Everyone knows John Wooden's unbelievable record at UCLA. Can anyone name the man who followed him? A few could. It was Gene Bartow. He coached two season at the school and compiled a 52-9 (.852) record, which actually was better than Wooden's (.808). But he won no national championships.
I have no idea why Bartow left UCLA after two seasons that would be termed very successful by any reasonable person. But when you follow a legend, fans are not always reasonable. I have no way of knowing, but I think it is reasonable to assume that the unreasonable expectations of UCLA fans played at least some part in his departure. Thus they lost an outstanding coach, who went on to UAB, and took them to an Elite 8, a Sweet 16, and seven straight NCAA appearances. Is there anyone who could guarantee that Wooden would have done that well at Birmingham? After all, he did not win any national championships at Indiana State before he left for UCLA.
There always will be some fans who just won't be satisfied, no matter how well you do.
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