IMO its 70/30 Jimmys and Joes vs Xs and Os.
He’s killing it on the 30%, but he has debatable responsibility for the Joes (great recruiter recruiting for a hot head coach). My unknown is what happens next when 80% of this team is gone next year. Holding on to Beard’s recruits this year is a good start but will he be able to attract the talent needed long term as the head coach?
It’s a fair question.
I agree that holding him to a championship standard that you wouldn't hold Beard to is dumb…But, I don’t think that is the proper reading of the situation. Wins in the tournament force the school’s hand but are not a declaration of worthiness for the job.
Final 4 etc? Can’t fire him.
Second weekend? Debatable either way (how the season ends matters here too).
One and done? The door is open to fire with no bad optics.
I have no idea if RT has the ability to create a roster like this in the future, but wouldn’t want to bet the next 5 years on it.