In January when UNLV AD TKM named Todd Simon as the interim coach to finish this season, she used the term "intangibles" rather than stating the real reason (or reasons) that Simon was chosen. This was somewhat odd - leaving the fan base to make a lot of assumptions.
William Rhoden of the New York Times has gone so far as to suggest that there is a racist element to this term: "At the time, Kunzer-Murphy said Simon had “intangibles” that led to his being named the interim coach. Intangibles? Years ago, the Dodgers executive Al Campanis used the word “necessities” to describe what he thought black candidates lacked as they pursued managerial jobs in baseball"
As internal and external politics have churned around the program for two months already, the head coaching hire that should happen in the next few weeks will likely be the most controversial and most criticized hire in UNLV history - regardless of who is chosen. Several candidates would result in the "intangible" thing really being harped on, such as if Todd Simon is selected (which he won't be).
Choose up to three of the reasons that you believe were the "intangibles" that TKM didn't want to speak openly about:
The belief that Todd Simon is the "most expendable" and would be the least hindrance in the recruitment of coaching candidates because unless the Rebs caught on fire and made a post-season run, there was little expectation that he would be given serious consideration for the permanent position.
A mandate from powerful boosters (particularly Cliff Findlay), or a "perceived mandate" felt by the AD.
A perceived mandate from current players. The rumored result of "player's only" meeting the second week of January was that seven players (which included at least one senior graduate transfer and some talented underclassmen who were recruited by Todd Simon) went to the AD with an ultimatum that a change needed to be made soon enough before the start of the spring semester January 22nd - or some of the underclassmen might be gone as mid-season transfers. This "urban myth" had kind of quieted down until quotes by several players about Todd Simon following the season-ending loss to FSU last week kind of sounded like what was supposedly said in January.
The class of '16 top-15 recruiting class: particularly 4-star SF Justin Jackson (who is only a verbal commit and who Duke is reportedly trying to poach) and Findlay Prep's G/F Carlos Johnson (who dropped 45 points in a game the other week). After he became interim HC, Simon was able to obtain reassurances from all four commits.
The belief that Simon was the most distant from Dave Rice's "inner coaching circle" which included Augmon and Good.
The expectation that Simon would be most capable of retaining current players - several of which were his recruits - because of his connection with the players, which would also make him a desirable hire as assistant to whoever the incoming head coach is.
Specific wording in Todd Simon's contract that reportedly stated that in the event of a mid-season coaching change he would have first consideration to become head coach. This has not been verified or denied, but the contract is a public record so it could be.
OTHER - fill in and explain your "intangible" below...
William Rhoden of the New York Times has gone so far as to suggest that there is a racist element to this term: "At the time, Kunzer-Murphy said Simon had “intangibles” that led to his being named the interim coach. Intangibles? Years ago, the Dodgers executive Al Campanis used the word “necessities” to describe what he thought black candidates lacked as they pursued managerial jobs in baseball"
As internal and external politics have churned around the program for two months already, the head coaching hire that should happen in the next few weeks will likely be the most controversial and most criticized hire in UNLV history - regardless of who is chosen. Several candidates would result in the "intangible" thing really being harped on, such as if Todd Simon is selected (which he won't be).
Choose up to three of the reasons that you believe were the "intangibles" that TKM didn't want to speak openly about:
The belief that Todd Simon is the "most expendable" and would be the least hindrance in the recruitment of coaching candidates because unless the Rebs caught on fire and made a post-season run, there was little expectation that he would be given serious consideration for the permanent position.
A mandate from powerful boosters (particularly Cliff Findlay), or a "perceived mandate" felt by the AD.
A perceived mandate from current players. The rumored result of "player's only" meeting the second week of January was that seven players (which included at least one senior graduate transfer and some talented underclassmen who were recruited by Todd Simon) went to the AD with an ultimatum that a change needed to be made soon enough before the start of the spring semester January 22nd - or some of the underclassmen might be gone as mid-season transfers. This "urban myth" had kind of quieted down until quotes by several players about Todd Simon following the season-ending loss to FSU last week kind of sounded like what was supposedly said in January.
The class of '16 top-15 recruiting class: particularly 4-star SF Justin Jackson (who is only a verbal commit and who Duke is reportedly trying to poach) and Findlay Prep's G/F Carlos Johnson (who dropped 45 points in a game the other week). After he became interim HC, Simon was able to obtain reassurances from all four commits.
The belief that Simon was the most distant from Dave Rice's "inner coaching circle" which included Augmon and Good.
The expectation that Simon would be most capable of retaining current players - several of which were his recruits - because of his connection with the players, which would also make him a desirable hire as assistant to whoever the incoming head coach is.
Specific wording in Todd Simon's contract that reportedly stated that in the event of a mid-season coaching change he would have first consideration to become head coach. This has not been verified or denied, but the contract is a public record so it could be.
OTHER - fill in and explain your "intangible" below...
