Can't believe nobody has brought this up. Any thoughts?

I hope Wayne keeps going for at least 5 more years! (Current contract plus extension)

Go Owls.

I'm surprised he even wants those years, given how badly we've undermined him with the conference fiasco.

I am convinced that Graham is one of the all-time three or four best coaches and that he should stay in the job as long as he wants to. I am also convinced that the deterioration of the conference situation has been slowly but surely chipping away at our baseball excellence.

When I questioned the OG staying in the job earlier this year, it had nothing to do with his age. I just feel that everyone in every job should be held to the standards set for performance, whether that person is responsible for those standards being there or not. I was under the impression that Graham and co. were not doing their jobs as well as before; now I simply think that the changing NCAA landscape and our conference slide are predominantly responsible for us not getting all of the recruits that we used to get.

So yeah, let the OG stay on as long as he wants to or can. I'm a little surprised that he wants to keep at it given our mounting difficulties, but he may believe that he has one last rabbit to pull out of the hat, so I say let him try.

I saw the video on Fox 26 Twitter account, and he had a pretty big grin on his face. My impression was that he was pulling Mark Berman's chain a little bit.

And also, I read and heard some of things that LSU fans were saying about Graham during the regional. Unbelievable. Nothing derogatory that's been stated or insinuated on this board even comes close.

But I should have expected as much. It's LSU.

(06-09-2016 02:00 PM)Wiessman Wrote:  And also, I read and heard some of things that LSU fans were saying about Graham during the regional. Unbelievable. Nothing derogatory that's been stated or insinuated on this board even comes close.

But I should have expected as much. It's LSU.

Although in general I am opposed to a "head coach in waiting "( like Muschamp),
it might be good idea to land the new (quality) guy while the OG is still on board. Obviously the recruits we have coming don't want him to pull out before their time on campus, but , on the other hand, it has been mentioned repeatedly that his age(and presumed imminent departure) are being used against us recruiting-wise. Although a tricky path to negotiate, may be a way to deal w both issues

(06-09-2016 02:39 PM)HawaiiOwl Wrote:  

(06-09-2016 02:00 PM)Wiessman Wrote:  And also, I read and heard some of things that LSU fans were saying about Graham during the regional. Unbelievable. Nothing derogatory that's been stated or insinuated on this board even comes close.

But I should have expected as much. It's LSU.

Although in general I am opposed to a "head coach in waiting "( like Muschamp),
it might be good idea to land the new (quality) guy while the OG is still on board. Obviously the recruits we have coming don't want him to pull out before their time on campus, but , on the other hand, it has been mentioned repeatedly that his age(and presumed imminent departure) are being used against us recruiting-wise. Although a tricky path to negotiate, may be a way to deal w both issues

Agreed. I think we don't have as much experience amongst our three asst coaches as in our heyday - the losses of Pierce and Taylor have hurt. I think that area, along with figuring out how to get on an even playing field (recruiting-wise) with the academic powers / private schools that also succeed in baseball (UVa, Vandy, etc.) is imperative in order to get back to being a serious Omaha contender. I still don't understand how they are able to land much better classes than we do (at least from a scholarship/financial aid perspective) - especially considering that Vandy is an expensive private school like Rice, and since UVa draws a fair portion of its roster from outside of Virginia.

Improving basketball and football are big goals, but the Rice baseball team is, and will likely continue to be for a while, the standard bearer for the Rice athletic brand. It has to be a top priority for the athletic department to get the team back in the Omaha picture on a consistent basis and get that national level exposure that only comes with making the CWS.

(06-09-2016 02:39 PM)HawaiiOwl Wrote:  

(06-09-2016 02:00 PM)Wiessman Wrote:  And also, I read and heard some of things that LSU fans were saying about Graham during the regional. Unbelievable. Nothing derogatory that's been stated or insinuated on this board even comes close.

But I should have expected as much. It's LSU.

Although in general I am opposed to a "head coach in waiting "( like Muschamp),
it might be good idea to land the new (quality) guy while the OG is still on board. Obviously the recruits we have coming don't want him to pull out before their time on campus, but , on the other hand, it has been mentioned repeatedly that his age(and presumed imminent departure) are being used against us recruiting-wise. Although a tricky path to negotiate, may be a way to deal w both issues

Bring in a quality coach when Graham decides to retire and it'll sort itself out. We should be more focused on upgrading the facilities, expanding financial resources for the current coach.

