Thursday, April 17, 2014

Strange Moves: Reports Surface Frank Haith to Leave Mizzou for Tulsa

It's not often coaches leave a "Power" conference to move backwards.

But that's exactly what soon-to-be former Missouri head basketball coach Frank Haith appears to be doing. Multiple reports say Haith will leave the SEC East Division Tigers and replace Danny Manning at Conference USA's Tulsa.

There are conflicting reports as to why Haith would step down. CBSSports.com cites a source saying he bailed after a disappointing 2013-14 season where the fanbase seemingly turned on him for that and a team that had some off the court issues. That same source said if he tanked with the Tigers this season, Haith would be done.

Read the CBSSports.com story RIGHT HERE

The departure of Haith raises more eyebrows in the perception of SEC Basketball. It comes on the heels of Cuonzo Martin leaving Tennessee for the University of California and Tony Barbee being let go at Auburn. And the question by some is "All these coaches are black". In the SEC, it's a legitimate question.

But there's some explanation as well. Barbee did little to nothing at Auburn during his tenure there. Haith struggled at Missouri, but the reason behind him leaving can only be explained by him. As for Martin, that's the one we and many others question. Tennessee made it to this years Sweet16 in the NCAA Tournament and despite a "Non-Dominant" regular season, the Vols were a tough out in the SEC Tournament and the team nobody wanted to face in the NCAA's. Yet Martin had to endure a "Fire Cuonzo Martin" website and a petition with 30,000 signatures calling for his removal in Knoxville.

But what about Haith?

Time will tell. Could he be running? Could he be tired of being questioned at Missouri? Could Mizzou be headed for trouble? All legitimate questions. All because a coach left the green pastures of the SEC for the less green pastures of Conference USA. And for all the questions, there aren't a whole lot of answers.

What sayeth you?

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