Ernie Kent Terminated as Oregon Basketball Head Coach
by jtlight on Mar 16, 2010 3:32 PM PDT
in Oregon Ducks Basketball
149 comments
In what is not surprising to anyone, Ernie Kent will no longer be the head coach of the Oregon Ducks. From the official statement just handed out:
The University of Oregon has terminated the contract of long-time men’s basketball head coach Ernie Kent, according to an announcement Tuesday by the school’s Director of Athletics Mike Bellotti.
"The accomplishments Ernie Kent has brought to the basketball program at the University of Oregon speak for themselves," said Bellotti. "No one can deny that this program stands in better shape today than when he took it over, and that’s a direct reflection on the passion he has displayed for this community, his alma mater and the players that he has brought into this program.
Bellotti's main concern seems to be consistency, and that just hasn't happened over the past two seasons. The team didn't show that improvement necessary this season.
Good luck to Ernie in his future endeavors. He's the winningest coach in school history, and has given much to this school.
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we never start pressers on time
I will say, Kent showing up to the press conference to announce his own firing is pretty unorthodox. Kinda classy, if you ask me.
--Dave
Addicted to Quack, SBN's Oregon Ducks blog
Maybe he wants to say, “peace out bitches, I’m going to Hawaii!”
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
I hope he gets that job if he wants it
It would be a good fit. A lot like Oregon when he first came here.
--Dave
Addicted to Quack, SBN's Oregon Ducks blog
Exetension, extension, extension!
Chip Kelly-Bustin' Out The Banhammer Since 2009
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Mar 16, 2010 3:38 PM PDT reply actions
This pre-press conference just M. Night. Shyamalan’d me!
its spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-O-B-L-I-G-A-T-E-D-T-O-D-O-I-T"
by JShufelt on Mar 16, 2010 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
That was a thing of beauty by the AD
Set it up to look like a joint presser, then boom….disappearing act
Good news! The 2008 Civil War DVD is now available! And Jeremiah Johnson just scored another Touchdown!
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Extension!
Chip Kelly-Bustin' Out The Banhammer Since 2009
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Mar 16, 2010 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Longmire and EJ Singler will be there for questions, as will Kent.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Ernie Kent’s been terminated as of June 30th of this year.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
One day late birthday present for me?
Chip Kelly-Bustin' Out The Banhammer Since 2009
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Mar 16, 2010 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Its just the end of the fiscal year of his contract
has no real significance
--Dave
Addicted to Quack, SBN's Oregon Ducks blog
The search process for next head coach will begin today.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
I’m assuming Ernie will be on contract until then (still get paid).
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Bellotti is saying that consistency and competitiveness in the Pac-10 is what he was looking for. Obviously, that didn’t really happen. He also needs to re energize the fanbase. Though on-court performance was the main reason.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
The job almost sells itself. Brand new arena, connections with Nike…the capabilities are there for success.
Chip Kelly-Bustin' Out The Banhammer Since 2009
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Mar 16, 2010 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Ernie Kent's Reaction on June 30th (Plane is headed to Hawaii):
Chip Kelly-Bustin' Out The Banhammer Since 2009
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Mar 16, 2010 3:46 PM PDT reply actions
Couldn't resist.
The full combined-services honor guard is a nice touch.
everything is history, eventually.
by benzduck on Mar 16, 2010 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions 7 recs
He's always looked like a ferocious fire breathing dragon or pteradactl in this picture to me.
Too bad the offense had a more tweety bird level of assertiveness.
My parents don't believe in Canzano either.
by Bill Musgrave on Mar 16, 2010 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Nike already being mentioned for the national coaching search, will be mainly handled internally.
Looking for a proven ability to coach, and able to recruit, etc. Bellotti recognizes these are standard things.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
I want to see him bust out some random requirement:
-Proven ability to coach
-Able to recruit
-Experience slaying werewolves
-Can handle donors
Etc.
Defending maligned chants since 2009
Ability to disinfect a hot tub time machine?
Chip Kelly-Bustin' Out The Banhammer Since 2009
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Mar 16, 2010 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions
This falls into Westhead's area too
Rule #1. Cardio
May we hand you your taints on a silver platter...
no craigslist posting?
