How fitting is it that last Friday, former Kentucky head coach Billie Gillespie spoke these words in a press conference last Friday? “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” Memphis fans…officials…boosters…it’s time to pick yourselves up off the ground. We will not be trampled over. One man does not make or break the success of this University’s basketball program. It has been made clear that high-profile players will come to Memphis, that you can win games and that the administration is willing to pay someone big money to do so. Aim high. Beginning a new era of Memphis Basketball, MemphisRoar takes an in-depth who SHOULD be the leading candidates.
CANDIDATE ONE: University of Pittsburgh head coach Jamie Dixon
Dixon just completed his sixth season as the University of Pittsburgh’s head men’s basketball coach. Over his time there, he has guided Pitt to its second Big East Championship Title in 2008; led the team to 6 consecutive 20-win seasons, six straight 10-plus win seasons in Big East play and 6 straight NCAA tournaments. Also, during his tenure, he has led the university to 3 NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearances (2004, 2007 & 2009) and one NCAA Elite Eight appearance (2009).
Dixon’s resume has been impressive at Pitt, but why would he fit into the style of basketball at the University of Memphis? Because he can turn around a program quickly and keep them winning, something valued greatly by the University and its fan base. Dixon is one of only nine coach in the history of NCAA Division I basketball history to win over 100 games in his first four coaching seasons. He also reached 100 wins quicker than any other coach in the school’s history. Dixon wins at home, as proven with his 80-10 record during his first five seasons, and most importantly, he is an outstanding bench and recruiting coach.
Jamie Dixon has long been recognized as an outstanding talent evaluator. He has integrity with recruits, boosters, fans and players. Dixon has been recognized as a “players’ coach” who demonstrates incredible rapport and work ethic with his staff and team. He is intelligent, honest, confident, well-spoken and true to his word. He is a family man that uses basketball as a lifestyle, not a job. He believes teamwork, defense, rebounding and taking good shots are the keys to winning championships; a philosophy that has been demonstrated at Pitt as they consistently rank among the nation’s top defensive and rebounding squads.
Additionally, Dixon has 17 years of major NCAA Division I coaching experience, including stints at Pitt (nine years), Northern Arizona (four years), Hawaii (three years) and UC-Santa Barbara (one year). At these Universities, he has served as an assistant under a school’s winningest (percentage based) coach in four different stints. Teams that he has coached have won 10 conference titles and advanced to the postseason in 12 different seasons
Dixon also has a few ties to Memphis Basketball as well. Darnell Dodson, a 2009 recruit from Miami-Dade Community College had signed with Dixon at Pitt before eligibility issues forced him from the school. Dodson has close ties to Dixon, and chose to sign with the University of Memphis because of assistant coach Orlando Antigua, a former assistant under Dixon. Dixon would possess an increased ability to keep recruits such as Dodson and his Miami-Dade teammate, fellow Tiger signee Will Coleman.
Additionally, Dixon could persuade Antigua to remain on staff, keeping many of the recruiting roads open from the past season. Dixon allows current and potential signees the ability to step into an NBA arena (FedExForum) and an NBA ready practice facility (Larry O. Finch Center) under a proven coach.
Overall, Dixon is a coach with a great knowledge of the game, sincere heart to fans and players and a work ethic to win a NCAA Championship. With him recruiting the same caliber and character players to Memphis that the fan base is accustomed to having, he would be a perfect selection to the University of Memphis’ coaching vacancy.
Stay tuned to MemphisRoar as we will be adding our leading candidates for the vacant head coaching position at the University of Memphis.
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