Fire Gene Stephenson

[1972Shocker]

...to be continued (I guess).

[boyshocker]

In my opinion, if this ends badly it will be because of Gene's ego and stubborness, not Eric's doing. It is a sad day for sure. No one person is bigger than the program. He has done great things for this univeristy and he should be recognized accordingly. If Gene will just cooperate and do what is the right thing, his legacy will be intact. If he doesn't, I don't blame anyone but Gene.

Agree.

[ShockerPrez]

While Gene has built it, in the end, it's the university's program. And yeah, he has done a phenomenal job and accomplished more than anyone could imagine, he has been very well compensated in doing so. And further more, he couldn't have done anything without Wichita State standing behind him.

If ADES and the administration decide that they want to take the baseball program in a new direction, and Gene decides to throw a fit, than he is not really giving the university the respect that he expects to be treated with in return. Without mutual respect, it's not going to improve any time soon.

I'd be curious to know what Gene's plans are for the next 5 years. Surely he doesn't expect to be there for 10 more, does he?

[ABC]

What is the source of the info?

[engrshock]

I am not torn. I hope they keep HCGS but sign him to a 5 year extension at a mush lower yearly rate with incentives for MVC championship, NCAA regional, super and CWS appearances. Now if he doesn't accept a lower salary then we get another head coach and hope for the best (not an OkSU experience). The program is Gene Stephenson's to run into the groound. If it does not hit bottom who would want a job where the coach made the NCAA tourney, won 38 games and that was not good enough. That would be some pressure to step into.

[1972Shocker]

Apparently Gene's future is still "up in the air." Sexton isn't gaining any points so far.

Maybe not, but he isn't losing any points either from what little I know. Eric was not in Manhattan this weekend because of his duties, as a member of the NCAA men’s golf committee, at the NCAA Championships in Atlanta. Wichita State hosts next year's NCAA Men's Golf Championship at Prairie Dunes.

This probably the 1st opportunity for Gene and Eric to meet since the season ended. It may well have just been a meeting to allow Gene to make his case and for Eric to express his position and concerns. Even, if ADES has made up his mind he probably, at a minimum, owed Gene the opportunity to express his side of things before making a final decision.

It may or may not change anything but after 36 years another day or two isn't a big deal.

Personally, I don't know what, if anything, to read into this.

[WuDrWu]

I am not torn. I hope they keep HCGS but sign him to a 5 year extension at a mush lower yearly rate with incentives for MVC championship, NCAA regional, super and CWS appearances. Now if he doesn't accept a lower salary then we get another head coach and hope for the best (not an OkSU experience). The program is Gene Stephenson's to run into the groound. If it does not hit bottom who would want a job where the coach made the NCAA tourney, won 38 games and that was not good enough. That would be some pressure to step into.

Being where I am....it's very difficult to argue with this logic.

[Ricardo del Rio]

AD Eric Sexton is currently inside the baseball offices at WSU

Nothing odd about this situation. It is business as usual. Coach Stephenson has refused historically to make the trek to company headquarters. "If you want to talk to me, come over to my place."

[1972Shocker]

What is the source of the info?

http://www.kansas.com/2013/06/03/2830805/athletic-director-attorney-leave.html

Green said Stephenson said he would know within 24 hours of his future, and that if he was fired, all baseball staff members would be fired.

[shockfan89_]

Here is what you get on goshockers.com when selecting Coaches and Staff...

Baseball - 2014 Coaches More Sharing ServicesTweet

No staff listed for this season.

[sdshox]

Here is what you get on goshockers.com when selecting Coaches and Staff...

Baseball - 2014 Coaches More Sharing ServicesTweet

No staff listed for this season.

That's nothing major - just the athletic department rolling the site over. Same thing probably happens on the Men's Basketball page and I'm sure HCGM hasn't been fired.

[shockfan89_]

Fair enough. Just thought it was odd if you have coaches under contract that you wouldn't roll this years over to next year.

[Spaulding]

Over the years it seems Gene has become a victim of his own success. Meaning he has forgotten the principals by which the program was built and rose from nothing. He built this thing with hard work and getting the most out of your players through development and humility. Don't get caught up in all the flash and notoriety. Stay grounded and focused. He has become someone who feels like he is owed everything because of what he has accomplished in the past, despite the fact that he has been handsomely compensated (salary plus $1 million annuity), has the best fan support, top of the line facilities, high pay for assistants, complete control, etc. What more does he feel he is owed? A chance to run the program in to the ground? I don't think that is fair for him or the program.

[pinstripers]

I am not torn. I hope they keep HCGS but sign him to a 5 year extension at a mush lower yearly rate with incentives for MVC championship, NCAA regional, super and CWS appearances. Now if he doesn't accept a lower salary then we get another head coach and hope for the best (not an OkSU experience). The program is Gene Stephenson's to run into the groound. If it does not hit bottom who would want a job where the coach made the NCAA tourney, won 38 games and that was not good enough. That would be some pressure to step into.

Gene won't accept that.

[pinstripers]

IMO, The only thing HCGS will accept is a minimum 5 year extension at the same pay, same assistants.