Based off of Illinois' performance yesterday (I was thankful that I only watched the first 16 minutes of the game), I don't think anyone can argue that Bruce Weber should keep his job. The ONLY reason that he may stay on another year is the fact that he's owed a $3.9 million buyout if new AD Mike Thomas gives Bruce a pink slip. Assuming Thomas will cut Weber loose, here's a list of 5 candidates that Thomas should consider:
1) Brad Stevens (Butler) - His resume should speak for himself: 2 consecutive championship game appearances (losing to Duke and UCONN). Stevens spurned offers from programs the last few years, only to sign a sign a 10-year, $10 million deal in 2010. He has struggled a bit this year (17-12) but he has proven that he is a COACH, who knows how to get the best out of his players. He's been able to recruit decent prospects to Indy, so he has familiar roots to the MidWest area. He's the #1 choice.
2) Scott Drew (Baylor) - After coaching one year at Valparaiso, Drew started at Baylor in 2003 and finished that year with a 8-21 record. So far during the current season, he is 22-5. He's failed to win the big game this season, but he has proved he can develop players and recruit the top prospects, including Qunicy Miller from Chicago and and 2 top 25 national recruits for next season. He may not see Champaign as enough of a step up to leave, but Thomas needs to ask.
3) Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) - Marshall has never coached at a BCS school, but his track record is quite impressive. He coached at Winthrop for 10 years, finishing first or second in the conference nine of those items. He jumped ship to Wichita State in 2007 and has finished first or second in the Missouri Valley Conference. He hasn't established himself as a great recruiter, but he's proved that he can develop players and moving into a BCS job should attract the top talent
4) Buzz Williams (Marquette) - Less than two hours north of Chicago, Buzz Williams has been successful taking over for Tom Crean. Would Williams leave a disintegrating Big East for the stability of a Big Ten job? I would think so. Illinois is a basketball school and has a rich tradition. Thomas would have to pay up, but considering he's let Zook and (hopefully) Weber go, and continually preaches the need to compete to Big 10 Titles, there's no doubt he'd open up the check book.
5) Fred Hoiberg (Iowa State) - Common sense would tell you that Hoiberg isn't ready for a big time program, having only coached for two year at Iowa State since retiring from the NBA. However, he is one of the smartest basketball minds ever to play in the NBA. He knew the fundamentals and has the ability to coach them. He's toppled some giants so far this year, and with 4-star recruit Georges Niang coming in next year, his stock will only get higher.
Wildcard) Billy Donovan (Florida) - The only way I imagine Donovan leaving Florida is throwing a butt-load of money at him and convincing him that he will always be second-fiddle in the football-centric SEC. It may cost $3-4 million a year, but you should never say never...
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