Should Rick Villarreal be fired? Poll

Cerebus · October 16, 2015

Our only problem right now is football.

Oh yes, just that tiny little matter of having his two coaching hires having one winning season between them and having quite possible the worst 9 year run in North Texas football history. Just that. Why even complain about something as minor as that. All 4,000 people in attendance last night proved this has been a great success.

Maybe next year when MGC membership drops to 400 or so, and we have to scramble to find funds to pay for the scholarships, maybe someone will notice.

HarringtonFishSmeller · October 16, 2015

Someone posted about UTA's new basketball area. Well...they are one game better than us over the past two seasons. I doubt they are clamouring for their AD's head over it.

We have a ridiculous sense of entitlement.

Cerebus · October 16, 2015

You would rather have what SMU has...NCAA up in your grill again...this time over basketball because you were so desperate for basketball success?

Yes because the only two choices are sucking it up or being under NCAA investigation. No one has ever been able to find that magic middle ground.

We have a ridiculous sense of entitlement.

Good Lord if we're not careful someone might demand that we win a football game this season. How uncouth, don't they know they should just sign those checks and shut up?

untjim1995 · October 16, 2015

You would rather have what SMU has...NCAA up in your grill again...this time over basketball because you were so desperate for basketball success?

I'm not really sure how you derived that I would rather have what SMU has now.

I would be just fine right now with having what we had when Johnny Jones was here in his last five seasons versus what we have seen in the last three years, when wins (and attendance) have dropped mightily.

There used to be a poster on this site, I believe he was called The Fake Lonnie Finch. Man, that guy was pretty sharp with his posts (usually). Yeah, he trolled a few times, but for the most part, he made some solid posts. I wish he hadn't died so soon...especially when I read most of what this poster throws out there these days.

Edited October 16, 2015 by untjim1995

GRN-WHT · October 16, 2015

Our athletic department is on a different planet from what it was when I was here.

If that's your standard, then the state of the athletic department is worse than when I was a student. At least we had a good basketball team.

HarringtonFishSmeller · October 16, 2015

If that's your standard, then the state of the athletic department is worse than when I was a student. At least we had a good basketball team.

And, what did having a good basketball program get us? You guys act as though we were the mid-major answer to Kansas. Not even close. We went to the NCAAs twice in 11 year. We had one first place finish in 11 years. We were good...but, we weren't some mid-major act like Gonzaga. .

greenminer · October 16, 2015

I thought a lot of the non-revenue sports actually lose money? Don't football and basketball, to some degree, HAVE to be good enough to fund everything else and then some?

MeanGreenTexan · October 16, 2015

And, what did having a good basketball program get us? You guys act as though we were the mid-major answer to Kansas. Not even close. We went to the NCAAs twice in 11 year. We had one first place finish in 11 years. We were good...but, we weren't some mid-major act like Gonzaga. .

And what are we now?

HarringtonFishSmeller · October 16, 2015

And what are we now?

About the same as many other mid-majors who have won 30 or less over the past two seasons: DePaul, Marquette, Duquesne, Houston, Bradley, Southern Illinois, Loyola...schools that occasionally do well in basketball, just like us.

ColoradoEagle · October 16, 2015

You comparing us to those schools might be the dumbest thing I've ever read on this board.

Moobs · October 16, 2015

Has anyone tweeted this thread to @UNTPrez yet?

untjim1995 · October 16, 2015

About the same as many other mid-majors who have won 30 or less over the past two seasons: DePaul, Marquette, Duquesne, Houston, Bradley, Southern Illinois, Loyola...schools that occasionally do well in basketball, just like us.

Just stop...we get it, obviously, you only have interest in UNT football. Just leave it at that. Trolling this board may be funny to you, but it looks really stupid to the reader.

And if you aren't trolling, by same small chance, there may not be a dumber post in terms of understanding UNT Basketball than you've conveyed--and that includes anything from Andrew.

HarringtonFishSmeller · October 16, 2015

I thought a lot of the non-revenue sports actually lose money? Don't football and basketball, to some degree, HAVE to be good enough to fund everything else and then some?

Almost all football programs lose money, even at big schools. Basketball as well.

DART loses money by the tens of millions. But, do you see them ending their bus and train services?

Sorry, all. I can't sit by and act as though there have been no improvements with the athletic department over the past 15 or so years. There have been vast improvements.

meangreenacct · October 16, 2015

No time like a Friday afternoon for a pink slip, am I right guys?

You comparing us to those schools might be the dumbest thing I've ever read on this board.

I've always though of UNT as the DePaul of the south, was I alone in that?

untjim1995 · October 16, 2015

Almost all football programs lose money, even at big schools. Basketball as well.

