Turn around a cellar dweller from just two ACC wins in the previous season, to ten in your second year on the job, and suddenly your name pops up as a candidate for coaching vacancies. Talking heads, national writers and local columnists have all mentioned Buzz Williams for a job other than the one he currently has.
Hate to disappoint Va Tech fans, but logical move for TCU & Oklahoma State is to get Buzz Williams-quickly. TCU job fits like a glove.— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) March 14, 2016
When Kyle Bailey of Super Sports 101.7 FM asked Williams on Tuesday if he expected to still be the head basketball coach at Virginia Tech next season, Williams' verbose response offered little clarity into his future.
"I have no problem answering that question from you, or anybody else. I'm never going to dodge good things, and I'm never going to dodge bad things. This is what I would say, similar to how I answered the question earlier. The hat that I have to wear the best, the hat that I want my legacy as a human to be, is the hat that I wore as a husband and a father. And I think this business, maybe more so than most people realize, it's extremely fragile. Even though it's fragile, you're still dealing with people's lives. The administration, my arrival here, during my tenure here, everything has been great, but specific to how long I'm here and when I'm going to be here, and am I basketball-coach-Beamer, which I think is... please don't say that, I'd never want to be compared to Coach, I have to do what I believe is right for my wife, and for our four children. And I believe Virginia Tech, and whoever the rumors, I don't participate in any of that, but I don't want to participate in the rumor mill, I want to see if we have more magic left in this season. ... My whole focus is, can we beat Princeton. I think our team, our program, the new fans, the returning fans are deserving of all of our best efforts for that. Specific to my career, my answer will always be the same. In my heart, I have to do what I believe is right for my wife and my children."
Williams, who signed a seven-year, $18.2 million contract that included a rollover clause with the Hokies on May 11, 2014, offered a more succinct non-answer to Norm Wood of the Daily Press.
Just spoke with #Hokies coach Buzz Williams about Oklahoma St./TCU rumors: "Do not think it is ever wise to comment on the rumor mill."— Norm Wood (@normwood) March 15, 2016
The rumor mill exists in-part because the subject of the speculation does not deny the claims at-hand. Williams had multiple opportunities to quash speculation that he would not be the Hokies' men's basketball coach next season, and passed on the chances.
That's where we're at.
However, it's futile to conclude whether or not Buzz will be back in Blacksburg next season based on his recent responses to the media. Williams marches to the beat of his own drum, and the only thing those non-answers guarantee are pageviews.
Comments
Well, thanks. That really clears that up.
The heck with it, beat Princeton!
I don't like that the media is creating all these rumors to get Buzz to leave Blacksburg. Why don't they send UVA's coach to Oklahoma or TCU.
Buzz is loyal and still has unfinished business in Blacksburg with the young team.
Not sure if Kyle is on here, but he made a few good points on Twitter after the interview:
That last tweet hits the nail on the head. Buzz is going to lookout for #1 (his family), and that means holding all of the cards whenever possible.
Exactly. Why give up the leverage?
Pretty interested in that beach house. I mean, it's gotta be the only one there right? #kylebaileyradio hit me up with some pics.
Wait! Don't look into this beach house any further! What Kyle Bailey is trying to say here is not that there is a beach house for sale in Kansas, but rather that I saw it first and therefore have rights to it, via the law of finders keepers. Go find your own damn beach house!
My thoughts on the whole situation:
Let's beat Princeton!
If Buzz decides that he has to move on for the sake of his family, then it's hard to fault him for sticking to his convictions on what he believes to be his #1 priority.
Hard for me to imagine what's not to like about the situation his family is in now vs. the one they'd find elsewhere, but I'm a Blacksburg evangelist.
how good are the public schools in Blacksburg? How do they compare to public schools in the home-towns of his potential suitors? If his family is his #1 priority (I have no reason not to believe it is) then I have to imagine looking at and comparing school rankings is near the top of his to-do list when it comes to making a calculated decision.
