Skinner's last stand?

The rumor and speculation is kicking into overdrive. The Globe and the Providence Journal are now reporting that Al's time at BC is done regardless of if he gets the St. John's job. I've also heard that Gene has been pretty candid with his approach to this process and is not happy with Skinner.

What does this mean and where do we go from here?

1. Skinner is probably done at BC. I didn't believe it until today. I even tweeted Andy Katz looking for confirmation. The reason I think it may be over is that Al doesn't want to coach where he is not wanted. Unless Gene comes back to him with some sort of embrace/extension, I think this relationship is over. Skinner is not going to stay like TOB did. He and Gene will work out some buyout. This is all in Gene's hands now and he has shown that he is willing to jettison winning coaches regardless of perception or contracts.

2. Why now? Gene is a football guy first so Skinner's career at BC hasn't been micromanaged like the football coaches. For the most part Al delivered. This season disappointed everyone. But it wasn't fireable. Now though Gene has his opening and has given it enough thought that he wants someone with more passion for recruiting and willingness to be the face of the program. It seems he deems Skinner stale. It is not all that different from what happened with Cathy Inglese.

3. Who will Gene target interview? Ivy League names, mid major types and former Skinner assistants will all be mentioned. I also expect one or more of the Duke assistants to get floated. I will do profiles if and when the official word comes. My preference and prediction is for Northeastern's Bill Coen.

4. What does this mean long term? If Skinner doesn't get the St. John's job and is bought out, Gene will get raked across the coals nationally. Regardless of how you want to term this or the past coaching changes, this will be the fourth very successful coach Gene got heavy handed with joining TOB, Jags, and Inglese. I also think Al is under appreciated and the wrong coach could send us into a sharp decline. But in the long term, BC will be fine. It is just unfortunate that we can't ever have a clean transition.

Stay tuned as more develops. I just hope everyone takes the high road and treats the program, the players and the assistants with respect.

Skins signs on for more

According to Boston.com, Skinner and BC are finalizing an extension and raise to his current deal. Glad to see this happen.

Putting the Skinner rumors to rest

There have been plenty of Skinner rumors the past few weeks. I have no access to Al, but I get sent gossip all the time. I am pretty confident he is staying at BC. At the Georgia Tech game, I asked repeatedly and got the same answer: Al and Gene are on good terms and Al wants to stay. Then when things started up again, I asked a very good source at ESPN. Same answer: Al is staying. Then when things kept going, I asked a guy in Tobacco Road in the know. Same thing: Al is staying. Ignore this BS on Eagle Action and stop giving them your money, and don't allow them to keep creating phony names just to stir trouble and spike traffic. They say the rumors are hot. They're not. The rumors are cold and Eagle Action is the only place keeping them alive.

Al rumor, Gene D extension and links

In the comments section of a prior post, Jeff linked to this Daily News blog mentioning the "Al leaving BC for the Charlotte Bobcats" rumor. This could happen, but I don't see it. Let me explain and address the other hoops rumor while we're at it. I am hardly an insider. My only interaction with Al over the past five years was at the Clemson postgame press conference. However, I occasionally talk to and hear from others around the program. At the Georgia Tech game I specifically asked a pretty good source about the rumored Al/Gene discord and about Spears leaving. This is what I got back and I believe: 1. Al and Gene are on good terms. 2. Al loves the NBA game but it would have to be a sweet deal to leave and he wants his girls to go to BC. Given the Bobcats' rep for being really cheap, I don't see Al taking the job. If this were the Knicks or Nets or someone was going to break the bank, I'd be concerned. But I don't think Al is going to leave the BC to be the NBA's lowest paid coach in Charlotte. 3. I don't think Spears is leaving. His girlfriend is set to play at Virginia Tech next season, so "going home" won't bring him any closer to her. He had a legit injury down the stretch. Who knows...he may leave but I doubt it.


Gene is going to be with us a few more years. Well deserved in my opinion. The ACC move and the TOB divorce were delicate and could have blown up in 10 different ways. Gene got us through them relatively unscathed. Hats off.

Think you're paying a lot for football parking? Some UGA fans are putting up 30K next year. BTW, all nonstudent UGA season ticket holders most donate to the school.

Regular reader Tom C. sent along this article on changes in the NCAA admissions rules. Don't think this will help us much. I am all for the bar being raised higher, but I think the football and basketball factories will always find a way to get the kids they want.