"I used to play sports. Then I realized you can buy trophies. Now I'm good at everything." - Demetri Martin
There was no minimum win total for Ernie. Bellotti was looking for consistency on court. That seems to be his key word.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Ernie has given his life to the University, Bellotti feels bad for him. This is a difficult decision for him.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Chip Kelly-Bustin' Out The Banhammer Since 2009
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Mar 16, 2010 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions
They need to send new reporters to Eugene.
its spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-O-B-L-I-G-A-T-E-D-T-O-D-O-I-T"
Do we have pillz to fix these leaks? Avodart?
Chip Kelly-Bustin' Out The Banhammer Since 2009
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Mar 16, 2010 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Judging by the response of the reporters adding mics
Nobody cared what Belotti says, they want Ernie
Wow
Ernie just came out wearing a cape and a mask, announced that on July 1st he’s starting a new career as El Kento, the wrestler! Shocking! :)
Nacho Kento?
Chip Kelly-Bustin' Out The Banhammer Since 2009
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Mar 16, 2010 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Comments from Ernie.
On February 22nd, Mike called me into his office. He had the option to resign then, or at the end of the season. Ernie said he was gonna go all the way to the end. He wasn’t gonna walk out on his guys.
As uncomfortable as it may have been for him, he was about his players.
The program is bigger than any one coach, president, AD, player.
This program does not define who they are as a bball staff.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Ernie is talking about doing things the right way, having his players graduate. And he was excellent at that.
“You may find a better basketball coach. But I don’t think you’ll find anybody …… (pause while he chokes up a bit) that has the passion and love that I have for the University.”
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Oh brother.
I hope none of you handwringers ever have to go through a divorce.
You’ll fold like an Origami duck.
everything is history, eventually.
He’s talking about how he wanted a multi-year contract, or to be let go, as it’s not fair to the players to be in that position.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
instant reaction from me: the people that wanted Ernie gone got their way. I’m glad I don’t have to listen to the “Fire Ernie!” shit anymore. I hope he doesn’t hold a grudge forever
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
This is a tad unfair. Even the people saying “Fire Ernie!” know he was a great guy. He had ceased being an effective basketball coach.
That doesn’t make this a happy moment, but let’s not lose sight of why he’s being let go.
Defending maligned chants since 2009
yep
I love Ernie the person. I am very grateful to him for what he has done here. He made it possible for us to have any expectations. But its still a business. As much as I love Ernie personally, we have to strive for more consistency as a program.
--Dave
Addicted to Quack, SBN's Oregon Ducks blog
I’m with Dave on this one, I respect him as a man and respect all the things he’s done for the program. These last two seasons showed that things have to change when Matt Court opens. Besides, as much as we like Ernie Kent the man, we’re talking about a professional coach making literally millions of dollars to win basketball games.
He had ceased being an effective basketball coach.
You’re talking to the wrong guy with this argument but going down that road won’t change the reality.
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
I’m not sure what additional evidence you require, but yeah, we can leave that alone.
I’m sad he’s gone and I, as I’m sure everyone else here agrees, wish him nothing but the best wherever he decides to go. I hope the university can honor his legacy somehow. But I’m also excited to see who the university brings in.
Defending maligned chants since 2009
there is more to being a basketball coach then X’s and O’s. That’s the evidence I look at. Others don’t and that’s fine. The road has already been traveled.
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
forgot to add. I don’t understand what is unfair about an instant reaction?
1. People who have been clamoring for him to be fired got their wish. he got fired
2. I am VERY VERY happy that I don’t have to hear the Fire Ernie shit anymore
3. I really hope he doesn’t hold a grudge. He got a new building and new expectations at the place he loved and when he wanted loyalty, he got none. He will hold a grudge, how long will be the question
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
I guess the tone of your post (and correct me if I’m wrong – tone is hard to convey in message board comments) basically said: “I hope you’re all pleased with yourselves, getting this guy fired!”
