John Thompson III is the ‘leader’ at Vanderbilt: sources

By ADAM ZAGORIA

JACKSONVILLE, Fla –– Former Georgetown coach John Thompson III is the “leader” to replace Bryce Drew at Vanderbilt, according to multiple sources.

Thompson, 53, was fired at Georgetown in 2017 after 13 seasons that featured eight NCAA Tournament appearances. He led the Hoyas to the 2007 Final Four and a Sweet 16 in 2006. He also coached his alma mater Princeton to two NCAA Tournaments in four years. He currently serves as an assistant coach with USA Basketball.

“JT3 would be great,” one Division 1 head coach said. “He’s a terrific guy and would be a great fit there.”

Vanderbilt is using L.A.-based consulting firm Korn Ferry for the search after firing Drew on Friday.

“Vanderbilt is committed to competing at the highest levels on and off the court. After careful consideration, we’ve decided to make a change to the leadership of our men’s basketball program,” said AD Malcolm Turner. “Bryce has represented Vanderbilt in exceptional fashion in his time here. I appreciate all of the contributions Bryce has made over the past three seasons to Vanderbilt, and we wish him all the best.”

Vanderbilt is one of three SEC openings at the moment, along with Alabama and Texas A&M.

UPDATED COACHING CAROUSEL OPENINGS – INCLUDING 3 in the SEC:

UCLA
ALABAMA
VANDY
TEXAS A&M
WASH STATE
ST. JOE’s
UNLV
STONY BROOK
NIAGARA
FAIRFIELD
MERCER
WILLIAM & MARY
ELON
APP STATE

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 22, 2019

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