JMU in desperate need of big-name coach

House Editorial

As JMU continues its search for a new men's basketball coach, several big-name coaches have been contacted, in addition to some current assistant coaches. In the upcoming days and weeks that the search committee interviews candidates to replace Sherman Dillard, it seems logical that JMU should hire a big-name coach if one is willing to take the job.

While hiring a top assistant coach from another program might work out, hiring a recognized coach has too many advantages to overlook. Among the known names that JMU has contacted are former Iowa State University coach Larry Eustachy and former University of North Carolina coach Matt Doherty. Hiring someone such as Eustachy or Doherty would bring instant credibility to JMU's program because both are established coaches.

When JMU hired "Lefty" Driesell as its men's basketball coach in 1988, the move paid off. Driesell, a big-name coach who left the University of Maryland in a cloud of controversy, led the Dukes to three National Invitation Tournament appearances, a 1994 Colonial Athletic Association title and a berth into the NCAA Tournament that same year.

Eustachy has similar baggage that Driesell carried when he came to JMU in 1988. In five seasons at Iowa State, Eustachy guided the Cyclones to a 101-59 record, but resigned when he acknowledged he was an alcoholic after photographs emerged with him partying with college students. Eustachy, however, reportedly has cleaned up his life since he stepped down in May 2003.

Despite his winning record, Doherty's only downfall was that he didn't live up to the high expectations of the prestigious basketball program at North Carolina.

Yet, with their respective proven success, Eustachy or Doherty would be great choices as JMU's new head coach. In addition to adding credibility to a drowning program, their hiring would bring instant national attention back to JMU. National media would flock to Harrisonburg, especially in Eustachy's case.

An established coach also would attract fans back from the currently diminished attendance at the Convocation Center. Excitement of basketball season again would fill the campus, and the "Electric Zoo" — the name given to the courtside student sections during the 1980s and 1990s — would be revived.

For too long, the JMU administration has been conservative in its athletic decisions. It's time it makes a bold move and go for a big-name instead of settling with hiring a top assistant coach or choosing a "safe hire," such as former JMU Dukes assistant coach Ron Bradley.

Doherty and Eustachy might need JMU as much as JMU needs one of them. Both would work hard to bring the program back to life, as well as prove they are still good coaches to their past employers. Giving one of them the job would be beneficial to both parties.

It's time for JMU to return its men's basketball program to the top of the CAA, as well as back into the national spotlight as it once was in the early 1980s. Eustachy, Doherty or another established, recognizable coach have the ability to do just that.

JMU made a mistake by going after an unproven coach such as Dillard last time. JMU should not make the same mistake twice, and instead should go after someone with a successful record as a Division I head coach.