I think that’s unfair because most people here aren’t happy that he’s going, so it’s adding guilt where no guilt needs to be added. We’re sad that Ernie, as a person, is gone. We’re not all that sad (or most of us aren’t) that Ernie as a coach is gone.
Your sentiment is understandable, but felt very condescending to me. Sorry if I read it wrong.
Defending maligned chants since 2009
I agree with Dom on a couple of points.
The “Fire Ernie” camp got annoying after a while.
Now, I have never been the biggest Ernie supporter on the court, but I truly hope that whoever we hire is half as good as Ernie was off the court. He graduated players, he and his family were part of the community, and he supported the University we all love with everything that he could.
Even his final act as coach (showing up for his firing press conference) was pure Ernie class. Ernie knows this is a performance business and he didn’t perform in the end.
I don’t think he will hold a grudge, and I truly hope that when Ernie shows up for as a ceremonial captain for a game at the Matt, he gets the loudest, rowdiest standing ovation possible. He deserves that.
Hey, I'm Quinn. What's your name?
Addicted to Quack
What I find interesting in all this is that they both knew on the 22nd but weren’t going to announce it until the tournament. I’m sure they took possible fan response into account when they decided when to announce.
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
I also think that’s part of Ernie’s class. There was no way in hell he was going to step away until he completed what he had promised his players he would do, coach them this year. Also, he didn’t go cry to the media, pull a woe is me act, or make excuses and blame others.
I tell you what, my boss comes to me and says, listen you can finish working here until June or quit now and walk away and we’ll still pay you your full salary… I’m gone. I guess I just don’t love my employer (University), my clients (players), or co-workers as much as Ernie does.
As glad as I am to see a new coach coming in, I am 10 times more happy that Ernie was Oregon’s coach.
Hey, I'm Quinn. What's your name?
Addicted to Quack
Class move on the part of everyone involved.
No way Ernie would have left happily, and it just wouldn’t have been fair. He’s no Larry Eustachy, or even Jim Harrick.
I’m glad MB was intelligent and respectful enough to not give in to those calling for a pointless and program-killing midseason change. Those things never work out.
everything is history, eventually.
Take Kilkenny's name off the court and give it to Ernie
by Brian Floyd on Mar 16, 2010 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
easy one
My parents don't believe in Canzano either.
by Bill Musgrave on Mar 16, 2010 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Big Ern
Wow, Ernie’s presser was emotional. Feel sory for the guy, gave his all, but I’m really excited to have something new for a change. I cant even remember what basketball was like without Kent. And how about when he brought up burrying his dad on the way to the game, that was a tear jerker. Good luck Erine in your future endevors.
I can get you a toe by three o'clock this afternoon.
Ernie Kent’s parents believed in him, and he did them proud.
its spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-O-B-L-I-G-A-T-E-D-T-O-D-O-I-T"
by JShufelt on Mar 16, 2010 4:26 PM PDT reply actions 7 recs
Geez.
I’ve been calling for his job all season. But this press conference showed me something.
We’ll find a better coach, we will be damn hard pressed to find a better man.
I had so hoped that he'd have a 20+ win season this year
It would have been a win-win . . . it would mean the young guys were playing consistent and better basketball and that Ernie would get to coach at Matt Court. Who knows what all went wrong, but any improvement shown this year was not enough to overcome the frustrating inconsistency and the horrible losses to the beavos.
Tough firing, but still...
It was time to go. Let’s be real here. Kent was as inconsistent a coach as his teams were. The great teams had gym rat, NBA caliber players and advanced to the Elite 8. The rest were poorly coached run and gun style. Players did not seem to get better unless they worked at it themselves to get better. His X and Os left a lot to be desired.
All that said, Ernie is a great guy. But great guys don’t always coach well.
I'm not a troll, I just have really dumb opinions.
by MurphyLPiddleton on Mar 16, 2010 4:45 PM PDT reply actions
The bottom line
The viewpoint of one of those “haters” (who was a classmate of EK back in the day…)
When Kent had NBA-level talent, his teams performed well, particularly when the talent was at the guard spots. (Not necessarily lottery talent; see Kenya Wilkins / Alex Scales)
When he didn’t have one or two players capable of distributing AND pushing AND driving AND hitting the zone-busting jumpers, he suffered. (TP + Brooks >>>> TP + anyone else.)
