billyliucci Billy Liucci Things seem to be moving very quickly on the A&M coaching front ... Buzz Williams the target.
And here comes the buzzkill: billyliucci Billy Liucci Going to be hard to get there financially, as Williams is making significantly more than the reported 2.2M at Marquette.
Yep ... that is not good news. Given that Coach Sherman makes only $2M, I don't think we are going to get there with Buzz unfortunately. Wonder how much they are actually paying him. Can't believe the deals some coaches are getting that still have lots to prove. The fact that Liucci knows this means A&M and Buzz are talking to see if they can make it happen. At least we certainly know that Buzz is interested in the job if we can make it work. If he wasn't, he would've just squashed the rumor this morning as he has to know he is not going to squeeze any more money out of Marquette.
I understand there isn't really a candidate worth paying big bucks to out there right now, but I hope TAMU is resigned in not putting up the big money to get an established coach. If we're going to reach the next level we have to spend eventually. Turgeon wasn't the right guy. So fair enough. They did step up to the plate for BCG right? At least they did that...
Latest Tweet from Liucci ... "Confirmed from multiple sources that Buzz Williams is definitely the target for Texas A&M." This is coming after the knowledge of the buyout and his current expensive contract. Very promising sign that we are willing to try and pay up. We have to do this to prove we are serious about building a true Top 25 basketball PROGRAM and not just a high-major stepping stone.
billyliucci Billy Liucci Hate to be a Buzz-kill but, as noted yesterday and again today, price tag is VERY steep. A&M likely to pay new hire $1.8-$2M but we'll see. What that means is that Ags crunched numbers and the sides are probably going to fall too far apart unless Buzz wants back in TX that badly
That's what I was afraid of ... Buzz wants to come, but we just aren't willing to pony up the money it would take to get it done. I knew I shouldn't have got my hopes up. If we end up with Doc Sadler, I am going to be livid.
Well....=/ BrentZwerneman Brent Zwerneman A&M's next basketball coach will not be Buzz Williams, verified. He's making too much at Marquette. Search continues. #mysa #houstonchron
John Lucas wont coach college ball? That's where he belongs. I need a splash man. This is a big hire. The program is hanging in the balance.
Lol ... Well now that it is know that he makes 2.5M and it escalates to 4M ... He was willing to come to A&M but we wouldnt/couldnt pay. Your premise that he wouldnt come to A&M was just wrong. And yes ... Now we are in deep trouble
BrentZwerneman Brent Zwerneman With Buzz off the table, Tad Boyle is likely moving to the forefront, coaching contact says. If so, A&M fans will love him in a hurry. #mysa The prob with Boyle: The native Coloradan might simply earn a hefty raise from CU from Ags' interest. He apparently makes around 800K. #mysa Contact: Boyle a favorite of peers (on HS coaching recruiting front too) -- straight shooter and great guy - who treats kids w/respect #mysa
Zwerneman: If A&M is interested in Boyle, I suspect it merely winds up a pay bump back home in Colorado. Much like last yr. with Turge and Oregon #mysa
I'd be pretty upset if I was an Aggies fan. You have a chance to get a good coach, you pay him the money. Otherwise you're just admitting to being second tier.
Yup. It sucks. The timing also sucks. The carousel had already come to a stop... I'd like to think we'd put up some money for a bigger name. But the pickings are slim now.
So I guess there are rumors on Twitter that Buzz is actually still back in play and apparently Liucci said that was the case on the radio this afternoon (did not hear it myself). Seems like Byrne basically said we can't afford him on the budget he has been allotted, but maybe there are some things going on behind the scenes at higher levels to see if they can't get a better offer for Buzz. The going rate for a good coach is what it is. Buzz could end this real quick by saying he is not interested and that has not happened. Buzz really wants to come back to Texas, but we are going to have to be willing to pay the man. I think if A&M can somehow gather up enough cash to get him, they are going to try everything they can. That said, with the financial hole that the athletic department got itself in, I think that is unlikely. And FWIW: Liucci still thinks it is unlikely, but Buzz has a Public Speaking event tonight in Chicago so it will be interesting to hear what he says when he gets questioned about A&M. It's either going to be an "I'm not interested in any job other than Marquette" or "I don't plan on addressing rumors" which would be better!
BrentZwerneman Brent Zwerneman The latest: No Buzz - makes too much at Marquette - and Boyle in process of getting raise from CU based on Ags' interest #mysa #houstonchron BrentZwerneman Brent Zwerneman And cross Gregg Marshall off the list. Doc Sadler anyone? #mysa #houstonchron