I mean:
[Blacksburg] is Best Place in the U.S. to Raise Kids
Now if only they could keep the roofs on those schools.
But mainly make sure the walls that hold up those roofs don't topple over.
I'd have to imagine that they couldn't be much worse than ones in Oklahoma/Texas.
However, to my knowledge there is a distinct lack of private schools, if that's something they're interested in.
I hear the middle school really inspires a burning passion in their students.
The potential of BHS students is through the roof
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Holy shiiiiiiiit did this thread need need a tangent like this.
I have two kids in the public schools here in the burg, actually the same two schools that Buzz's kids go to. They're in classes with kids of professors across all the colleges at tech. The expectations are high. The resources are great. The teachers care about the kids. The diversity is through the roof. It's a great place for kids to grow up and be challenged. There are a couple private schools here. None are exclusive. Buzz has said many times that he likes the ability to leave the office, visit his kids classes to volunteer and then get back to work, which is something that's made possible by the size of the town. If he can get that somewhere closer to home, I could see him taking the opportunity to do so. I hope he doesn't, but I'd never fault someone for wanting to be closer to family.
In the meantime, Beat Princeton!
Even though probably most of us attended public schools, I seriously doubt Buzz is sending his kids off to public K-12 schools. Might want to find out the quality of schools in general, and from what I know, they are no better, and probably rated lower, than VA schools overall. Bottom line, I don't think the schools for his children would be the reason for leaving, nor would be the prestige of a job at any Big 12 school, except KU. But that's the part of the country he grew up in, so it's always possible that he could leave to go there if it's a lucrative deal. Let's hope Whit realizes what we have here, and makes every effort to keep him here. But if that fails, and Buzz departs, I think Whit will know what to do to keep the program moving forward.
The only things I can potentially think of that the family might not like.
A) Blacksburg is not a big city, they might have liked that environment.
B) Blacksburg schools are unsafe, one collapses and another lights on fire. /s
We should also remember that it's not just about where you live. It's also about where your extended family lives.
Anecdotal example from my own life:
I'd love to live near Blacksburg. I also know that living in Blacksburg would mean my kids never get to see their grandparents (my parents are gone, and my wife's are in PA where we'll be moving to shortly).
Living close to your grandparents is more important than your father living near his favorite football team, in my book. I can deal with driving 7+ hours a half dozen times a year for Hokie football.
Bill Roth comes to mind when talking extended family as a motive.
Pete Hughes must hate his family. Hard.
No idea as to what he could be thinking, but if what the family wants/do they really like living in Blacksburg is of paramount concern, I question why he took this job in the first place. They knew Blacksburg is a relatively small, but very tight-knit college town. Knowing that, why would you sign up for a massive rebuild job here, only to jump ship elsewhere two years later? I'm sure Buzz had myriad options when he decided to leave Marquette, so if the family desired to live closer to home or in a bigger city environment, it wasn't exactly putting their interests first coming here anyway.
Who knows - for all we know they could absolutely love it here. I can't fault him whatsoever for a family-first decision, but bailing halfway through the rebuild when he could have gone anywhere else he wanted initially won't exactly sit right with me.
He is an excellent coach, and I'm hoping he's not going to leave. But, with what he did in a short time is amazing and garners attention. I don't think it is something easily repeated or just the "right mix" on the court under his toolage. I hope Whit has done his homework to keep him securely in the Bburg for quite some time. (Remember, 1 season does not make a dynasty)
I agree with @HokieJeep....
About the last place I ever wanna find myself is under Buzz's toolage.
I mean, how many times have we seen coaches "squash rumors" only to leave quickly afterwards? The only thing that will squash the rumors is when these supposed suitors hire someone else.
This is a fair point. However, at this point, Buzz has given me no pause to do anything but take him at his word. Right now, his word is that he's going to do what's best for his family — which may or may not be coaching at Virginia Tech.
If he wanted the heat to die down, saying nothing would've been the best approach. He could've not returned Norm's text. Also, Kyle divulged he ran the question by him before his interview. Buzz could've declined the interview or requested Kyle not ask the question.
