Not All Conspiracies are Fake: Archie Miller Next HC of URI

[ace]

I beg some of you, please get a sense of humor. Please. It will be so important as we make our way through the next few weeks.

It’s also not the best look to leave an assistant coaching job in late August because your feelings got a little hurt. Coaching is a tough game, go get yours, though. That spot eventually turned into Luke Murray, so it’s all good.

[Blue Man]

I hate to suggest this but is it possible that Miller is leaking this to put pressure on some other school that he wants to go to?

I just think people are getting a little ahead of themselves on this. We're already talking about potential assistant coaches and he hasn't signed yet. Let's just wait until that happens, if it happens.

The negativity, the fear, and just the beaten-down feeling of "we don't deserve this" is hilarious and sad.

This is happening. This is real. URI is capable of being what we all know it can be, and FINALLY our donors are meeting that match. Our athletic director is ELITE. The commitment is real. I can't even say we're back, because we've never been here before. We went out and got literally the best, no impending NCAA violation, available coach in the country. Full stop.

Archie Miller would be a splash hire for any program - regardless of how things ended at Indiana. But our donors, our AD, our program went and got him.

That Thamel piece on ESPN was probably the most positively, flowery, gassed up piece on URI I've ever read from a national writer. Our local writers don't even gas us up like that.

"URI's commitment to basketball, the school's marquee sport" "proud program" "proven launching pad for coaches" - that's a release from Miller's camp gassing up the job, making it (rightly) look like this is a great place to coach and win, and something both parties would benefit from.

You release that when you're trying to generate buzz for incoming recruits and for incoming staff. College basketball is a sales job. You have to sell your product - to the media, to other programs, to fans.

The end goal is the tourney. Always. To do that you need big wins during the season. You can't get those big wins if you don't get those big games. You can't get those big games if there's not a buzz around your program. You can't get those big players to win those big games if there's not a buzz around the program.

See you at the presser next week.

- Pres, CEO, SVP - AMFC

[TruePoint]

If Archie was indeed trying to put pressure on another school, he wouldn't need to leak things out on national media.

There are many other ways to make intentions known that don't involve a public reveal.

There are a ton of private dealings that don't make the news.

And yet, people leak stuff to the media for exactly this reason all the time.

[CamsRams]

[TruePoint]

I hate to suggest this but is it possible that Miller is leaking this to put pressure on some other school that he wants to go to?

I just think people are getting a little ahead of themselves on this. We're already talking about potential assistant coaches and he hasn't signed yet. Let's just wait until that happens, if it happens.

The negativity, the fear, and just the beaten-down feeling of "we don't deserve this" is hilarious and sad.

This is happening. This is real. URI is capable of being what we all know it can be, and FINALLY our donors are meeting that match. Our athletic director is ELITE. The commitment is real. I can't even say we're back, because we've never been here before. We went out and got literally the best, no impending NCAA violation, available coach in the country. Full stop.

Archie Miller would be a splash hire for any program - regardless of how things ended at Indiana. But our donors, our AD, our program went and got him.

That Thamel piece on ESPN was probably the most positively, flowery, gassed up piece on URI I've ever read from a national writer. Our local writers don't even gas us up like that.

"URI's commitment to basketball, the school's marquee sport" "proud program" "proven launching pad for coaches" - that's a release from Miller's camp gassing up the job, making it (rightly) look like this is a great place to coach and win, and something both parties would benefit from.

You release that when you're trying to generate buzz for incoming recruits and for incoming staff. College basketball is a sales job. You have to sell your product - to the media, to other programs, to fans.

The end goal is the tourney. Always. To do that you need big wins during the season. You can't get those big wins if you don't get those big games. You can't get those big games if there's not a buzz around your program. You can't get those big players to win those big games if there's not a buzz around the program.

See you at the presser next week.

