Billy Liucci and several others sources have reported that Jeff Van Gundy is in the conversation for the head coaching vacancy at Texas A&M. Rockets related because JVG is awesome. http://twitter.com/#!/billyliucci
Sounds like a diluted Aggie pipe dream. Like when fans wanted Cowher (lol). But if JVG goes to College Station I'm re-enrolling ASAP. Get my masters or a second bachelors, who cares. Shoot, I'd go get in my best shape and try to walk-on.
I can't decide if he'd be good/capable at recruiting or not, beyond the name, but otherwise I think he'd be a great college coach. Ultimately, though, I don't see why he would do it. He's not going to win a championship at A&M (sorry, but most likely true). It's a grind - maybe not quite as much as the NBA, but nearly. He's got a cushy job now. He can probably wait out a decent sounding NBA job, which will pay more, when the time is right. It'd be fun to watch as a sports fan, though.
If true, I applaud him for trying at least. That's all you can ask of your AD. The Texans wont even bother pursuing certain guys, it gets frustrating. Make a phone call at least... JVG would make a great college basketball coach. He'd be the best coach in the NCAA immediately. Charlie Ward would come along, do a little football & basketball. Work with the point guards AND quarterbacks. That's just too cool!
I have no doubt JVG can coach, but there is no way he is kissing AAU coach and spoiled 16 year old butts.
The thing I don't get is why Byrne even thought to contact JVG. Did JVG's friend's friend's friend say that JVG was interested or something. This whole thing is just weird, and as an Aggie, it feels like we are the butt of yet another Aggie joke in this whole thing. Byrne just looks dumb being rejected by JVG so why even take that risk? Who is next? I hear Phil Jackson is available.
That will be Charlie Ward's problem. Other top athletes will come to play for an NBA coach, that'll be a big enough draw to land a 5 star every 3 years at minimum.
Who cares if he looks dumb? The man is trying. He just gained major points in my book. The best part is, even if its just a 1 year "lets see what happens" type thing for Van Gundy, it'll keep our program afloat. Turgeon left this thing at the worst possible time.
Not that this rumor has any ounce or shred of credibility, but I don't think he would have to relocate. He already lives in Houston, it's only an hour and a half drive.
This rumor has already been confirmed according Brent Zwerneman or whatever. All the rumor is, is that JVG was contacted by A&M, and apparently JVG has confirmed he was contacted. Doesn't mean he has any interest in it whatsoever.
I believe he also said that he really didn't have any interest in coaching in college......in an interview months ago.
