Story: Adam Nelson (@HD_DirtKing)
Happy Pi Day to my fellow nerds out there. Today has been chaos so far, and will only get busier. Here are just a few quick things…
It sounds like the Craig Doty to Houston Christian move is getting closer to being a reality, with some saying it could be done in the next 24-48 hours. Doty led D2 Emporia State to a 19-12 record this past season and is 97-76 (.561) in his 6 seasons there. Prior to his time at ESU, he won two JUCO National Championships at Rock Valley (2014, 2016), and an NAIA National title at Graceland (2018).
Early names that are making the rounds at William & Mary include Butler assistant Mike Pegues, USC assistant Chris Capko, and Christopher Newport head coach John Krikorian. Broad strokes here – a lot of guys trying to get involved. Kyle Bowlsby from Bowlsby Sports Advisors is running this one.
Central Arkansas sounds like it’s a two man race at this point between former Coastal Carolina interim head coach Benny Moss and current Alabama Huntsville head coach John Shulman. I mentioned Moss here in yesterday’s Daily Dirt. Shulman, who’s team is currently playing in the NCAA D2 tourney, has also been the head coach at Chattanooga (2004-13). Most people who I’ve talked to believe that Shulman is the leader at this point, and could be a done deal once his team finishes playing.
Early names at Missouri State include Kansas State assistant Rodney Perry and Northwest Missouri State head coach Ben McCollum. Working on more names here now.
Early, early (early) name at Rice is Josh Pastner. Obviously he has big-time Houston connections. Stay tuned for more here soon.
Keep an eye on UTSA. Steve Henson coached this season on an expiring contract – it officially runs out on 3/31. Expect an announcement either way here very shortly.
Cal Poly interviews are officially underway. Will have names here shortly.
Wayne Tinkle is safe at Oregon State and will return for the 2024-25 season. AD Scott Barnes confirmed this to OregonLive; “Neither Wayne, myself, our student athletes nor Beaver Nation are happy with our record today,” Barnes wrote in a text. “Still, we have an excellent, connected core group. Their retention and the addition of key players in the offseason is Wayne’s number one priority. I believe we will take a significant step in 2024-25 and build from there.” Tinkle is 140-177 (.442) in his 10 seasons at OSU, and reportedly has three-years / $8.7m left on his contract.
ICYMI: Ridiculousness at D3 Keene State HERE.
You can check out the 2024 Coaching Changes Tracker presented by D1.relocation HERE. It contains all of the head coaching changes so far at the NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO levels.
