There is a lot of buzz surrounding the Siena job. It is an attractive job for a lot of reasons – especially to the guys below. It is in a better league, has a better arena, and will pay more than the guys on the list are making. There is also the chance that Siena could get aggressive and jump ship to an even better conference (A-10)? This is shaping up to be a very strong field – these are the names that I’ve heard the most:

Jimmy Patsos – Head coach Loyola (MD). Knows the MAAC – has been at Loyola since 2004 (Loyola is departing for the Patriot League – not what Patsos wants). Won 21 games so far this year (will play in the CIT), and had a 24 win campaign last year.

Bill Coen – Head coach Northeastern. Was in the final three when the job opened last time. In his 7th season at NU – his team is currently 20-12. Is a former assistant at BC and URI. Was the head coach at Canajoharie High School (NY) – not far from Siena.

Matt Brady – Head coach James Madison. A Siena alum (1987). Was the head coach at MAAC foe Marist from 2004-2008. His JMU squad won the CAA this year and is headed to the NCAA Tournament. Has had a strange run at JMU – his yearly wins: 21, 13, 21, 12, 20.

Cliff Warren – Head coach Jacksonville. A former Siena assistant. Also a finalist last time around. Has struggled a bit over the past few years at JU, but still has some VERY strong Siena ties.

Richard Pitino – Head coach Florida International. Led FIU to 18 wins and a league championship game appearance in his first season. Has been an assistant at Louisville and Florida.

There is also a second group emerging. Other names that are starting to pop up are:

Andy Toole (head coach Robert Morris), Steve Pikiell (head coach Stony Brook), Jack Pierri (head Coach LIU), Dave Paulsen (head coach Bucknell), and Will Brown (head coach Albany).

Stay tuned, this should be a pretty interesting search.