Flames Licking at Their Heels: What Coaches are on the Dreaded Hot Seat?
By Cam Newton
Oliver Purnell – DePaul
Nov 26, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; DePaul Blue Demons head coach Oliver Purnell reacts to play during the second half of the game against the Texas Longhorns at Sprint Center. Texas won 77-59. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
After seeing immense success in all of his coaching jobs leading up to his current position at DePaul, Purnell has now seen what basketball hardship looks like after taking over the perennial last-place Big East squad. Purnell was a terrific coach when he was at his previous three stops of Old Dominion, Dayton, and Clemson, the latter of which he took to three consecutive NCAA Tournaments. Purnell had a good thing going in South Carolina, but left it for Chicago, where he currently makes more money than Roy Williams and Jim Boeheim.
Currently in his 4th season with the Blue Demons, Purnell has a Big East record of 6-50. That’s 11%. That’s what puts you out of a job. Purnell has done better recruiting-wise than many of his predecessors, but he hasn’t been able to land the big name he’s been hoping for. The Chicago native Cliff Alexander was DePaul’s best shot at a top 5 recruit, but he committed to the Kansas Jayhawks. If Purnell is to get any better and have any hope at keeping his job, he needs to recruit Chicago so much better. In previous years, Chicago has been a treasure trove of basketball talent, but no local teams have been able to pounce on it. That has to change soon if Purnell wants to stay with the Blue Demons for a bit longer.