I wanted to make an attempt to spell out the concern from my point of view to see if that could shed light on what some fans may be thinking.
First, I have absolutely ZERO frustration over the hire of Prohm and I was a supporter of promoting TJ. I think Prohm is just as solid as TJ, and brings a proven ability to coach and run an offense similar to Fred's, which is both enjoyable for fans to watch AND what our current players were recruited to play in.
What I am reluctant about, is that recruiting to Iowa State has typically been an issue. We do have to find diamonds in the rough and the further reality is that it is sometimes easier for schools in the South, with 1-AA status, to not only recruit those athletes but get them qualified to play.
There are unique aspects about Iowa State that make it different from recruiting to Murray State. It isn't as simple as saying he found NBA talent for Murray State, so he'll find it for Iowa State.
That was the strength of TJ. He has found the large majority of the kids that we currently have on the roster. I no longer have a concern that the athletes will buy into Prohm's coaching...what I'm concerned with is that if Prohm doesn't fully grasp the difficulties of recruiting to Iowa State, having to replace half the roster before next season is a very tall task.
Even if you DID understand that aspect of it, that is a difficult task.
Even more reason to keep someone who is a proven recruiter on the staff.
With that said, if TJ really does resent not getting the job, he probably needs to go. I have seen nothing that says he feels resentful or angry about it...other than rumors on the board. Schematically, though, he is a perfect fit to keep what we have going with CSP as the head coach and to help Prohm fill the roster after this coming season.
If Prohm is looking to fill his roster, and he may have 7 scholarships to fill, it should be an "all hands on deck" approach and TJ has proven he can identify, attract and recruit talent to Iowa State. As long as he isn't going to create a rift in the program, Prohm needs to do everything he can to keep TJ on the staff.
First, I have absolutely ZERO frustration over the hire of Prohm and I was a supporter of promoting TJ. I think Prohm is just as solid as TJ, and brings a proven ability to coach and run an offense similar to Fred's, which is both enjoyable for fans to watch AND what our current players were recruited to play in.
What I am reluctant about, is that recruiting to Iowa State has typically been an issue. We do have to find diamonds in the rough and the further reality is that it is sometimes easier for schools in the South, with 1-AA status, to not only recruit those athletes but get them qualified to play.
There are unique aspects about Iowa State that make it different from recruiting to Murray State. It isn't as simple as saying he found NBA talent for Murray State, so he'll find it for Iowa State.
That was the strength of TJ. He has found the large majority of the kids that we currently have on the roster. I no longer have a concern that the athletes will buy into Prohm's coaching...what I'm concerned with is that if Prohm doesn't fully grasp the difficulties of recruiting to Iowa State, having to replace half the roster before next season is a very tall task.
Even if you DID understand that aspect of it, that is a difficult task.
Even more reason to keep someone who is a proven recruiter on the staff.
With that said, if TJ really does resent not getting the job, he probably needs to go. I have seen nothing that says he feels resentful or angry about it...other than rumors on the board. Schematically, though, he is a perfect fit to keep what we have going with CSP as the head coach and to help Prohm fill the roster after this coming season.
If Prohm is looking to fill his roster, and he may have 7 scholarships to fill, it should be an "all hands on deck" approach and TJ has proven he can identify, attract and recruit talent to Iowa State. As long as he isn't going to create a rift in the program, Prohm needs to do everything he can to keep TJ on the staff.
