Announcement

**Da Coach** · 03-28-2015, 06:13 PM

Chairman Doug Stewart is saying this is a new era of Bradley basketball.
He acknowledged that Chris Reynolds was the best choice they could have made for AD.
He thanked Chris Reynolds for his important part in interviewing candidates and getting the hiring done.
He said Chris Reynolds said Brian Wardle was his 1st choice, his 2nd choice, and his 3rd choice. He believes they got the best candidate and he'll be a winner.

Then he introduced Chris Reynolds to the podium.

**Da Coach** · 03-28-2015, 06:17 PM

Dr. Chris Reynolds was very excited! He said he was more excited than he was at his own introductory press conference 10 days ago. He believes they have hired a "winner"

He recapped his decision-making regarding the need for a change in the head coach. And he acknowledged the part and cooperation of Pres. Glasser, Chairman Stewart, and Parker Search firm, then mentioned the thoroughness of the search, interviews and background searches.

After reviewing all their requirements for a new head coach, he felt Brian Wardle was the best choice.

Then he introduced Brian Wardle.

**Da Coach** · 03-28-2015, 06:18 PM

Brian Wardle put on a Bradley hat and thanked everyone.

**Chico** · 03-28-2015, 06:26 PM

You would think this would be on a local TV station instead of the crap they have on now. At least be on WMBD radio, the great so-called BU station. Really disappointed.

**Da Coach** · 03-28-2015, 06:26 PM

Brian Wardle is excited and thankful to be the new Bradley head coach. He is wearing a red tie, and a Bradley lapel pin.

He continued by thanking all the others in his life who helped him get here, especially his family. He thanked his wife, his 3 kids, his father, brothers and sisters, Parker Search, and his agent, Tom Crean and Tod Kowalczyk (former coaches he worked as an assistant under), the Green Bay AD and Chancellor, and others whom he considered mentors in his life. He also thanked his former players at Green Bay.

He said he "hit it off with Chris Reynolds right away". He is from Illinois, and is very familiar with Bradley and their history. He promises to win a lot in Carver Arena in the future. He is impressed and excited with the Bradley facilities, community, and fans. And he loves the Missouri Valley, and will "work his tail off".

He again praised Chris Reynolds. He said his intention is to make Chris "look smart" for hiring him.

**Da Coach** · 03-28-2015, 06:31 PM

Next, Coach Wardle talked about meeting with the Bradley players and discussing what kind of a coach he is and what kind of team "identity" his team will have.

He said he will make no specific promises, other than that he will work hard, and his players will work hard every day to succeed and make the University and fans proud.

He again said he is very grateful and thankful to be at Bradley and to have this opportunity. He wants to get out into the community and meet the fans.

Then he finished by thanking the crowd and saying "we're going to have some fun now".

**Da Coach** · 03-28-2015, 06:33 PM

Then Bobby Parker announced that Coach Wardle would not be able to stay and meet and greet people since there will be a media-only press conference shortly in the media room.

**Braves2006** · 03-28-2015, 08:13 PM

Impressed with what I've heard from BW and certainly from what others have said about him. I'm with Chris Reynolds ..I wish it was November and the season was starting!

**CubbieBear** · 03-28-2015, 08:32 PM

This all sounds very good---and I am looking forward to progress & new leadership from CR & BW.

That said--(and not trying to sound like Debbie Downer)--I can remember feeling similarly excited when Coach Ford was introduced

I am hoping and praying that four years from now that we are in a post season tournament somewhere (and not continuing our dreadful streak of Thursday night appearances at Arch Madness)

A new era has begun boys

**bula-bloom** · 03-28-2015, 11:21 PM

geno ford intro press conference

Does anyone have geno's press conference on a video link? I'd like to compare. It's a bit ironic that both intros were on 3/28..hope that's where the similarities stop.

I watched today's and think bw sounds like a good choice. .I didn't feel the same way about foRd I don't think but that was a long time ago.

Looking forward to the change.

**CubbieBear** · 03-28-2015, 11:37 PM

Was reading on GB Phoenix forum--some are glad he is gone and they are already predicting who will replace him--many wish him well and feel he will have success here. One poster said he left GB for 750K salary to come here (about the same amount GF was getting). I had not heard that the amount/length of his contract been disclosed yet--anyone know??

**Da Coach** · 03-29-2015, 12:13 AM

I don't have the precise salary information, but my sources also say the deal is similar (maybe a small amount less) to what Geno was earning, and the length of the initial contract is 5 years.

That is another piece of fallout from the botched job of running things these past 4+ years. Once you pay such a huge amount for an unproven coach who was not successful, it is hard to negotiate anything less when you hire the next guy to bail the program out.

I am not saying Brian Wardle isn't going to be worth the money. Actually, I think Bradley will get more from the investment in Wardle, than they ever got these past 4 years. It just left Bradley in a difficult negotiating position.