The unofficial online home for fans of the Old Dominion University Monarchs. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

(05-13-2022 09:40 AM)EverRespect Wrote:  

(05-13-2022 09:28 AM)ODUCoach Wrote:  

(05-13-2022 09:14 AM)EverRespect Wrote:  And from Blaine's angle... couldn't he do this job pretty much anywhere out West? Why come back to Norfolk where it all fell apart for him?

His daughters and grandchildren are all out here. And, perhaps his perspective is different...maybe this isn't where "it all fell apart for him," but rather, this might be the place that saved his life.

As someone with multiple family members in recovery, they (the AA and therapy establishment) definitely want you away from people, places, and relationships that you were surrounded by when you were in trouble as much as possible. His perspective could certainly be different and he is certainly far enough along in his recovery, assuming he hasn't relapsed, to know himself enough to have his own healthy perspective. I just highly doubt it is advisable.

Didn't know about his daughters and grandchildren. That would certainly be an major factor.

I'd still be surprised if he doesn't really want to get back into coaching, whether it has a chance of happening or not.

Come on brother, do some research. This job is perfect for Blaine. Plus,most of his family is here, he will do a great job.

Read this article. https://www.pilotonline.com/sports/colle...story.html

(05-13-2022 09:28 AM)ODUCoach Wrote:  

(05-13-2022 09:14 AM)EverRespect Wrote:  And from Blaine's angle... couldn't he do this job pretty much anywhere out West? Why come back to Norfolk where it all fell apart for him?

His daughters and grandchildren are all out here. And, perhaps his perspective is different...maybe this isn't where "it all fell apart for him," but rather, this might be the place that saved his life.

Coach, thanks so much for this enlightened response.

(05-13-2022 09:54 AM)ShenValleyMonarch12 Wrote:  Coaches over a certain age are beginning to run away from HC jobs as fast as they can. The new NCAA has become a young man's game.

I appreciate what Blaine has done, but when our 60+ year old coach decides to run....count me in as not being interested in replacing him with another 60+ year old.

No offense to Monarch Nation over 60.

No offense taken at all, ShenValley. Speaking only for myself, turning 60 really did make a difference.

During my life journey, I used to think that I would be bothered each time that I approached a new decade in life. But 30, 40 and 50 turned out to be completely meaningless. Which is why I was surprised by how bothered I was upon crossing the 60 threshold.

It might be because it just happened to coincide with the needlessly destructive COVID lockdowns. Or it may be a function of our three kids finally all at pretty much the same time starting up lives fully independent from us. But for whatever reason, my perspective on what comes next in my live changed in a noticeable way when I turned 60.

Now, to be clear, my life path is very different than that that of Blaine Taylor, and he may very well have fresh ambitions that I now lack. But I’d be surprised if this latest role is anything more than exactly how it is being portrayed.

Could end up being the perfect setup for Drew's first HC gig. You never know. Though I will add, All Conjecture, No Basis.

(05-14-2022 05:40 AM)mac Wrote:  

(05-13-2022 09:40 AM)EverRespect Wrote:  

(05-13-2022 09:28 AM)ODUCoach Wrote:  

(05-13-2022 09:14 AM)EverRespect Wrote:  And from Blaine's angle... couldn't he do this job pretty much anywhere out West? Why come back to Norfolk where it all fell apart for him?

His daughters and grandchildren are all out here. And, perhaps his perspective is different...maybe this isn't where "it all fell apart for him," but rather, this might be the place that saved his life.

As someone with multiple family members in recovery, they (the AA and therapy establishment) definitely want you away from people, places, and relationships that you were surrounded by when you were in trouble as much as possible. His perspective could certainly be different and he is certainly far enough along in his recovery, assuming he hasn't relapsed, to know himself enough to have his own healthy perspective. I just highly doubt it is advisable.

Didn't know about his daughters and grandchildren. That would certainly be an major factor.

I'd still be surprised if he doesn't really want to get back into coaching, whether it has a chance of happening or not.

Come on brother, do some research. This job is perfect for Blaine. Plus,most of his family is here, he will do a great job.

Read this article. https://www.pilotonline.com/sports/colle...story.html

I can't read the story as it is behind a paywall. I've also reached the point over the last 10 years where I just don't believe anything coming out of the news. Not saying it is right or wrong, could be either... just take it with a grain of salt. While I don't know what is in the story, if he says he is done coaching I'll take him at his word. However, you just never know once the hypothetical becomes a potential reality, even if everyone is being totally upfront and honest.

I'm not arguing, just speculating because, really there isn't much else to talk about. Perhaps I'm just wishful thinking as I have some nostalgia for better times in the past. I am less skeptical now that I know his kids and grandkids stuck around here. Really just want a relevant basketball program and I just don't see how we will be able to afford someone that can get us there unless it is someone getting a 2nd or 3rd chance. And I'd rather give someone another chance that screwed up on personal demons than someone that got busted running a dirty program.

Do people want Taylor to coach ODU again?

I would not want him to come back and tarnish his good name. He's 64 and is style of basketball was archaic in 2016, imagine him trying to run that system in 2022. Im sure he doesn't have the same connections at the high school level as he did a decade ago. Also- it takes a ton of energy to be able run a college basketball program...unless you bring on some very strong assistants to do some heavy lifting, it really takes a toll. I believe that is why you are seeing a lot of the older coaches move on from the profession.

Stop..... he's just here to shake hands and kiss babies....

(05-17-2022 07:48 AM)ODUODUODU Wrote:  Stop..... he's just here to shake hands and kiss babies....

And raise a bunch of money for ODAF. Dude is a natural for this job.

He's a natural for sure and I can't imagine trying to do this job long distance. Nothing takes the place of pressing the flesh, playing golf or sport fishing with the $$ people.

I was a little worried about putting BT in that position, where he is smooching donors. A lot of dinners and drinks in that job. Wish him the best and hope he stays the course.

As someone with 6.5 months+ on the sunny side of the street, I'm rooting and praying for him.

(05-17-2022 03:45 PM)bench jockey Wrote:  As someone with 6.5 months+ on the sunny side of the street, I'm rooting and praying for him.

2 weeks shy of 2 years here and prayers are strong.