I agree. Someone said on another thread that his wife is not happy in Blacksburg. They did not provide any #sauces, but it still has me worried.
Oh well. For now, Beat Princeton! That is all LeDay, Allen, Robinson, Bibbs, Hudson, Wilson, Blackshear, Clarke, etc. are doing.
Probably what sticks out the most about the whole situation is that we're used to Buzz being pretty direct, saying exactly what's on his mind. To a point, that has made some people bristle. For him to prevaricate is unusual, so it all gets us worked up. He's right, his profession is in coaching and he does it, at least in part, to make a living for his family. We always knew that he has very intense personal convictions and we love him for it. If that leads him away from Blacksburg, that's just the way of the world. FWIW, Blacksburg has been ranked #1 best place in the country to raise a family :)
Go Hokies, beat Princeton. We'll deal with this only after our season is over.
prevaricate prverkt/
verb
speak or act in an evasive way.
I feel like at this moment we all are kind of stuck right at this moment in our train of thought about Buzzketball
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Let's not forget who got him to come in the first place!!!
I put all my faith that WHIT'S GOT THIS!!
Meh, on to Princeton
I'm glad that we already resolved all of our concerns in the other thread that we can be rational and cheery here. /s
As soon as you comment, you lose leverage one way or another. So why comment?
Way to go Alum07, now you lost all of your leverage in this thread.
Please... to lose something you had to have it to begin with
I lost mine as soon as I put my wedding ring on
Dude, if I were you I'd put on a cup before I walk through your door if she sees this...
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Whelp, that takes care of that /s.
I'd rather he give a rambling, meandering, non-answer (which he did)...
...than give a straight answer only to go back on it, a la Johnny "There's no way I can go play for the Yankees" Damon.
Or Nick Satan for the Alabama gig.
Or Roy Williams' "I don't give a shit about North Carolina"
fuck johnny damon.
Hey BUuuuDDy
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you throw like a girl!
But how can you tell, Manny always intercepted my throws to the infield. OH MANNY
Looks like Jesus, throws like Mary.
Acts like judas
This whole deal certainly hasn't stopped Buzz from being awesome to our students.
So can this student be the TKP spy to determine the overall happiness of the Williams family at VT?
I honestly have my doubts that Ok. State is all that interested in him. It was already shut down by Greg Swaim (who is pretty close to their program and the Big 12 in general) and their fans do not seem overly in love with him as well.
I have said this before, and I will say it again: We are about to feel like what VCU fans felt like up until Shaka left, non-stop rumors after every year until it all comes to an end after year 4 or 5 but finding ourselves in a position to make a strong hire and keep the hype train running.
I think that he stays until at least after Ahmed Hill graduates.
I was thinking more like Chris Clarke
I believe he and Hill graduate at the same time now, because of Hill redshirting.
Wait, Shaka Smart is coming to VT!!?!!!
GET HYPE PEOPLE
From reading his twitter he is also close with Buzz. Mentioning he has known him since Buzz was a kid. Sadly, looking at his twitter he is now saying the rumor has legs and is a real possibility.
https://twitter.com/gswaim
Swaim has zero credibility for me. He reported a ton of misinformation and flamed a bunch of rumors during the last major round of conference expansion.
I like what you are saying and hope this is another one where he is jumping the gun. Reading yesterday he mentioned he deletes tweets so others can appear on the front page. Cant help but also wonder if he does that to hide his bad "sources"
Upon during further research on the guy, I would have to agree. If everything this guy says were true, FSU and Clemson would be in the Big 12 right now.
Wait I thought FSU and Clemson are in the SEC or was that just the media trying to trick us again
Oh come on he's just getting started here argh
Hope he stays but even if he doesn't I am sure Whit Babcock is prepared.
I think all this "Buzz might be leaving" hooplah is just a ploy to distract us from the much more important "Joe is retiring from TKP" fiasco.
Do you guys think rumors are more or less active around Buzz because he is his own agent?
