Right, the whole "I don't see that being a Lovie Smith-type hire" reaction that some of these candidates have gotten is beyond nuts.
Just another reach to dismiss a guy without actually respecting his credentials.
Is JW thinking that since he just ponied up big time $$ for Lovie that this new hire has to be more economical maybe in the 2.5-3 mildo range at most? If he can get the support to lure Bennett away that would be great just not sure its feasible.
2.5-3 million isn't being 'economical'. That would be towards the top of the conference. Here's a breakdown of coaches salaries in the conference, I'll try to provide source.
Using the table from this SB Nation post with B10 HC salaries unless otherwise noted.
Tom Izzo: 3.47 mil
Thad Matta: 3.27 mil
Tom Crean: 3.05 mil
John Beilein: 2.45 mil
Matt Painter: 2.43 mil
Mark Turgeon: 2.25 mil
Fran McCaffery: 1.8 mil
Greg Gard: 1.75 mil
John Groce: 1.7 mil
Tim Miles: 1.65 mil
Richard Pitino: 1.6 mil
Steve Pikiell: 1.6 mil
Chris Collins: 1.4 mil
Pat Chambers: .9 mil
Some of those numbers slightly contradict the USA Today numbers which include some 'other' bonuses and such, but the only one moving a lot is Izzo, jumping to above 4 million.
2.5 to 3 million would fit squarely in the top of conference and national basketball coaching salaries. Asking Whitman to pay 4+ million for pretty much anyone NOT named Tony Bennett is pretty crazy, there's just not many guys making that kind of money. Per the USA Today article, there were 10 coaches of teams in the tournament last year making 3 million or more. Don't expect us to go crazy and drop a blank check for guys.