College Basketball: Five mid-major coaches with decisions to make

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 18: Head coach Kermit Davis of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders reacts on the sideline in the second half against the Michigan State Spartans during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 18, 2016 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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ST. LOUIS, MO – MARCH 5: Head coach Dan Muller of the Illinois State Redbirds directs his players against the Wichita State Shockers during the Missouri Valley Conference Basketball Tournament Championship game at the Scottrade Center on March 5, 2017 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

Dan Muller, Illinois State

Record: 184-65 in five years with the program.

NCAA tournament appearances: None.

Last season, the Red Hawks stepped up and became the #1 contender for Wichita State’s Missouri Valley title. On Jan. 14, Illinois State made a loud statement to the college basketball world, beating the Shockers 76-62 in a game that was never truly close.

Ultimately, Wichita State dominated in the return game back in Wichita, setting up a what seemed like a “lose and you’re out” conference championship game. In the biggest game of the season, the Gregg Marshall-coached Wichita State squad left no doubts, sending Dan Muller and his team to the NIT.

With Deontae Hawkins and MiKyle McIntosh both moving on to greener pastures, and Paris Lee graduating, Muller will be searching for replacements from within. Junior guard Phil Fayne will look to become the lead scorer on a team building a new identity.

Why should he leave?

There was a possibility that Muller might have used the breakout season to move on up, especially when the Illinois job opened up. For now, though, he remains at the school with plenty of rebuilding to do for Illinois State

Last season could be the peak for Illinois State and with the Shockers leaving, they take the only RPI top-100 games for Illinois State with them. The MVC truly is a one-bid league. Now the conference tournament the end scenario for this team.

Why should he stay?

No Wichita State, no problem. Why leave now when the conference is wide open for the taking. After the campaign to get quality teams to come to Redbird Arena, the school has signaled a desire to support the basketball program more, which is far from a given with mid-major programs.

A contract extension signed a week ago through 2024 brings a level of security that shouldn’t be taken for granted. There’s no reason to jump at a bad job when Muller can wait a few years and possibly elevate his profile for when an even bigger job opens up.

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