I can’t help but think of Bill Snyder as I watch Bo Ryan step away from the game. There are many similarities with these two great coaches. They both turned around programs that were not successful prior to their tenure.
Here is quick snap shot of Bo Ryan: has an astounding 747 career victories, he has worked at the university for 23 years (he was an assistant from ’76-84), recorded the most victories in program history 364, and finished with a mark of 172-68 (.717) in Big Ten play, the highest winning percentage in conference history. He has also just been nominated 2015 Naismith Hall of Fame finalist. There is clearly a lot of Snyder in Ryan.
But I also see other similarities. What happens to Wisconsin once Bo is on some island? Wisconsin can’t be a hot destination for college basketball players. I’m guessing, over the past decade, good to great high school basketball players migrated to Wisconsin to play for Coach Ryan. That corridor of Midwest is tough to recruit, a ton of competition (not to mention the step up at Marquette, in UW’s backyard). I see similarities in all of this with Coach Snyder, his pending retirement, and the potential of bringing stud footballers to Manhattan in the competitive recruiting scene of the Big 12. What happens to UW basketball after a legend? What happens to K-State football after a legend?
Clearly, both athletic directors also have a lot in common. Barry Alvarez and John Currie will be responsible for perpetuating the success that was established by two retired legends. And both will have to compete with wishes of these the legends too. Bo Ryan signaled for his long time assistant Greg Gard and Snyder is making similar signals for his son, Sean. These AD’s have to shoulder the burden of the their respected legend’s wishes for loyalty to trump the potential of securing a hot young coach.
In both cases, the loyalty is obvious and probably well deserved. Bo Ryan wants Gard, who is originally from Wis., he also coached under Ryan from ‘93-99 at UW-Platteville and experienced three NCAA Division III titles with that team. Gard then left to UW-Milwaukee with Ryan and worked there for two seasons and finally making his way to UW 2001. While Snyder, on the other hand, has known Sean for, well, since birth. But you get the point. The AD’s must confront these requested for loyalty and relationships to possibly cloud the opportunity of searching their own choice. AD’s also like to have control and command their programs. Barry and John will have to do some soul searching.
In the end, it is sad to see good coaches say goodbye. I hated UW twice, but normally really enjoy watching their basketball teams because of the way they are coached. And it will epically sad in all of KS when the Messiah steps away from the gridiron. But both programs will be under the same weight to replace these legends. Two great fan bases will be waiting patiently. I know I will be.
Here is quick snap shot of Bo Ryan: has an astounding 747 career victories, he has worked at the university for 23 years (he was an assistant from ’76-84), recorded the most victories in program history 364, and finished with a mark of 172-68 (.717) in Big Ten play, the highest winning percentage in conference history. He has also just been nominated 2015 Naismith Hall of Fame finalist. There is clearly a lot of Snyder in Ryan.
But I also see other similarities. What happens to Wisconsin once Bo is on some island? Wisconsin can’t be a hot destination for college basketball players. I’m guessing, over the past decade, good to great high school basketball players migrated to Wisconsin to play for Coach Ryan. That corridor of Midwest is tough to recruit, a ton of competition (not to mention the step up at Marquette, in UW’s backyard). I see similarities in all of this with Coach Snyder, his pending retirement, and the potential of bringing stud footballers to Manhattan in the competitive recruiting scene of the Big 12. What happens to UW basketball after a legend? What happens to K-State football after a legend?
Clearly, both athletic directors also have a lot in common. Barry Alvarez and John Currie will be responsible for perpetuating the success that was established by two retired legends. And both will have to compete with wishes of these the legends too. Bo Ryan signaled for his long time assistant Greg Gard and Snyder is making similar signals for his son, Sean. These AD’s have to shoulder the burden of the their respected legend’s wishes for loyalty to trump the potential of securing a hot young coach.
In both cases, the loyalty is obvious and probably well deserved. Bo Ryan wants Gard, who is originally from Wis., he also coached under Ryan from ‘93-99 at UW-Platteville and experienced three NCAA Division III titles with that team. Gard then left to UW-Milwaukee with Ryan and worked there for two seasons and finally making his way to UW 2001. While Snyder, on the other hand, has known Sean for, well, since birth. But you get the point. The AD’s must confront these requested for loyalty and relationships to possibly cloud the opportunity of searching their own choice. AD’s also like to have control and command their programs. Barry and John will have to do some soul searching.
In the end, it is sad to see good coaches say goodbye. I hated UW twice, but normally really enjoy watching their basketball teams because of the way they are coached. And it will epically sad in all of KS when the Messiah steps away from the gridiron. But both programs will be under the same weight to replace these legends. Two great fan bases will be waiting patiently. I know I will be.
