Since the firing of Benny Moss last week, a bunch of names have begun to surface as potential candidates at UNC-Wilmington. This is an early list of who we’ve heard – and it may change depending on what UNCW is offering for a salary. Moss made $170,000 per year – that will have to go up significantly if UNCW AD Kelly Mehrtens expects to attract some of these guys…….
Kansas Assistant Joe Dooley
A former Head Coach at East Carolina. Has been at Kansas for 7 seasons, where he got to know Mehrtens when she was an assistant AD there. Makes in the range of $300k, so not sure this is the right fit (unless they come with the $$). I’ve also heard Kansas assistant Danny Manning mentioned because he is from North Carolina and knows Mehrtens. Don’t get your hopes up for this one.
Wright State Head Coach Brad Brownell
Sounds crazy, but former UNCW Head Coach and Current Wright State Head Coach is receiving a lot of support from some big-time boosters at UNCW. He had a great run for the Seahwaks (83-40 in 4 seasons) and has had 3 20+ win seasons at Wright State. He has family still in the area, but I don’t see this as enough to lure him back (and the fact that he makes $350,000 at WSU). More likely, his Associate Head Coach Bill Donlon will be in the mix.
Wright State Associate Head Coach Bill Donlon
Is a UNCW alum and spent 4 seasons on Brownell’s staff there. Is considered the top choice at Wright State if Brownell leaves (again, I can’t see Brownell going back to Wilmington, but there will be some better jobs out there that he will get some sniffs at).
College of Charleston Assistant Mark Byington
Another UNCW alum. The 1998 grad was a 3-years starter for the Seahawks and 1,000 point scorer. He has been a part of the recent success at C of C under both Bobby Cremins and Tom Herrion.
Texas Assistant Rodney Terry
Spent 4 four seasons as an assistant at UNCW under Jerry Wainwright going 71-51 during that time. Has gained a great reputation as a recruiter at Texas. Speaking of Wainwright, who was recently fired at DePaul, he may be considered as well (why not – Mike Dement returned to UNC- Greensboro after 9 seasons at SMU).
Vermont Head Coach Mike Lonergan
A ton of experience – was the Head Coach at Catholic for 12 seasons (251-88). Is 90-57 in 4+ seasons at Vermont. Is also a former assistant at Maryland. No obvious connection to UNCW, but his name keeps popping up in conversation.
From what I’ve heard, current Interim Head Coach Brooks Lee will not be considered for the position. I’ll keep you posted as I hear more.
