Bill Fennelly

[ZorkClone]

So we might do a bobby hurley type deal

I have every expectation that Bill will be coaching for us next season, Jamie probably doesn't see the need to rock the boat any for something that will be happening next year anyway.

If next season goes like the last two, it would be a real shame for his legacy. It would look okay for the record books W-L wise, but some of those who follow the team will know they underperformed.

 

[cmhawks99]

I have every expectation that Bill will be coaching for us next season, Jamie probably doesn't see the need to rock the boat any for something that will be happening next year anyway.

If next season goes like the last two, it would be a real shame for his legacy. It would look okay for the record books W-L wise, but some of those who follow the team will know they underperformed.

And look, he probably should. He probably does deserve that… But unless they decide they want to play some defense, they’re going to have a good basketball team, but not a great one.

 

[BillBrasky4Cy]

The lowest seed ever to win the NCAA women's tournament is 3. 16 different teams...total...have ever won the title. Heck, only 20 unique ones have lost the title game!

The NCAA tournament and the elite tier of college basketball is not an open tournament. Its title should not be the goal of most teams. The discrepancy is much too great. Early round wins and conference tournament success is the unspoken objective of every sane coach who isnt at UCONN, South Carolina or not named Muffit McGuillicuddy, victim of circus pants.

So last season for the Cyclones was successful. This one was not. They didnt crush Syracuse and should have. They played like crap in the real tourney. Too bad.

Last season was successful? We finished 7th in a league where we should be in the top 1-4 every single year. That's not an unrealistic expectation.

 

[CycloneT]

While true, Bill only has one year left on his contract and then a 750K retention bonus at the end of next season. So, we are kinda paying a buyout either way.

Tell him rework the contract to get rid of the retention bonus. Sign a 1 year deal. Move the retention bonus to NIL/ RevShare to go all in next year. Or retire right now. we’re paying the money anyway. Can’t put the program in limbo for 27-28

 

[cmhawks99]

Last season was successful? We finished 7th in a league where we should be in the top 1-4 every single year. That's not an unrealistic expectation.

I 100% agree with this

 

[acoustimac]

One…. hell I’ll give you multiple. You’re gonna have to wait till I get back home to really dive, but the South Dakota St coach the North Dakota State coach and the Wisconsin Green Bay coach right off the top of my head… I’ve watched them all play quite a bit, and I would yake them over the Iowa State coach at his age and his apparent diversion to defense immediately,

Montana State also has a really terrific coach, can’t remember for sure how long they’ve been there at this point in time, but those coaches are out there….


And listen I get this is close to home for you, Bur I have been a big supporter of Iowa State women’s basketball with my eyeballs and on here… But there are 10 coaches in the Big Ten and 10 more in the SEC right now that are better coaches than BF. I would take the coach at Colorado over Fennely, probably the coach atOklahoma State obviously the coaches at Baylor, Texas, Tech, and TCU… Bill Finn at this stage of his life is Fran McCaffrey and I’m not the only person that has said that on this very board.

I agree on some, but I wouldn’t curse any program with the coaches at Baylor or Tech. Be fun to look into the others though…

 

[1UNI2ISU]

Tell him rework the contract to get rid of the retention bonus. Sign a 1 year deal. Move the retention bonus to NIL/ RevShare to go all in next year. Or retire right now. we’re paying the money anyway. Can’t put the program in limbo for 27-28

The program is going to in limbo regardless of when he leaves. That's the reality of college sports in 2026. He goes, the entire roster goes and it's a total rebuild. Just is what it is.

 

[clone136]

The fact that we have had the face of Womens College basketball on the team for 3 years and she has 1 tournament win is a firable offense.

I love CW and Brent but they cant ever just say it. One the Sunday night pod the expectations changed to we should never lose sight that making the tournament is hard. The goal and standard should never be to just make the tournament.

Last year's we have been in the top 10 at one point in the season and have nothing to show for it.

Bill may have been great, but he isn't anymore.

 

[Dork Diggler]

UConn up 33-8 after 1. God works in small miracles.

 

[2speedy1]

She’s insane, but she is a hell of a coach. Not to mention since the officials insist on letting her stand on the court, she’s like a sixth defender.

LOL, I agree. Hell of a coach, but she is a freak show, I think shes borderline insane.

And.... well, then the looks thing, um well, she's no Sydney Sweeney, thats for sure.

 

[CycloneDaddy]

The program is going to in limbo regardless of when he leaves. That's the reality of college sports in 2026. He goes, the entire roster goes and it's a total rebuild. Just is what it is.

Going to be in real limbo when the key ISU players hit the portal. Strap in because next year is going to be rough.

 

[Buckminster]

Going to be in real limbo when the key ISU players hit the portal. Strap in because next year is going to be rough.

I say "rip the band-aid off". TJ took over a team with 2 wins and 0-18 in conference. I'm not saying that a new WBB coach can repeat that, but I'd rather see somebody try than another under-performing team that is no fun to watch at all.

 

[FarmerCy1]

Going to be in real limbo when the key ISU players hit the portal. Strap in because next year is going to be rough.

It’s either next year or the year after, one of the two is gonna be rough depending on when/if Bill leaves. He’s done nothing for 2027-28 recruiting and if key pieces transfers, then good luck getting someone to come play for a coach on borrowed time for more than 1 year

 

[rosshm16]

If they cant woo Jennie Baranczyk or Mark Campbell, we could do much worse than Billy.

It's time for some new blood.

The list of "It worked out when the son took over as head coach for the Hall of Fame father" is a very short list.

 

[bozclone]

The lowest seed ever to win the NCAA women's tournament is 3. 16 different teams...total...have ever won the title. Heck, only 20 unique ones have lost the title game!

The NCAA tournament and the elite tier of college basketball is not an open tournament. Its title should not be the goal of most teams. The discrepancy is much too great. Early round wins and conference tournament success is the unspoken objective of every sane coach who isnt at UCONN, South Carolina or not named Muffit McGuillicuddy, victim of circus pants.

So last season for the Cyclones was successful. This one was not. They didnt crush Syracuse and should have. They played like crap in the real tourney. Too bad.

Last year we lost in the first round like this year. The game we won was a first four play in game.

 

[LindenCy]

What are the odds that Audi leaves before next year? That would be heartbreaking.

 

[casey1973]

What are the odds that Audi leaves before next year? That would be heartbreaking.

Can you blame here though?

 

[LindenCy]

Can you blame here though?

Not at all. I would totally understand if she left, but as an ISU fan, it would be very disappointing.

 

[acoustimac]

My one hope for next year is to avoid key injuries. For two years we’ve limped into February and March. I’d like to see what this team can do by staying healthy. If they don’t hit their potential healthy then there are zero excuses to be played.

 

[CycloneDaddy]

What are the odds that Audi leaves before next year? That would be heartbreaking.

Currently 50/50. Hope she stays.