- Pres, CEO, SVP - AMFC

I actually agree with all of this but I also think people have to manage expectations in their own way. My own way is to wait for something to happen that is irreversible before I commit emotionally because I’ve seen too many things go sideways in the final mile to set myself up for that kind of letdown. But, i think people being overly skeptical here are also depriving themselves of some joy and excitement that makes being a fan a thing worth doing. Barring something going sideways in the final mile, we are about to do something that totally changes the trajectory of the program. Good to feel good about that.

[Rhody74]

Gee, Xavier or UMass? Tough choice …. Not.

[steviep123]

Hahahahahaahahahahaha

To at least give 72 someeee credit, his last sentence is actually correct.

It’s the “I heard from an agent” part that made me laugh. Did you also tell that agent your fantastic idea of having Tammi Reiss coach the men and women basketball team at the same time?

I don’t think anyone knows anything. Honestly, I was told it’s Mack or Bobby for splash hires, and Archie was out from a few people that usually give me good intel. It looks like they were wrong. The new rumors are we have a press conference set up for next week which means this is going to be happening soon, right? Who the hell knows

I don’t want to get my hopes up until it’s official. Please, god let this happen!!

R72 probably was watching the local Ska band "The Agents" (a great band and fun to see btw) and got their opinion on the matter, so technically he's not lying?

[Blue Man]

I hate to suggest this but is it possible that Miller is leaking this to put pressure on some other school that he wants to go to?

I just think people are getting a little ahead of themselves on this. We're already talking about potential assistant coaches and he hasn't signed yet. Let's just wait until that happens, if it happens.

The negativity, the fear, and just the beaten-down feeling of "we don't deserve this" is hilarious and sad.

This is happening. This is real. URI is capable of being what we all know it can be, and FINALLY our donors are meeting that match. Our athletic director is ELITE. The commitment is real. I can't even say we're back, because we've never been here before. We went out and got literally the best, no impending NCAA violation, available coach in the country. Full stop.

Archie Miller would be a splash hire for any program - regardless of how things ended at Indiana. But our donors, our AD, our program went and got him.

That Thamel piece on ESPN was probably the most positively, flowery, gassed up piece on URI I've ever read from a national writer. Our local writers don't even gas us up like that.

"URI's commitment to basketball, the school's marquee sport" "proud program" "proven launching pad for coaches" - that's a release from Miller's camp gassing up the job, making it (rightly) look like this is a great place to coach and win, and something both parties would benefit from.

You release that when you're trying to generate buzz for incoming recruits and for incoming staff. College basketball is a sales job. You have to sell your product - to the media, to other programs, to fans.

The end goal is the tourney. Always. To do that you need big wins during the season. You can't get those big wins if you don't get those big games. You can't get those big games if there's not a buzz around your program. You can't get those big players to win those big games if there's not a buzz around the program.

See you at the presser next week.

- Pres, CEO, SVP - AMFC

I actually agree with all of this but I also think people have to manage expectations in their own way. My own way is to wait for something to happen that is irreversible before I commit emotionally because I’ve seen too many things go sideways in the final mile to set myself up for that kind of letdown. But, i think people being overly skeptical here are also depriving themselves of some joy and excitement that makes being a fan a thing worth doing. Barring something going sideways in the final mile, we are about to do something that totally changes the trajectory of the program. Good to feel good about that.

Agreed. But this stuff doesn’t get leaked like this unless it’s there. The “state job posting” thing could be the only reason that it’s not “official” wink wink nudge nudge.

[Billyboy78]

Since the posting is open until the 25th (or whatever day it is), is the school still obligated to take and review applications until the posting runs out?

[steviep123]

So what I take from all this is that the boosters and everyone are FINALLY in for what it takes to get the man, but they also need to understand this can't be a one shot deal and needs to be continuous maintanence.

[RhodyRamFan69]

This tweet implies that Cox was effectively fired at the beginning of February

[Blue Man]

So what I take from all this is that the boosters and everyone are FINALLY in for what it takes to get the man, but they also need to understand this can't be a one shot deal and needs to be continuous maintanence.

