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Being a D1 head coach is tough and even tougher in your first year. Having assistant coach experience is necessary but it doesn't prepare you for everything.

One of better coaches in recent memory, Seth Greenberg, had a similar profile to Acker. When Harrington bolted after the 89-90 season, Seth was handed almost the same team that went 23-9 in 89-90. He had Lucious Harris, Frankie Edwards, Chris Tower, Kevin Cutler and Mike Masucci back and add Byron Russel to that group who had to redishirt his first year. He went 11-17 that first year, including 7-11 in conference. Many including me were sending letters to the A.D. demanding Sir Seth's firing during and shortly after the end of the season. Everyone was focused on the talented players Seth had inherited but completely downplayed his lack of experience coaching at the D1 level. Of course, Seth stayed and had 5 really good years after the bad start, including 2 NCAA tournament appearances. Even if Acker doesn't turn things around this year, 90-91 was a lot more disappointing than however we end up in 24-25. Seth took his lumps in 90-91 but apparently learned from those experiences to become a better coach. Hopefully, Acker can do the same.