Kevin O'Neill's Job Status: Frequently Asked Questions
by Joey Kaufman on Mar 17, 2011 11:20 PM PDT
in USC Basketball
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Our very own Kevin O'Neill has headed the USC basketball program for the past two seasons, compiling a 34-29 mark - a relatively impressive accomplishment considering all the player turnover in the aftermath of Tim Floyd's resignation. In spite of the team's appearance in the NCAA tournament on Wednesday, however, several internet reports have suggested that O'Neill's days at USC might be numbered. Yea, the suspension probably didn't help. So what's going to happen now?
Is Kevin O'Neill on the hot seat?
Yes. Any time a coach, particularly under the Max Nikias/Pat Haden administration, gets in any sort of altercation at a hotel bar, there are going to be ramifications. Add the fact that he wasn't hired by Haden in the first place and there are going to be at least some issues with "behavior and conduct." As some have said on this blog, the new motto is: "Don't embarrass the university." That's certainly part of the equation in this instance.
So what's the timeline for 'K.O.' to meet expectations then?
Year three needs to pay dividends.
Will there even be a year three?
It's looking that way. Despite initial reports from PointGuardU.com, an Arizona basketball website, that said O'Neill was going to be fired before USC's game against Virginia Commonwealth, it appears as if he still has a job for now. Sports by Brooks suggested early Thursday that talks of 'SC firing O'Neill have subsided.
USC source very close to the hoops program told me - after VCU - to not expect O'Neill to be fired immediately. All I got at the moment, but seems that some people think that might happen. Never know, but not what I'm hearing at the moment.
If Haden was going to fire O'Neill as a result of 'Hotelgate,' wouldn't that have occurred before the VCU game? At least from my estimation, it would seem to be a more likely development. In the meanwhile, Haden has said O'Neill "has my support," according to the Daily News.
If O'Neill stays, what does he need to do to keep his job?
First and foremost, keep a low profile. Despite their entertainment value, the "I work hard, I play hard" quotes probably shouldn't be repeated. It might be also best to avoid bars other than The Lab. But 20 wins, an NCAA tournament appearance and a top three finish in the conference are probably all minimum requirements.
What would happen if he's fired now?
Haden would probably try and snag someone like Saint Mary's Randy Bennett or Reggie Theus. Anyone with more name cache than Bennett is probably a longshot at this point, so don't start muttering Jamie Dixon or even Sean Miller. In terms of players, Nikola Vucevic might be more inclined to depart for the NBA if O'Neill leaves, and some of the Trojans' five signees, Greg Allen, James Blasczyk, DeWayne Dedmon, Alex Moore and Byron Wesley, might attempt to get out of their letters of intent, as well. Considering the number of players that left with Floyd two years ago, another coaching change could present similar problems in 2011.
What happens in the end?
O'Neill probably gets one more shot, as 2011-2012 officially becomes a make or break season.
If he leaves, will you miss him?
Maybe, maybe not. Admittedly, though, the glasses are fantastic.
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The PLayer probably Stays
The reason he stays is that his recruiting class in in the top 25 and we don’t need another mass exodus, so Pat will look around and have someone lined up when the player blows up. Or Pat is looking for coaches as we speak at the ncaa tournament final four resume convention, he will have to fine a coach then call recruits and inform them to see how they react. But I don’t feel the Player recruited any of the players, as G. Arnold probably did that. I Just can’t see the player actually taking his f-ing Canadian Drunken Self out there and talking to recruits and parents, I mean how does he find time.
BOOM_BOOM that was the sound of the DUCKs being shot down again in a BCS Bowl Game---I guess all that Slave Money can't buy a championship.
oH and Flush the sound Our Basketball Program is going down the drain, anybody got some liquid Plumber.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 18, 2011 1:51 AM PDT reply actions
The recruiting class is enrolling at USC not UKO
If PH were to fire KO it would only be to bring in a BETTER coach. It’s also unthinkable that PH would pull a Mike Garrett and let them out of their LOI’s. This morning I’m damned impressed with Sydney Johnson, a guy that took a bunch of nerdy nobodies and almost had Calamari for supper. Johnson would be AWESOME, no no he’s PERFECT, and he has USC written all over him.
