According to Loyola AD Grace Calhoun, there will not be a new head coach in place at Loyola before the Final Four. While the athletic department takes it’s time with this search, here are some of the names linked to the job:

Tim Buckley – Indiana assistant coach. Was the head coach at Ball State (2000-06) and an Illinois native. Current LU AD Calhoun was an associate AD at Indiana before coming to Loyola, so she does have a professional relationship with Buckley.

Todd Lickliter – Former Iowa and Butler head coach. Has been working hard to get back into it at the MM level. Is 169–116 as a head coach and was the 2007 NABC National Coach of the Year.

Tavares Hardy – Northwestern assistant coach. Knows the Chicago area and has gained the reputation as a great recruiter in the midwest.

Keno Davis – Former head coach Providence. Had a tough run at Providence, but was National Coach of the Year at Drake before that. Very strong midwest ties.

Jerrance Howard – Assistant Coach Illinois. An Illinois native who has also established some great midwest recruiting ties. Has also been an assistant at Kentucky and Texas A&M.

Vince Taylor – Assistant Coach Minnesota. Former assistant at Louisville and Pitt. Also worked for the Timberwolves. Played at Duke – was drafted by the Knicks.

Matthew Graves – Butler Associate Head Coach. Last year’s National Championship appearance along with this year’s Elite Eight run have made him a hot commodity.

Isaiah Thomas – Florida International Head Coach. Not sure how legit this one is, but his name is floating around out there. He is a Chicago native and would obviously bring big-time name recognition.