Some rumors, news, and updates as we brace for another Nor’easter up here in New England (UPDATES in RED)…
- With Reggie Theus now out at Cal State Northridge, the very, very early HOT name making the rounds is UCLA assistant coach David Grace. The decorated military veteran has been a member of Steve Alford’s staff for the past five seasons. CSUN is located in Los Angeles and is only about 20 minutes from UCLA. Obviously early here though.
- An early name at Incarnate Word is Purdue assistant Steve Lutz. A longtime assistant at Creighton, Lutz joined Matt Painter’s staff at Purdue prior to this season. He is a San Antonio native (where UIW is located), and spent four seasons as an assistant at UIW. Lutz also served as an assistant at SMU (4 seasons), and at Stephen F. Austin (six seasons).
- Penny Hardaway to replace Tubby Smith at Memphis? According to a report by CBSSports.com, not only are Memphis officials considering the move, but Penny has already identified Larry Brown as a possible staff member. Hardaway is a Memphis native, and former Memphis standout. This past season, Memphis had their lowest attendance in 48 years. Obviously the thought here is that Penny can put bodies in the seats. Interesting to see how this will play out…**UPDATE:
- I mentioned in the last Daily Dirt that Colorado State AD Joe Parker will also use a small committee, but will employ a search firm as well. It’s now been confirmed that he’s hired Eddie Fogler to help with the search and will pay him $25,000 for his services.
- Keep an eye on the Big Sky. Hearing a school is waiting until after 3/15 to make a move out there…**TYPO EDIT: Originally I said Big West – it should read BIG SKY!**
- Charleston Southern Director of Player Development Dylan Thompson has jumped ship for an opportunity in the NFL. He has been hired by new Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia as the “Character Coach/Team Development Coach.” The former QB at South Carolina, Thompson joined the CSU staff prior to the 2017-18 season after spending parts of three years pursuing an NFL career.
- The search to replace Bob Battisti is in full swing at DII Southwestern Oklahoma State. I have heard that Terry Evans and Ty Harrelson are at the top of the list here. Evans spent 13-seasons as the head coach at Central Oklahoma and has most recently served as the head coach at Edmond North (OK) HS. Harrelson is the current head coach at Wayland Baptist University (TX). He played at Wayland for current SWOSU AD Todd Thurman. More on this one as I hear it. **UPDATE: Terry Evans got the job – more here: DII DIRT**
- Speaking of DII schools, three of them opened yesterday…Montana State Billings, Central Washington, and McKendree all announced changes. HoopDirt.com should have all three job postings shortly. **UPDATE: McKendree job now posted HERE**
- DIII Dirt…in case you missed it from yesterday. I can confirm that NYU head coach Joe Nesci will retire. He had just completed his 30th season at the school. This is a great DIII gig – big-time academic school located in NYC in one of the best DIII leagues out there. Will be a lot of guys chasing this one. **UPDATE: It’s now been made official – full press release HERE**
- The complete up-to-date list of coaching changes at all levels can he found here: HoopDirt.com Coaching Changes Tracker.
- The HoopDirt.com Coach of the Week presented by Just Play Solutions winners were announced earlier this week. The full list of winners from the DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, and JUCO levels can be found HERE. Nominations for next week’s award can be sent to: [email protected]
