Here’s an update on North Texas as they search for a replacement for Johnny Jones who recently departed for LSU….

According to multiple sources, North Texas AD Rick Villarreal has completed the first wave of interviews and has narrowed his final list to three candidates. From what I can piece together, it sounds like the final group is made up of the following:

• Tony Benford – Associate Head Coach Marquette.

• Shawn Forrest – Assistant Coach North Texas.

• Fran Fraschilla – ESPN analyst / former head coach at New Mexico, St. John’s, and Manhattan.

I have heard that Forrest may have already packed his office and is prepared to head to LSU if he doesn’t get the job. Most believe that Fraschilla is the front-runner here – he currently lives nearby in Dallas. I expect this situation to be settled by the end of the week.