He doesn't have "representation" out there floating his name. He can't doesn't have plausible deniability due to the fact that it is his agent negotiating with a school. He has to do all that himself, either be active (and there are rumors he was always active at Marquette) or be inactive.
It seems like an interesting angle. If Buzz is interested in Okie St, or vice versa, he has to take time out of his current job at VT to handle that situation. There is a reason you pay agents 10%: to take care of this stuff for you.
I've been strong in my belief in thinking there is no basketball related reason to leave, which is why I've always said we don't need to worry about it. Personal reason can change things, If he does go on because of family, you have to applaud him. Backs up what he preaches.
Anywho...we have a NIT to win
My take:
1. If OK State offers him the job, it is unquestionably a better basketball job than VT, and likely always will be. They have tradition, T. Boone's money, and a conference that is winnable. VT is a good job, but that could be a great job, just under the top tier of Kansas, UNC, Duke, Kentucky, etc.
2. If Buzz wants to get his family closer to extended family, more power to him. I said the same thing about Grimes leaving the football staff - people forget that in the end this is his JOB. Who among us wouldn't leave their current job to get a better one, or get a better family situation?
3. If Buzz leaves, he undoubtedly leaves VT basketball in a much better place than where he found it.
4. Given Whit's track record so far, I am certain he has his list of candidates ready to go, and I am 100% certain that he will get the best coach he can find for VT.
In summary, if Buzz leaves, that sucks for us VT fans, but good for him if that's what he wants to do. Much like recruits and players, these guys don't owe us (the fans) ANYTHING. He's living up to the terms of his contract, and that's why contracts have buyouts.
I just don't know if this is true yet. The fan support is still not 100% back and we are still nationally irrelevant. My biggest worry is that the young guys such as J-Rob, Clarke and Hill go with him. It would be really devastating to have the program have to hit the reset button for a 3rd time in 5 years.
Bingo. We are not yet established enough as a program to afford Buzz leaving this soon. We can probably kiss Khadim Sy and other big recruits Buzz has locked down goodbye. Like you mention, expect transfers as well. Even if we hire a great replacement, we will be back at square one establishing team chemistry and continuity. The past two years wouldn't really be progress but more or less a flash in the pan. One step forward and two steps back.
Yes, we need a few more years of Buzz before a major hick-up like this one would be.
Though I'm certain Whit would make the best of it, and at least Buzz showed something could be done in a short amount of time. In other words, that VT is serious about making some progress.
To clarify, I didn't say VT was in a great place, but it's almost inarguable that we are better off now than we were at the end of the James Johnson era, where we were bottom-dwellers in the ACC.
Even if Buzz leaves, there is no way Whit lets the program get to where it was pre-Whit era!
Exactly, which also gets to my point that I'm sure Whit has a contingency plan, unlike when Weaver fired Greenberg, and it became clear that it was a rash decision that was not planned.
The big 12 is not easier to win than acc. Kansas has won the conference for 10+ straight years (I forget the exact number). The top end of the ACC coaches are going to retire soon, UNC/Duke/Syracuse... that may open things up a bit.
flight tracker 2016 fire it up. #sarcasm
Buyout Clauses. Assuming he is still in his 2nd year until next season starts, he (or his next school) would owe $3.5 mil. Assuming the school buys him out, not sure how I see anybody forking over $3.5 mil more in total compensation than the pretty good contract he currently has. He's making top 20 money, and we are in the NIT. Agree that we are ahead of schedule, but I wouldn't throw the kitchen sink at him.
Buzz buying out his contract would be $7mil this year but it basically is chump change after that.
- $7 million in first year
- $3.5 million in 2nd year
- $1.5 million in 3rd year
- $900k in 4th year
- $500k in 5th year
- $250k any year after
From Teels article earlier looks like the buy out drops to 3rd Year $1.5M starting on March 24th.
It's almost like he wrote his own contract.
