Merfeld Gone!

[MVFAN]

Merfeld just got released from his Head coaching position at UE.

[SycamoreFanatic]

Someone just hoping or any facts to substantiate this call?

[MVFAN]

That's a fact

[bcrawf]

First post since Augus makes me question credibility....

[MVFAN]

My son plays on the team

[ACES..ACES]

My son plays on the team

Your son, plays on the Aces team?

Who delivered the news to Merfeld?

If you are telling the truth....HALLELUJAH
:clap: :banana: :clap: :banana: :clap: :banana: :clap:

[MVFAN]

From what I was told McGillis met with him this morning and has a meeting this afternoon with the rest of the staff....the kids all know.

If you watched Merfeld at the Drake game at the tournament he must have known...he wasn't himself.

[dawg]

Now if someone fires Moser it will be a triefecta

[bcrawf]

I take back my "lack of credibility comments..."

Wow, looking like 3 openings in the Valley

WHO Radio reported that Dr. Tom is going to step down and retire. Keno will get that job...

InSU and UE are wide open searches I would imagine...

[BearsCountry]

Evansville and Indiana St are both welcome to hire Barry Hinson. Bear fans wouldnt mind.

[MVFAN]

Evansville and Indiana St are both welcome to hire Barry Hinson. Bear fans wouldnt mind.


We would take him!

[ACES..ACES]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Marty Simmons

He played for the Aces and also served as an assistant coach under Jim Crews.


Marty knows what the ACES TRADITION is all about!!



:aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces:

[UE-BBALL#1]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Marty Simmons

He played for the Aces and also served as an assistant coach under Jim Crews.


Marty knows what the ACES TRADITION is all about!!



:aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces: :aces:

What makes you think Marty Simmons is the answer? If I'm not mistaken he had one good season at a D2 school, and then went back to being nothing more than a .500 team this season. So what if he went to UE and played, doesn't mean he can coach.

[E-Villan]

Maybe if we can't land Marty Simmons, we can work on Chaka Chandler or Sascha Hupman. I am sure you were one of the people praying IU would go after Stevie........Simmons is not the answer by a long stretch!

[E-Ville]

:clap: :clap: :clap:

Best Aces News All Year!!!

My Vote Is For Rick Herdes, Unless Somebody Out of the Blue Pops Up.

:clap: :clap: :clap:

[E-Ville]

But honestly I hope Merfeld finds another job. I will still be cheering for him wherever he goes, but this was just not the right situation.

Great Move For The Aces!!!

Maybe one of the assistants will step up.

[ACES..ACES]

What makes you think Marty Simmons is the answer? If I'm not mistaken he had one good season at a D2 school, and then went back to being nothing more than a .500 team this season. So what if he went to UE and played, doesn't mean he can coach.


I starting to worry about you and your opinions or either you are too young to remember when Marty played for the Aces. Marty was the closest player that I have seen play for the Aces that would compare with Jerry Sloan, in how they both played the game. They were both very intense and a refuse to lose type of players, and both were coaches on the floor and leaders of their teams.

Marty also played for Bobby Knight and Jim Crews and was an assistant on Coach Crews staff.

Tell me, who would your choice be if it was your decision to make?

[ACES..ACES]

:clap: :clap: :clap:

Best Aces News All Year!!!

My Vote Is For Rick Herdes, Unless Somebody Out of the Blue Pops Up.

:clap: :clap: :clap:


Believe me when I tell you this....You definitely don't want Herdes as the Aces coach....we have already been though that with Dick Walters....

[AceGargantua]

If this is all true and Merfeld is really gone, you know the AD is going to consider both Simmons and Herdes. They'd both bring an instant shot in the arm for attendance--Simmons bringing back the old fan base and Herdes bringing some current USI people who would still be rooting for him. Whoever it is, I hope they're a great teacher of the game and a great motivator. UE needs that. It's not exactly the kind of school a top shelf recruit is looking for.

