The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s decision to appoint Doug Gottlieb as their head men’s basketball coach has drawn mixed reactions as the team struggles in their first season under his leadership. Currently, the Phoenix hold a record of 2-11, and their recent loss to Division II Michigan Tech— a match in which Gottlieb previously derided the opponent as “Nobody U”— has added to the mounting scrutiny. KenPom’s rankings reflect this poor performance, placing Green Bay at No. 326 out of 364 Division I teams, a drop from last year’s rank of No. 230.
Gottlieb, a well-known media personality with no prior coaching experience, has made headlines not just for the team’s performance but also for his provocative remarks on social media. Recently, he engaged in a public dispute with ESPN’s Adam Schefter regarding Sacramento State’s alleged financial situation, further drawing attention away from his coaching responsibilities. Just before the Michigan Tech game, Gottlieb tweeted about a historic NCAA championship game incident, indicating his focus may lie outside of his current role.
In light of the team’s struggles, questions arise about the future of both Gottlieb and the athletics program. If Green Bay’s athletic director, Josh Moon, wishes to part ways with Gottlieb within the first two years of his five-year contract, doing so could be financially burdensome, amounting to around $2.3 million based on his remaining salary. This figure surpasses the revenue generated by the basketball team last season, which was approximately $2.02 million.
The terms of Gottlieb’s contract provide for possible termination for cause due to conduct that could harm the reputation of the program or the university. However, simple social media disputes likely wouldn’t meet this threshold. Additionally, should Gottlieb choose to leave before the 2026 NCAA championship game, he would be obligated to pay the university $850,000.
Within the framework of his contract, a conflict management plan was established to help balance his media commitments with coaching duties. Following the team’s recent loss, Gottlieb notably missed his scheduled radio show, raising further concerns about his focus and availability for the team.
Despite the current challenges, there remains hope for improvement. The Phoenix can potentially turn their season around with strategic changes and a commitment from both the players and staff to focus on building a cohesive and competitive team. The struggles may also act as a catalyst for growth, allowing them to learn valuable lessons that could lead to future success. As the season continues, fans and stakeholders are left wondering about the direction of the program and what changes may be on the horizon.