I think that's the point. Getting Archie to agree means doing what Dan did here (and I assume he had many conversations with Dan), putting those improvements in his contract.

The coaches pool, the charter flights.

I am in LOVE with Archie as a coach - but why I really wanted him was because I knew that to get him meant that the program would have to operate and be funded differently than ever before.

Once you start this carousel with Archie - you're never going back to the way it was. The practice facility will be here. The standard for the other investments will go up. And when Archie leaves for the big time (or pulls a Travis Ford), we'll know the level of investment expected.

I assume the assistants pool will be big enough to ensure Archie can keep quality guys, more importantly not name a "coach in waiting" like we had to to keep Cox as AHC.

The charters and everything else, obviously combined with Archie, will raise the talent level here. The investments will make us Dayton or VCU, and the expectations of players, coaches, and results will go up.

A rising tide raises all boats. And man oh man did our AD and donors go and make a tsunami.

[RhowdyRam02]

This tweet implies that Cox was effectively fired at the beginning of February

When was the home game against UMass when Cox was late to his post game press conference because he was talking to Thorr? Not saying Thorr told Cox he was done then, but Thorr probably knew then it was over

[TruePoint]

This tweet implies that Cox was effectively fired at the beginning of February

I mean…we fired him in November on this board. Hardly surprising that all of this was in motion for a while - Thorr was watching the same stuff we were.

I hope people recognize what a phenomenal job the guy has done, btw. All of his hires, save for Cox which he essentially had his hands tied on because of that arrangement and who the fan base was at least partially sold on, have worked. And more to the point, as blueman has been alluding to, selling the donors and marshaling their support to a place where this type of hire is realistically possible is a huge accomplishment if you understand the culture and the history of this athletic department. I don’t think this fan base appreciates the guy nearly enough - we acknowledge how this job can be hard despite its obvious upside for a coach, but Thorr is basically in the same spot minus the potential payoff of getting all the credit when they succeed.

[bigappleram]

That same person had Kimani Young about to accept the Umass job a week ago. He’s fugazi.

[Da_Process_Survivor]

This tweet implies that Cox was effectively fired at the beginning of February

Wouldnt surprise me if he was informed he would not be returning and they held the official announcement until the season was done. Doesn't do either side any good to announce it during the season, embarrasses the outgoing coach and makes the program look petty

[TruePoint]

This tweet implies that Cox was effectively fired at the beginning of February

Wouldnt surprise me if he was informed he would not be returning and they held the official announcement until the season was done. Doesn't do either side any good to announce it during the season, embarrasses the outgoing coach and makes the program look petty

Or said another way - would make us UMass.

[Blue Man]

This tweet implies that Cox was effectively fired at the beginning of February

I mean…we fired him in November on this board. Hardly surprising that all of this was in motion for a while - Thorr was watching the same stuff we were.

I hope people recognize what a phenomenal job the guy has done, btw. All of his hires, save for Cox which he essentially had his hands tied on because of that arrangement and who the fan base was at least partially sold on, have worked. And more to the point, as blueman has been alluding to, selling the donors and marshaling their support to a place where this type of hire is realistically possible is a huge accomplishment if you understand the culture and the history of this athletic department. I don’t think this fan base appreciates the guy nearly enough - we acknowledge how this job can be hard despite its obvious upside for a coach, but Thorr is basically in the same spot minus the potential payoff of getting all the credit when they succeed.

This. All of this. 110% of this.

Thorr Bjorn is the best in the business. It's lost on a lot of people how hard he works, the people he's brought into athletics at URI, and how he's replaced phenomenal people that have moved to big time programs with even more phenomenal people. I'm talking about all of athletics, not just coaches. It is a miracle for what he's been able to do with what he's been given.

That man deserves our praise, adoration, and donations - so that he can continue to make the place that we all love the best it can be.

