John Beilein: Win NIT Tonight, Take Michigan Job Tomorrow?

This story is total crap. Anyone who thinks that Michigan is a better job than WVU just needs to answer this question. Out of the two, Michigan or WVU, who is still playing? The answer of course is West Virginia, who plays in the Big East, the best conference in the country! John Beilein stays at WVU where he has the total support of the fans and returns practically everyone next year.

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I agree. Michigan would be a lateral move. I doubt it has the caliber football or basketball programs that WVU has now. Remember the Gator Bowl? When Beilein leaves, it will be for a top 5 program...not Michigan. Why move laterally and start all over again somewhere else?

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First, let me say that I'm biased toward Beilein staying in Morgantown. I grew up in West Virginia and graduated from WVU. I moved to the Detroit Metro Area (not as safe or as beautiful as WV) and am married to a U of Michigan alumni.(worse a former UM cheerleader) Second, football is king up here (unless you're a MSU fan). Beilein would be starting all over if he went to UM. Everything is in place where he is right now. Third, the basketball facilities stink. Michigan's Chrysler Arena is run down and ugly compared to the Mountaineer Coliseum.(which should be embarassing to the UM athletic dpt because it sits by historic Michigan Stadium) Finally, the fans are rabidly fanatical up here for perfect seasons, and championships (not that it is bad trait) but would not be so understanding if Beilen were to not win Big Ten titles or constantly beat OSU.(which admittedly WVU has had aa hard time doing either in it's own conference and rival PITT) The sports media is even crazier. You can't find a better situation for a purist basketball coach like Beilein in his current situation at WVU. Besides UM & doesn't even pay their football coach over half a mil do you think they'll shell out 2.5 for just the rights to a basketball coach. I don't think it will happen.(or at least hope so) Gooooooo Mountaineers!

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Because WVU, quite frankly, is not the most glamorous destination for a recruitee, a successful coach at WVU will always be tied to the more lucrative "too-good-to-pass-up" opening du jour. Not fun for diehard fans. The alternative? We can go back to the pre-Nehlen and pre-Catlett days, when we had good men coaching, but not good coaches. Football season was over, officially (in reality, much sooner), in November, and basketball season not much later. WVU lost to Temple--TEMPLE--in football, and Duquesne in hoops. Fans prayed to beat Marshall in any sport. Yikes! The pride of the athletic department were the riflemen and -women, and I don't mean the Mountaineer, though god knows he did all he could. I mean Ed Edsel's nationally ranked sharpshooters. So bask in the current success, be thankful for what you have, and remember what you should have learned during your time along the Monongahela: Mountaineers don't whine, damnit.

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I am another life long fan who is sick and tired of every school trying to "buy" our success at WVU. After the football debacle after which Rod was visibly embarrassed to have a press conference after he stuck up the U for a big raise, I hope we dont have the same for coach B. Let Ed Pastilong do what he should do to keep him here. For my money, he's a hell of a better basketball coach than Rod is a football coach and Im sick and tired of all these large schools coming to grab our coaches each time they fail to buy their way into the dance, etc. We at WVU cant seem to have any success without a drawback-we had the Sago mine disaster 2 yrs ago, the Rod leaving mess this year and now after the NIT, this stuff. For some reason in this state we can never have even a MOMENT of joy to enjoy the success. Even if this was true, why the hell did Michigan or the media have to report it THE SAME DAY AS THE FINAL GAME?? Its pretty simple really, if he leaves, michigan will get a great coach..but so will we if he does. Either way we will be ok. Im just simply sick of having to look over our shoulders all the time. You know, look at our track record at WVU Its not a bad place at all to win-Im sure if he leaves , we'll get someone in and win again until the point where we win enough that this stuff stops. Im tired of the implicit dissing that happens every time we win..and we keep winning here and will continue. watch and see.

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It's time WVU got some respect with the media, the tournament (and bowl!) selection committees, and the polls. This year's basketball team was snubbed by the NCAA. After winning one of the best NIT's in recent history (w/4 #1 seeds in final four), and beating quality programs in the process, it's clear they could have done some serious damage to I'd say at least half the field of this year's NCAA 64. WVU beat an NCAA Final Four team (UCLA) late in the season and went 22-7 in the toughest conference in the country (if you don't agree with this just check which conference is #1 in NCAA Tourney Payout over the last SIX Years!).

