Realistically, the only way you keep a Shaka / Stevens type around is money.
Everyone can argue loyalty, etc. (i.e. if he's an Ohio Grad) but it is really far fetched to hold on to mid major coaches UNLESS the school finds ways to generate enough cash.
The reason Smart and Stevens are in a positon to say no is because they're already very comfortable financially (in addition to having a stable coaching position and great support from the university / fans). When you're talking 1 million+ dollars already, it's much easier to say no to a 25-35% pay increase.
For guys like Groce, it is increasingly difficult to say no to a 600-700% bump. I mean, think about that. If someone came to you today and said "we'll pay you 7 times what you're making now AND you'll have four to five times the resources at your disposal"...how do you say no?
I think everyone needs to remember that coaching is very volatile profession. It's not a typical career where you can expect to see linear growth and a steady rise up the food chain. Many times guys like Groce flame out and never see the big pay day. Or they make the big jump, collect the check and ultimately don't cut it. Or even worse, they turn down the big payday only to never get that chance again. It's a profession where you're more likely to fail in the long run than you are to succeed. Many times failures in coaching are due to factors completely out of your control.
It's a really difficult decision but ultimately you kind of just have to chase the money when you're in Groce's position. I hate to say that, given that I would LOVE to see him return but the average coaching lifespan is rather short. The majority of guys wallow in mediocrity for long stretches, never to be offered the keys to a top tier job.
We could probably argue endlessly as to where Illinois specifically slots in the pantheon of coaching coaching jobs but what I think no one will argue is that it does land in the top 10% of ALL college basketball coaching positions. In a volatile profession, you just never turn down those types of jobs. Not without something unheard of, like a 10 year contract, etc. from Ohio or something of a substantial pay bump. Or maybe even both. In the end, sometimes that's not even enough.
It is pretty bittersweet but all you can do is support the next guy. Getting down or upset about it won't help the program move on and given what Groce has done, it would be a shame to waste an opportunity to continue building upon the strong foundation he's laid.
Last Edited: 3/27/2012 1:22:38 PM by CATman