Are there examples of "chief in waiting" in sports or business that worked out? I don't mean that facetiously - curious.

David Pierce, can't imagine he'd want to be second fiddle as opposed to building his own program and reputation: D Pierce's contract negotiation

(06-09-2016 01:47 PM)Wiessman Wrote:  I am convinced that Graham is one of the all-time three or four best coaches and that he should stay in the job as long as he wants to. I am also convinced that the deterioration of the conference situation has been slowly but surely chipping away at our baseball excellence.
...
So yeah, let the OG stay on as long as he wants to or can.

I agree with this. It is impossible to judge the ability of the assistant coaches, though some folks around here have griped about them. But I think there are a lot of factors that have lead to Rice's recent transition from one of the absolute elite programs in the country to "just" an excellent program over the last 5 years. However, I don't think Coach Graham is one of those factors.

(06-09-2016 01:47 PM)Wiessman Wrote:  I'm surprised he even wants those years, given how badly we've undermined him with the conference fiasco.

I am convinced that Graham is one of the all-time three or four best coaches and that he should stay in the job as long as he wants to. I am also convinced that the deterioration of the conference situation has been slowly but surely chipping away at our baseball excellence.

When I questioned the OG staying in the job earlier this year, it had nothing to do with his age. I just feel that everyone in every job should be held to the standards set for performance, whether that person is responsible for those standards being there or not. I was under the impression that Graham and co. were not doing their jobs as well as before; now I simply think that the changing NCAA landscape and our conference slide are predominantly responsible for us not getting all of the recruits that we used to get.

So yeah, let the OG stay on as long as he wants to or can. I'm a little surprised that he wants to keep at it given our mounting difficulties, but he may believe that he has one last rabbit to pull out of the hat, so I say let him try.

I think he wants to stick around long enough to enjoy baby Cruz.

As far as I'm concerned, Wayne has earned the right to do whatever he wants. We should probably start thinking about what it would take to have him, AND his heir on the staff at the same time for a year or more... but the timing of that change would be imo at his discretion. Of course, JK and BT could have discussions with him and/or some sort of 'emeritus' status... but we aren't there yet.

(06-09-2016 03:20 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(06-09-2016 01:47 PM)Wiessman Wrote:  I'm surprised he even wants those years, given how badly we've undermined him with the conference fiasco.

I am convinced that Graham is one of the all-time three or four best coaches and that he should stay in the job as long as he wants to. I am also convinced that the deterioration of the conference situation has been slowly but surely chipping away at our baseball excellence.

When I questioned the OG staying in the job earlier this year, it had nothing to do with his age. I just feel that everyone in every job should be held to the standards set for performance, whether that person is responsible for those standards being there or not. I was under the impression that Graham and co. were not doing their jobs as well as before; now I simply think that the changing NCAA landscape and our conference slide are predominantly responsible for us not getting all of the recruits that we used to get.

So yeah, let the OG stay on as long as he wants to or can. I'm a little surprised that he wants to keep at it given our mounting difficulties, but he may believe that he has one last rabbit to pull out of the hat, so I say let him try.

I think he wants to stick around long enough to enjoy baby Cruz.

Ad I suspect Cruz ( as well as other recruits) is expecting him to do so, which is why having him and a named successor might work

(06-09-2016 04:05 PM)HawaiiOwl Wrote:  

(06-09-2016 03:20 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(06-09-2016 01:47 PM)Wiessman Wrote:  I'm surprised he even wants those years, given how badly we've undermined him with the conference fiasco.

I am convinced that Graham is one of the all-time three or four best coaches and that he should stay in the job as long as he wants to. I am also convinced that the deterioration of the conference situation has been slowly but surely chipping away at our baseball excellence.

When I questioned the OG staying in the job earlier this year, it had nothing to do with his age. I just feel that everyone in every job should be held to the standards set for performance, whether that person is responsible for those standards being there or not. I was under the impression that Graham and co. were not doing their jobs as well as before; now I simply think that the changing NCAA landscape and our conference slide are predominantly responsible for us not getting all of the recruits that we used to get.

So yeah, let the OG stay on as long as he wants to or can. I'm a little surprised that he wants to keep at it given our mounting difficulties, but he may believe that he has one last rabbit to pull out of the hat, so I say let him try.

