Gottfried to UCLA Is In The Rumor Mill

The rumor mill for coaching changes is already cranking up for the offseason, and on that State fans might find interesting is this: per multiple sources, UCLA head coach Ben Howland has been notified that he will be terminated, and one of the names already being floated around is NC State head coach Mark Gottfried:

UCLA Set To Fire Howland

UCLA is set to fire men’s basketball head coach Ben Howland on Sunday, reports Yahoo! Sports and Rivals.com.

Howland’s job status with the team was at risk when the team lost 83-63 to No. 11 seed Minnesota in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Friday.

When asked about his job security after the loss, Howland didn’t have much to say.

“I have no comment. Anything in reference to any questions concerning my job status, I just want to talk about the fact that I am so proud of these kids,” he said.

So where does the Gottfried connection come in? Andy Glockner, the college basketball writer for SI.com:

glockner-tweet

Glockner did add a few minutes later that he doubted it was going to happen, but at the same time, he did take the time to share what he’d heard, so we may assume it come from at least semi-credible sources:

glockner-tweet-02

Make of it what you will, but given the fact that Gottfried has taken a near-dead NC State program to the NCAA’s two years running and has incoming recruits to the program that should set it up for sustained success, it’s easy to see why his name would be in the mix, especially at a school where he was once an assistant coach.  Time will tell what may or may not come of this.

ACC & Other Mark Gottfried NC State NCS Basketball

159 Responses to Gottfried to UCLA Is In The Rumor Mill

  1. YogiNC 03/24/2013 at 7:15 PM #

    I just don’t see Gott leaving. His relationship with DY and the fact that she gave him the opportunity to coach again means quite a bit I would think. I also think he REALLY wants to be ACC top dog. Just my 2 cents worth. And stick, that was damned funny considering how many people thought DD would bolt back to WISC.

  2. TLeo 03/24/2013 at 7:41 PM #

    “got to have it my way and right now”

    We have a winner! That is exactly right – in today’s culture we want everything this instant and our way. You can’t build a championship program in two years from the wreckage that was the past two decades of pack BB, and that appears to be what some people expected to happen.

  3. Hawkeye Whitney 03/24/2013 at 7:52 PM #

    It’s hard to believe some of what I’ve read today. We have a really solid staff, still putting together a team that is made up of all their own recruits. We were really hurt by lack of depth this year. If our staff just keeps doing what they’ve done the last two seasons and adds more emphasis on defensive intensity, we’re in a great position to be perennially competitive at the top of the ACC.

    The low point for me was two seasons ago when Wisconsin beat us by about 40 points. I think back to that night and I am thrilled with where we are now.

  4. wpakgirl 03/24/2013 at 7:55 PM #

    Rumors are are just, rumors. Any coach would need a huge salary in CA. High taxes, high real estate, etc. Anyway, the season is done so let’s move on!

  5. wpakgirl 03/24/2013 at 7:57 PM #

    I recall Gott talking about building seasons and we’ll get there. I believe him. The impatience of fans is amazing.

  6. JT 03/24/2013 at 8:02 PM #

    This is non-news re. State. I will be interested to see whom they do hire. Maybe Herb with his bounce back year at ASU.

  7. Jediwolf 03/24/2013 at 8:33 PM #

    We have a great coach, a great staff, and great players. We were down 16 at the half and Gott put our team in position to win the game at the end. I don’t know what else you can ask of a coach. Ask ol’ Roy, up by 9 at the half and lost by 12. Great job Gott! Way to keep fighting team! GO PACK!

  8. ldr of the pk 75 03/24/2013 at 9:51 PM #

    I’m thinking some of this conversation took place between Gott and DY when he was hired. I believe at least part of the decision to hire was made on the premise that he wouldn’t jump ship after a couple of years.

    Another thought, what would UCLA think about the closeness that Gott still has with Jim Harrick? I’d expect the closeness Harrick has with our program wouldn’t be tolerated as a condition of hire.

    I believe Gott stays here to build. He’s still young and headed up. Roy, K, Boeheim, Pitino? All will move on (retire) leaving Gott as perhaps the leader of the ACC. In an improved super conference I’d think that would be in the decision process of Gott. The PAC 12 will never be a great overall conference in BBall.

  9. sjmac11 03/24/2013 at 10:31 PM #

    My God are we delusional….UCLA stated they have a fondness for Shaka Smart and the way it reads are going to do anything to get him to LA.

