Coaching Rumors

Appalachian State

We are hearing that there are 4 serious candidates to replace Houston Fancher at Appalachain State. They are:

Buzz Peterson (Director of Player Personnel - Charlotte Bobcats)

Peterson has reportedly already turned down Elon. Was the head coach at Appalachian State from 1996-2000 (79-39) before moving on to Tulsa (1 season), Tennessee (4 seasons), and Coastal Carolina (2 seasons). The former Tar Heel has a career record of 201-134 in 11 season as a head coach.

James Holland (Assistant Coach - Alabama)

Most likely out of a job when the new staff is hired at UA. Has been an assistant at UTEP, Georgia, San Diego State, South Carolina, Murray State and UNC-Asheville. Brings a lot of experience to the table. Is ready to be the boss.

Matt Matheny (Associate Head Coach - Davidson)

Has been part of a very successful Davidson program both as a player and a coach. Graduated in 1992, and has been on Bob McKillop's staff since 1993. Knows North Carolina and would bring name recognition brought on by Davidson's recent success to the job (the school are about 100 miles apart).

Mike Muse (Assistant Coach - Wake Forest)

Muse is a 1985 alum of Appalachian State (and got his master's there in 1999). Served as an assistant at App. St. for two seasons before moving to the high school ranks. Has been at Wake Forest for the past three seasons.

These are four very solid candidates. I'd have to give Peterson the edge right now. He has head coaching experience, and he's won. He also has a good name in the state - he won a National Championship in 1982 with the Tar Heels and was some guy named Jordan's roommate. Being an alum will help get Muse in the door, but not sure if it's good enough to get him the job. Holland has a ton of experience as an assistant - someone will hire him as a head coach soon if it's not Appalachian St. Matheny's background at Davidson may give him the upper hand if Peterson turns it down.

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Cal Poly

We've heard a bunch of names mentioned with the Cal Poly job over the last week. This Big West Conference job would be perfect for an assistant who wants to get after it. The league is competitive (CS-Northridge gave Memphis a pretty good run last week), but the right guy can definitely get it done at Cal Poly. Here are some of the names that we've heard:

Gregg Gottleib (Assistant Coach - Cal)

Began his career as an assistant at Cal Poly. Knows west coast recruiting from his time as an assistant at Cal, San Diego State, and Sacramento State. Not that it matters, but is the brother of ESPN's Doug Gottleib.

Bob Cantu (Assistant Coach - USC)

Another former Cal Poly assistant (administartive assistant 1996-1997). Was also an assistant at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo (same town as Cal Poly). Has really gotten it done as a recruiter at USC.

Rick Croy (Head Coach - Citrus CC)

Won WSC championship this year (28-5). Was 35-1 last season. Is 101-32 at Citrus. A former assistant at UC Riverside.

Brad Holland (Former Head Coach - San Diego)

Won 200 games in 13 seasons at San Diego. Was also the head coach at CS Fullerton. Brings a lot of experience to the table.

In my opinion, Cantu should be the guy. He has recruited successfully in the PAC-10, and that's what Cal Poly needs - a guy who will go get players! Croy has head coaching experience, and has proven that he can win, so he may be a dark horse here. Look for an announcement with in the next few weeks.

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