In a move that surprised about everyone, Indiana hired Kelvin Sampson as their new head coach, thus ending the Alford Watch. I really thought that Alford would bite at the IU job. Maybe his not taking the job when Bobby Knight left pissed off the powers that be in Bloomington.
It will be interesting to see what the fan reaction will be. It was certainly impressive how the Hawks played, in spite of some flaws in their talent. I’d really like to see Alford recruit better. I can’t remember any Indiana recruits coming to Iowa. If Alford is such a hero there why can’t he recruit there?
Sean Keeler at the Des Moines Register has an article today talking about what happens next with Alford. It is an interesting read.
The official word out of Iowa City today is that Steve Alford has no interviews scheduled. The University sent out a press release from Alford today stating that he has no interviews scheduled. Yesterday it was reported that Missouri was interested in interviewing Alford for their opening. I didn’t think he would be that interested in Mizzou. The program is a step down from Iowa. If Alford is leaving, it is for Indiana. If he doesn’t jump at this opportunity, he is here for the long haul.
Just because he says he has no interviews scheduled, doesn’t mean he isn’t looking to leave.
What can you say about the loss to Northwestern St? Maybe it was because they were “Northwestern” St. given our track record against the Wildcats. How can you explain our great defense letting a 17 point lead disappear? Did they take their foot off the gas because they felt comfortable with such a big lead? Who knows.
I guess it is time to start the Alford Watch. How many days will pass before he is the new Indiana coach? Was there a private plane waiting to take him to Hoosier land after the game? My feeling is Alford is gone. Indiana wants him bad and he name his price. He could be the highest paid coach in the Big 10, even over Izzo. Why would he stay at Iowa? The fans aren’t that crazy about him. I’d guess that Alford is gone within 2 weeks of Indiana finishing the tournament.
Only 5 and a half months until football season starts.
