Crazy few days here at the HoopDirt world headquarters. Here are a few things I’ve heard as we get ready for the Final Four….
It sounds like the on-campus interviews are complete at Southern Utah. A decision should be made very shortly. Here are the three that are believed to be the finalists: http://hoopdirt.com/blog/d02438ca/southern-utah-update/…
Keep an eye on the Illinois situation. Sounds like Ohio’s John Groce will be the choice there. There was a lot of talk that the announcement would come today at a 3:00 presser, but that is not the case. I’ve heard that they are currently negotiating, and an announcement will be made either tonight or tomorrow.
Tulsa assistant Terrance Rencher has been a “hot” name as of late. Since the coaching change at Tulsa, I’ve heard that he expects to interview with at least three high major head coaches next week at the Final Four. Look for him to land on his feet pretty quickly.
A name that I’ve heard a few times now at Samford is Steve Barker. Barker is a Samford alum who spent 18 seasons at the head coach at Brewton-Parker College (GA). He is currently the head coach at McLean County HS (KY). Many believe however that a Kentucky guy will get the Samford gig – current AD Martin Newton was the DBO at Kentucky under John Calipari before coming to Samford. He is also the son of former Knetucky AD Kentucky AD C.M. Newton.
New Nebraska head coach Tim Miles is bringing assistant Ron Coleman and DBO Jayden Olson with him from Colorado State. It sounds like Coleman signed a contract yesterday. I’ve also heard that current CSU assistants Niko Medved and Craig Smith are both in-play to replace Miles. Once that situations gets settled, Miles will hire either one or both of them at Nebraska.
The Mississippi State search has been an interesting one to watch. Last night I heard that Rob Jeter was the leader there – today, the same people are saying he’s not! Definitely a crazy situation and one worth watching.
The Fairmont State (WVa.) job search is heating up. I’ve heard that the leader right now is West Virginia assistant Jerrod Calhoun. He has been at West Virginia since 2007 – was in administrative role until this season. Other names that I’ve heard who are involved are Bob Bolen (head coach – Mountain State), Greg Zimmerman (head coach – Alderson Broaddus), Gary Nottingham (Assistant to the head coach – Illinois), and Jerry Dunn (former head coach – Penn State).
Ithaca College has listed an open assistant position (http://hoopdirt.com/job/a0763d48/assistant-coach-ithaca-coll…). From what I’ve heard, it’s only a formality. Current assistant Jon Tanous was hired in September – technically his position was classified as “interim” because it was never officially posted. It sounds like there is no reason to believe that he won’t be keeping his job (Especially since Ithaca won the Empire 8 this season).
