Merfield leaves basketball program

[amckillip]

Maybe CB can fill in for the season? Good excuse to drag him out of 'retirement.'

[Joe O.]

I'm shocked that this occurred mid-season. However, I know that Merf along with one other staff member has been unhappy for quite some time. The other staff member interviewed for a JUCO position at the end of last basketball season.

As stated previously it is quite puzzling how EB has elevated himself and that has caused others to be unhappy (please do not interpret that as jealousy because it is not) and really question why they are around.

Based on the last sentence in the press release and the timing of the resignation I could see Kyle Vogt moving to an Assistant Position and someone taking the DBO position (possibly a manager graduating at the end of semester or a former player)

[TheHeemyMonster]

I have a hard time believing that CB would coach again. He seems to really love being in the booth and having a lot of fun in "retirement".

[amckillip]

I have a hard time believing that CB would coach again. He seems to really love being in the booth and having a lot of fun in "retirement".

I think you're right on here, but I'm hopeful...

[BradleyBrave]

I'm shocked that this occurred mid-season. However, I know that Merf along with one other staff member has been unhappy for quite some time. The other staff member interviewed for a JUCO position at the end of last basketball season.

As stated previously it is quite puzzling how EB has elevated himself and that has caused others to be unhappy (please do not interpret that as jealousy because it is not) and really question why they are around.

Based on the last sentence in the press release and the timing of the resignation I could see Kyle Vogt moving to an Assistant Position and someone taking the DBO position (possibly a manager graduating at the end of semester or a former player)

EB is our least qualified assistant, yet is in the highest position. I'd be mad too. It's no secret that Jeremy Crouch has been around the program in an unofficial capacity. Perhaps he'll come on in an official capacity.

[Braves4Life]

Maybe CB can fill in for the season? Good excuse to drag him out of 'retirement.'

Now why would Les want to add CB back to the coaching staff? No doubt Les has heard all the talk that the ONLY reason BU made the Sweet 16 was because of CB. If he brings back CB now and the team continues to win and have a good season what do you think everyone will be saying? Not gonna happen, friend.

[Braves4Life]

I'm shocked that this occurred mid-season. However, I know that Merf along with one other staff member has been unhappy for quite some time. The other staff member interviewed for a JUCO position at the end of last basketball season.

As stated previously it is quite puzzling how EB has elevated himself and that has caused others to be unhappy (please do not interpret that as jealousy because it is not) and really question why they are around.

Based on the last sentence in the press release and the timing of the resignation I could see Kyle Vogt moving to an Assistant Position and someone taking the DBO position (possibly a manager graduating at the end of semester or a former player)

Sounds like you've got the inside scoop Joe O. How about PM'ing me with what you know.

[amckillip]

Now why would Les want to add CB back to the coaching staff? No doubt Les has heard all the talk that the ONLY reason BU made the Sweet 16 was because of CB. If he brings back CB now and the team continues to win and have a good season what do you think everyone will be saying? Not gonna happen, friend.

(If I missed sarcasm, forgive me) I think you're overstating even JL's ego here as well as the amount he cares about what is written on message boards and in the PJS. JL is no fool. He knows CB is an excellent coach, he didn't want him to go, and I doubt he would miss a chance to bring him back. That being said I don't think it will happen, but not because JL doesn't want it.

Also, I think it's too early to make JC an assistant coach, maybe the DBO or something of the sort, but JC played with AW, SM, WE, AT, SS and such, and that makes it hard to be an effective coach.

[BradleyBrave]

Big Bish still goes to most practices anyways...but he didn't like the time commitments in breaking down film and traveling for recruiting. Perhaps he may get more involved in practices, but he isn't coming back to the bench.

[Da Coach]

There is one coaching position available- Fordham just fired their coach Derek Whittenburg.

http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/10468902/Whittenburg-out-as-Fordham-coach-after-1-4-start

But I do not believe Merf left to seek a position elsewhere.

And we shouldn't jump to conclusions about what happened to lead to this event. I have already seen nearly 2 pages of assumptions that are all over the place and mostly wrong..

[SFP]

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

His departure could be for many reasons but I'd suspect that an other assistant has been given a little more security then him and he probably did not like it. Instead of waiting it out he's taking off. If that is the reason I would not blame him. It does not make it right or wrong, it just is! How many guys here have not liked their jobs or situation and had the ability to just cut and leave?

I'm just guessing here guys! Also there could have been some personal issue that none of us know. Regardless, I wish him luck.

[Da Coach]

I'm shocked that this occurred mid-season. However, I know that Merf along with one other staff member has been unhappy for quite some time. The other staff member interviewed for a JUCO position at the end of last basketball season....

Every assistant coach at every college wants a head coaching position. This is not a sign that said assistant isn't happy at Bradley. Again, I am seeing a lot of rumors that are way out in left field.


And recall that Chuck Buescher has a job with WMBD with responsibilities for this season that he feels an obligation to fulfill.

[dogsrus]

There is one coaching position available- Fordham just fired their coach Derek Whittenburg.

http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/10468902/Whittenburg-out-as-Fordham-coach-after-1-4-start

But I do not believe Merf left to seek a position elsewhere.

And we shouldn't jump to conclusions about what happened to lead to this event. I have already seen nearly 2 pages of assumptions that are all over the place and mostly wrong..

I don't think anyone is jumping to conclusions...just offering opinions. If we don't want that bradleyfans should have never been started.

[Out of Balance]

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....

I agree and will go along with the above No matter HOW you look at it, ever since the crowning of the Queen, things in the BU athletic dept. have had its drama, exits and disappointments Not sure if we can pin the tail on the Queen for this episode and departure but its as good of any answer we know of yet
I also agree with BB, theres just two much crap that goes on with this program, that should not be We can look at other programs that have the same or worst drama but that does NOTHING to justify or change anything here Very disappointing and hoping/looking,waiting for a good reason (witch there may just be) for why a team that is off to a good start for a change would have to lose a coach in the middle of a season

[TheHeemyMonster]

Ive actually heard the exact same thing from a source close to the program... I dont believe thats its really that far in left field....