Paul Lusk Fired

[Redbirds4Life]

Great Hire, but I am super bummed that he won't still be out there when Dan Muller eventually leaves.

[musiccitybulldog]

I think the guy will be a scrapper. TSU beat Belmont at home this year I am pretty sure, that's no easy task.
Probably has some good areas to recruit now.

[All-MVC Fan]

Congrats Bears! Sounds like a good hire!

[Sir Sci]

Coach Ford's press conference was incredible. What I really appreciated about it was that he was straightforward and honest. He didn't dance around questions or obscure answers with coach speak. He even:

1. Acknowledged that Greg Heiar was the fan favorite for the coaching job. To me, that shows that he has an awareness of the fan base and he understands the job he's walking into.
2. Directly answered a question about when he was interviewed, acknowledging he heard from the Pres Smart and AD later in the process.
3. Made an offhand comment indicating 200 people applied for the job, which could be hyperbole or accurate, who knows.
4. Said it was hard to win at Tennessee State, but that he loved the school and was thankful for the opportunity there.
5. Said he doesn't keep his twitter account active during the season because he's competitive and would have a tendency to "come after you" if you criticize his players.

A lot of coaches wouldn't have answered questions with answers that direct.

[BEARZ77]

Just got back from the intro presser with Coach Ford. He was nothing but impressive; I've been to a few of these for various coaches and sports, and no one killed it the way he did today. Direct, engaging, funny, and in total command; accountability is his mantra from himself to the fan base. I really, really liked the guy.

Details of contract include a 5 year deal at $375,000 + perks [ usually about another $75,000] for years 1-2, and $425,000 + perks years 3-5. Of course if he's doing well those last years usually get renegotiated .

[Redhawk]

Just got back from the intro presser with Coach Ford. He was nothing but impressive; I've been to a few of these for various coaches and sports, and no one killed it the way he did today. Direct, engaging, funny, and in total command; accountability is his mantra from himself to the fan base. I really, really liked the guy.

Details of contract include a 5 year deal at $375,000 + perks [ usually about another $75,000] for years 1-2, and $425,000 + perks years 3-5. Of course if he's doing well those last years usually get renegotiated .

No doubt he is impressive...after all he is an ISUr Grad!

Great hire for MSU. Will recruit very well for the Bears and has learned from Marshall and Muller.

Looks like Evansville made a strong hire too. It's game on in the Valley!

[BirdsEyeView]

Home Run hire for Missouri St.

I am very jealous of this one. You will begin recruiting circles around Dan Muller and the rest of the Valley.

[BEARZ77]

MSU paying TSU $190,000 buyout of Ford's contract.

[Oledawg]

Saw this article in the local Peoria paper about a long time coach (52 years) being let go at McKendree college. Interesting note at the bottom that there is speculation they want Paul Lusk as he is originally from the area down there.

http://www.pjstar.com/news/20180307/nic ... ee?start=2

Yeah, Lusk’s childhood home is within easy driving distance of McKendree. Probably a pretty big pay cut but a great gig for him if that’s the direction he wants to go.

[Kyle@MOState]

Saw this article in the local Peoria paper about a long time coach (52 years) being let go at McKendree college. Interesting note at the bottom that there is speculation they want Paul Lusk as he is originally from the area down there.

http://www.pjstar.com/news/20180307/nic ... ee?start=2

Yeah, Lusk’s childhood home is within easy driving distance of McKendree. Probably a pretty big pay cut but a great gig for him if that’s the direction he wants to go.

I wish Paul Lusk well, he is a good recruiter, and great with players, I think he would be better served as an assistant coach somewhere to get some more experience. Who knows, with the way things have happened recently, he could pop up at another Valley school in a couple years and do well there.