I know he won't be fired this year, but if he has another season like this next year like you said he should be fired unless the administration is completely incompetent. I'm honestly still in shock that we're 0-5 in Big East play in year 3 of his tenure. It's an embarrassment, and complete and utter failure.
College basketball is all about coaches. You have a good coach you're going to be good. They will get the players, and they will get the players to play how they want. Chris Mullin is not a good coach, and he never will be mark my words. This guy is a joke. All he does is argue with the refs and get needless technical fouls. He doesn't know how to handle college players much less a major college program, and he doesn't know how to make the necessary adjustments to be a coach at this level. It's year 3 and he hasn't improved one bit.
I'm envious of other programs, even Iona, who have coaches who you know will have a good game-plan going into the game, and who will make the adjustments in a game to swing the momentum. Just look at the Creighton game, SJU was cruising along until McDermott (who is an awesome coach that Mullin couldn't even shine his shoes) made the adjustment and we caved like the Falcons in the Super Bowl. That's the kind of coach I want leading this program. Not some guy who had nothing better to do than come back to his alma matter and be handed the head coaching position over tons of way more qualified candidates. This program isn't going anywhere until we find a real coach.
+1
I just don't see any redeeming qualities from him as a coach. I was excited when he was first hired, as I'm all about giving any coach a chance, and felt he could rejuvenate the program and fan base.
I noticed some things during his first season, and subtly mentioned it on Redmen. But, I figured it was his first season with a seriously flawed and depleted roster, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt. I didn't expound on it much due that scenario. I was also chastised by a poster or two on Redmen, per my initial observations. In the back of my mind, I knew we was bad, but I thought that squad should've won about 3 games, instead of one.
Last season, with better talent, we particularly played well at home. But, was getting lambasted on the road. The defense was just as bad last season, as it was during the first season. It was his second season, and the staff was still building the roster, so he still slightly got a pass. Although, I still had concerns by some things I was witnessing; I felt I'd give Mullin the benefit of the doubt again.
So far, this season.... The defense looked better for most of the OOC games, but I noticed better teams was still getting what they wanted against us. The offense looked the same, along with every thing else I had issues with during his first season. Not to mention, I've noticed regression in some players. Owens got better, but his dad had his hand in doing so. His dad will practically say as much on Twitter. The majority of personnel who has been with the program since Mullin has started coaching us, outside of Owens (where I already mentioned who played a role in his development), has regressed or status quo, IMO.
We're bringing in solid talent a year from now (thanks to Matt A.), but it's not elite-level talent. I do believe Brooks and Dixon will likely help us from the word "go," but I think there will be a learning curve for Keita and Williams. I think some folks are fooling themselves into thinking it'll be different next season due to more depth. If we was bringing in a Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, or Arizona class, then I'd agree. But, that's not the case. Besides, we don't know how things will shake out before next season with the roster. The potential roster will probably look different once the ball goes up in the air during our first exhibition game.
He just strikes me as a coach who'll fall short of expectations and prognostications. He's also somewhat lethargic on the recruiting trail. I know he won't get fired after this season, but if we finish up at 2-16 or something similar, then I'd be all for moving on. Regardless, I don't think this is gonna end well, whether after this season or next.