/s
Coach Buzz can do what is best for his family and career and i don't blame him one bit for it; i'd do the same if in the same shoes. i'm just grateful for his resurrecting a really bad Hokies hoops program that sat in the ACC cellar. he's set the foundation and framework to build upon and trusting AD Babcock's track record in hiring coaches, i believe we're in good hands. my only concern at the moment is our game against Princeton and the next batch of NIT games should we make it past the Tigers. GO HOKIES!
p.s.- ACC > B12 (in college hoops)
Sorry to say this, but Buzz's response sounded like a coach who is already gone. Hope I am wrong.
Thankful Twitter didn't exist in the 90s when Beamer was building the football program or it would've been hectic. Then again I was in elementary school so I wouldn't have known any better but a lot of you would've been stressed every offseason
(1) Beat Princeton and keep this season going,(2) because when its over Buzz is gone. Tech basketball goes back into the dumpster as young guys leave.
Now I'll pray to the Hokie gods that (2) doesn't happen for a few years yet.
I disagree. Whit is NOT going to let this program go into the dumpster. Period. I think it's safe to say that Whit is a man with a plan, and he knows way more about this entire situation than all of us combined. I believe Whit can make the hires necessary to keep Hokies Basketball's momentum going IF (and this is a big if) Buzz leaves.
I actually respect the man more now. I think we've all seen, way too many times, instances where individuals put their career before their family and the pain, more often than not, that it causes. A man or woman like Buzz, whether he stays or not, is ultimately who should be leading our athletic programs.
I applaud Whit for landing him in the first place, and providing the vision that attracts coaches like Buzz and Fuente to VT. When you step back, and look at the direction of VT Athletics, it gives you a different perspective of the situation.
You know, I disagree with that way of thinking. Buzz came to VT for a reason, and if he didn't think of his family at that time, why give him the pass now? Extended family members move, die, change their focus all the time. He will be screwing up many people by leaving now. With the money he makes, he can visit or have come to visit all the family he wants to be with. I know when I was younger, sticking tight to family was not my first consideration in life. I say if he bolts now, he's...well, I will reserve my condemnation for the moment, but he won't ever again be considered an honorable man at my house.
Circumstances change. Just because he felt it was right to come to Tech two years ago doesn't mean he is required to feel that same way now. I'm willing to bet a good % of TKPers have left at least one job in their lives < 2 years after starting. I'm hoping he stays for at least a few more seasons but I certainly am not going to hold a grudge against him or think lesser of him as a human being if he decides leaving is the right decision.
I think I'd hold it against him, at least a little.
I feel like he owes something to the players he recruited, and he owes something to the community.
People often stay at organizations until the organization is in a situation where it can handle the change. Positions of responsibility are different than a mid-level professional position or a gig at Burger King.
If Buzz stays 3 season (or 5 seasons or 10 seasons) and then leaves, what about the current players at that point? Does he owe them something?
Did you hold it against Weaver when he fired James Johnson after 2 seasons? Did Weaver owe it to the players to keep the coach who recruited them? It works both ways. Like it or not, its a business and all parties will do what they think is in their best interest at the time they think best.
I actually think Buzz will be back, but I won't lost any sleep if he leaves. Whit will hire a very capable replacement.
Did Weaver replace Johnson, or was that Babcock? I see that as a different situation.
Buzz just did a complete rebuild of the team, so yes, I think he should stick with it for a couple more years. I see it as a little different than just another recruiting cycle in an ongoing tenure.
Everybody should do what's best for them, but I think it's important also to think about your organization. This is a critical point in the rebuild process.
He is still in year 2 so that is a $3.5m buy out for him. Year 3 drops to $1.5m. He doesn't do things like others do but I imagine he won't leave this year.
Third year buyout of $1.5M goes into effect March 24th. That is at least what Teel referenced in his article earlier today.
If he's planning on leaving it won't be announced until after he enters year 3 on March 24th. Saves him or whoever would be covering the buyout cost $2m.
Edit: I'm too slow
More reason to win the NIT since the Championship game is March 31.
