The Texas Longhorns have fired head basketball coach Rick Barnes after 17 seasons, and they want to hire a replacement "within a week." Who are the top candidates they're going after?
5) Mark Turgeon, Maryland
Turgeon has helped build Maryland back into one of the top teams in the country, but he has strong ties to the state of Texas dating back to his time as head coach of Texas A&M. Could that, and a big pay raise, lure him away from College Park? The Longhorns will most certainly try if they strike out of their other top targets.
4) Archie Miller, Dayton
Miller is one of the rising stars in coaching, leading his Dayton Flyers to the Elite 8 last year and an upset victory over 6-seed Providence this year. The 36-year-old just signed signed an extension with Dayton through 2022, but he’d gladly find his way out of that if Texas were to come calling.
3) Shaka Smart, VCU
Smart has been a target of Power 5 schools since he led VCU to the Final Four in 2011, but he’s been content to stay with the Rams. However, Texas is one of the best jobs in the sport, and it would be hard for Smart to turn it down. His “HAVOC” defense and top-notch recruiting ability would keep the Longhorns as a national power.
2) Jay Wright, Villanova
Wright has had a lot of success at Villanova, leading them to two Final Fours, yet many wonder if he’s hit his ceiling with the Wildcats. The Big East is still one of the best basketball conferences in the country, but it’s still a tier below the Power 5 schools. The opportunity to lead Texas could be the job that takes him away from Philadelphia.
1) Gregg Marshall, Wichita State
Marshall will be the hottest name in the coaching carousel because he’s been able to turn the Shockers into a national power. Every big name school will come knocking on Marshall’s door, and he’s turned several teams down in the past. However, no one else is Texas, and he probably wouldn’t be able to turn down one of the premier jobs in the country.
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