Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Sports

Larry Brown Says Farewell To SMU

But are we really that shocked?

Becky Wirth

Jul 12, 2016

Southern Methodist University

Philly.com

On July 9, Larry Brown announced his resignation as head coach of Southern Methodist University's basketball team after four seasons. This was Brown's 13th head coaching position and third head coaching position for a college team. After just four seasons with SMU, Brown was able to completely rebuild SMU's basketball program, having three straight 25-plus win seasons and an appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2015. This was SMU's first appearance in the tournament in 22 years.

So why did Brown decide to leave? Apparently, it was over a contract dispute. Brown wanted a five-year contract, while SMU was offering only a two or three-year deal. After not being able to reach an agreement, Brown resigned.

There have been many criticisms of both Brown and SMU over this event. Some think SMU should have seen this coming: Brown has a reputation for being a very "nomadic" coach, as he as coached 13 different teams (a few of which he resigned mid-season). Others blame Brown for being irrational and selfish. He is 76 years old, and a five-year contract would extend into his 80s. This negotiation was also discussed after SMU's sanctioned season for violating NCAA rules. Last September, the NCAA banned SMU from the postseason for one year and also suspended Brown for nine games.

Regardless of who is to blame, it was incredible to see how Brown transformed SMU's program in just four seasons. As an SMU student, it was amazing to see the hype for our basketball team grow and grow over time, with people desperately trying to rack up points to be able to join "The Mob." Students camped out to get basketball tickets in the freezing cold. The term "Moody Magic" was coined (Moody meaning Moody Coliseum, SMU's home stadium). On a campus where school spirit was lacking, this energy was revolutionary.

Tim Jankovich will take over as head coach of the Mustangs after serving as Brown's associate head coach for the past four seasons. He has an impressive resume, having coached five seasons with Illinois State prior to coming to SMU.

Will Jankovich be capable of maintaining a winning record next season or clinching a spot in the NCAA tournament? We will see this fall.

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Student Life

How To Adult

You're gonna make it after all.

Muskingum University

1590

Twitter

It is the time of our lives that we are beginning to enter the adult world and most of us, if not all of us, have no idea what we are doing. It's like starting a video game, but skipping the tutorial. We're all just running around aimlessly hoping we accidentally do something right that moves us along the right path. Now that graduation has just happened, or is right around the corner for some of us, it's time to start thinking about how we are going to take care of ourselves once we are on our own.

Keep Reading...Show less

adulting

Lifestyle

7 Signs You're A Starbucks Addict

I'll be the first one to admit I'm addicted to Starbucks.

Regis University

638

Tumblr

If you’re anything like me, you love a good cup of coffee. My coffee always comes from Starbucks; I refuse to drink it from anywhere else. Over the years, it’s become one of my biggest addictions. So, if you are aware that you’re a Starbucks addict as well, or maybe you need to check to see if you’re an addict, here are seven ways to tell.

Keep Reading...Show less

starbucks

Student Life

6 Ways to Float Through Life

College Edition.

SUNY Binghamton

2170

Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash

College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)

Keep Reading...Show less

college tips

Lifestyle

How The Holidays Have Changed

It all started when we learned the truth about Santa.

Florida State University

3663

It is no secret that many American traditions have changed over time. As we grow older we change in so many ways that it only makes sense that we also change the way we celebrate special occasions. Of course when it comes to the holidays there are some family traditions that many of us still excitedly look forward to, whether it is eating your favorite dish or seeing favorite cousin. However, we all know that the holidays have overall changed a little from what they used to be.

Keep Reading...Show less

christmas

Lifestyle

10 Signs You Did Musicals In School

Fellow thespians, you know who you are.

Charleston Southern University

1762

Everyone who has done musicals knows that once you go there you can never go back. It's like a virus. It never leaves and you find yourself attracted to all types of theater things. You're drawn to it like a moth to a flame. There are certain things you know to be true, whether you did a musical once or have done them your entire life.