I think he wants to stick around long enough to enjoy baby Cruz.

Ad I suspect Cruz ( as well as other recruits) is expecting him to do so, which is why having him and a named successor might work

I'd agree with the approach, but he problem is that the Rice baseball job is prominent enough to command a quality head coach coming over...and there's no way a current head coach is going to accept an "Assistant Head Coach" position for 2 years, even if he's guaranteed to be the heir apparent. For example, while Pierce might be the ideal candidate, I don't think there is any way he'd come here to play second banana for two year; not after achieving success and national recognition as a Head Coach at SHS and now Tulane. Yes, there are a number of elite level assistant coaches who might consider the jump, but I'm not sure that's the path we want to go. Also, to attract such a highly regarded coach would cost head coach money, and I don't think we have the budget to absorb both Wayne's salary as well as that of another head coach.

(06-09-2016 04:14 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  I'd agree with the approach, but he problem is that the Rice baseball job is prominent enough to command a quality head coach coming over...and there's no way a current head coach is going to accept an "Assistant Head Coach" position for 2 years, even if he's guaranteed to be the heir apparent. For example, while Pierce might be the ideal candidate, I don't think there is any way he'd come here to play second banana for two year; not after achieving success and national recognition as a Head Coach at SHS and now Tulane. Yes, there are a number of elite level assistant coaches who might consider the jump, but I'm not sure that's the path we want to go. Also, to attract such a highly regarded coach would cost head coach money, and I don't think we have the budget to absorb both Wayne's salary as well as that of another head coach.

Agreed, but (and just picking a few local names) if Berkman or Pettit were serious about being coaches or even Cruz, THEY might fit in that description, and if they don't pan out/develop, you can STILL try and hire Pierce (or his ilk).

(06-09-2016 04:14 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(06-09-2016 04:05 PM)HawaiiOwl Wrote:  

(06-09-2016 03:20 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(06-09-2016 01:47 PM)Wiessman Wrote:  I'm surprised he even wants those years, given how badly we've undermined him with the conference fiasco.

I am convinced that Graham is one of the all-time three or four best coaches and that he should stay in the job as long as he wants to. I am also convinced that the deterioration of the conference situation has been slowly but surely chipping away at our baseball excellence.

When I questioned the OG staying in the job earlier this year, it had nothing to do with his age. I just feel that everyone in every job should be held to the standards set for performance, whether that person is responsible for those standards being there or not. I was under the impression that Graham and co. were not doing their jobs as well as before; now I simply think that the changing NCAA landscape and our conference slide are predominantly responsible for us not getting all of the recruits that we used to get.

So yeah, let the OG stay on as long as he wants to or can. I'm a little surprised that he wants to keep at it given our mounting difficulties, but he may believe that he has one last rabbit to pull out of the hat, so I say let him try.

I think he wants to stick around long enough to enjoy baby Cruz.

Ad I suspect Cruz ( as well as other recruits) is expecting him to do so, which is why having him and a named successor might work

I'd agree with the approach, but he problem is that the Rice baseball job is prominent enough to command a quality head coach coming over...and there's no way a current head coach is going to accept an "Assistant Head Coach" position for 2 years, even if he's guaranteed to be the heir apparent. For example, while Pierce might be the ideal candidate, I don't think there is any way he'd come here to play second banana for two year; not after achieving success and national recognition as a Head Coach at SHS and now Tulane. Yes, there are a number of elite level assistant coaches who might consider the jump, but I'm not sure that's the path we want to go. Also, to attract such a highly regarded coach would cost head coach money, and I don't think we have the budget to absorb both Wayne's salary as well as that of another head coach.

I concur, thyough the initial salary would not have to be head coach, just clearly better than a normal asst( unless he got an immediate HC offer somewhere else) and wonder what pot we will be choosing from. How many G5 conference coaches have the resume(including ability to recruit Texas, at a minimum) to hire vs a P5 coach at a less established program ? UT could likely choose from all but a handful of programs, but even w the great job the OG has done , wonder where the outside world views us??

(06-09-2016 04:28 PM)HawaiiOwl Wrote:  

(06-09-2016 04:14 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(06-09-2016 04:05 PM)HawaiiOwl Wrote:  

(06-09-2016 03:20 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(06-09-2016 01:47 PM)Wiessman Wrote:  I'm surprised he even wants those years, given how badly we've undermined him with the conference fiasco.