  10. blpack 03/24/2013 at 10:34 PM #

    I believe he wants to stay here and build a program. It can’t be done in 2 years and we may be step back next year, but he is looking down the road to what can be in Raleigh.

  11. Adventuroo 03/24/2013 at 10:42 PM #

    MP,

    I guess my comments about the contract, which I have copies are, are fuzzy to you? That is FACT.

    As to the OTHER issues…..do some googling. I’ll make it easy for you. Google and find the MD board. They put it up in Jan. It was originally (and maybe still in) on the Premium UNC board.

    NOW, that does NOT make it true….just a rumor. BUT, I did some asking of folks that SHOULD know and they said they had heard it to and filled in MORE details. Some of the folks have already posted the details that I heard here.

    You have called me out on this before. I will answer one of your OLD questions. Scott Wood was talking about the “chemistry” issue. Calvin chose to NOT ride the team bus to the UNC game….or at least that is what I heard from several high level folks. That caused a bit of a “tiff”….perhaps you remember the outcome and Scott’s response to the press.

    There were, as several folks have pointed out, some issues.

    As to Coach’s….I personally DO NOT WANT to believe it….but it will NOT go away.

    So…..that is as much as I can say and can only say that it is ALL RUMOR….until Coach or Calvin or Scott make public statements, I guess we will have to wait and see.

    I CAN tell you that Kellie Harper and “WHAT TO DO” was (again a RUMOR from some folks who SHOULD know) was the AD’s primary focus and has been for several months and the OTHER RUMOR was a distraction.

    After today’s NIT loss, I think that the women’s program will be the focus. IN DEFENSE of Kellie, I was attended several of the women’s games and Reynolds, despite my love for it, is in need of a facelift. To be competitive today, you need FACILITES and COMMITTMENT.

    There is a $40,000,000 PLANNED upgrade that should cover all the bases and make our program one of the best….Duke and UNC have ploughed the $$ into their women’s programs and the results are pretty evident.

    SO, you can make the call….do you blame Kellie for poor recruiting or the facility? I do NOT know HOW to judge her. She seems to be a great bench coach…..really into the game. I saw her the other night scream at the girls for their defensive coverage…..she saw how one of Richmond’s hot shots was using screens and running (reminded me of Scott) and was getting open. As she screamed for them to get coverage, the girl drained a 3. That is BB Savvy and IQ…..

    Now does she prepare the team? Don’t know….but here W-L record is poor. She also works for an AD that was a coach. She is also following a legend…..so WHO KNOWS!

    I certainly would NOT want the AD’s job for the next few weeks…..

  12. eas 03/24/2013 at 10:58 PM #

    Adventuroo,

    What are the issues about Gott that people are talking about that will not go away? I must have missed a post or two but what are the personal issues with Gott? Details please….

  13. WeAreCured 03/24/2013 at 11:10 PM #

    What is with all of the innuendo regarding Gottfried and personal problems? Either spit it out or don’t mention it, please.

  14. wolfpup44 03/25/2013 at 12:58 AM #

    I hear comments that Gott’s problems he had at Alabama have followed him, or better said he has off the court interest. Look up his issues at Alabama that led to a mid season departure. I would assume Yow would have had a very serious conversation with him to clear up the details of what actually happened at Alabama. Anyhow, regardless of there is any truth to his off the court issues, you cannot have the subject floating around. It makes it difficult for everyone to function. The focus should be about the program. Now the UCLA rumor. Gott’s spent time on espn, has charisma and LA is a big big market for all types of opportunities. And the expectations are different. I think you can make big bucks coaching PAC 12 without the comparisons to UNC and Duke, since they are a football conference. Sendek and Miller are making careers in the PAC 12. Spring fund raising starts soon. Let’s see how the Wolfpack faithful are feeling when these meetings begin. I think there are some very upset people out there and I have seen some heat thrown at the coaches and AD at these meetings. We will know something in a few days about the UCLA candidates. If his name comes up again he has respond to the school and Wolfpack public. Not sure why he doesn’t clear it up now. He has sure heard the rumor just like us. If it were me and I wanted to stay at State and school supported me I would set the record straight as soon as UCLA made their position clear.

  15. MrPlywood 03/25/2013 at 2:34 AM #

    A-roo: As to the OTHER issues…..do some googling. I’ll make it easy for you. Google and find the MD board. They put it up in Jan. It was originally (and maybe still in) on the Premium UNC board.

