[LUconn]

Just trying to think of someone that fits this big name/christian man mold off the top of my head. Not neccesarily someone who would coach here. I thought I remember Lute Olson being a Christian and having a no swearing policy in the gym. But I'm pretty sure I've read his lips a few times during games. Coach K is supposed to be a devout Catholic (my bro-inlaw goes to his church in Durham). Just ask Karl Hess about him Am I missing someone? I really can't think of any.


edit: Would anybody object if the title of this thread were magically changed to something like "Discuss all things coaching here" or would I get accused of cencorship or something like that. I cringe everytime I read the current one but I don't want to tick anybody off thinking that I'm tampering with soemthing.

[jcmanson]

Coach K has repeatedly been noted as having a hot temper (slammin chairs, hanking kids aside, etc.). I don't believe he would be a good fit (although if we could land him I would be very tempted to go for it). I'm not sure about Lute. He always seem to have a calm composure.

[Sly Fox]

Be my guest, LUconn. And hopefully this thread will run its course soon. We've now taken it to the extreme in talking about Lute & Coach K.

[Guest]

I understand that we try to avoid anything controversial like the plague... but the new "edited" title of this thread is lame and doesn't really describe the contents. We need to toughen up a bit... yea, there shouldn’t be a calling for Randy's job, but if someone asks a legit question, and a war breaks out... that's what message boards are all about. I think changing the name was unnecessary. Whether we like it or not this is a VERY popular topic and now people are going to be confused.

[Sly Fox]

I think everyone has a pretty good idea of what this thread is all about by now. We haven't deleted the thread or individual posts. As long as this doesn't turn personal or there are unsubstantiated charges made against someone I won't take it down. But I think by now this topic is getting lame. We've got a game tomorrow night and that should be our focus.

[TallyW]

**EDITED.... SLY, I POSTED THIS BEFORE READING YOURS SO NOTHING HERE IS IN REACTION TO YOUR POST**


I didn't know that Cursing was equivilant to someone being saved or not.

To say that the reason we'd not have a coach (RD or otherwise) is because someone heard them use a curse word is INSANE!

I'm very tight with some former staff of TRBC and I myself worked there a little while.... If anyone thinks that curse words have never been uttered at TRBC or LU in board meetings when things are going wrong.... I think they've painted a pretty rosey picture and one that isn't exactly true.

I wouldn't disqualify someone from being a coach at LU because of previous foul language... if that is the case, most if not all of our coaches should resign....

Also, I know some are uncomfortable with the thread... but if we've changed the name (which I agree with), then a board should be open to talking about uncomfortable matter.... (Although I completely agree that we've lost the point when we bring up names like Lute and Coach K)
We can talk theory and strategy here... from what I understand many of you are Sports Managment majors and putting out your plan would be more constructive than second guessing the current staff... Maybe we should can this thread and start one called "IF I WERE THE AD" Then we'd know anything in that thread is just trash talking from guys who are not AD and will likely never be in that position... I dunno....

[Sly Fox]

Tally - While I agree there likely is language used from time to time behind closed doors at TRBC and LU, its certainly not public. Rish's expletive made it into the ESPN.com story and there was some backlash from that alone. No one is saying that someone who has uttered a curse word is immediately disqualified from service at LU. But it is an aspect of the overall package of what we are trying to present at the school from a witness and hipocrisy standpoint. If we are going to put ourselves out there based on our faith, we do have to maintain a higher standard of conduct than those around us. I think the discussion regarding that topic goes more to the public dispute of spiritual fruit than the technical aspect of language.

For the record, back when I was in school there were whispers that former 76ers great Bobby Jones (not to be confused with the golfing great) had contact with us back in the days under Meyer when we were making the step up from DII. I'm sure there never was anything of substance to it. But the ideas of a high profile former athlete or coach coming into Lynhcburg is not a new concept. But as we can witness just about everywhere in sports, having a high profile coach doesn't insure success. Here in Houston the UH Cougars hired Clyde Drexler as head coach and he nearly killed the entire program in his year and a half at the helm. Meanwhile at the same time Texas was bringing in a lower profile guy from Clemson. We all know how that worked out.

