If the firing of men’s basketball coach Rob Judson did anything, it solidified what many already knew: Athletic Director Jim Phillips will do what it takes to make NIU athletics successful.

Since his hiring, Phillips has done everything in his power to bring in personnel he feels will be winners. Look no further than women’s basketball coach Carol Owens.

So the firing of Judson – a coach who amassed a 74-101 record during his six years in DeKalb – was not a shock to many. It was speculated that NIU would have to buy out the last year of his contract, which would be a pretty penny to the program. NIU athletics denied the Northern Star’s attempts to verify if a buyout was necessary and if so, how much it would be.

While known as an overall good guy, Judson was a failure as a coach.

With his connections to the University of Illinois and the Chicagoland area, plus a brand new Convocation Center at his disposal, expectations were high for Judson.

But the “savior of the program” couldn’t save his own job. Six years were marked with players transferring, high expectations left unfulfilled and a dwindling interest in the team.

ESPN.com reported Sunday night NIU’s new coach is Ricardo Patton. Known to be a good recruiter at Colorado, Patton could add talent.

NIU Athletics Department will be announcing their new coach at 11 a.m. today at Mike Ditka’s Restaurant in Chicago.

With major Chicago media outlets a short cab ride away, NIU is trying to garner interest there.

Sounds like a good idea. The problem is, NIU is completely blowing off the media outlets who give them the most coverage for ones who currently care only about basketball teams who make the NCAA Tournament (see: Illinois and Southern Illinois).

Thanks, Mr. Phillips, for moving on, and hopefully, your decision on a new coach won’t make us drive to Chicago for another coach in the near future.