By my count, there are 8 current DI “interim” head coaches out there right now. As the season begins to wind down, here is the low down on their current situations.
Farleigh Dickinson
According to multiple sources, Farleigh Dickinson has started their interview process for a permanent head coach. Interim Head Coach Greg Vetrone is one of five candidates for the position, and is believed to be interviewing on Friday. The leading candidate is Tom Barrise of the NJ Nets. Barrise was an assistant at the beginning of the season, promoted to interim coach for two games after Lawrence Frank was fired, and has now been moved to the front office. He was previously an assistant at FDU, and has big time NJ ties. The other candidates are UConn assistant Patrick Sellers, DII UMass-Lowell Head Coach Greg Herenda (a former assistant at Seton Hall), and Ramapo (NJ) Head Coach Chuck McBreen. St. Patrick’s (HS) Head Coach Kevin Boyle has also had his named linked to the job, but is not believed to be getting an interview at this point.
Fordham
Jared Grasso has gone 1-19 since taking over for Dereck Whittenburg. There are too many names that want to be involved to mention (here are a few if you’re interested http://hoopdirt.com/blog/6810cfef/coaching-rumors-from-the-d…). The only thing that we can confirm is that AD Frank McLaughlin has not made any serious inquiries at this point. Anything else would be speculation. I’m very curious as to how this one will play out.
Dartmouth
The Big Green were 3-10 when Terry Dunn resigned. They are 2-9 under Mark Graupe. Since Dartmouth’s endowment has dropped 23% (http://thedartmouth.com/2009/10/12/news/endowment…), you can’t rule out anything here. Graupe may keep the job just because they can’t afford anyone else.
Binghamton
Not a good situation for Mark Macon here. Even though he has done a good job of winning games (12-17 7-7 America East), there have been too many off the court issues. Two of his assistants have been let go during the season (http://hoopdirt.com/news/9648d939/another-assistant-out-at-b…), and there will be a new President and AD when it is time to hire. The general feeling is that they will clean house and start fresh.
Penn
There is a lot of support for interim Penn Head Coach Jerome Allen to be named to the position permanently. He has done a great job since taking over – the Quakers were 0-7 at the time. He has gone 5-11 (4-5 Ivy) and had a huge upset win over then #22 Cornell on 2/12. He is a popular alum, and has the support of his players. He is the interim coach with the best chance to keep his job on a permanent basis.
DePaul
The new “hot” name is Reggie Theus. He played for the Bulls (78-84) and has been an NBA(Sacramento) and high major head coach (New Mexico State). These seem to be the qualifications that AD Jean Ponsetto is looking for – it is believed that she wants a “name” to take the program forward in the Big East. This is probably not a good sign for interim coach Tracy Webster.
UNC-Wilmington
Interim Head Coach Brooks Lee is 1-6 since taking over for Benny Moss. It is our understanding that he will not be considered for the permanent job, but will be recommended to stay on as an assistant.
Grambling
Bobby Wilson took over a messy situation in September. He has led the Tigers to a 6-15 record so far this season. I frankly have no idea what will happen here.