I for one have no issues at all with Coach Dunton staying right where he is. No one is happy with the results on the court this season. But the baby and the bath water analogy begs to be used.

[LUconn]

You've got to be kidding me, guest. Tell me in your opinion, which you can never be held accountable to because you don't register, what would be a fitting title? The "Discuss Randy Dunton's job security along with the situations surrounding his hiring, his past, and his faith and any rumors you can conjur up as well as big named coaches who may or may not be Christians along with your opinons on if this thread is lame or not in addition to talking about what the thread should be entitled oh and don't forget if LU can get top recuits" thread? I think the topic of coaching pretty much covers all of the important things in this thread

[Hold My Own]

I understand that we try to avoid anything controversial like the plague... but the new "edited" title of this thread is lame and doesn't really describe the contents. We need to toughen up a bit... yea, there shouldn’t be a calling for Randy's job, but if someone asks a legit question, and a war breaks out... that's what message boards are all about. I think changing the name was unnecessary. Whether we like it or not this is a VERY popular topic and now people are going to be confused.

you have the ability to start our own forum if you wish...I checked and www.negativeflamefans.com is still open, but I think you have to register in order to apply for a domain name... as absurd as that sounds

[grm]

I'm lovin' it.
Who's avoiding controversy? (Answer: no-one - we're talking about everything ) Sign up & sound off/shut up & get out: take your pick. It's not that difficult. And why be surprised when there is animosity towards "opinionation without registration"? What's the big?

[Coach Dunton]

It is great to be a Flame and you guys are "somewhat" happier when we are near or at the top of
the standings. There are many factors that go into building a successful PROGRAM. You have well
stated some of the obstacles we face. There are some advantages that we ride like a big dog in the recruiting process but until you have the inside experience than spectulation is at best the center of your discussions. Throw in those opinions with political motivation and now it is really problematic to gain true perspective from an exterior position. Victory is the #1 objective and our inability to achieve that in this season to date lies squarely at my feet. There are reasons the decisions were made to hire staff, to retain or not staff members and their abilities to impact the program. There is complete understanding on the recruiting decisions that have been positives and the prospects that can't help us achieve our goals. Player relations are always going to be on the edge with this generation when you are pushing them out of a comfort zone. We are headed in the right direction and Liberty basketball by God's grace will be what you all want. We are bless with Zack Jones, Alexis Sherard and Jason Eaker-- extremely gifted and Division I experienced staff. Feel free to get their perspective on the directions of the program and their feelings about any issue.

There is nothing to hide and I am not afraid to sit at the table of ideas with any past coach, administrator or player. See guys all I have done is give Liberty University my best for thirteen years and as a coach you and your family do sacrifice. I am not complaining because I believe that I am doing what my purpose is in life and love doing it. However don't believe the bull about my actions as an assistant. I was committed to Jeff Meyer being successful and invested my total energies to recruit and train those teams to as he ask me to do. Did we always see eye to eye no did that cause me to give less than my best or cause me to allow a player an out on his commitment--not a chance. Did Jeff have problems with the administration yes. Did he have success yes. Do we wish the best for him and his family--yes. Am I thankful for the opportunity he gave me at Liberty--yes. Did everyone have an opportunity to resolve any issue--yes. Did they--no, maybe it was easier to have a political scapegoat than to work through difficult issues.

Am I perfect --not a chance. Are there things I wish I would have handled differently--absolutely.
I do thank God that Dr. Falwell has the confidence to allow me the privilege to build this program and I know if I would have demonstrated the lack of loyality I'm accused of that this promotion would not have transpired.

So the sooner the soap opera ends and the quicker and stronger we bring our collective energies to the task at hand the quicker the top 50 gets here. Some of you may choose to not support me and call for my job however we still let you buy NCAA tickets. Rest assured if I can't meet my own expectations which are higher than the administration I will not be dead wood. If you live in the area call me up for a time you can come to practice. Dwight Brewington, Tyler Baker, Alex McLean and Armon Jones are talents. OH and by the way the team and I have not packed in this season. They are improving and if they will dig deeper it might get exciting. Your passion is needed so keep bringing enthusiasm to the board.