Obviously, other schools and coaches recognize WVU's sporting prowess because they keep trying to undermine our success and steal our coaches in an effort to BUY their own success. If Beilein has any foresight, he might view this Michigan opportunity as the debacle that it is, as clearly illustrated by some previous posts here. If he follows Coach Rod's lead and makes the right choice, much like Coach Rod's situation, most of his starters will be back and "Tournament Proven" next year. It could very well be the year of the Mountaineer in BOTH Football AND Basketball, which would really open some eyes for recruiting, endorsements, and maybe...just maybe...a little more respect.

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no wvu isnt a better progam in football than michigan, lmao. and we are a better basketball program. one of the most prestigous if not the most prestigous school in the usa. dont feel bewronged when he comes to michigan. even though i would like lon krueger way more

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Not only do I want Michigan to take Bee-Line, I want them to take your FOOTBALL coach too. Make it a package deal.

Big Daddy
Ann Arbor Michigan

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I have an interesting perspective on this as I went to WVU for undergrad and Michigan for grad school. WVU definately has better basketball facilities and fans. UM fans will only support teams that are winning championships, no one even goes to the games if the team is out of the top 25. Michigan is all about football and hockey. Beilein will leave WVU one day, but I don't think UM is where he is heading.

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in my Noel Devine comment - I meant Fball not bball world :) I guess i was too carried in the basketball news I was posting.

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Okay - let me begin. I am a huge WVU fan nonetheless. However, I have heard some inside information that I figured I would pass along to you all. Beilein has turned down a $500,000 yearly increase in pay at WVU. He is definitely out. There are several reasons from what I understand. One is his wife doesn't like Morgantown. Secondly, he does not get along with Rich Rod, which is why you never see them together. Third, he HATES Pastilong. There are others, but those are a few. It is only a matter of time that Michigan comes up with the money (2.5 mil) for his buyout. Beilein was furious when Gov. Manchin from WV would not work with WVU to lower his buyout. He slammed the phone and doors at his office.
On another note, WVU has been speaking with Coach Huggins again about a return to Morgantown. He turned it down previously because his daughters were still in school in the Cincinnati area. He is the #1 candidate to replace Beilein at the moment. However, do not sleep on Eastern Kentucky's head coach. This next part came directly from their website.
"Jeff Neubauer, a successful college basketball student-athlete and assistant basketball coach for 16 years, just completed his second year as head coach at Eastern Kentucky University. In 2006-07, he guided the Colonels to their seventh NCAA Tournament appearance and sixth 20-win season in program history. EKU accomplished both of those feats without a first team all-conference player on its roster."
Neubauer is a former assistant to John Beilein and I assure you Pastilong will have a long conversation with him being that he knows him from his previous time at WVU under Beilein.

One last thing - go WVU on the signing of Noel Devine! Great pickup for the bball world!

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Considering the Big East is the worst football division in all of Football played in the US (including 9 year old pee wee's) I can honestly say this comment: "I doubt it has the caliber football or basketball programs that WVU has now." is hands down the worst analysis of an athletic legacy that owns 11 national titles.

Last thing WVU had going for it was when they introduced "full sets of teeth" for their cheerleading squad (girls mainly)

Mountain rats.

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Dear Hor,
Why so nasty? You have great programs and have done great things in the past. Currently I think our football teams are close to equal, and our basketball program is a bit better at WVU. This doesn't change history and the fabulous tradition of UM. In fact much of our success is derived directly from BO via Don Nehlen. I hope Beilein stays but as a Mountaineer I'll be ok either way. We'll be fine.
(and I'm pretty certain UM will do ok either way as well)

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I will say Ho, I'll bet you stared at the keyboard for quite some time before coming up with such an intelligent and well thought out response. Every person I know from Michigan no longer lives there and would never go back. Also, you might want to investigate college football statistics before you spout out ignorant comments that make no sense. Here is a little stat for you:

1 - The BIG EAST (5-0) had the top bowl record of any conference this season, as well as the top non-conference winning percentage versus other charter BCS conferences (.667, 14-7 record)

I understand your frustation with being a distant and not always second-ranked team to Ohio State. Michigan football in all it's glory does not make up for the lack of interest in your state and the overall fact that you will always and forever take a backseat to the Buckeyes. When you start winning conference titles again then maybe you will have room to make such flagrantly unjustified comments. Until then, here's a little lighthearted humor to match your mountain rat comment.......

