Pittsburgh Basketball: After firing Kevin Stallings, Panthers must return to their roots

The University of Pittsburgh has decided to let Kevin Stallings go after just two years at the helm. What the next move for the Panthers will decide their program for years to come.

It simply was never a good fit. After Jamie Dixon was pushed out a couple of years ago (trust me, the man wasn’t welcomed or appreciated at Pitt after what fans and media felt was a program not taking the “next step”), the school went in a completely different direction.

They hired Kevin Stallings a coach who made Vanderbilt a factor in the SEC, although he underperformed when considering the amount of talent on the roster. It was clear why the Panthers went for him. He was a quality recruiter that could get players to come to Pittsburgh, who has never been a hub for four-star athletes.

But from day one, it was clear that the styles wouldn’t fit, as Stallings more up-tempo and flashy style clashed with Dixon’s former guys, who played a grit-and-grind defensive game. The veterans rebelled, and the bench players left, leaving an empty roster.

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There was a glimmer of hope that this season wouldn’t be an embarrassment for fans, but once Ryan Luther, (who averaged a double-double in the non-conference) went down with a season-ending foot injury, those same hopes were dashed.

After going 0-19 in the ACC, there was almost no way that the school could keep Stallings. Fan attendance was at an all-time low, and there was always the possibility of another mass exodus from the roster, especially since Luther qualifies as a grad transfer.

What’s next?

But now what? He’s gone but who replaces him? This is a program that had an identity under Dixon, tough defense and blue-collar players who over four years, develops into solid players. Pittsburgh will never get guys like Duke, Kentucky or even Syracuse and Notre Dame for that matter.

And that’s okay because the Panthers didn’t need to go that route to be successful before. Having an identity is far more important than a one-and-done player because it sets a precedent as to how things will be run. Plus, players who choose to come to Pittsburgh will have already bought into the system.

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Over the next few days, many names will be linked to Pittsburgh’s coaching search. Some will be popular names like Tom Crean and others will have more local ties. But the right coach is one that understands who Pittsburgh is, and operates in the same style that Dixon used.

Because that’s the only way the Panthers will return to their glory days – or at least to the days or respectability.

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