Interesting Hypothetical Question

[oxfordrebel22]

Let me preface this by saying two things:
1. I absolutely do not think this will happen
2. I heard the question posed on an Ole Miss podcast, but thought your opinions would be the ones that actually matter

During a discussion of Ole Miss/SEC basketball, the amount of teams potentially making NCAAT from SEC became a topic, and State’s bubble chances were discussed, and someone asked the following question:

“If Ben Howland was to lose Saturday against Ole Miss, and then get put out of SEC Tournament by Ole Miss (there’s a very likely scenario where they play, if Ole Miss can win their first game), does Howland get fired?”

I was just curious your thoughts on it. I’d be surprised if Ole Miss were to win either game, but assuming they did..

 

[Willow Grove Dawg]

Given this hypothetical scenario - I think there must be a conversation on this subject.

 

[oxfordrebel22]

Given this hypothetical scenario - I think there must be a conversation on this subject.

I think it would be a knee-jerk move, but that’s not always the wrong move. Ole Miss reacting emotionally after the Egg Bowl embarrassment doesn’t mean they made the wrong decision.

It would definitely lead into an offseason with very poor momentum for Howland and the program. Especially if Perry and Woodard both declared. But, that’s a LOT of “if’s“.

 

[tatedog]

Unlike in football, this Ole Miss basketball team is actually not that bad. They could easily be in our position or better if a few close games went the other way early in the conference season. Firing Howland based on this criteria would be lunacy.

 

[msstate7]

No, our fans are idiots for even considering something so stupid

ETA... the only way I see howland leaving is he resigns bc he realizes we have a crap fanbase for MCB.

 

[jack daniels dog]

**** no

 

[MSUDC11]

He would not get fired but he would absolutely be on the hot seat going into next year. He’s an ugly 3-6 against Ole Miss right now, 3-8 would be inexcusable, especially considering OM has been average at best and sometimes flat out bad since he’s been here.

 

[ronpolk]

Let me preface this by saying two things:
1. I absolutely do not think this will happen
2. I heard the question posed on an Ole Miss podcast, but thought your opinions would be the ones that actually matter

During a discussion of Ole Miss/SEC basketball, the amount of teams potentially making NCAAT from SEC became a topic, and State’s bubble chances were discussed, and someone asked the following question:

“If Ben Howland was to lose Saturday against Ole Miss, and then get put out of SEC Tournament by Ole Miss (there’s a very likely scenario where they play, if Ole Miss can win their first game), does Howland get fired?”

I was just curious your thoughts on it. I’d be surprised if Ole Miss were to win either game, but assuming they did..

No, it wouldn’t even be considered by people that matter. Does not shock me though they an OM podcast thinks we’d fire a coach for losing to them.

 

[IBleedMaroonDawg]

Ole Miss doesn’t win Saturday.

 

[Cooterpoot]

Most fans wouldn't care either way.

 

[MSUDawg25]

I don't think Howland should be fired. But if it was even discussed, I think the first loss to Ole Miss would be far more relevant than anything that happens Saturday. Tomorrow's game means nothing. Whether we win by 40 or lose by 40, we would have to win the SEC tourney to get in.

 

[Nunya.sixpack]

Anyone that loses to OM should be fired before leaving whatever sports venue.

 

[Apoplectic_Objurgator]

who is howland?

 

[RockKickinSandPoundinSOB]

No, our fans are idiots for even considering something so stupid

ETA... the only way I see howland leaving is he resigns bc he realizes we have a crap fanbase for MCB.

lol and why is that? 1 NCAA Tourney in 5 years with a first round exit to a 12 seed means you are above getting fired? Weird...

 

[oxfordrebel22]

No, it wouldn’t even be considered by people that matter. Does not shock me though they an OM podcast thinks we’d fire a coach for losing to them.

They were mixed on it. I just thought it was an interesting discussion. I think Howland and Bianco are similar in a way - Opponents would laugh if he were to be fired, because they realize that it could be way, way worse. And that he’s done a really good job, but ultimately not reached the level of success you’d think, based on recruiting.

 

[msstate7]

lol and why is that? 1 NCAA Tourney in 5 years with a first round exit to a 12 seed means you are above getting fired? Weird...

Cohen, "I'm firing you Ben. You're only 6th in conference wins the last 3 years. I know we pay you among the bottom of the sec, give you about 1000 fans at each game, but hey, we made the final four in 1996, so we're pretty much only behind Kentucky in the sec in basketball. Our fans that never show up have a very high bar here, and top 6 in this conference isn't cutting it."

 

[dawgstudent]

The salary comment is not really that big of a deal. All the coaches makes between 2-3 million except Calipari. The rest I am in total agreement.

 

[johnson86-1]

lol and why is that? 1 NCAA Tourney in 5 years with a first round exit to a 12 seed means you are above getting fired? Weird...

You mean: Does taking over a dumpster fire, getting to NIT in year 3 and NCAA in year 4 and a disappointing 5th season where you miss the tournament, mean you're above getting fired? Yes, yes it does unless the players are embarrassing the university off teh court, which other than one basketball player involved with tutorgate, we have been scandal free as far as I know.

Howland is not getting fired. He's not tearing it up by any means, but he is doing pretty well and performing at a level that will keep him his job at MSU (and most SEC schools). IF it weren't for the expectations set by his name, there wouldn't even be a discussion. People would have been thrilled with his performance if they had been asked at the end of the Rick Ray level if they would be willing to "settle" on a coach that would end up with Howland's record after five years.