Marist rumors…

The search is starting to heat up at Marist. I have heard that AD Tim Murray will not use a search firm, he will instead handle the search with an internal committee. I’m not sure if Murray will look to increase the salary for the new coach – former head coach Chuck Martin made in the $250,000 range. Here are a few names that I’ve heard so far…

• Bill Carmody – Former head coach Northwestern. He is a NJ guy who played at nearby Union College. He is drawing interest from a bunch of schools right now. Marist will make a run at him, but not sure he will be the guy here.

• Al Skinner – Former head coach Boston College. A New York native. Went 247-165 during his 13 seasons at BC. Also spent nine seasons as the head coach at the University of Rhode Island (138-126). Has been doing some TV things and working the AAU circuit since leaving BC. May also be sniffing around at Fairleigh Dickinson.

• Jay Young – Associate head coach Stony Brook. He’s a Marist alum who has been on the Stony Brook staff for the past seven season. Had a lot of success as a head coach at New Haven and has also been as assistant at Northeastern. If Stony Brook HC Steve Pikiell gets a job, he would be the logical choice to take over there.

• Bob Walsh – Head coach Rhode Island College. Is 184-54 in his eight seasons at RIC including 7 straight 20 win seasons (won 19 in his first season). Spent seven seasons on the staff at Providence before that. Is a NY native who went to Hamilton.

• Joe Espisito – Director of Operations Minnesota. Another Marist alum. Has been on Tubby Smith’s staff for the past five seasons. Won 118 games in eight seasons as the head coach at Angelo State.