Looks like they'll miss Norwood Teague at Virginia Commonwealth more than many people will miss Joel Maturi when he steps down at the U.
The above photo is from the home page of VCUathletics.com.
The Richmond web site RVANews.com offered a "Good Luck Norwood Teague!" headline of all of its web pages Tuesday morning -- news, sports and even the weather page.
The RVAnews story concluded: "Whether it is the new $9 million training facility that is in the works, the two incredible coaches that he gave big opportunities, or the constantly sold out energy of the Siegel Center, Norwood Teague leaves behind an incredible legacy, and VCU was lucky to have him for the past six years."
Colonial Athletic Association commissioner Tom Yeager told the Richmond Times Dispatch: "He'll be hard to replace, but I think everybody's replaceable. It's going to be a very attractive job. What Norwood and his team have built has been significant."
VCU's high-profile young basketball coach, Shaka Smart, was keeping a low profile. In a press release, Smart said Teague "had a profound effect on my life and career. He took an interest in me as a young assistant coach, gave me a phenomenal opportunity at VCU, and wholeheartedly supported us every step of the way over the past three years. He demonstrated an uncommon loyalty and genuine care for me as a coach and as a person. Norwood is a terrific communicator who has a fantastic way with people. He will find great success at Minnesota."
Last month, there were multiple reports that Smart was offered the head coaching job at Illinois. He decided to stay, and it would be logical to expect that Teague had something to do with that decision.
As things evolve at Minnesota, it will be interesting to see if one of Teague's future moves is to convince Smart to come to a Big Ten school. Not right away, probably. But down the road...
