Pretty good list Tom, it'll be interesting to see how you guys do in hiring a new coach. I'll be surprised though if you get anybody off that list.
The first 4 are like watching little kids look at their friend's baseball card collection.. You can wish all you want but... The guy at WSU is possible. Grant isn't leaving Alabama. He's done really good things there and is 2 or 3 players away from being able to run the system he wants/needs to play with... Nothing against UT but there is so much turmoil and craziness going on up there, I just can't see it.
Stu probably knows more about him than Tom. But I think the key is that the Vols face uncertain future with NCAA violations. That had to make it a hard sell to coaches.
Guys Don't feel ignored if Tom doesn't respond quickly. He left on Friday afternoon for Singapore and was 40 hours later getting there. He's a little jet lagged and already at work tomorrow. :wink:
I think Tenn. rolled the dice a little bit because Zo is a little early in his career...but I think that you got a really good one. I am a huge fan of his...he was a real hard working player and assistant coach. One thing that I will never forget about Cuonzo is that he was NOT a particularly good shooter in his freshman and sophomore years...he was a great defensive player. He spent all summer working on his shot and came back and was a deadly shooter the rest of his career. He made 46% of three point shots (179 of 390) his last two years and was an 80% free throw shooter. He still holds the Purdue record (tied with Robbie Hummel) for hitting 8 threes in a tournament game we won against Kansas. He was a very popular assistant coach for us, and it would seem that his head coaching skills are not lacking. I am very happy for Zo and I think that the chances that he will be a great coach for Tenn are extremely good. One more branch of the Gene Keady tree. http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/032711aaa.html
A number of years ago the Gators hired a young unknown named Billy Donovan and he has worked out very well. Good luck.
For the moment Pearl is toxic, no AD will hire him. He'll be doing commentary for somebody next season.