Every program in the top 12 conferences of NCAA basketball has money around it. Whether or not the donors are willing to spend it is a direct result of the vision, salesmanship, and leadership of the athletic director.

Cox was the right hire at the time, as we were contractually obligated to follow through on it - because we didn't have the budget for Hurley to retain Cox without that addendum.

Thorr doesn't miss. He's made every right move if you're plugged in enough to URI and if you understand the limitations and realities here.

[RF1]

Today's sports media are the epitome of the old lady gossip biddies. One of them starts it off and the rest run with it spreading it all over. Most of them have no real insight into the accuracy of some news but instead just work to spread it around.

[McRam]

This tweet implies that Cox was effectively fired at the beginning of February

Wouldnt surprise me if he was informed he would not be returning and they held the official announcement until the season was done. Doesn't do either side any good to announce it during the season, embarrasses the outgoing coach and makes the program look petty

Or said another way - would make us UMass.

if Thorr was really talking with Archie before the season was over-kudos to Thorr. I have changed my mind that I thought Cox should be fired weeks ago. No need th do this since Thorr was apparently doing what he should have been doing.

Now my concern is the period of time in which there is no signed contract- This is a vulnerable time with any other interested schools making a true final and best offer.

Of course it would not surprise me if Thorr has a signed contract already and not making it official yet for other reasons.

( Give Thorr a raise)

[KeaneyBluBallz]

To at least give 72 someeee credit, his last sentence is actually correct.

It’s the “I heard from an agent” part that made me laugh. Did you also tell that agent your fantastic idea of having Tammi Reiss coach the men and women basketball team at the same time?

I don’t think anyone knows anything. Honestly, I was told it’s Mack or Bobby for splash hires, and Archie was out from a few people that usually give me good intel. It looks like they were wrong. The new rumors are we have a press conference set up for next week which means this is going to be happening soon, right? Who the hell knows

I don’t want to get my hopes up until it’s official. Please, god let this happen!!

R72 probably was watching the local Ska band "The Agents" (a great band and fun to see btw) and got their opinion on the matter, so technically he's not lying?

they still around??

wish M-80 and Racquetball were.

[RhowdyRam02]

It’s the “I heard from an agent” part that made me laugh. Did you also tell that agent your fantastic idea of having Tammi Reiss coach the men and women basketball team at the same time?

I don’t think anyone knows anything. Honestly, I was told it’s Mack or Bobby for splash hires, and Archie was out from a few people that usually give me good intel. It looks like they were wrong. The new rumors are we have a press conference set up for next week which means this is going to be happening soon, right? Who the hell knows

I don’t want to get my hopes up until it’s official. Please, god let this happen!!

R72 probably was watching the local Ska band "The Agents" (a great band and fun to see btw) and got their opinion on the matter, so technically he's not lying?

they still around??

wish M-80 and Racquetball were.

Hell yeah they are! Saw them a few months back, they're recording new music, and have a show coming up in Providence

[PeterRamTime]

ESPN does not post that article if it's not a done deal. Period.

[ElmCityRhody]

i have been told similar from my buddy who knows Thamel

fingers crossed tho

let's make this official !

[Billyboy78]

i have been told similar from my buddy who knows Thamel

fingers crossed tho

let's make this official !

This worries me a little, ECR. You've been 100% convinced about Archie for a while now. Why the 'fingers crossed'?

[ElmCityRhody]

FEAR NOT

just making sure you were paying attention to my non-lyrical posts !


Look at what's happened to me
I can't believe it myself
Suddenly I'm up on top of the world
It should have been somebody else
Believe it or not, I'm walkin' on air
I never thought I could feel so free
Finally we have a real coach at RHODY
Who could it be?
Believe it or not it's ARCHIE

[Billyboy78]

FEAR NOT

just making sure you were paying attention to my non-lyrical posts !


