What has he ever done? He is a "program rebuilder" who has made the NCAA what like 3x in 20 years and never at URI? Great. Guess what, Norm has already rebuilt our program to that point. Perhaps not NITs, but if you're not making the NCAAs at ALL who the F really cares? Baron would have been a good hire 6 years ago. Hiring Baron now is pointless and just plain old dumb. As much as I think Norm is an awful coach, he's a good guy and came in and took a difficult job, and I'd prefer to wallow in mediocrity with him than Jim Baron.
There aren't many coaches I'd take Norm over. But ones that have PROVEN to be extremely mediocre already, I'll take Norm thank you very much. Willard, McCaffrey, Hewitt, Greenberg, Gregory, Cluess, Jackson --- all of them are more interesting options than Norm bc they have succeeded...or they havent failed yet so who knows, and have something going for them that Norm doesnt. Baron is a more experienced Norm who happens to have made the NCAA 2x in 20 years. Give Norm 14 years at mid majors, and I bet he could make at least one.
NO TO BARON!
To be honest, Kid.... I do not understand the fascination with with a few coaches from some of the folk on this board (and, Redmen.com). I guess that is what makes the world go around.... Everybody having different opinions.
The fascination with the Jackson's, Cluess's and Van Gundy's (I don't think he'll ever coach college hoops) of the world are headscratchers, if you ask me.... There is too much on the line for the Johnnies at this juncture of the game.
I was, at one point, pondering Baron.... Then, I saw his career record and tourney resume'. Heck! He's barely tasted the tournament (2000 NCAA Tourname with St. Bonny's). Maybe, he has hit a ceiling to what he can do at Rhode Island. Who knows!?!
But, I do not wanna take a chance at higher risk coaches at this point in time. And, Baron has more risks at this point, imo.
I would definitely take a look at Fran McCaffery, Steve Donahue, Brian Gregory, Brad Stevens and possibly, put a flyer out on someone like Chris Mooney.
I just have a feeling one of those guys are gonna soon get a chance at coaching in one of the major conferences.... And, I have a hunch they are gonna elevate the respective school they are gonna be coaching.