Predictions - How Long?

[Carlos Danger]

Assume the Wolves keep playing this well (roughly .500ish basketball). When do you think Glen gives Sam his coaching contract/extension?

Is there anyone out there that believes they'll sign another coach other than Sam?

My assumption is it will happen around the mid-season point. Again - assuming they continue to play better than we had anticipated. I can't see any way Glen changes coaches again unless Sam completely blows it. We've had three coaches in three years. Even if Sam wasn't their first choice - it might be tough to switch again unless he really screws up.

[Lipoli390]

I guarantee you that Sam will NOT get an extension at any point during the season regardless of how well the team does. You can bet the house and the farm on that.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I don't see it as a lock, Anthony. I'm sure Glen likes the job Sam has done so far this year, but I'm guessing Sam's abrasive personality gets to Glen sometimes. Glen's a consummate Midwestern guy and Sam is not. Owners generally like coaches that tow the line (unless they have remarkable success) and that's just not Sam...he's going to say what is on his mind no matter who he is talking to. It cost him his job in Toronto just a year after winning COY honors, and it could happen here also. I think Glen waits until the end of the season to make a final decision about Sam. One caveat to that prediction: if the Wolves go on a tear, get several games over .500 and look to be a lock to make the playoffs, Glen may extend Sam then. But if they hang around .500, I think he waits until the season is over to evaluate where he wants to go.

[Coolbreeze44]

I guarantee you that Sam will NOT get an extension at any point during the season regardless of how well the team does. You can bet the house and the farm on that.

Thanks Lip, that's very reassuring. Too many good coaches on the sideline to commit to Sam and his weak sauce staff.

[BloopOracle]

I guarantee you that Sam will NOT get an extension at any point during the season regardless of how well the team does. You can bet the house and the farm on that.

Yes! WE still have a chance at Jeff Van Gundy

[Lipoli390]

LST - I can guarantee nothing, absolutely nothing will get Sam an extension before the end of the season. The word I got from a reliable source is that Sam is likely out after this season unless things go really well this season. Flip had a short list of eventual replacements he discussed with Glen and Sam wasn't on that list. Izzo and Hoiberg were on the list with a few others. Glen really respected Flip. Also, Glen is getting ready to sell the team and he's not going to saddle the new owners with an extension for Sam.

[TAFKASP]

On the one hand it makes absolutely no sense to sign Sam long term until they have a long term PBO/GM in place. To Lip's point, I don't think saddling new owners with a 2-3 year contract would be outrageous even if it is a poor decision, I do think saddling a new PBO/GM with a guy he doesn't want is, and it could go a long way towards turning away a good prospect for that position. Of course on the other, other hand, this is Glenn we're talking about, he's done more questionable things than this.

We've gotta hope Glenn understands just what Flip left him with, the potential is there for a contender, it would be far easier to screw this up than it will be to get it right. Don't screw it up Glenn.

[Carlos Danger]

LST - I can guarantee nothing, absolutely nothing will get Sam an extension before the end of the season. The word I got from a reliable source is that Sam is likely out after this season unless things go really well this season. Flip had a short list of eventual replacements he discussed with Glen and Sam wasn't on that list. Izzo and Hoiberg were on the list with a few others. Glen really respected Flip. Also, Glen is getting ready to sell the team and he's not going to saddle the new owners with an extension for Sam.

I've read the rumors that Glen is ready to sell too. But those have been going on for years. I'll believe it when I see it. Until then, I see the Country Club taking the path of least resistance. I think Sam would really have to screw up to not get extended. If the current team/core responds to Sam - why would you change? Obviously a lot can happen between now and year end. We'll see. But this has historically been a "Status Quo" kind of ownership.

[TAFKASP]

LST - I can guarantee nothing, absolutely nothing will get Sam an extension before the end of the season. The word I got from a reliable source is that Sam is likely out after this season unless things go really well this season. Flip had a short list of eventual replacements he discussed with Glen and Sam wasn't on that list. Izzo and Hoiberg were on the list with a few others. Glen really respected Flip. Also, Glen is getting ready to sell the team and he's not going to saddle the new owners with an extension for Sam.

I've read the rumors that Glen is ready to sell too. But those have been going on for years. I'll believe it when I see it. Until then, I see the Country Club taking the path of least resistance. I think Sam would really have to screw up to not get extended. If the current team/core responds to Sam - why would you change? Obviously a lot can happen between now and year end. We'll see. But this has historically been a "Status Quo" kind of ownership.

Because a better, proven, high level coach is available and wants the job?

[Lipoli390]

Carlos - it's more than a rumor now. Discussions are taking place. I'm certain of that. It's likely Glen sells a 20% ownership stake to the Steve Kaplan group next summer with the intent to sell the rest of Glen's majority stake a year or two later. But Kaplan will have to commit to keeping the team in MN. The practice facility and Target Center renovations are part of getting that commitment.