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 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) /

Kermit Davis, Middle Tennessee State

Record: 378-229 in 15 years with the program.

NCAA tournament appearances: 3 (2012-13, 2015-16, 2016-17)

Thanks to back to back upsets of Big Ten teams in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the Blue Raiders look to continue the momentum after two of their best seasons in program history.

Despite losing valuable contributors over the years, C-USA Player of the Year favorite Giddy Potts along with Alabama transfer Nick King will keep the squad in among the favorites in the conference this year.

Why should he leave?

This is will be the 16th season at the helm for Davis and at some point, there might be a desire to try a new adventure. The Blue Raiders have risen out of nowhere to become a mid-major juggernaut for now, but is this the peak for the program?

Conference USA is more or less about the winner of the conference tournament so while pulling off the massive first round upsets are great, there’s no guarantee they’ll get back there with UAB and Western Kentucky on their heels. Kermit’s profile can’t rise much higher so the next SEC gig that opens up might be the best and last chance he’ll get to move on up.

Why should he stay?

Middle Tennessee State has been hitting their stride as a program as of late, winning five of the last six regular season titles. In the world of constant transfers, it’s not unreasonable the Blue Raiders can get SEC guys who didn’t work out at their original home.

Sometimes coaches are just happy where they are at and don’t feel the need to move. And if he doesn’t want to take that risk and leave the security he currently has, you can’t really blame him.

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