I recently saw an interview with Mateen when he was at the Brez for a practice.  He talked about his FOX gig with the Pistons and a musical artist he's trying to help make it big.  It's been dogging me ever since..........

Why isn't this guy coaching?  His attitude is something we've never seen since he left (maybe Day-Day, we'll see).  That alone on the staff would be magnificent.  Izzo wants him to be coach and if Cleaves were to join the staff I think Izzo's enthusiasm would be uncontainable.  We all know Monty's going to be a head coach soon too, so there should be an opening.  Think about it:

-Attitude.  That nasty, want to fight everyone who's not wearing your jersey attitude.  It can't really be taught, can't be instilled if it's not already there.  But he could certainly help with the overall attitude of the team as an assistant coach.

-Guards.  He'd be great working with the young guards.  Especially on handling the ball and turnovers (which we've seen enough of to last another 15 years).  Even game prep, which he was good at in his day.

-Recruiting.  No brainer here.  You know a place is buzzing if Izzo shows up to watch a kid.  It'd be a little less of a buzz with Mateen, but a buzz none the less.  The two of them on the recruiting trail would cause mayhem.

He loves the game.  It's a heck of way to make a living.  You know Izzo makes sure his staff is taken care of.  And he doesn't have to be the heir apparent.  It's a great story, sure.  But would it be so bad to be Izzo's consigliere for a while, especially when championships are a real possibility?  It would be great for our program and athleitc department overall.  What do you guys think?