[UE-BBALL#1]

I starting to worry about you and your opinions or either you are too young to remember when Marty played for the Aces. Marty was the closest player that I have seen play for the Aces that would compare with Jerry Sloan, in how they both played the game. They were both very intense and a refuse to lose type of players, and both were coaches on the floor and leaders of their teams.

Marty also played for Bobby Knight and Jim Crews and was an assistant on Coach Crews staff.

Tell me, who would your choice be if it was your decision to make?

Brad Brownell.

[AceGargantua]

Still awaiting concrete confirmation here.

[MVFAN]

Still awaiting concrete confirmation here.


I've talked to a few players and it's a done deal...I don't know anything about the assistants but Merfeld is history.

[ISU87]

according to Dawg Tired

Kurt Kanaskie is STILL available.

[BearsCountry]

Hopefully Indiana St and Evansville can make two good hires.

[AceGargantua]

I've talked to a few players and it's a done deal...I don't know anything about the assistants but Merfeld is history.

I'm not saying I don't believe you, but I wish our local TV news or newspaper would have something about it. It might be too much to expect from them, though. The journalists around here aren't exactly diligent.

[Bigcityp]

Please oh please let this be true!!!!

[Keita44]

Dr. Tom is available now also. :doh:

[indymoon]

Not Herdes. I hope that doesn't happen. I don't think he would bring any USI fans with him that's for sure.

Simmons was a great player and would bring back some fans; if any of those fans are still alive. Has he built a solid program at SIUE?

Brownell is an Eville native. He took over at UNC Wilmington after the prior coach was rewarded for a run in the Tourney. Looks like he built a winner at Wright St. :aces:

[AcePurple]

Can we get a 2nd source to confirm this somewhere? Sorry, but I need more proof than just one person....

[MVFAN]

Can we get a 2nd source to confirm this somewhere? Sorry, but I need more proof than just one person....

Go by Merfelds house and see if the for sale sign is up yet.

[rmoh18]

Please be true, please be true, please be true... one could hope, right....

[Bigcityp]

Go by Merfelds house and see if the for sale sign is up yet.

I'm hoping this isn't an early April fools joke by mvfan... I believed your credibility once you said your son played on the team but your other posts have lead me to really question all of this. You go on to say that you've talked to a few other players and they confirm it as well.. Why would you be talking to other players that you don't really know other than through your son and two do you not believe your son?? My suspicions continue to grow with your post of "go by Merfelds and see if the sale sign is up yet".. That sounds like you and your frat brothers over there at the corner of walnut and wienbach have pulled the old Sell the coach's house job on the coach's house and put 50 for sale signs in their yard. . Merfeld's fired this morning, there wouldn't be for sale sign in his yard that afternoon.. ??

MVfan, I hope that you are who you say you are, know what you say you know because this will suck for those of us who really want to see him go.

[MVFAN]

I'm hoping this isn't an early April fools joke by mvfan... I believed your credibility once you said your son played on the team but your other posts have lead me to really question all of this. You go on to say that you've talked to a few other players and they confirm it as well.. Why would you be talking to other players that you don't really know other than through your son and two do you not believe your son?? My suspicions continue to grow with your post of "go by Merfelds and see if the sale sign is up yet".. That sounds like you and your frat brothers over there at the corner of walnut and wienbach have pulled the old Sell the coach's house job on the coach's house and put 50 for sale signs in their yard. . Merfeld's fired this morning, there wouldn't be for sale sign in his yard that afternoon.. ??

MVfan, I hope that you are who you say you are, know what you say you know because this will suck for those of us who really want to see him go.

I have been around these players quite a bit over these past few years and we are all like family and we all talk to each other...trust me he is gone....or don't believe me and ruin a good reason to go party tonight.

[AcePurple]

It's official!!!!

http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=6173062

After a fifth straight losing season, head coach Steve Merfeld has been let go; his entire coaching staff was fired, too.

The move comes just two days after the Aces' season ended with a first round loss in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.

