It was going to be hard for Kyle Moats to win in the public eye when he and a search committee were tasked with selecting the next head coach for the Lady Bears.
The MSU director of athletics had to have known Lady Bears legend Jackie Stiles — perhaps the most beloved athlete in southwest Missouri history — was going to be the overwhelming fan favorite.
But Moats also knew the job was going to be attractive to worthy candidates all over the country. After all, the Sweet 16 roster is only going to lose one senior, and there was going to be pressure to win immediately with a promising roster.