Look at what's happened to me
I can't believe it myself
Suddenly I'm up on top of the world
It should have been somebody else
Believe it or not, I'm walkin' on air
I never thought I could feel so free
Finally we have a real coach at RHODY
Who could it be?
Believe it or not it's ARCHIE

AKA, The Greatest American Hero.

[RIFan]

Now I have that song stuck in my head! And I probably haven’t heard it in 30 years!

[Jersey77]

If Miller is hired wouldn't mind seeing Matt Abdelmassih as an assistant.

He is available and ESPN rated him the #1 transfer recruiter in the nation.
Very familiar with the Northeast, graduated and coached at St. John's.

Later joined Hoiberg at Iowa State and then Nebraska. I
Last year recruited the #18 class in the country and #3 B10.

[Billyboy78]

Now I have that song stuck in my head! And I probably haven’t heard it in 30 years!

[steveystuds06]

This song is on repeat

I can't stop listening!!! Please make this happen

[reef]

Now I have that song stuck in my head! And I probably haven’t heard it in 30 years!

One of my favs !!

[RIFan]

Now I have that song stuck in my head! And I probably haven’t heard it in 30 years!

Good stuff

[steviep123]

Now I have that song stuck in my head! And I probably haven’t heard it in 30 years!

See you - raise you:

[RIFan]

Awesome!

[Blue Man]

We went and got ARCHIE F*CKING MILLER.

Fin.

Doubters; welcome aboard.

Millerites (workshopping) let's trade in those tin foils hats for some Keaney Blue ones.

WELCOME TO THE GOLDEN AGE.

[URI_05]

If this happens let's hope that he brings more Aces and less DC_Rams.

[theblueram]

Hearing something BlueMan?

[PeterRamTime]

Booom!?

[steveystuds06]

Hearing something BlueMan?

NEVER QUESTION BLUEMAN AGAIN!!!!!!!

[theblueram]

Hearing something BlueMan?

NEVER QUESTION BLUEMAN AGAIN!!!!!!!

[ElmCityRhody]

Hearing something BlueMan?

NEVER QUESTION BLUEMAN AGAIN!!!!!!!

NEVER !

[rambone 78]

Haven't seen a tweet yet

[Jersey77]

Haven't seen a tweet yet

I trust Blue Man on this call.

Let's get a great staff with him, have confidence in his hires.

[Billyboy78]

Hoping to see Archie around the RC and the women's game tomorrow. That tells me he's here, working, getting set up for a place to live, etc.

[ATPTourFan]

BlueMan knoweth things......

[Rhodymob05]

We went and got ARCHIE F*CKING MILLER.

Fin.

Doubters; welcome aboard.

Millerites (workshopping) let's trade in those tin foils hats for some Keaney Blue ones.

WELCOME TO THE GOLDEN AGE.

God I hope this ages well.

[NYGFan_Section208]

Best cheesesteak in new england

What happened? Seemed like they hit on a winning formula. Tough location though - smack dab on a curve.

Covid. Plus I think they might have overextended themselves by opening one in Providence plus I think they even opened some kind of pizza place in Providence as well

I went twice before it closed...decent food, not great, small servings, steep prices, for what you got. Right around the corner from my house, never went, just didn't see the value...jmho.

[reef]

Hoping to see Archie around the RC and the women's game tomorrow. That tells me he's here, working, getting set up for a place to live, etc.

My guess it’s a little early for that hope I’m wrong

[LIRAM]

If Miller is hired wouldn't mind seeing Matt Abdelmassih as an assistant.

He is available and ESPN rated him the #1 transfer recruiter in the nation.
Very familiar with the Northeast, graduated and coached at St. John's.

Later joined Hoiberg at Iowa State and then Nebraska. I
Last year recruited the #18 class in the country and #3 B10.

Matt is a well respected recruiter but that's all he does. He gets paid big money to bring players in. Paid 400,000 plus and has no other coaching responsibilities just recruit. That won't work here.