Wisconsin WBB’s latest hire is being compared to repeated NFL failures of a coach Adam Gase
The announcement that Robin Pingeton, former Missouri head coach, would take over the helm of Wisconsin Women’s Basketball (WBB) has sparked both excitement and skepticism. Pingeton, a seasoned coach with a history of success at Missouri, was expected to usher in a new era for the Badgers’ program, one that has struggled in recent years to make a lasting impact in the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament.
However, despite her qualifications and track record, some critics have begun drawing comparisons between Pingeton’s situation and the failures of former NFL coach Adam Gase. At first, this comparison might seem baffling given the difference between college basketball and professional football. Still, the core concern behind the parallel is about expectations and the pressure to revive a program that has underperformed—an issue that both Pingeton and Gase have faced at different points in their careers.
In this article, we’ll explore why the comparison between Pingeton and Gase has gained traction, examine the former NFL coach’s history of failure, and evaluate whether such an analogy is a fair or misguided criticism of Wisconsin’s latest coaching hire.
Robin Pingeton’s Track Record at Missouri: A History of Success
Before diving into the comparison with Adam Gase, it’s essential to highlight Pingeton’s impressive coaching career, which is markedly different from Gase’s NFL struggles. Robin Pingeton has proven herself to be a competent and accomplished coach. She spent 16 years at the University of Missouri, where she transformed the Tigers’ women’s basketball program into a consistent competitor in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Under Pingeton’s leadership, Missouri earned multiple NCAA Tournament berths, including a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2010, and established itself as a program capable of competing with some of the best teams in women’s college basketball.
Pingeton’s success has been built on strong recruiting, developing young players, and creating a culture of defense and teamwork. Her ability to turn around struggling programs is well-documented, and she’s known for her knack for improving players’ individual performances. She also led Missouri through difficult times, showcasing resilience in rebuilding a program that had previously struggled. These accomplishments earned her a reputation as one of the top coaches in women’s college basketball.
Wisconsin’s hire of Pingeton was seen as an opportunity to revive a women’s basketball program that had struggled in recent years, despite occasional flashes of potential. Wisconsin has experienced several seasons of mediocrity in the Big Ten and has yet to consistently challenge for top-tier honors. Pingeton, with her proven track record of rebuilding programs and coaching at a high level, was considered a safe and logical choice to lead the Badgers to greater success.
Adam Gase’s NFL Struggles: A Series of Missed Opportunities
The comparison between Pingeton and Adam Gase arises not from their coaching styles or skill sets but from their respective challenges in taking over programs in need of a dramatic turnaround. Gase, who had success as an offensive coordinator with the Denver Broncos, was hired as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2016. Gase was hailed as a young, innovative coach capable of revitalizing the Dolphins after a period of underachievement. However, his tenure in Miami quickly soured, as the Dolphins never advanced beyond a middling 6-10 or 7-9 record under his leadership, despite early promise.
Gase was eventually fired by the Dolphins after three seasons, and in 2019, he took over as the head coach of the New York Jets. However, Gase’s time with the Jets was marked by further disappointment. Despite inheriting a roster that included promising young quarterback Sam Darnold, Gase’s coaching style and decision-making were widely criticized. The Jets posted a 9-23 record during Gase’s two seasons, and he was dismissed after only two years in New York.
Gase’s failure as a head coach, particularly in developing quarterbacks and creating a consistent offensive game plan, became a hallmark of his NFL career. While he may have had initial success as a coordinator, Gase’s inability to build sustained success as a head coach led to his downfall in both Miami and New York. His repeated failures at the NFL level—despite initial optimism surrounding his hires—have led to comparisons with Pingeton’s current situation.
Why the Comparison to Adam Gase Has Gained Traction
At first glance, comparing Robin Pingeton to Adam Gase might seem far-fetched, given the different arenas they work in (college basketball vs. professional football). However, the concerns that lead to the comparison are not about their tactical acumen or ability to coach but about the overarching challenges they face in turning around programs that have underachieved.
- High Expectations and Pressure to Succeed Quickly
When Adam Gase was hired by both the Dolphins and Jets, the expectation was that he would turn struggling teams into playoff contenders within a few years. His early success as an offensive coordinator in Denver led many to believe that his system would work in Miami and New York. However, despite the hype, Gase’s inability to elevate his teams and deliver results led to his quick dismissal from both organizations. The comparison with Pingeton centers around the high expectations that come with taking over a program with a recent history of underperformance. Wisconsin Women’s Basketball has not been able to make deep NCAA Tournament runs, and Pingeton’s hiring comes with the pressure to immediately revitalize the program and return it to relevance in the Big Ten.
- Program Rebuilding Challenges
Gase’s downfall was also linked to his failure to effectively rebuild the teams he inherited. In Miami, he was unable to develop quarterback Ryan Tannehill into a consistent starter, and in New York, his struggles with Sam Darnold and lackluster offensive performance were key reasons for his failure. Similarly, Pingeton is tasked with rebuilding a Wisconsin program that has not been a perennial contender in the Big Ten. While Pingeton has experience turning programs around, there are questions about whether she can replicate her Missouri success in a new and highly competitive environment. The Big Ten is a much more competitive conference than the SEC in women’s basketball, and Pingeton’s ability to recruit, develop, and execute in this tougher environment is under intense scrutiny.
- Questionable Fit and Long-Term Potential
Another element that fuels the comparison to Gase is the question of whether Pingeton is the right fit for Wisconsin’s specific needs. Much like Gase, who struggled to find a consistent coaching philosophy that worked across two NFL teams, Pingeton’s ability to adapt to Wisconsin’s unique situation and build a lasting, successful program is still unproven. Critics question whether her system will translate well in the Big Ten, especially given the challenges she’ll face recruiting top-tier talent to Wisconsin and competing with elite programs like Maryland, Indiana, and Michigan.
Why the Comparison Might Be Unfair
While the analogy to Adam Gase’s repeated failures in the NFL might be based on some valid concerns, it’s important to recognize several factors that make this comparison somewhat unfair to Robin Pingeton.
- College Basketball and NFL Football Are Inherently Different
The dynamics of college basketball are drastically different from those of the NFL. While both coaches face immense pressure to succeed, the ways in which they can influence their teams and the scope of their responsibility are not the same. In the NFL, Gase’s struggles often stemmed from his inability to develop and manage players in a high-pressure, high-stakes environment where short-term success is paramount. Conversely, Pingeton’s role in college basketball revolves around recruiting, developing young talent, and fostering team chemistry over several seasons. Success in women’s college basketball is less about immediate wins and more about creating a sustainable program that can compete at a high level year after year.
- Pingeton Has Proven Success as a Program Builder
One of the key distinctions between Pingeton and Gase is that Pingeton has already demonstrated success in rebuilding programs. At Missouri, she took over a program that had struggled and turned it into a competitive force in the SEC. Her ability to develop players, recruit top talent, and build a strong defensive-minded team suggests that she has the tools necessary to succeed at Wisconsin, even if it takes some time. Gase, on the other hand, was unable to replicate his previous success as a coordinator, struggling to adjust his methods and philosophies to the unique challenges of head coaching in the NFL.
- Pingeton’s Experience in the Big Ten
While the Big Ten presents a new challenge for Pingeton, her experience coaching in the SEC means she’s no stranger to high-level competition. The SEC and Big Ten are two of the most competitive conferences in women’s basketball, and Pingeton’s time at Missouri prepared her to face challenges similar to those in the Big Ten. This experience will be crucial as she works to recruit talent, develop players, and create a culture of success at Wisconsin.
