It’s early in the search at Eastern Illinois, but here are some of the names that have begun to pop-up….

Doug Novsek – Associate Head Coach Nevada. Is a Lawrenceville, Illinois native and played in-state at Southern Illinois-Carbondale. Has been at Nevada for six seasons – has also worked at Nebraska, Illinois State, Southwest Texas, and Indiana State.

Rodney Watson – Head Coach Southern Indiana. In three seasons at SIU, he has compiled a 70-15 record (21-6 so far this season). He was an assistant for 21 seasons at Southern Illinois University. He was the associate head coach during his last two seasons after spending 19 seasons as an assistant coach under head coaches Rich Herrin, Bruce Weber, Matt Painter, and Chris Lowery.

Jack Owens – Associate Head Coach Purdue. An Eastern Illinois alum (’99). Has spent the last four seasons on the Purdue staff. Spent five seasons as an assistant at Southern Illinois (was on staff with Watson). Also spent the 2002-2003 season as an assistant at Eastern Illinois.

Steve McClain – Assistant Coach Indiana. Went 157-115 in 9 seasons as the head coach at Wyoming (1998-2007). Has been on the Indiana staff for two seasons and was an assistant at Colorado before that. Won the NJCAA National Championship as the head coach at Hutchinson CC in 1994.

Tracy Webster – Assistant Coach Tennessee. Another Illinois native. Has a ton of high major experience. In addition to his one season at Tennessee, he has also worked at Kentucky, DePaul, Purdue, Nebraska, and Illinois.

Todd Franklin – Head Coach Vincennes. Has been at the helm for the past two seasons at Vincennes. Prior to that, he went 329-97 in 13 seasons as the head coach at Southeastern Illinois College.