Merfeld came to UE five years ago after a very successful run at Hampton, but he couldn't turn the Aces program back into a winner.

Hopes were high when Steve Merfeld was announced as UE's head coach in 2002. The Aces had just come off a 7-21 season in Jim Crews' final year. They improved to 12-16 in his first season on the job, but took a step back with a 7-22 season. And the Aces never built much momentum after that.

The program had its moments; for example, last season the Aces drew more than 11,000 fans to the stadium where they beat Purdue 75-69.

But once the Missouri Valley Conference season started, the team went into a tailspin, losing 12 of 13 games at one point, and the pressure began to build.

With a senior-dominated team returning this year, expectations were high the Aces could finish in the upper third of the valley and maybe make a run at a NCAA bid. But the Aces still lacked depth and, again, got off to a bad start in the conference. They rebounded with three straight wins in January but lost seven of their last eight valley games.

The search for a new coach is already underway.

[AcePurple]

My feelings are, and always have been: the Merfeld hire was not a mistake. I was excited when we hired him, but it just did not work, and it was time for a change. Overdue, in fact. I'm sure Merf will land on his feet, either as an assistant or as a head coach at a lower level.

:aces: :aces: :aces: :aces:

[Bigcityp]

I have been around these players quite a bit over these past few years and we are all like family and we all talk to each other...trust me he is gone....or don't believe me and ruin a good reason to go party tonight.


Give me directions cause I'm buying all the beer at the fire merfeld party tonight!!!! Sorry for questioning your source..

[Pocket Aces]

It's a win or else business, and unfortunately the "W's" just haven't been there. Best of luck to the coaches. I'm a little surprised given the financial aspect. he doesn't make a fortune, but I didn't really think they afford to buy out his last year.....then again, maybe they figured they couldn't afford not to pay off his last year.

[Bigcityp]

WEHT 25 reports the following on their site.

http://www.abc25.com/Global/story.asp?S=6173137

UPDATED: Sat 5:18pm

EVANSVILLE -- NEWS 25 has already gotten reaction to the firing of University of Evansville Men's Basketball Coach Steve Merfeld.

NEWS 25 Sports Director Lance Wilkerson talked to senior Matt Webster by phone this afternoon. Webster said, "I'm surprised. I had heard rumors. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't want to play for another coach."

In his five seasons at UE, Merfeld went 29-and-51 in the MVC, and 2-and-5 in the conference tournament. The team's 14 wins this season were the most of any Merfeld team at UE.

Merfeld's contract was extended last season. He had two years left on his deal at the time of his firing.

--------------------------

EVANSVILLE -- NEWS 25 has learned University of Evansville Men's Basketball Coach Steve Merfeld has been fired. UE Athletic Director Bill McGillis has confirmed the move to NEWS 25.

A 6:00 p.m. news conference has been scheduled at the university to officially announce the firing.

Merfeld just completed his 5th season at UE. The Aces lost in the first round of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament to Drake Thursday. During his tenure, Merfeld went 54-and-91.

NEWS 25 will have complete coverage of the story tonight on NEWS 25 at 6 and 10.

[Pocket Aces]

From the UE website. So which was it? Fired or resigned?

Basketball Coach Steve Merfeld Resigns


University of Evansville men’s basketball head coach Steve Merfeld announced his resignation today. Coach Merfeld came to Evansville in 2002 following five seasons as head coach at Hampton University. His five-year record at Evansville was 54-91.

“I am very thankful for the opportunity that the University of Evansville provided me and my family,” Coach Merfeld said. “I am very appreciative of my assistant coaches, knowing that they poured their heart and soul into this basketball program. We did experience success in moving this program forward from where it was five years ago. I will encourage all of the current players and early signees to honor their commitment to this great institution. My wife and family have enjoyed the many great friendships that we have established in the Evansville community.”