DART loses money by the tens of millions. But, do you see them ending their bus and train services?

Sorry, all. I can't sit by and act as though there have been no improvements with the athletic department over the past 15 or so years. There have been vast improvements.

You get what you deserve...since RV became our AD, the w/l record is a cumulative of 64-113, a winning percentage of .362. That covers Darrell Dickey, Todd Dodge, Chico 1.0, Dan McCarney, and now Chico 2.0.

Nobody, but you, is claiming that we haven't seen any improvement in the overall athletic department from 15 years ago. Actually trying usually gives some modicum of improvement to a situation, which is what RV has done over his predecessor, Craig Helwig. And Apogee alone is a huge step forward, even if it got built on the becks of students who voted for it because of UNTFlyer's leadership and keeping RV as far from the election process as humanly possible. CUSA is a step up, as well, but again, that has everything to do with SMU jumping up to the AAC and leaving the conference with a void in DFW unless they took us. And there are other improvements, too.

But an AD at every other single university in America that runs an FBS program gets hired/extended/fired off of their success or failure of the revenue sports teams. Why does it have to be different here every time when it comes to athletics? Just once--especially just this once--why can't we fire the Tina Slinker of ADs at UNT, a guy who basically watches over losing at sports that people care about at a level that is damn near unchartered. His latest firing of one of his hires will cost the university millions.

I think I know who provides legal representation to the UNT 17 now.

HarringtonFishSmeller · October 16, 2015

Just stop...we get it, obviously, you only have interest in UNT football. Just leave it at that. Trolling this board may be funny to you, but it looks really stupid to the reader.
And if you aren't trolling, by same small chance, there may not be a dumber post in terms of understanding UNT Basketball than you've conveyed--and that includes anything from Andrew.

No. As stated before, I'm looking at the athletic department as a whole, and it's healthy. You have some tunnel-vision with basketball program; I understand. Others have a tunnel-vision with football. Most colleges don't make money with either. The mega schools do.

Some believe that there will be a magic hiring for football or basketball that will automatically heal all of the mental wounds/sports egos. I understand that one fails, you go ut and hire another.

Dickey tanked for two years after four bowl appearances, he was fired.
Dodge tanked with no bowl appearances, he was fired.
McCarney tanked two years after a bowl appearance, he was fired.
The next guy will come along and do the best he can. He'll have better facilities and stable, supportive leadership from the university.

Johnny Jones did a great job here and was hired away. Same thing happens at mid-majors like Tulsa. But, occasionally, a hire doesn't work out. Benford hasn't been as good as Johnny.

Through his first three seasons, Benford is 42-53/.422 winning percentage. In Johnny's first three seasons here, he was 35-50/.412 winning percentage. I'm sure there were basketball folks wanting Johnny's head after his first three season's here as well. I was no more for cutting Rick loose because of it then than I am now.

Not happy with football's season. Hoping basketball does better. But, I can see good in almost every other program, on and off the field. The NCAA isn't at our door.

Plus, at the end of the day, I'm an adult. I can somehow live with Rick keeping his job, given the improvements made while keeping it all within the NCAA rules. For many years, I wasn't happy with him. Especially during the Dodge years. But, for me, when I'm on campus again at sporting events like last night, it's hard not to appreciate the new facilities.

Ya'll go ahead an keep popping off. I'm happy with the guy. Some of you night need to become SMU fans. They have bought higher dollar coaches in football and basketball. The result: they are the same as we are in football...and the NCAA just knee-capped their basketball program and coach.

Patience is a virtue, not a product. Remember that, grasshoppers.

untjim1995 · October 16, 2015

No. As stated before, I'm looking at the athletic department as a whole, and it's healthy. You have some tunnel-vision with basketball program; I understand. Others have a tunnel-vision with football. Most colleges don't make money with either. The mega schools do.
Some believe that there will be a magic hiring for football or basketball that will automatically heal all of the mental wounds/sports egos. I understand that one fails, you go ut and hire another.
Dickey tanked for two years after four bowl appearances, he was fired.
Dodge tanked with no bowl appearances, he was fired.
McCarney tanked two years after a bowl appearance, he was fired.
The next guy will come along and do the best he can. He'll have better facilities and stable, supportive leadership from the university.
Johnny Jones did a great job here and was hired away. Same thing happens at mid-majors like Tulsa. But, occasionally, a hire doesn't work out. Benford hasn't been as good as Johnny.
Through his first three seasons, Benford is 42-53/.422 winning percentage. In Johnny's first three seasons here, he was 35-50/.412 winning percentage. I'm sure there were basketball folks wanting Johnny's head after his first three season's here as well. I was no more for cutting Rick loose because of it then than I am now.
Not happy with football's season. Hoping basketball does better. But, I can see good in almost every other program, on and off the field. The NCAA isn't at our door.
Plus, at the end of the day, I'm an adult. I can somehow live with Rick keeping his job, given the improvements made while keeping it all within the NCAA rules. For many years, I wasn't happy with him. Especially during the Dodge years. But, for me, when I'm on campus again at sporting events like last night, it's hard not to appreciate the new facilities.
Ya'll go ahead an keep popping off. I'm happy with the guy. Some of you night need to become SMU fans. They have bought higher dollar coaches in football and basketball. The result: they are the same as we are in football...and the NCAA just knee-capped their basketball program and coach.
Patience is a virtue, not a product. Remember that, grasshoppers.

