This is the first of a two-part series in which I analyze the potential pros and cons for Buzz Williams re: his decision to either stay at Virginia Tech, or leave to coach elsewhere next season. Full disclaimer: There may be some uncomfortable ideas in this post, but none are meant to suggest that I want him to leave, or am rooting for it. If you come away with that idea, you have misread. The second part of the series, The Case for Buzz Williams Staying at Virginia Tech, should drop tomorrow.
It’s been just over five years to the day (March 21, 2014) since Buzz Williams was hired as the head coach of the Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball program (link GC post), and despite some occasional hiccups and missteps (See Trevor Thompson being released from his scholarship over his cell phone ringing, Buzz’s handling of injury reports this year, blocking fans—including yours truly for some reason within the last 48 hours—and those who cover the program with prominent social media accounts, which seems petty and a telegraphed move aimed at cauterizing the wound of him leaving, and giving some really trash takes about his potential exit, failing to guarantee his return to Virginia Tech, then positing that the media has completely made up the narrative that he won’t), it has by-and-large been an unmitigated success.