Fran is probably the biggest reason the program is in the shape it is in now. When Fran was at Manhattan, he probably would have kissed every body's behind on this baord to get the job at St. Johns. Once he got the job, he worked very hard and brought in some very good players, and had the program headed in the right direction.
However, once he tasted success, he tried to hold the school up for more money with threats of leaving. He became full of himself and thought he was bigger than the program. He was a city guy just like Lou and city kids wanted to play for him. His personality did not play well in New Mexico.
If he had stayed at St. Johns, he might have eventually been as revered as Coach Carnesecca. But maybe that was not good enough for him.
What amazes me is how people like Fran, Steve Lavin, and even Mike Jarvis can get fired and end up on television critiquing their peers.