That is same serious bait you've throw out there...

MeanGreenTexan · October 16, 2015

Almost all football programs lose money, even at big schools. Basketball as well.

DART loses money by the tens of millions. But, do you see them ending their bus and train services?

Sorry, all. I can't sit by and act as though there have been no improvements with the athletic department over the past 15 or so years. There have been vast improvements.

I don't think you'll have an argument there. But you can't just point at a bunch of buildings that have popped up over the past decade and say that the Athletic department as a whole is where it needs to be now. That appears to be the mindset of "the 17".

Imagine if someone else came in here with better business acumen and could raise even more money by befriending even more donors! Think we could improve all of those facilities even more? What if there is someone out there who would donate money to the soccer ladies like Gruzzy did to the golf team. I'm not saying our soccer complex is not good, but it could be improved... And that could likely sway some player/s to choose UNT over other big schools, which would in turn improve play on the field.

HarringtonFishSmeller · October 16, 2015

That is same serious bait you've throw out there...

I like you. But, we just disagree about Rick; and, that's fine by me. I can't pretend he does nothing when I can see, tangibly, otherwise. I'm happy for your passion for our alma mater, though.

MeanGreenTexan · October 16, 2015

No. As stated before, I'm looking at the athletic department as a whole, and it's healthy. You have some tunnel-vision with basketball program; I understand. Others have a tunnel-vision with football. Most colleges don't make money with either. The mega schools do.
Some believe that there will be a magic hiring for football or basketball that will automatically heal all of the mental wounds/sports egos. I understand that one fails, you go ut and hire another.
Dickey tanked for two years after four bowl appearances, he was fired.
Dodge tanked with no bowl appearances, he was fired.
McCarney tanked two years after a bowl appearance, he was fired.
The next guy will come along and do the best he can. He'll have better facilities and stable, supportive leadership from the university.
Johnny Jones did a great job here and was hired away. Same thing happens at mid-majors like Tulsa. But, occasionally, a hire doesn't work out. Benford hasn't been as good as Johnny.
Through his first three seasons, Benford is 42-53/.422 winning percentage. In Johnny's first three seasons here, he was 35-50/.412 winning percentage. I'm sure there were basketball folks wanting Johnny's head after his first three season's here as well. I was no more for cutting Rick loose because of it then than I am now.
Not happy with football's season. Hoping basketball does better. But, I can see good in almost every other program, on and off the field. The NCAA isn't at our door.
Plus, at the end of the day, I'm an adult. I can somehow live with Rick keeping his job, given the improvements made while keeping it all within the NCAA rules. For many years, I wasn't happy with him. Especially during the Dodge years. But, for me, when I'm on campus again at sporting events like last night, it's hard not to appreciate the new facilities.
Ya'll go ahead an keep popping off. I'm happy with the guy. Some of you night need to become SMU fans. They have bought higher dollar coaches in football and basketball. The result: they are the same as we are in football...and the NCAA just knee-capped their basketball program and coach.
Patience is a virtue, not a product. Remember that, grasshoppers.

I'm sure you recall the reclamation project JJ took over from Trilli. You probably also recall the same TB took over from JJ. The numbers game does not tell the story, and I know you know that.

ColoradoEagle · October 16, 2015

I gotta admit, HFS is pretty good at trolling. Even had me typing out a response.

untjim1995 · October 16, 2015

I like you. But, we just disagree about Rick; and, that's fine by me. I can't pretend he does nothing when I can see, tangibly, otherwise. I'm happy for your passion for our alma mater, though.

You, too, brother...

HarringtonFishSmeller · October 16, 2015

I don't think you'll have an argument there. But you can't just point at a bunch of buildings that have popped up over the past decade and say that the Athletic department as a whole is where it needs to be now. That appears to be the mindset of "the 17".
Imagine if someone else came in here with better business acumen and could raise even more money by befriending even more donors! Think we could improve all of those facilities even more? What if there is someone out there who would donate money to the soccer ladies like Gruzzy did to the golf team. I'm not saying our soccer complex is not good, but it could be improved... And that could likely sway some player/s to choose UNT over other big schools, which would in turn improve play on the field.

