Rhonda on the hot seat?

[couch 'em]

Since Orsini is cleaning house and spending money, do you think that Rompola could be in danger of getting axed in favor of someone cheaper to free up some cash? Anyone know when her contract is up?

(I'm not suggesting we do this - I think Rhonda could do amazing things with the program if injuries could be avoided for once)

[abezontar]

I don't think so, how much does she make anyway?

[Duke Blue Blood]

I'll get killed by some femi-nazis for saying this, but who cares.....

[couch 'em]

I'll get killed by some femi-nazis for saying this, but who cares.....

I should have waited for this nazi reference to post the nazi-peruna-jack from the other thread.

[RGV Pony]

I'll get killed by some femi-nazis for saying this, but who cares.....

Aren't you pissed that Coach G is now wearing burnt orange? They waltzed into Durham with a cool mil and lured her away.

[Samurai Stang]

Her salary is not small. While her leadership has been excellent, her victories have not been as plentiful as of late, and she is depleting the treasury. In a program that is calling for success, do not expect a coach that has not advanced to the tournament in almost a decade to be immune to scrutiny.

[Duke Blue Blood]

I care (like most Duke fans) about one thing and one thing only, Men's Basketball. They could never win another game in any other sport (even football) and I would just be fine and so would the athletic budget. That is the reality of D-1 Sports.

[PonyTales]

In the grand scheme of things, she doesn't make that much - her salary would be tip money to Doherty.
She is 100 games over .500.
If you replace her, the next coach will expect more money.
Conducting a search costs money (search firm, flying in candidates, etc.)
Do you want to spend more on a replacement coach for a program that doesn't draw enough people to justify increased expenditures? Neither does Steve-O.
I would say she's as safe as any coach not named Hyndman or Collins.

[QuikSStang]

i think she's doing a fine job. give her time. she'll produce once all the athletics get going

[George S. Patton]

I think she's OK. She's got a pretty young and talented roster. However, I would think that if things don't go well in 2008-09, that could be something to consider.

She hasn't been to the postseason in 4 years? Last trip was to the WNIT? I think they got pounded by then SW Missouri St.

[giacfsp]

Talented? Yes. Young? No.
She's going to lose a sensational senior class: Janielle Dodds, Katy Cobb, Sharee Shepherd and Katie Gross.
Last year's freshmen were studs, and this year's are supposed to be good (although it's too early to tell), and they'd better be - replacing this year's seniors will be awfully tough.
She's about the last coach who should be sweating, though. She runs a clean program that wins year in and year out. Hopefully this is the year we get back in the NCAA tournament.

[jimhagle]

She has another really good class just announced-I will say it is just about time that she's snared some talent.

[abezontar]

She has another really good class just announced-I will say it is just about time that she's snared some talent.

Playing in the WAC absolutely killed her recruiting. Good to see that CUSA has been beneficial for her.

[Silk]

Since Orsini is cleaning house and spending money, do you think that Rompola could be in danger of getting axed in favor of someone cheaper to free up some cash? Anyone know when her contract is up?

(I'm not suggesting we do this - I think Rhonda could do amazing things with the program if injuries could be avoided for once)

The idea that Steve-O is throwing money around liberally is shortsighted and simply wrong. He's going to pay big bucks for a new football coach, and he OK'ed a truckload of cash for the Pony Up! campaign, but he is a businessman first and foremost, and isn't going to go to the expense of buying out a coach, hiring a (more expensive) replacement and a replacement staff without indisputable cause. He has much more significant expenditures on his wish list, and if he chooses to make a coaching change other than football, it damn-sure isn't going to be in women's basketball. It's not a Final Four-caliber team, but it's pretty good — and it's going to get better.

[mustangbill67]

Looks like Rhonda has back to back outstanding freshman classes. Things are looking up for the program.