Q: Why do they throw out a sack of manure at University of Michigan weddings?
A: To keep the flies off the bride

Q: How do you make University of Michigan cookies?
A: Put them in a big Bowl and beat for 3 hours.

Q: What do you get when you cross a University of Michigan fan and a pig?
A: Nothing. There's some things that a pig will not do.

Q: How many University of Michigan freshman does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None, it's a sophomore course.

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Considering the Big East is the worst football division in all of Football played in the US (including 9 year old pee wee's) I can honestly say this comment: "I doubt it has the caliber football or basketball programs that WVU has now." is hands down the worst analysis of an athletic legacy that owns 11 national titles.

Last thing WVU had going for it was when they introduced "full sets of teeth" for their cheerleading squad (girls mainly)

Mountain rats.

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As of today the greatest accomplishment Coach BeeLine achieved is gracing a MICHIGAN locker room.

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First of all, the derogatory remarks about WVU is getting childish and old. Most of you don't even know that West Virginia is a STATE! LOL I learned all the states in grade school, did you? Secondly, Michigan isn't the powerhouse of years ago in any sport. As far as John Belein is concerned you can have him! I was very disappointed in him after we won the NIT championship that he darted out and our players came home alone! That is disrespectful to them and our fans. Yes, Belein's wife doesn't like Morgantown, she wants to live in the BIG CITY!!!! We were good enough for their son to play for us. We got JB to the Sweet Sixteen, the Elite 8, and an NIT Title and he drops us like a hot potato! I say enjoy your 5 years at Michigan because after that, he will go somewhere else. He only stays for 5 years at a time. Belein was offered the same amount of money to stay, so if he doesn't want to be here then we don't want him here. WVU has become a respectable school in the last 10 years and we don't need someone that isn't loyal to the program. JB if you are reading this by any chance, you have really disappointed alot of people in West Virginia, but mostly you have let your players down, especially the freshman and the new recruits. Sometimes you need to think about what your actions do to others. I am also sick of colleges stealing our coaches just because we have done so well. WVU will be stronger from this and we hope for an excellent coach to replace John Belein.