Yes. Although, I'm not really a conspiracy theorist. Nor am I an adult who need my ego personally strokes by the college athletic teams composed of 18-23 year old young men.

I'm sure that this "17" everyone is obsessed with looks at the whole picture as well, sees what throwing money into "names" does for places like SMU, and proceeds accordingly.

I guess I'm just surprised, somewhat, by the derision shown to the people who have helped our alma mater's athletic department. In that regard, I view the fervent complainers the same as I do my children when they tell me what (they think) other kids have while ignoring the toys and games in their own closets. I'm certain that the "17" had other philanthropic opportunities for their money than college athletics. And, yet. we will chide them for spending it with us?

Not me. And, I'm perfectly happy that Rick cultivated the relationships between them and the school that he did.

You, too, brother...

Okay, have a nice day.

MeanGreenTexan · October 16, 2015

Yes. Although, I'm not really a conspiracy theorist. Nor am I an adult who need my ego personally strokes by the college athletic teams composed of 18-23 year old young men.
I'm sure that this "17" everyone is obsessed with looks at the whole picture as well, sees what throwing money into "names" does for places like SMU, and proceeds accordingly.
I guess I'm just surprised, somewhat, by the derision shown to the people who have helped our alma mater's athletic department. In that regard, I view the fervent complainers the same as I do my children when they tell me what (they think) other kids have while ignoring the toys and games in their own closets. I'm certain that the "17" had other philanthropic opportunities for their money than college athletics. And, yet. we will chide them for spending it with us?
Not me. And, I'm perfectly happy that Rick cultivated the relationships between them and the school that he did.

We're on the same page here. Don't get me confused with UNT90 who is scorching earth chiding these extremely generous people. And, whether he's here or not, that Athletics Center should have his name on it.

To me though, this type of thinking is either fear ("The Devil you know is better than the Devil you don't", which I used to subscribe to) or contentment with where football/basketball is right now. We both know football is the bell cow of any Athletic Department not named Duke, Kentucky, Kansas or in the original Big East. You must trust the Athletic Director to make the proper hires in this particular sport over any other. Do you fully trust RV to make this upcoming hire? If so, more power to you. There are many here though who do not, based on his recent hires.

If RV were to be replaced, do you think these generous donors would stop giving? I would hope not. Their allegiance, just like you & I, should be to their University, not to Rick Villareal. And, I bet there are more people out there who would give, but either don't because of RV (thinking of Mr. Goldfield & Mattress Mac), or because they haven't been approached with a viable way to give. A new Athletic Director could possibly cultivate/re-cultivate those relationships while keeping the existing ones. All the while, keeping these beautiful buildings coming.

Now, if Pres. Smatresk were to make a terrible hire as a replacement, then we're in trouble. It's certainly a risk.

HarringtonFishSmeller · October 16, 2015

We're on the same page here. Don't get me confused with UNT90 who is scorching earth chiding these extremely generous people. And, whether he's here or not, that Athletics Center should have his name on it.
To me though, this type of thinking is either fear ("The Devil you know is better than the Devil you don't", which I used to subscribe to) or contentment with where football/basketball is right now. We both know football is the bell cow of any Athletic Department not named Duke, Kentucky, Kansas or in the original Big East. You must trust the Athletic Director to make the proper hires in this particular sport over any other. Do you fully trust RV to make this upcoming hire? If so, more power to you. There are many here though who do not, based on his recent hires.
If RV were to be replaced, do you think these generous donors would stop giving? I would hope not. Their allegiance, just like you & I, should be to their University, not to Rick Villareal. And, I bet there are more people out there who would give, but either don't because of RV (thinking of Mr. Goldfield & Mattress Mac), or because they haven't been approached with a viable way to give. A new Athletic Director could possibly cultivate/re-cultivate those relationships while keeping the existing ones. All the while, keeping these beautiful buildings coming.
Now, if Pres. Smatresk were to make a terrible hire as a replacement, then we're in trouble. It's certainly a risk.

I agree with this...which is why, as with McCarney, I would rather he resign or "retire" instead of being fired. I just disagree with the people who are so angry that they acknowledge nothing to his credit. It's silly. He'd done a ton for the athletic department, the coaches, and the athletes during his time here.

People who get their sports egos tripped up a bad football or basketball season...I'm just not there with them. Those thing happen even to the biggest of programs. It's happening now at Southern Cal. It happens.

Hell's bells...I can look at my other alma mater, Tulsa, as see the clusterf*ck AD hires they made after Bubba Cunningham left. There are schools who have it worse all around than we think we do with Rick.