    And both those fanbases still take the Golenbock book as gospel.

  16. Pack Mentality 03/25/2013 at 5:57 AM #

    By all means, if a hurtful rumor about a State coach is on the premium Carolina boards and someone on the Maryland board posted a reference to that we all know it has to be true.

    You do understand what a fool it makes you look like if you just give us this reference point and are too scared to actually say what it is you’re talking about, right?

  17. TLeo 03/25/2013 at 8:47 AM #

    No offense intended to anyone here, but anybody who takes anything on the MD and UNC boards about Gott as absolute fact is very foolish. The only places I hear anything about this stuff concerning Gott is from few posters on here who keep throwing out a lot of snide comments and inuendo without backing it up.

  18. BamaPack 03/25/2013 at 9:31 AM #

    Yow has already had one “come to Jesus” meeting with the coach about issues that have already been posted on this thread. That is not a rumor and anyone inside the athletic office knows it, and hopefully it will help address some of those things going forward. Whether it was a distraction this season or not who knows, but it certainly gott the attention of the supervisor.

    Maybe this year was a good learning tool for all involved (staff, players, and fans) and everyone can move forward with a clearn slate. That’s especially true if we start anew next year with a roster full of team players that have a few less stars cumulative by their names.

  19. packalum44 03/25/2013 at 9:48 AM #

    Marshall will be forgotten if he ever takes a BCS job. Doesn’t have the right ingredients to win on the biggest of stage. He’ll fade into oblivion like the Brad Brownell’s of the world unless he lucks up and gets a State/Maryland type of job.

  20. packalum44 03/25/2013 at 9:50 AM #

    Do folks really think a coach factors in cost of living when deciding to take a new job?

    These guys are making 2+ million a year and have a net worth of SEVERAL million when offered!!!!!!!!!

    Jesus we aren’t talking about comparing 70,000 to 60,000 in LA to Raleigh.

    If I’m an AD and a coach told me he was concerned about the cost of living he’d be politely asked to leave the room and impolitely ridiculed behind his back. Agents negotiate contracts/money etc… but just saying.

  21. DC_wolf 03/25/2013 at 9:53 AM #

    If Ucla is ready to fire Howland, who has been to 3 Final Fours – you think unc is ready to move on Ol’ Roy now that he hasn’t been to 1 in the last 4 years? [I kid, because I care...]

    As for CG, I’m w/ most of the folks here who think it’s not likely he’ll be going – BUT, even if he did, I like the administration & athletic leadership we have in place now (as well as the afore mentioned better shape of the bb program). DY brought in CG & CD.. we’ll be o’tay.

  22. Deacon Blues 03/25/2013 at 10:00 AM #

    Gott = Success.

    This season may have not been what we hoped for but we are headed in the right direction for a long term sucessful program. And with the aging of the rest of the good ACC coaches, K, Roy, JB, hell Jim L, we are primed for a great spot atop the conf for years to come.

  23. LakistaMcCuller 03/25/2013 at 10:05 AM #

    Do you all think UCLA will buy out Howland for $3.5M and pay a buy out of $4.5M to hire Gott? The UCLA AD would be run out of town.

    It’s Shaka’s job to lose, but he may not want it.

  24. DC_wolf 03/25/2013 at 10:28 AM #

    btw, 70,000 in LA would have a new HC sharing a 1-bdrm w/ the strength & conditioning coach.

  25. TheCOWDOG 03/25/2013 at 10:56 AM #

    I’m gonna try a little civil discourse, which some comments in this thread make difficult for someone of my ilk.

    I bounced this around with a former UCLA coach last night. Harrick,Farmer,and Gottfried.
    Do I need to spell it out for you?

    UCLA has about as much interest in Gott, as he does for them. Zip…nada…nunca.

    As for the ” Grand Rumor,” it persists because certain old ladies insist on allowing it to persist in monkey board world.

    Gottfried came with a reputation as a guy with an eye for a well turned derrière. There are people in this world that compensate for whatever may be lacking in their own small world to take a little truth, and bake freaking cherry pie to satiate the emptiness.

    In short, the rumor that Gottfried is back on the pussy prowl is false. Now, why in the hell should he publicly address this for the peanut galleries out there, as someone suggested?

    Their are so many variations on this, that it’s laughable. I’d suggest that you leave the rubber ball at rest, and stop walking over to do that finger tapping thing on it.

    That was easier than expected. I didn’t even call anybody a f#@$ing idiot.

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