It mostly goes back to his Clemson days. His teams were physical, which I appreciated, but also routinely seemed to cross the line from being physical to just taking cheap shots. They were certainly taking their cues from him. He's mellowed a bit and I think gotten better at coaching physicality with restraint. At least that's been my perception of his Tennessee teams the few times I have watched them.
Ego can be a powerful thing. Maybe he's always wanted one of the marquee jobs in the sport, I don't know. Most of his career has been in the shadow of the football team. He's old enough that he doesn't have to worry about the next job if the wolves are out in four or five years because he hasn't made a Final Four. The PAC 12 is really weak right now, and the SEC IMis strong and getting stronger. Heck, as I type this out I'm starting to see the benefits of making the move ...
Man, he flipped it on them. Ouch. UCLA is just firing blanks right now. I go hard after Beard and Pearl, offer them both 5/30m and see which ones turns it down. If that fails, hire Walton once the Lakers fire him. Watson as his second in command.
Sounds to me like it was a negotiating ploy by his agent for more cash (and smartly so). UCLA is like the IU job of the west coast. Fans still think they're a blue blood, and they have unrealistic expectations. That's not to say they can't be, but right now? Ehhhhh........
I really think they go hard after Beard Does he take it, I think yes just cause it’s UCLA and he is working his way up. But who knows Texas tech has a great identity now and seems to be moving toward being a solid program for years to come
Coaches aren’t stupid. 5 million/year in LA is not a raise over 3 million/year in Knoxville. If you’re having success at the highest level,why would you leave your job unless it’s for more money? UCLA is likely going to have to find a woefully underpaid high major coach or just go the mid major route. Sent from my iPhone using Butler Hoops mobile app
No chance. Ohio State is a better job even without the incumbency factor. Sent from my iPhone using Butler Hoops mobile app
And Texas Tech has tons of money, plus living there is leaps and bounds less expensive than LA. It's a matter of prestige and ego I would guess (which he seems to have none when it comes to ego). TT can probably come close to matching if not matching UCLA. Saying that, if he wants to take that next step and try to reestablish UCLA as a national power, here's his shot, and I do think they push hard for he or Pearl. The Cronin talk has resurfaced as well.
For what it's worth, when Bruce was at Southern Indiana, he used to say he had two dream jobs. One was IU and the other was UCLA.
He also sold some ice to Eskimos, cars to the Amish, righty scissors to lefties, and convinced Kyrie Irving that the world is flat...
lol was just trying to find the most crazy things off the top of my head yes i know that one he didn't do lol
Just messing with you. Bruce is so likeable when you know him, but it's undeniable that he's got some straw hat, plaid jacket salesmanship to him.