UE Director of Athletics Bill McGillis added, “I regret that Steve will not continue as our head men’s basketball coach. I am proud of the leadership he has provided our basketball program and the manner in which he has coached, mentored and served the young men on our team. He has put every ounce of energy into our basketball program and the Evansville community since the day he arrived five years ago. He is a great man who has represented the University with integrity and class. Unfortunately, for whatever reasons the right set of circumstances have not aligned and resulted in the on-court success that we expected. Steve is a proven winner who, I believe, will achieve great success again. We wish him the very best.”

The search for a new coach will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by the end of March, according to McGillis. “We have high expectations for our men's basketball program,” McGillis says. “Based on our tradition of success, our community's passion for the Purple Aces and college basketball, and the strength of the Missouri Valley Conference, there will be no shortage of outstanding head and assistant coaches who have strong interest in the head coach position.”

[Bigcityp]

The search for a new coach will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by the end of March, according to McGillis. “We have high expectations for our men's basketball program,” McGillis says. “Based on our tradition of success, our community's passion for the Purple Aces and college basketball, and the strength of the Missouri Valley Conference, there will be no shortage of outstanding head and assistant coaches who have strong interest in the head coach position.”

That list will get shorter when the salary is announced...

[Bigcityp]

I don't believe he resigned at all as reported on TV. I believe MVFan that he was fired. Merfeld wouldn't of resigned...

[Pocket Aces]

Nearly all sites are reporting now that he resigned and that the Asst. coaches were not fired. Reports say that asst. coaches will of course be up to the desicion of the new coach.

[AceGargantua]

They probably just worked out a deal where they let him resign with some dignity. Now he doesn't have to carry the label of fired coach into his next job interview.

[Nyghtewynd]

You want Barry Hinson? We'll take a ham sandwich for him.

[AcePurple]

Sure, we'll take him straight up for Merfeld.

[Nyghtewynd]

He'd be great at Evansville. You'd get to the NIT a lot.

[AcePurple]

He'd be great at Evansville. You'd get to the NIT a lot.

So you're saying you'd take the trade?

[Nyghtewynd]

I'm not sure what we'd do with Merfield, but if it'd get rid of Mr. NIT, I'd find a position. Do you think he could be an A.D.?

[Aces101]

I guess my letter to UE President Jennings made a difference :innocent: Finally....I never thought it would happen though. Let's get Pete Gillen while he is unemployed.

[Ace Dad]

I am starting to worry about you and your opinions or either you are too young to remember when


Aces... Aces..., be careful you are starting to sound like me.:aces:

[MoValley John]

What about this guy? I don't know if he would be a good head coach, but every time I hear the name Dick Bender, I just have to laugh.

http://www.indstate.edu/athletic/mensbb/coaches/Bender.jpg

[rmoh18]

All I am going to say about Merfeld is about his recruiting. In the past few years, he has not recuited wisely. He had recruited three players, that were kicked off.out of school for stealing electronics from fellow students. I think they were Dupree Fletcher, Marcus Butler and Robert Nelson.

He had that "highly regarded" french player (Fabian Calvez) brought in, who left without tell anyone (not even his roommate). He also brought in Maurice Blakey, who was scarey to watch when he had the ball (one of the worst ball-handlers I have seen at UE).

I understand there have been a few players who for personal reasons can't/don't play, which I am not going to "knock".

How about forward Phil Kealing, guard Brandon Patton-Jackson, and guard Devan Welch (only Welch played more than one year). You could also include Tyler Best, Wacey Hall, amd Troy Robertson, but I do not remember why these players did not pan out.

I understand not all of his recruits were busts, look as Holsinger amd Granger. Note: Webster, Stricklan and Aslinger were Crews recruits, but "signed" Merfeld (first signees at UE, with credit going to Crews)

Good luck Aces finding a replacement (Marty Simmons might be availible)

[AceGargantua]

Is it necessary to post the same thing on several different threads?

[AcePurple]

And half of it's wrong.... Crews had nothing to do w/ the class that just graduated, unless I missed them signing as HS Juniors. Welch was a walk-on; and who the heck is Brandon Patton-Jackson?