Digging through bigger name coaches that might have some interest (outside the box edition):
Dana Altman - Really has things rolling at Oregon, but is a midwestern guy. As good as Oregon is, they're a football school first in a small market state. To get players, Altman has to heavily recruit out of state. He's also making $3m/year on a long term contract that he just signed last year (buyout would be pricey). We could offer more, but Oregon knows what they have in Altman and could also offer him another pay raise with all the Phil Knight money.
Mike Anderson - Maybe not a BIG name, but a guy that has been successful at two P5 programs. His Missouri tenure and shady exit don't look great, but his record has been impressive. He's made teams better at every stop. He's making $2.2m/year, so there's room to offer a better salary. Would he be interested? Would we? I doubt it, but worth a mention.
Sam Cassell - Another NBA guy, but one who has been mentioned for a number of NBA head jobs. Currently with the Pacers, so there's some proximity there (if not true connection). Would bring name recognition, but no college or head coaching experience. Long shot without a doubt.
Mark Jackson - If we can't get Monty, why not another fairly successful NBA coach? Sure, he's been an NBA guy through-and-through since he stopped playing, but that didn't stop us from pursuing Monty (reportedly). He would bring instant name recognition. Would he be interested in a move to college in an area he doesn't have any real connection to (that I know of). Who knows, but if we're thinking outside the box, he's an interesting name.
Kevin Ollie - Is it crazy to include Ollie? Probably, but something tells me it isn't a complete non-starter. After a rough 16/17, would he jump ship at the opportunity to start fresh while making a little more money? Might be worth a call.