[coachdunton]

I thought I logged in but I must have screwed it up--BLNT

[flameshaw]

Lorenzo Roma, University of Washington HC confesses to be a very stong Christian. Had assistant job at UCLA, went to Pepperdine and now at WU. He might have been a possibility for us before he went to Pepperdine, should have been about the time Hankinson was on the ropes. I mentioned his name to some in the AD's office, but evidentely there was no interest from at least one side.

[Hold My Own]

THANK YOU...now you've heard it from him, if you have a problem he will meet you face to face...there is no excuse to have bottled up anger guys...

[guest forever]

I wanted to point out that on the previous board there was a topic titled "Fire Karcher". It was never changed by the moderator to "Lets discuss all things related to football coaching". I understand that coach Dunton has taken some shots on this forum and talk of other possible coaches is premature at this point. I also did not think it was fair to coach Dunton when there were posts on the previous board about unfounded personal matters and I stated my opinion regarding those posts. The moderator removed the topic and he was wise in doing so. However, I do not see the difference between a topic calling for Karcher to be fired and one asking "Is Dunton on the hot seat?" The only difference is that the topic about Dunton has generated a huge response. Some of the response has been accurate, some entertaining, and some ridiculous, depending on your views and opinions. The expression and discussion of views and opinions, even when those views and opinions question the ability of someone we are close to and support, is what makes a forum a true forum. It's part of the debate. You are the moderator and are free to change the title of a topic to whatever you wish. I just wanted to point out that the title of a previous topic about Karcher was left in its original form.

To those who would respond by stating that the difference between Karcher and Dunton is their coaching records....please don't. That is not the point. I hope this wasn't too preachy, and I hope it makes sense. By the way, this stuff is mild compared to some of what I have read about coaches and players on Big Ten forums.

[TallyW]

Regardless of where this thread goes I gained more respect for Coach D. I appreciate any man who gets on the board and shares his insight even though he has no reason to do so. Most men in a tough situation would keep quiet or try to blast back.... RD said what's on his mind and took everything in stride... For whatever criticism he gets we should respect the fact that this man has given the school 14 years of his life. We can continue open discussion but I also hope that no one would question RD's character or commitment to the school... especially people who do not register...

[Sly Fox]

Thanks for coming on the board, Coach. You can count on one hand the number of DI head coaches who would come on a board and answer questions. Then when you factor in the team's current struggles, Coach D may b ethe only one in America. It shows what a stand up guy he is and how much he cares about the program and the fans who support the team.

guest forever - The moderators & I have much more control over everything on this board as opposed to Proboards where we were very limited. Mark was the admin on The Firehouse and I was the only moderator. Personally I think splitting hairs over the title of the thread is stretching a bit. You'll notice that nothing in this thread has been edited or deleted. As long as we stay in the bounds of fairness it will remain that way. Some of the rumors and allegations probably should be taken down. But right now I am going to leave that up to the individuals who wrote them to assess whether or not they are comfortable with them being aired in a public forum. But for now everything is remaining intact. Do I have reservations about the current stance? Absolutely. Do I feel we have some unregistered posters with an axe to grind firing some pot shots? No question. But I do like the way the posters of this board are doing some moderating of their own by confronting allegations head on. I honestly believe that nearly every person coming on this site wants what is best for LU. I just hope we all keep that in our minds when we post.

Thanks again for the classy move by the coach to not only come on a thread when posters attacking him but also registering.

[Hold My Own]

I wanted to point out that on the previous board there was a topic titled "Fire Karcher". It was never changed by the moderator to "Lets discuss all things related to football coaching". I understand that coach Dunton has taken some shots on this forum and talk of other possible coaches is premature at this point. I also did not think it was fair to coach Dunton when there were posts on the previous board about unfounded personal matters and I stated my opinion regarding those posts. The moderator removed the topic and he was wise in doing so. However, I do not see the difference between a topic calling for Karcher to be fired and one asking "Is Dunton on the hot seat?" The only difference is that the topic about Dunton has generated a huge response. Some of the response has been accurate, some entertaining, and some ridiculous, depending on your views and opinions. The expression and discussion of views and opinions, even when those views and opinions question the ability of someone we are close to and support, is what makes a forum a true forum. It's part of the debate. You are the moderator and are free to change the title of a topic to whatever you wish. I just wanted to point out that the title of a previous topic about Karcher was left in its original form.

