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Familiar and interesting names here…link to Dallas Morning News:
So here’s a look at the realistic candidates for the Longhorns:
Gregg Marshall, Wichita State: Maybe the hottest candidate out there now, after beating Kansas and reaching the Sweet 16. People still remember the 2013 run to the Final Four. He’s built a great mid-major program. Marshall, 52, already makes $1.8 million before bonsuses and has great resources, thanks to boosters like the Koch brothers (Yes, those Koch brothers). And with Fred Van Vleet and Ron Baker among the returnees for next season, the Shockers may be even better. But unlike Alabama, which is another rumored pursuer, Texas is a far more attractive job in terms of recruiting and resources. It’s hard to imagine him turning down the job.
Archie Miller, Dayton: Actually, brother Sean would be a home-run hire. But he seems entrenched at a very good program in Arizona. Brother Archie has carved a nice niche with a 53-20 record the last two seasons and two NCAA appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 2014. Miller took Dayton to the third round this year despite just six scholarship players. While he’s received raises and contract extensions each of the last two seasons, he would still be a comparable bargain. He’s just 36, but essentially a basketball lifer.
Shaka Smart, VCU: Smart is barely older than Archie Miller at 37, but he’s been on the national college basketball radar ever since taking VCU from the First Four to the Final Four in 2011. Since then, the Rams have averaged 27 wins with four NCAA appearance – none past the round of 32. Smart’s success is built on a disruptive full court defense. While his teams play hard, Smart hasn’t been in a situation where he’s gotten top recruits – like the other coaches on this list. He’s had offers and stayed put despite making just $1.5 million. Could he be ready now?
Tony Bennett, Virginia: Until March hit, Bennett, 45, might have been in the running for national coach of the year. Virginia claimed the ACC regular-season title (albeit with a favorable schedule) and seemed to be in line for a No. 1 seed until a late stumble. His teams are disciplined on offense and tenacious on defense. Sixty wins the past two seasons playing in the ACC is not easily dismissed. Now will Texas fans support a team even if it’s winning games 50-35?
Chris Mack, Xavier: He qualifies here as both a dark-horse and the best under-the-radar coach. Mack, 45, has only missed the NCAA Tournament once in six seasons with three Sweet 16 appearances. He considers Sean Miller a mentor and would bring the same type of approach. Mack would have to make the jump from a private city school to a major state university.
I will be FINE if they want to take Tony Bennett from Virginia!
I would be very surprised if Texas offered Bennett, given there were rumblings about Barnes’ plodding style BEFORE results started falling off.
Taking a look at potential candidates is all well and good and fun, but articles like this usually amount to as much good info as some (not all) Espn guys and their “sources”.
What’s irksome to me is a line like this: “It’s hard to imagine him turning down the job.”
Why? If the author is going to include a line like that, back it up.
Marshall has made it abundantly clear that he likes where he’s at and he’s not going to chase down shooting stars.
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