The Rational IU Fan point of view,
1) Chill out: top to bottom this IU team is really young, talented but young its not a good year to be finding footing in a historically deep and difficult Big ten plus limitations dude to COVID. IU is competitive in every game this year minus Texas (a top 5 team in the nation) and stretches vs Purdue. Injuries have hurt too (Brunk, Franklin, Phinese) I know what excuses are like!
2) Year 5: Archie needs year 5 especially if TJD comes back. If this is the case IU will be experienced, older, and deeper than just about every team in the conference and might just be considered the favorite to win the Big Ten. If you don't give him year 5 then you will you will see mass exodus for NBA and Transfer further throwing things off any path in the ditch once again. Lack of shooting is only a problem if you don't win 56-48.
3) IF: Year 5 is a bust and it could be a talented IU team flops in the Big Ten, limps too the tourney, and gets booted early/misses altogether, then by all means hand him the pink slip and not a person nationally, locally, or really Archie himself could argue.
4) The search is already over: I agree with one name and that is Dane Fife . Lets take a lesson from our hated neighbors to the North. Purdue enjoys sustained success as a tourney team and top half Big Ten team for one reason their coach is extremely invested in their program. Not only for a desire to win but pride. This is what Howard has also brought to Michigan and What I think Fife would bring to IU. Forget the Bob Knight association Fife is the best choice for his experience. He knows the Big 10 and the State of Indiana, learned from Izzo, and has been a Head Coach. Who cares that he played for Knight!? (well nobody except grandpa and Dickey V) that's irrelevant and shouldn't help or hurt him.
Ultimately that won't happen why?
Fans desperation for the " Parodical Son" not just Brad , but the BIG NAME GUY (i.e. Billy Donavan, Mark Few). This guy isn't coming to IU period sorry to say it these guys aren't coming to a high risk and low reward situation like Indiana and its been like that for a while now. I admit this did not dawn on me until they hired Archie. Because its the only possible reason why they hired Archie.
Association with Knight the University has been scared of any such association for a long time but it does seem after last year its starting to fade.
A possible "Tom Allen effect" do you go with a quick choice or someone on staff? I could see a curve ball and all the sudden and Mike Roberts becomes the next HC (Though I wouldn't be mad to see what Kenya Hunter or Bruiser Flint could do in B-Town).
The Mid-Major flavor of the month. Hiring this cool, young, relatable mid-major HC otherwise known as lets throw Sh## at the wall and see if it sticks. Hey sometimes it does (Holtman-OSU, Cronin- UCLA might be a little early, Shaka - Texas). But if it doesn't ? Wash , Rinse, and Repeat see you all in therapy!
Plan B:
SO crazy it might actually work? What if I told you there was a coach who had taken a power conference school to the Final Four, 9 straight 20 win seasons, was a national coach of the year, 3 time Conference tourney champion in a conference with a Blueblood program. Would leave that program for Indiana because he believes Indiana is one of the best bball programs in the nation. Could get IU back to 20 wins and the NCAA Tourney in his FIRST season. Sign the best High School basketball player in the State of Indiana in 20 years (whatever means necessary 😅) Wins anywhere he's ever been. Only downside is he likes to talk on the phone a little too much 😉...….. would you hire him?
A nice apology and 4 million a year it could all be water under the bridge. I jest but in all seriousness I think he got a raw deal considering most of his violations are now legal in NCAA bylaws and McRobbie doesn't exactly have the best track record in major university decisions ..... And winners at that level tend to come with some baggage..... so do you want a squeaky clean losing program or a ehhh maybe that wasn't the best decision BUT where going dancing every March
Its gotta make you think what if.
