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It’s that time of year when the Coaching Carousel is turning fast and furious. Here are some quick headlines as of early Friday evening:
**STANFORD HIRES HAASE
Stanford hired former UAB coach Jerod Haase to replace Johnny Dawkins, who took the UCF job after getting fired by Stanford.
In four seasons at UAB, he led the Blazers to a regular-season Conference USA championship in 2016 and the program’s 15th all-time NCAA Tournament appearance in 2015. Haase compiled an 80-53 overall record while improving the Blazers’ win total every year.
“I could not be more excited to welcome Jerod, Mindy and their children to the Stanford family,” AD Bernard Muir said. “Jerod has not only demonstrated his excellent coaching and teaching abilities over the years, but he also shares the values that make Stanford special. I have no doubt that Jerod will soon lead our program to Pac-12 championships and that we will be a regular participant in the NCAA Tournament. He will win with integrity, class and sportsmanship while ensuring our student-athletes reach their full potential in their academic and social endeavors.”
“Stanford University is a world-class institution which represents excellence across the board,” said Haase. “We will compete for championships by doing it the right way and graduating young men who will go on to accomplish great things in the world. I am humbled by the opportunity afforded to me by Bernard, and my family and I are eager to get started.”
Meantime, Kodye Pugh, a 6-foot-7 wing from Blair (N.J.) Academy, has said he will maintain his commitment to The Cardinal. He initially committed to Dawkins.
**MICK CRONIN STAYING AT CINCINNATI
After meeting with UNLV officials, Cincinnati head coach Mick Cronin announced he will remain with the Bearcats.
“I would like people to try and understand after 10 years of dedicated service I chose to evaluate my career and my life,” Cronin, who is 185-118 in 10 seasons at Cincinnati, said in a statement. “Reflecting through that process was extremely difficult, but it was something I needed to do for me personally.
“The city of Cincinnati and the university are special places to me and I’ve always said what an honor it is to be the head coach at my alma mater. This program has come such a long way in 10 years and we’ve still got work to do and goals to achieve. The 2016-17 season starts for me today and I can’t wait for the future that lies ahead for the Bearcats and this university.”
UNLV athletic director Tina Kunzer-Murphy reportedly said on radio in Las Vegas that, “He said he would take it.”
She added in a statement: “We appreciate his interest in the position, but he is no longer a candidate.”
“I never officially accepted,” Cronin told Cincinnati.com. “I looked at it. I didn’t take it.”
Cronin signed an extension in 2014 that runs through 2020-21.
Meantime, UNLV is now reportedly targeting New Mexico State head coach Marvin Menzies.
**GEORGIA TECH FIRES BRIAN GREGORY
(AP) — Georgia Tech has fired men’s basketball coach Brian Gregory.
The moved was announced Friday by athletic director Mike Bobinski, two days after the Yellow Jackets’ season ended in the NIT.
Gregory was dismissed after five seasons as the Georgia Tech coach. He compiled an overall record of 76-86 and was a dismal 27-61 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
ESPN’s Jeff Goodman mentioned Duke associate head coach Jeff Capel and former Georgia Tech star and Charlotte head coach Mark Price as possibilities at Georgia Tech.
**MIKE DUNLEAVY NEGOTIATING WITH TULANE
Mike Dunleavy Sr. is negotiating to become the next Tulane coach and all signs point to it happening, sources told SNY.tv.
Dunleavy Sr., 62, most recently coached the Los Angeles Clippers from 2003-10. He also coached the Blazers, Bucks and Lakers.
Dunleavy Sr. would replace Ed Conroy, who was fired earlier this month.
FREE THROWS
Iona associate head coach Jared Grasso and Stony Brook associate head coach Jay Young are among the finalists at Central Connecticut State, sources told SNY.tv. Both helped their teams reach the NCAA Tournament this year…Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell has added former Stony Brook assistant Bryan Dougher to his staff, sources confirmed. It was first reported by Jerry Carino of Gannett NJ.
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