I am convinced that Graham is one of the all-time three or four best coaches and that he should stay in the job as long as he wants to. I am also convinced that the deterioration of the conference situation has been slowly but surely chipping away at our baseball excellence.

When I questioned the OG staying in the job earlier this year, it had nothing to do with his age. I just feel that everyone in every job should be held to the standards set for performance, whether that person is responsible for those standards being there or not. I was under the impression that Graham and co. were not doing their jobs as well as before; now I simply think that the changing NCAA landscape and our conference slide are predominantly responsible for us not getting all of the recruits that we used to get.

So yeah, let the OG stay on as long as he wants to or can. I'm a little surprised that he wants to keep at it given our mounting difficulties, but he may believe that he has one last rabbit to pull out of the hat, so I say let him try.

I think he wants to stick around long enough to enjoy baby Cruz.

Ad I suspect Cruz ( as well as other recruits) is expecting him to do so, which is why having him and a named successor might work

I'd agree with the approach, but he problem is that the Rice baseball job is prominent enough to command a quality head coach coming over...and there's no way a current head coach is going to accept an "Assistant Head Coach" position for 2 years, even if he's guaranteed to be the heir apparent. For example, while Pierce might be the ideal candidate, I don't think there is any way he'd come here to play second banana for two year; not after achieving success and national recognition as a Head Coach at SHS and now Tulane. Yes, there are a number of elite level assistant coaches who might consider the jump, but I'm not sure that's the path we want to go. Also, to attract such a highly regarded coach would cost head coach money, and I don't think we have the budget to absorb both Wayne's salary as well as that of another head coach.

I concur, thyough the initial salary would not have to be head coach, just clearly better than a normal asst( unless he got an immediate HC offer somewhere else) and wonder what pot we will be choosing from. How many G5 conference coaches have the resume(including ability to recruit Texas, at a minimum) to hire vs a P5 coach at a less established program ? UT could likely choose from all but a handful of programs, but even w the great job the OG has done , wonder where the outside world views us??

I think it's still a Top 25 coaching job, what with the Houston recruiting pool and the approved $7MM enhancements to Reckling over the next 2 - 3 years.

(06-09-2016 01:52 PM)Baconator Wrote:  I saw the video on Fox 26 Twitter account, and he had a pretty big grin on his face. My impression was that he was pulling Mark Berman's chain a little bit.

I hope this is the case. When I first read the tweet, I was stunned. No way can I see JK giving Wayne a 3 year extension. My hope is that Wayne is close to making his retirement plans known - be it coaching one more year or another two at the most (to finish out his contract).

I think it's time for new blood. Every year we get a bit weaker. We can't let this go on much longer. Wayne has been great for Rice and its baseball program. But he didn't do it alone. A lot of people have given lots of money to this program to aid in its growth, from the Recklings, to the RBI club members, to the people who paid for the upcoming renovations, to guys like Walt (who I saw donate $500k a couple years back). We've also had some good assistant coaches who have helped a lot. Sure Wayne has been the linchpin to it all for a long time now. But I disagree with those who say he should be allowed to run the program as long as he wants.

If Wayne commits to one more year, I'll stay loyal and buy season tickets again. If he wants two more years, I'm going to think long and hard about whether I want to still financially support the program. I think I may decide to wait for the new regime - whenever that comes.

Bash me if you want. But know that I'm not alone in these beliefs. And also realize that attendance and the overall energy in Reckling Park has continued to fall off, in conjunction with the team's year-to-year performance. I believe it will continue to do so until this program gets re-energized. I don't think that will happen anytime soon if Wayne plans to coach for several more years.

What are the approved enhancements to Reckling? I must have missed those

(06-09-2016 05:37 PM)wheredidmypantsgo Wrote:  What are the approved enhancements to Reckling? I must have missed those

Couple details here

http://www.riceowls.com/sports/m-basebl/...16aac.html

(06-09-2016 05:42 PM)westsidewolf1989 Wrote:  

(06-09-2016 05:37 PM)wheredidmypantsgo Wrote:  What are the approved enhancements to Reckling? I must have missed those

Couple details here

http://www.riceowls.com/sports/m-basebl/...16aac.html

Also, the new scoreboard, the "museum", moving The Roost to the RF picnic area and adding more luxury boxes with extended seating down the LF and RF lines.