional coach has looked closely at other good jobs in years past.
Kevin Hambley- good coach, star qualities, well connected in profession
Jimmy MAc- I just have a gut feeling
Paula Weishoff- well respected in area, proven winner.


Wildcards
Hugh Mcutcheon- a cut in pay, committed to Olympics, but if he wants to be in Socal and coach college volleyball this may be the job.
Karch- they could get caught up in the lore, the history and take a shot.
TCA- UCLA could become a member of the TCA family, sell sports drinks, kool-aid and take over the world.

I don’t see why Elliot would have much motivation for this job. He is already able to get the top recruits and the University of Texas is in a better financial situation than UCLA.

Ricci Luyties is in the Hall of Fame at UCLA. 4 time National Champion during his days there. Has paid his dues at Southern Miss and in the High School and Club ranks in San Diego. UCLA has to give him a good look.

money is certainly not the only factor "elite" coaches look for in programs. There are intangibles such as reputation and tradition that factor into what makes programs the best for elite coaches. If North Dakota State suddenly decided to invest in its volleyball program and throw millions of dollars towards salaries, recruiting, camps etc, do you really think an elite coach, if given the choice between North Dakota State and, say, Penn State would choose North Dakota State just because the money is better?

In terms of alumni support and fan bases there really are only two elite programs in our sport, Nebraska and Hawaii (Texas is not top 4)

In terms of funding of the volleyball program there are many more programs that are elite including the upper echelon of the Pac-10, Big 10, and Big 12, Florida, Hawaii

In terms of long term reputation and consistent winning tradition there really are only two elite programs in our sport, Stanford and Nebraska (Texas is not top 4)

IMO there are 7 programs both traditionally and presently that have elements that set themselves apart from other schools for elite coaches. These are (in no particular order)
Stanford
Nebraska
Penn State
Hawaii
USC
UCLA
Florida

I hope he doesn't leave. I know he's been disappointed this year, but the future looks pretty bright. the inability to snag the true blue-chippers (the last being Morrison) may be changing with Krista Vasant (national sophomore of the year, and a cali girl) committing first and foremost to UW.

J-Mac still has a lot going for him at UW....he's been THE reason from literally taking a Pac-10 cellar dweller program into a national championship and consistent top 10 team. The money is just fine for him and the fan support (at least in terms of attendance) is the best between Hawaii and Nebraska. Unlike the past couple of seasons, the next few years he is going to have some true blue-chip chips to train.

With that said, I think UCLA will gun for him hard.

One thing I think UCLA will definitely consider in their decision is the longevity of the coach. We are talking about a program that has really only known one coach for the past four decades....I think they will look for someone to build another potential four decade era. IMO a 10 year coach just won't be enough....they want someone that will commit and commit for life.

The above statement should be disregarded.