To those who would respond by stating that the difference between Karcher and Dunton is their coaching records....please don't. That is not the point. I hope this wasn't too preachy, and I hope it makes sense. By the way, this stuff is mild compared to some of what I have read about coaches and players on Big Ten forums.

No need to correct you or respond with records your ignorance is noted (and anyways who cares about records, nobody loses their job over them )....you just had a DI basketball coach come on here and respond to all the negative statements that were made, please show me one other DI coach that's on the hot seat (D's not even on one, but i'm making a point) willing to face all of his hater's head on...these are positive steps

again guest your domain name is still available

[guest forever]

Sly, thanks for your response. I appreciate your comments.

[LUconn]

I wasn't a mod over there for that thread but I doubt I would have changed it anyway.

Here is my reason for doing it:

This thread has covered a wide scope of topics. Not just RD on the hotseat. Add on top of that the title was pretty... I don't want to say antagonistic but maybe abrasive is a better word, and it brought out a lot of "venom". I'm not going to alter anybody's words but I'd like to discourage mud slinging in this forum as much as possible. I feel that this was the most effective way to do it short of deleting posts.



It's really not as big of a deal as your making it.

[guest forever]

Luconn, thanks. Explanation is appreciated.

[Agent2Be]

Coach Duntion - thank you for stepping up and posting on the same thread where some people were calling for a change. To me, that shows a man of true courage who is not afraid to stand up when the chips are down. Thank you also for addressing your assistant and player turnover. I hope that your current assistants are as committed to building the program as you are. To me, that is more important than the immediate success of the team. Infrastructure is key, and if you are pleased, then we look forward to seeing the fruits of your labor for many years to come. It sounds as if we are in great shape with some key incoming talent which should be a good marriage with the youth who are learning on the job this year.

What is the recruiting mindset of the men's basketball team at this point? Are you looking for more youth to set as building blocks or are you looking to stabilize the program (as it seems we are doing for next year) with JUCO/transfer players? With a school and program the size of LU, is it realistic to find the caliber of young talent to build on, or will a mix of one or two year JUCO/transfer players be the norm? Secondly, do you feel you have the young talent to bulid upon in place now even though it is not reflected in the W/L column? Obviously you will have to be judicious in your response, but generalities are welcome. Thank you for standing up!

[SamFan]

You've got to be kidding me, guest. Tell me in your opinion, which you can never be held accountable to because you don't register, what would be a fitting title? The "Discuss Randy Dunton's job security along with the situations surrounding his hiring, his past, and his faith and any rumors you can conjur up as well as big named coaches who may or may not be Christians along with your opinons on if this thread is lame or not in addition to talking about what the thread should be entitled oh and don't forget if LU can get top recuits" thread? I think the topic of coaching pretty much covers all of the important things in this thread

Whoa, calm down Conn-ie... I was just saying leave it as the person who started it intended. Unless it is offensive or otherwise innapropriate, why change the title. It just seamed a little "bleading heart" to me. That's why I said toughen up.

[SamFan]

I understand that we try to avoid anything controversial like the plague... but the new "edited" title of this thread is lame and doesn't really describe the contents. We need to toughen up a bit... yea, there shouldn’t be a calling for Randy's job, but if someone asks a legit question, and a war breaks out... that's what message boards are all about. I think changing the name was unnecessary. Whether we like it or not this is a VERY popular topic and now people are going to be confused.

you have the ability to start our own forum if you wish...I checked and www.negativeflamefans.com is still open, but I think you have to register in order to apply for a domain name... as absurd as that sounds

Dude, simmer down... I forgot to sign in... you would think I shot the flippin' president or something. Some of you guys are whack-o's when it comes to this board.

[Hold My Own]

it stayed positive for about an hour

you've forgotten to sign in about 3-4 times now, and each time it happens to be when your the most opinionated

............Now back to our regularly scheduled basketball discussion......................