Muller out at ISU

[Adunk33]

I've mentioned it before but I'm just excited for something new, regardless of who the coach is. 10 years is a long time watching the same thing over and over.

I like the idea of Powell because I think he'll reenergize the fan base. Not only is he something new but Bloomington-Normal has a lot of bandwagon Illannoy fans. They are fans now but haven't paid attention since 2005 when Powell was helping them get to the National Title game. Those same fans would come out and support "their guy" in the same way Detroit Lions fans supported Matt Stafford this season.

Another name that could get some run that not a lot are talking about is Brian James, Assoc. HC on Chris Collins' staff at Northwestern. He and Doug Collins are good friends and actually went to the Redbirds @ Loyola game together this year where AD Brennan met James.

One more I'd throw out there is Jeff Smith- Assoc. HC at Oakland. He and Brennan spent time together at Utah so there could be something there, though I'd prefer not. He's a 24 year assistant that hasn't cracked into the HC role, though he's gotten close.

All things considered, I really don't care who the new coach is. Just bring the program back to what it was, consistently making and losing on Sunday at Arch Madness.

[BCPanther]

I've mentioned it before but I'm just excited for something new, regardless of who the coach is. 10 years is a long time watching the same thing over and over.

I like the idea of Powell because I think he'll reenergize the fan base. Not only is he something new but Bloomington-Normal has a lot of bandwagon Illannoy fans. They are fans now but haven't paid attention since 2005 when Powell was helping them get to the National Title game. Those same fans would come out and support "their guy" in the same way Detroit Lions fans supported Matt Stafford this season.

Another name that could get some run that not a lot are talking about is Brian James, Assoc. HC on Chris Collins' staff at Northwestern. He and Doug Collins are good friends and actually went to the Redbirds @ Loyola game together this year where AD Brennan met James.

One more I'd throw out there is Jeff Smith- Assoc. HC at Oakland. He and Brennan spent time together at Utah so there could be something there, though I'd prefer not. He's a 24 year assistant that hasn't cracked into the HC role, though he's gotten close.

All things considered, I really don't care who the new coach is. Just bring the program back to what it was, consistently making and losing on Sunday at Arch Madness.

I lol'd.

A bigger tradition on CBS than The Masters.

[BearsCountry]

I've mentioned it before but I'm just excited for something new, regardless of who the coach is. 10 years is a long time watching the same thing over and over.

I like the idea of Powell because I think he'll reenergize the fan base. Not only is he something new but Bloomington-Normal has a lot of bandwagon Illannoy fans. They are fans now but haven't paid attention since 2005 when Powell was helping them get to the National Title game. Those same fans would come out and support "their guy" in the same way Detroit Lions fans supported Matt Stafford this season.

Another name that could get some run that not a lot are talking about is Brian James, Assoc. HC on Chris Collins' staff at Northwestern. He and Doug Collins are good friends and actually went to the Redbirds @ Loyola game together this year where AD Brennan met James.

One more I'd throw out there is Jeff Smith- Assoc. HC at Oakland. He and Brennan spent time together at Utah so there could be something there, though I'd prefer not. He's a 24 year assistant that hasn't cracked into the HC role, though he's gotten close.

All things considered, I really don't care who the new coach is. Just bring the program back to what it was, consistently making and losing on Sunday at Arch Madness.

I lol'd.

A bigger tradition on CBS than The Masters.

Used to be the Bears losing on Monday Night.

[Greg]

Jim Benson
@Pg_Benson
Illinois State expected to announce in a couple minutes that Ohio State assistant coach Ryan Pedon will become the Redbirds' new head coach. First reported by @MattNorlander.

[goramblers2011]

Jim Benson
@Pg_Benson
Illinois State expected to announce in a couple minutes that Ohio State assistant coach Ryan Pedon will become the Redbirds' new head coach. First reported by @MattNorlander.

Great hire. He was a finalist for the Cincy job, if I recall correctly.

[MissouriValleyUnite]

When 17-1 Muller met 17-1 Marshall in 2017 for a winner-take-all MVC Final, who would’ve thought both coaches would be fired by their schools within 5 years?

[BUFanatic]

When 17-1 Muller met 17-1 Marshall in 2017 for a winner-take-all MVC Final, who would’ve thought both coaches would be fired by their schools within 5 years?

In fairness Marshall’s firing wasn’t all performance based but yes, crazy thought.

[Adunk33]

I like the Pedon hire and am excited for a breath of fresh air around the program. He wasn't a name that was in the rumor mill but seems to be a really nice get. Early word is that he's been offered a handful of HC jobs in the past 3 or 4 years but was just waiting for the right fit. Bloomington-Normal is a great place to raise a family.

His contract is 550k (same as Muller) for 5 years plus up to $230k/year in incentives, membership to Bloomington Country Club, and a vehicle/stipend. I haven't seen anything on the buy-out clause yet but hopefully, it's more even/team friendly than Muller's was.

He's known to be the top assistant at OSU, lead recruiter and offensive coach. OSU lost to Michigan yesterday but there were several timeouts that Pedon was running the huddle. Holtmann clearly trusts him as a leader.

Here is the press release if you haven't seen it: https://goredbirds.com/news/2022/3/4/mens-basketball-ryan-pedon-named-head-coach-of-illinois-state-mens-basketball.aspx

Quotes of reference from Holtmann, OSU's AD, Keita Bates-Diop (San Antonio Spurs, Ohio State Alum and Normal Native), Brad Stevens (Celtics' President), Jae-Sean Tate (Houston Rockets), and EJ Liddell's parents (Redbird grads).

EJ was heavily recruited by ISU and went through his senior day activities yesterday. He's going to the NBA but hey, if he wanted to come play a year or two at his parent's alma mater with his favorite coach...I wouldn't say no.

[Adunk33]

Former Redbird HC Tim Jankovich's contract is up at SMU and he's decided to retire. He and Muller were both hired and were out in the same timeframe.

[Adunk33]

Pedon makes his first hire, grabbing Walter Offutt from Toledo. Played at Ohio State and transferred to Ohio where he scored 26 points in a 2012 Sweet 16 loss to UNC.

Offutt was previously at Chattanooga where he is credited with building a top 100 recruiting class that included the SoCon FOY Kevin Easley who was a 4* recruit and a top 50 kid in the nation.

Pedon said he wants to recruit 200 miles from campus- St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee and Indy. Offutt is a native of Indianapolis.