PH needs to move fast or some other smart AD is going to scoop him up!
NICE ARTICLE
"The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything." - Joseph Stalin
U feeling Loco?
Great post, Joey
As an aside, you have really polished your journalistic talent over the last year or two. I mean that as a compliment, in case it sounds awkward.
KO is obviously staying. But, the fan base appears divided on the issue. Has there ever been more animosity for a USC hoops coach AFTER his team made the NCAA tourney? Not that I recall. What is it about KO that evokes such a strong reaction?
I think a poll is in order to acquire more data as we further evaluate the issue!
A Quick Note for the Quitters
No comment from this thread will be deleted. You will have to own them when we get it turned around and beat Southern Cal. You will never ride the bandwagon when we come back. Not on BN. GO BRUINS.
by Nestor on Sep 4, 2010 9:24 PM CDT
I'll give you this Tex
The anti-KO rage and rants over at WeAreSC and USCFootball.com are indeed over the top.
I understand completely why you’re more than a little touchy on this subject.
Also, I agree wholeheartedly with you about Joey. Well done young Jedi!
"The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything." - Joseph Stalin
U feeling Loco?
Touchy?
sorry if it comes across that way. just enjoying some spirited debate. it’s fun to have something to blog about during the offseason, and much better than actually working. which is what I should be doing!
A Quick Note for the Quitters
No comment from this thread will be deleted. You will have to own them when we get it turned around and beat Southern Cal. You will never ride the bandwagon when we come back. Not on BN. GO BRUINS.
by Nestor on Sep 4, 2010 9:24 PM CDT
Heh, ditto...
"The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything." - Joseph Stalin
U feeling Loco?
Oh, and...
You and so.cal. going at is was awesome!
"The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything." - Joseph Stalin
U feeling Loco?
agreed.
I think the Mad Scientist suffers from not being Tim Floyd.
At USC we're not snobs, we're just better than you.
funny you're right he just needs a white lab coat
by trojanarchitect on Mar 18, 2011 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions
"The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything." - Joseph Stalin
U feeling Loco?
Loco in action..... great source of images there!!!
How did you find KO so quickly!
by trojanarchitect on Mar 18, 2011 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions
He's no match for Super Chicken and his sidekick Fred!
"The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything." - Joseph Stalin
U feeling Loco?
Appreciate the sentiments
One of the things that has always impressed me about this site is our ability to stay level-headed, relative to being fans. Remember the NCAA, COI bashing in June? Well, that’s pretty mainstream now.
Generally, the perceived “crazy talk” hasn’t been, well, all that crazy. I think we understand K.O. isn’t a top flight coach. After so many years in the business, you are what you are. But it’s about circumstances, and given the mess he inherited, it’s more than fair to give O’Neill a chance to try to better the program.
It comes down to this:
Is Kevin O’Neill the guy to make USC basketball “elite?”
The answer is likely no. The goal is to put a coach in place who can further that mission. But would firing him now advance that? Especially when you consider the effect it would have on player turnover with two coaching changes in a span of two years in addition to sanctions.
The fire K.O., hire Jamie Dixon talk you see on the message boards is incredibly infantile, and fortunately, we seem to be avoiding.
Thanks guys.
by Joey Kaufman on Mar 18, 2011 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions
KO is what he is great defensive coach, but thats where it stops and he will probably be around unless he steps on his ----.
I don’t feel Pat will replace him unless the uni opens up to a top flight coach, that is if one wants to come here. So next year we will still have a 5-6 man rotation even if we have 10 great players and at least one will leave.
BOOM_BOOM that was the sound of the DUCKs being shot down again in a BCS Bowl Game---I guess all that Slave Money can't buy a championship.
oH and Flush the sound Our Basketball Program is going down the drain, anybody got some liquid Plumber.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 18, 2011 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions
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