Coaching positions open up every season at every level of college basketball. The reasons may vary, but nonetheless, athletic departments find themselves scourging the country for the latest and greatest names among the college coaching community.
Who might find themselves on high-major short lists after next season? We’ve got your top five names, right here.
1.) Archie Miller, Dayton
He’s the hottest name in college basketball circles, with Greg Marshall locked up in Wichita. Not only has he shown the ability to make a run in the NCAA Tournament, but he’s battled off injuries and suspensions to enjoy sustained success as well. We talked about him all season last year, and I don’t expect that to change in the least this season.
2.) Andrew Toole, Robert Moris
Few coaches in the mid-major ranks have a stronger resume than Toole, with a handful of 20-win seasons, an NCAA Tournament birth, and a program that consistently sits at, or right near, the top of its conference standings. Toole is a New York native, so keep an eye on him for anything opening up in the Northeast, jobs like Seton Hall initially come to mind.
3.) Tim Cluess, Iona
Cluess wasted no time taking advantage of Iona’s regional allure, pairing it with his local success at C.W. Post and keeping Iona going as one of the premier mid-major programs in the country. Already with two NCAA Tournament births, Cluess has his name firmly in the discussion around the country. However, one has to wonder if his age (he’s 56-years-old) will hold any major program back from taking a chance on him. For their sake, it shouldn’t.
4.) Greg Lansing, Indiana State
Last season was a bit of an aberration, as the Sycamores finished with their first losing record under Lansing. He’s got deep roots in the Midwest, and has kept ISU in the MVC discussion on nearly a yearly basis despite competing with Northern Iowa and Wichita State for conference air-time.
5.) Travis DeCuire, Montana
DeCuire was regarded as one of the best recruiters on the west coast when he anchored Mike Montgomery’s Cal staff. Now running things at his alma mater, DeCuire has a chance to further build his resume at one of the country’s premier mid-major programs. In year one, he won 20 games and finished atop the conference standings. Keep an eye on him for any jobs on the west coast that may come available in the next few years.
