Merfield leaves basketball program

[BradleyBrave]

Well said amckillip. There may be absolutely nothing negative to read into this. Coaches often live the life of a traveling gypsy..... always looking for the next best opportunity. We did fine before Merf/ We'll do fine post Merf.

If it's not health related, how often does this happen to winning programs in the middle of the season?

[amckillip]

Don't underestimate the value of a good coaching staff. If assistants had no value, why was Chuck Buescher such a valuable asset to this program? Merfeld had a rough go at UE, but had great success at Hampton and went to more NCAA's there than the current staff has at BU. He's a good coach, and we are not as good now as we were. More freaking drama surrounding this program.

Definitely not trying to underestimate a coaching staff. CB was a vital part of the program, and is still around because of that. An assistant that doesn't agree with the HC is not altogether useful, that may be the case here. Once again, not saying this is good - I'm just not keen on making a judgment based on a few lines from the, IMO, less than reputable PJS (see JP redshirting story, or the TB coverage).

[dogsrus]

Woah... Hold up there big guy, its one assistant coach. We're playing well, coming of a big neutral court win and a road win. Unless there is something I'm not privy to, I don't think I'm ready to throw this into the 'drama' category. Merfield seemed like a nice guy, but he obviously wasn't some great coach (see EU), we can easily overcome this. If there was a rift, he likely wasn't doing much this year anyway. I'm not saying its good, but lets wait before we go into meltdown mode.

I wouldn't use UE as a barometer as to the Quality of a coach.......

[Da Coach]

PJ star with the scoop.....

Good thing Dave Reynolds wasn't one of those laid off.

Although it was not Dave that wrote the story, and the news was broken by Kevin Capie.

From what I have heard, this was not a sudden thing. There have been things happening for a while.

[BradleyBrave]

Definitely not trying to underestimate a coaching staff. CB was a vital part of the program, and is still around because of that. An assistant that doesn't agree with the HC is not altogether useful, that may be the case here. Once again, not saying this is good - I'm just not keen on making a judgment based on a few lines from the, IMO, less than reputable PJS (see JP redshirting story, or the TB coverage).

Unless it's health-related or because of some personal turmoil, I don't see this sounding good for the program.

[dogsrus]

Definitely not trying to underestimate a coaching staff. CB was a vital part of the program, and is still around because of that. An assistant that doesn't agree with the HC is not altogether useful, that may be the case here. Once again, not saying this is good - I'm just not keen on making a judgment based on a few lines from the, IMO, less than reputable PJS (see JP redshirting story, or the TB coverage).

What has the Star reported that on this breaking story that you would question.....? They really haven't "investigated" much and so far are just reporting facts as the recieve them.

[amckillip]

I wouldn't use UE as a barometer as to the Quality of a coach.......

The only barometer of a coach I can use is his coaching record... whether at UE, Duke, UK, or BU. Merfeld was good at Hampton, but that was a far different level than MVC. Either way, questioning merfields ability wasn't really my point rather that we should wait until we have more details to pass judgment. There have been some 'silly' firings and hirings in the athletic department driven by people other than JL lately, particularly within the last 2 years....

[it's boogie time]

why was Chuck Buescher such a valuable asset to this program?

Any chance of him rejoining the team for the rest of the season? I think it would be tough to fill this spot until March in the conventional manner.

[dogsrus]

Unless it's health-related or because of some personal turmoil, I don't see this sounding good for the program.

It really sounds like Merf wasn't on the same page with JL....so IF that is the case maybe he really wasn't that instrumental in all that has been going on. So HOPEFULLY he won't be that missed.

[BradleyBrave]

I would bet dollars to donuts that Merf was tired of being underneath Eric Buescher. EB's resume pales in comparison to SM's...yet he was the 'Associate Head Coach'? Stupid.

[dogsrus]

Any chance of him rejoining the team for the rest of the season? I think it would be tough to fill this spot until March in the conventional manner.

I would doubt it very much....but ujusnevrno. If he was on the team he could have had all the fun in Vegas he was having Sat. nite.

[BradleyBrave]

The only barometer of a coach I can use is his coaching record... whether at UE, Duke, UK, or BU. Merfeld was good at Hampton, but that was a far different level than MVC. Either way, questioning merfields ability wasn't really my point rather that we should wait until we have more details to pass judgment. There have been some 'silly' firings and hirings in the athletic department driven by people other than JL lately, particularly within the last 2 years....

If that's the only barometer then our coach isn't very good. He has a losing conference record going into year #8. However, I do think we have a good coach though, so...

[PTownHawkeye]

I would bet dollars to donuts that Merf was tired of being underneath Eric Buescher. EB's resume pales in comparison to SM's...yet he was the 'Associate Head Coach'? Stupid.

I think you may have something...but realize that Merf knew what he was getting into when he took the position. It was made clear to him that EB was the Associate Head Coach.


I live down the street from Merf for a while and spoke to him on several occasions. Great guy, great family. I wish them nothing but the best.

[wily coyote]

Any chance of him rejoining the team for the rest of the season? I think it would be tough to fill this spot until March in the conventional manner.

Maybe JL can talk someone out of the radio booth?? Just a thought

[patrick_o'brian]

Wow! This is unbelievable. Are there any coaching vacancies out there? What is the reason for this. I'm not sure that it will hurt the team all that much but this is pretty unexpected. You would think that it being so early in the season that they would go out and replace him. I don't know I'm pretty speechless right now.