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I like so many other Mountaineer Fans was disappointed to hear the news that John Belein was leaving for the University of Michigan, and I like so many said "Get him out of here. He should have 2 hours to exit the state before he gets thrown out." But after all the disappointment exited my mind and body. I look at the situation like this! It is not the U of M fault they want an excellent coach but i do warn you. You won't get the high profiled recruits out of Michigan or Ohio. Where lets face it, you do most of your recruiting. By the way I lived in Ohio for 6 years, and know all about the hatred between Ohio State and Michigan. Personally could have cared less about all of the self touting of whose better, but would root for Michigan to tick off all the rabid Ohio State fans. We all no how you two love to one up one another, so give the nod in recruiting for Basketball to Ohio State. Two of the most high profiled round ballers in the last 3 years came from Ohio 1)Greg Oden and 2) the King himself Lebron which we all know would have went to no other than (Come on all you UM alums say it with me) Ohio State. Football recruiting give the nod to Ohio State after all did make it to the National Championship Game even if they were embarassed on and off the field the years they were in it. So anyway where was I,Oh yeah! So Belein does not go for that high profile recruit never has never will. He looks for guys who will fit his system. So if you got that high profile athlete who thinks he's the best and you can't teach him anything cause he knows it all. Here is a news flash, put your jaws back in place,are you ready for this, he will transfer. Don't look for anyone on a JB team to score 25 to 30 a game, cause all five will score 17 to 10 a game and thats it, with an occasional break out game for one of the five. Usally happens 2 times per season. So, in todays its all about me attitude I'm going to be the next top pick in the draft, NO TOP PLAYERS IN THE COUNTRY NEED TO APPLY, at The U of M basketball program. Belein will get you to national notority again, but you have got 5 years to win a title, thats it. Here is what you can expect in his almost predictable tenure at Michigan, two to three of those years will be below your, MUST WIN NOW, expectations. So,really you have two years before you will contend for an elite eight berth. And thats will be after he makes you pull your hair out with his, Its My Way or The Highway attiude, which I personally like, but it makes you wonder what the hell is he doing when it comes to players. And beleive me, you will be saying that to yourself. His Team attitude works with guys who know they are not going anywhere after their college careers are over. Make no mistake they will play team ball or they will not play at The U of M. JB takes basketball back to being pure, so you can really appreciate the game again in its purest form. Question is can he take that style to the next level at The U of M. Like I said, you will make it to the Elite 8 in 3 to 4 years. Me personally thats as far as he will go in any NCAA tourney with his style of basketball and the little time he will be at The U of M. Maybe he could have went further in the years to come if he stayed at WVU and developed an elite program, but we will never know. So thanks for all of the notority while you were at WVU John Belien. Its just to bad you never finish what you start at the universities you coached at especially WVU. I can understand Richmond and the other colleges before Richmond but WVU. Opps sorry for that, maybe I'm still a little bit bitter. Anyway we all know Elite 8 will not be good enough for you at The U of M. Seeing as how you are still living in the post Rumeal Robinson and The Fab Four days. Sorry but it is kind of true whether you admit it or not. As soon as it looks like you are starting a winning tradition again at Michigan JB's contract will be up. He will leave,probalby for the NBA or another top program in NY, mainly Syracuse when the other JB retires. WHY do i say he will leave? It was not the money, WVU pretty much matched that, all indications was that from what I heard JB'S departure from WVU was that Michigan offered JB a 5 year contract, I can leave at any time after the 5th year clause, and he signed for six years. So it looks as if the writing is on the wall already at The U of M ,if this is true ( about the clause), before the honeymoon even begins. So you cant blame JB for taking the money and the escape clause and leaving WVU. I also think that he cannot allow himself to get attached to players or an University. Maybe its a childhood trauma or something, I don't know; but, heres what you can look out for when JB is ready to bolt. 1)His attitude of stay out of my business when it comes to his contract. If you do not know the details of his contract thats fine but you should know the basics. 2)Extentions of his contract mean nothing.3)He goes into hiding after each season never to be seen or heard from again till b-ball season rolls around. Never saw or heard from him outside of b-all seaon in motown.4) I guess according to all the latest reports would be If the wifes unhappy. So whose the blame here!! The fans of WVU!! no we embraced JB and looked forward to b-ball season after a successful football season ( reminder two bowl victories in the last two years the Sugar and the Gator). JB by the way if he would have stayed, was fastly becoming a legend, in Motown. Everyone had his respect here. So is it the WVU athletic Dept. the blame? I think so, They should have hired someone who intends on making WVU its home like a former alum would. Someone whose only next step would be the NBA or NFL. Why not pose this question? I want someone who wants to be a Mountaineer!! Someone who wants to build an elite program and behere for a long period of time. I want someone like a Coach K or a Bobby Knight. Someone who wants to be legend at a university not just intrested in the money. Let the rewards be the players sucess in life, and know that you helped them be sucessful, should be their riches. As much as we may not have liked how it went down the first time. BOB HUGGINS might just be that man. When he gave that press confrence 5 years ago at UC you could tell his dreams of coaching at WVU was Crushed he was vivedly upset. You could tell the wife kept him from his dream. I have a theory the Huggs sabatoged his career at UC on purpose then moved to K-state because it was a second chance program at basketball for him. To one day be able to get that chance at his dream job WVU. Afterall I don't know very many D1 coaches with the clause they can not talk to any D1 school but WVU if the head coaching job of the mens basketball program is available!! HUGGS is a Mountaineer, will always be a Mountaineer. So why not give him a chance to redeem himself if he wants too. I'LL bet he will never leave.Yeah it might not be right team for him right now, but he does have some athletes on the current Mountaineer team if they choose to stay. MY prediction,HUGGS will be a legend in Motown when and if he comes within 5 years.

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"one of the most prestigous if not the most prestigous school in the usa."

HAHAHAHAHAHA

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Farewell and good riddance JB. You didn't want to be here anyway, so I am glad you are gone. We want people who bleed gold & blue. RRod is one. He was never going to leave, he just wanted to do as well as he could and be a Mountaineer. How many times have you ever seen Coach Beilein lead his team in singing "Hail West Virginia"? Rich does it all the time. I doubt if JB bothered to learn 1 verse. I bet Bob Huggins knows it. This is the kind of guy we need and he needs us. It will be a good marriage. A Lifetime Mountaineer

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