His style of offense puts a high premium on multi-talented guards. Having AB and Porter in the same backcourt was golden, just like having Freddie and Rid back there made everything work.
It’s not a bad idea to design a fast-paced offense around the guard positions to compensate for a lack of big-player ability elsewhere. But when his bigs were inconsistent, and he didn’t have those Highly Skilled Guards available (or playing consistently, or taller than 5’6"), his teams are — or were — relatively easy to shut down.
He has his own basketball theories, a style and a philosophy. It’s time for a different approach, a new style and a new philosophy; we couldn’t expect to get those from the same coach.
I wish EK nothing but the best of luck in his future endeavors. I agree that he’s a class act, and has always been a good ambassador for the UO.
But I refuse to accept guilt trips being laid upon those who thought it was time to make a change, by those who insisted that somehow the current situation could be fixed by the same person who created it, if only we’d all just give him yet another chance. Yes, I’m talking to all y’all who called people like us “haters.” Maybe now the ad-hominem attacks can stop.
Don’t shed any tears for Ernie Kent. He’s not going to have to file for an extension of unemployment benefits, or worry about how he’ll pay his COBRA. He’s a grown man. He’ll get over it. And so will we.
everything is history, eventually.
by benzduck on Mar 16, 2010 5:33 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
As Belotti said
He wasn’t consistently good enough in the end.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
For me, it was more a reminder that these guys are people
For as much as we all rip coaches and players, we sometimes forget that it’s a person. There’s a human side to all of these people, even if it doesn’t seem like it on the playing field. For as much as coaches may seem like slimeballs, job jumpers, and emotionless beings, Ernie’s press conference was a reminder that there are those that have class and a love of the game and for the institution they coach at.
For that I respect him.
Here’s the thread I assume you’re referring to
http://www.addictedtoquack.com/2009/12/5/1187190/mbb-gameday-open-thread-oregon-vs#26688357
Benz, read the comments again, maybe a few times. If you are still somehow harboring ill-will because of a choice of words 4 months ago, then with all due respect, you should take your own advice. Get over it and chock it up to generation gap
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
Don’t take it personally, Dominic. I didn’t.
With all due respect, saying “with all due respect” is code for “you’re an idiot.”
everything is history, eventually.
Well played.
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
by dvieira on Mar 16, 2010 11:20 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Where have I heard this?
“Why is ‘with all due respect’ always followed by something disrespectful?”
"I used to play sports. Then I realized you can buy trophies. Now I'm good at everything." - Demetri Martin
OT, but let the fun begin! Rec this, cause it'll be funny.
http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2010/3/16/1376562/pulu-booked-on-investigation-of
Chip Kelly-Bustin' Out The Banhammer Since 2009
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Mar 16, 2010 5:40 PM PDT reply actions
It’s just too easy to give them a taste of their own medicine. I’m using the logic that they used.
Chip Kelly-Bustin' Out The Banhammer Since 2009
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Mar 16, 2010 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions
We win the Pac-10 title
They sucked. We can be bigger than that.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
Plus, let’s be honest. They had one player have a run-in with they law. We had 9.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
And he turned himself in. Don’t recall any of our guys doing that.
everything is history, eventually.
He turned himself in
even though he was only under investigation, it’s not like he ran from the law.
He’ll be charged later in the week, and if the facts come out as they appear I expect him to be gone. If it turns out to be pled down he should only miss a few games.
That's true. Just a little fun, I wasn't trying to be an ass or anything. I wouldn't have posted it if the news hadn't already been shared on the site.
Chip Kelly-Bustin' Out The Banhammer Since 2009
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Mar 16, 2010 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions
I will, however, defend Chip Kelly against their ass-backwards statements of slow reactions.
Addicted To Quack [dot] com
I have a Ropert is God™ complex.
Thanks for all you brought us Ernie
You took us as far as you could. Best of luck, you are always a Duck.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
OT but Oregon opponent AR-Pine Bluff leading in the 2nd half of the play-in game
GO GOLDEN LIONS!
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
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