Do his wife and children like Blacksburg? Does anyone have any Intel at all? I really really like Coach Buzz and don't want him to leave :-(
I don't know, but should we chip in and send them a fruit basket?
From what I know and from ppl that are close to the family...they truly enjoy the area. I do not think there are any legs to this rumor. But I've been wrong before. #sauces
Well they seemed all on board when they got here, IIRC.
Conspiracy theory #2: Whit asked Buzz to prevaricate (thanks for the SAT word, Guitarman) in order to introduce stress and fear among the hokie faithful. In response, hokieclub membership skyrockets in the hope of increasing revenue to pay Buzz more. Buzz stays with current contract, Whit announces plans for a new SHIELD helicarrier-esque arena so we can take our home court to all our away games.
Well played Mr Babcock. Well played...
I don't think Buzz's answer means anything. As he said, he does not dodge issues. I think he would give that same answer if he planned to stay for 20 years or had already decided to leave because any other answer would be inappropriate.
I agree, I think he's honest that he doesn't comment on the rumors. His answer was the honest one, the same answer any family man would say: I will make any decision with the best interest of my family as the primary factor.
Nobody knows what that means. Could mean more money, could mean good Montgomery County schools, could mean getting closer to Texas, could mean not uprooting your kids after two years.
If someone told you "we want to hire you", what would your first response be?
Mine would likely be "What does it pay?" way before "I would never consider leaving here."
That does not mean I'm looking to leave, but does mean I'd like to know my market value, and that for the "right" number/situation I could be interested. Big difference.
To early to start the #savebuzz or #keepbuzz campaign and starting blowing up Whit's social media? :) Aka gameday for Frank part deux?
Yes.
Especially since our last social media effort, while incredibly fun, didn't work.
#DBU?
Gameday for Frank
/s
Well, I'll say this...Buzz's comments don't exactly leave me feeling good...
Sure hope I am wrong, but I agree, the wording of his comments not good for Hokie fans. The tone reminds me of the somewhat positive but noncommittal comments big recruits make...then ultimately go with a different program.
In general I understand the "best for wife and kids" but even with the vast improvements this year, I don't think the program has really become nationally relevant which I would have thought would be a major goal for a driven coach like Buzz. And he is certainly making enough money here to have many visits back and forth b/t his family and extended family.
So her whole family must be in Texas...
From playerwives.com
"Buzz Williams' wife Corey (Norman) Williams is a bit of an athlete herself. And when we say a bit, we mean a lot. Growing up in Amarillo, TX, Corey attended Randall High School and ran track and field and cross country. Standing only 5'3, you might think that she was limited to running sports – but you'd be wrong. Corey was also a star guard, good enough to lead Randall to the 1992 Texas state championship, earning a finals MVP along the way. She attended two colleges, Barton County Community College in Kansas and Missouri-Kansas City, before finally transferring to her home state Texas A&M Kingsville to play for the Javelinas where she eventually earned Texas Player of the Year honors.
Texas A&M also happened to be where Buzz Williams was the assistant coach – and it didn't take long before Buzz asked Corey out. A few botched dates, that included running out of gas on a lonely stretch of Texas highway, led to a proposal a year later. Buzz Williams was married to Corey Norman in late 2000 while he worked for Colorado State. Buzz and Corey now have four children: daughters Addyson & Zera and sons Calvin & Mason."
"botched?" Sure. OK. More like "brilliant"
The Ole run out of gas trick uh.
He did it so he could show her how strong he was
Whatever it was, it must have worked.
Buzz went with the orange over maroon tie tonight. Looks like OKST is a wrap.
Buzz's postgame interview on ESPN makes it sound like he is not going anywhere. Talks about building towards next year.
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=14991492
*dusts off conspiracy hat*
OR...its all smoke and mirrors because that's what he wants you to think! He'll parachute down to Okie St while the team plane is on its way to BYU! No one will see it coming.
I just saw that interview and thought the same thing.
If Buzz is thinking about leaving he's doing a damn good job of making it sound like he isn't.
Hey, we just beat Princeton, so let's just enjoy the win and.....