Just a question
- Thread starter Inky29
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Espo has been here for awhile and has a strong reputation as our second in command.
Chris Perry is viewed as the next superstar coach by quite a few people.
Outside the program Pop at NCSt, Coleman at UNC, and Branch at Wyo could all be candadites.
I'm not saying he should be the guy but what Pop has done as a HC has been pretty damn impressive.
All the same people I would have mentioned and Pop would be my first choice, then Espo,Coleman. No problem with Branch, he was a great wrestler and enjoyed his career immensely but to be frank his success at Wyoming has been less than stellar. The other three seem to have it over him in recruiting(I know hard to recruit to Wyoming) and I also think in coaching ability but that is just an outsider's opinion. Chris Perry has also proven he has great coaching instincts but still has to pay his dues. In no way in talking about this is it my or I am sure no one's desire to get John out of the picture before he is ready. I am a huge John Smith fan and I am happy if he stays another ten years. My guess is that he will not stay that long but who knows?
I feel the same way oberebo. He's only 52 so he has more than enough fuel left in the tank. I was just sitting there watching Espo, Branch, and Perry coach this year and started thinking about Pat and a few others and wondered who might take over in a few years. He's been coaching for 27 years I think. I'm sure he wants one more good run. Definitely not a post wanting to sweep him out the door, just curious which young coaches might be the next HC.
Yeah, I agree Pat has proven he can build a program from the ground up. He also seems to be able to develop mid level recruits into title contenders or AA candidates. Zack, while he hasn't run a program yet, is an excellent technician and recruiter. I hope he stays with us, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if he is getting HC offers.
I'm also in no rush to see the legend John Smith retire. I just hope that when he's ready, he carves out a role that keeps him close to the school and program. Maybe as a part time assistant AD? Or an advisor role? Someone that gives the new coach the space to run the program, but helps with fundraising, marketing, recruiting etc.
I think the longer he stays as the HC (which is a good thing) the chances that Chris Perry take over go up.