Is it Time to Do the Unthinkable?

[TexGator]

I've been following the Cardinals since the 80's and have been the quality of the program's results precipitously drop the last 10 years. Which brings up the question of whether it's time for Gilligan to hang up his cleats and let someone else take over.

 

We've seen programs develop quickly and see success around the conference and country... is Gilligan the problem, the solution, or what?

 

Thoughts?

[Big T]

I've been saying it for a while, but it is time for him to go. However, he will be back next year.

[LUSportsFan]

It may be time, but here's some info.

 

1. One losing season since 2005 (as far back as lamarcardinals.com stats go back.)

2. 26 players on to the pros during that same time period per http://www.baseball-reference.com/schools/. That compares favorably with the other programs.

3. Other than Sam Houston State (5) and UTA (2), we've been to the NCAA tournament as many times as any other conference member (current or former) during the same period.

4. Some were ready to get rid of Coach Gilligan after the 2011-2013 season. The team answered with a great turnaround ending the season with a 39-20 overall record following the one losing season during the period (22-30).

 

One other thing to look at is the facilities arms race. Just about every one of our current as well as past conference mates which have been successful in the sport either have new stadiums or major renovations to existing stadiums. Facilities help in recruiting. It is disappointing that the needed Vincent-Beck renovations keep sliding into the future (now scheduled for 2019).

[baller]

Gilligan has been a solid fundraiser for his program over the years which is a factor amongst many in evaluations.

[geezer]

I think the answer is setting some new expectations. The fans shouldn't be satisfied, but the University needs to step up and make the Beck into one of the best stadiums in the conference and something a FBS conference looking to add LU would want. 2019 is too long to wait.

[baller]

I have donated over the years to various improvement projects at the baseball field.I wish the university had extra money prioritized for the baseball park but it usually comes down to Gilligan and the AD asking for donations.Unfortunately cutbacks from the state over the last ten years have resulted in improvements in many areas being delayed.Still our facilities kick most other conference schools facilities.

[geezer]

Not sure better than most other SLC facilities is good enough to stay at the top or be considered for a higher level conference.

[lu cards]

time for new blood.nothing against Gilligan but I think its time for a change.

[eagle eye]

I have been on the fence over this one and the info in LUSportsFan's post;

 

It may be time, but here's some info.

 

1. One losing season since 2005 (as far back as lamarcardinals.com stats go back.)

2. 26 players on to the pros during that same time period per http://www.baseball-reference.com/schools/. That compares favorably with the other programs.

3. Other than Sam Houston State (5) and UTA (2), we've been to the NCAA tournament as many times as any other conference member (current or former) during the same period.

4. Some were ready to get rid of Coach Gilligan after the 2011-2013 season. The team answered with a great turnaround ending the season with a 39-20 overall record following the one losing season during the period (22-30).

 

One other thing to look at is the facilities arms race. Just about every one of our current as well as past conference mates which have been successful in the sport either have new stadiums or major renovations to existing stadiums. Facilities help in recruiting. It is disappointing that the needed Vincent-Beck renovations keep sliding into the future (now scheduled for 2019).

 

...gives me reason to think maybe the program isn't as stagnant as I thought. Change for change sake isn't necessarily a good thing. We have all seen the issues with hiring coaches at Lamar. Baseball isn't basketball and it certainly isn't as high a profile sport as hoops but if we are enjoying success and at least making the conference tournament it's hard to just kick the coach down the road, especially one that has been around as long Jim Gilligan and had the success he's had. Of course we'd like more success and that is what makes a change hard. I want more success from all our programs, baseball included, but without guarantees the new guy will be better......and the hiring decisions at the school............man, I have to think long and hard and know a lot about the prospective candidates before I'm in on a change.

[coachacola]

What has this team done the last 5 years?

 

2014: 16-16 conference record, barely makes the SLC tourney (139 massey rating)

2013: 18-14 conference record, good team, 61 massey rating but no NCAA tourney

2012: 14-19 conference record, overall losing record (174 massey rating)

2011: 15-20 conference record, barely has an overall winning record (161 massey rating)

2010: 20-18 conference record, upsets Texas State to go to NCAA tourney, loses both games (98 massey rating)

 

I don't think anyone in the community cares enough about LU baseball to put pressure on the AD to get rid of Gilligan. He never has bad teams and every 3 or 4 years he has a team that makes the NCAA tourney. He's done a lot for the University so forcing him to step down could backfire big time on the AD. My guess is Gilligan will be around until he's ready to retire.

[Cplatt]

Facilities play a major role in getting talent here. I played for Gilligan from 04-06 and I was one of t26 drafted and the people that man knows helps get the money here. The man can coach baseball and the Beck needs a major renovation soon. Rickleson is coach in waiting, so not really new blood.

Cplatt

[Guest austinred]

I say stick with Coach Gilligan until he is ready to retire. His baseball program has had more success than any of the other sports, including basketball. It was just 11 years ago that LU made it to the final game in the Austin regional. They beat UT 6 - 2 in the Sunday afternoon game and lost to UT 6-3 on Monday. UT made it to the semifinals of the College World Series that year.

 

Coach Gilligan used to have a pipeline to New York players back in the 70's and 80's. Anybody know what happened with that?

[Big T]

He quit traveling to recruit. This is why IMO he has to go. He wants to manage the team, but he doesn't want to do the work required. He would rather stand around and shoot the bull or play a game of golf. With that said, he did go to NY this past year and is bringing in two players from there.