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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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MARCH 16: Head coach Randy Bennett of the St. Mary’s Gaels looks on against the Virginia Commonwealth Rams during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 16, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Randy Bennett, Saint Mary’s

Record: 365-158 after 16 years with the program

NCAA tournament appearances: 6 (2004-05, 2007-08, 2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17)

Over Gonzaga’s last 20 years of dominance in the West Coast Conference, the number one contender for their title has been Bennetts’ Gaels. In fact, most of the school’s tournament appearances coming from this past decade, highlighted by the Patty Mills and Matthew Dellevadova eras under Bennett.

This upcoming season could be Saint Mary’s best team ever, with four seniors led by potential National Player of the Year candidate Jock Landale. With a looming rebuilding process after this season, a WCC title over the Zags and a deep tournament run could be the perfect swan song for Bennett to go if the right Pac-12 job comes up.

Why should he go?

Bennett has done an admirable job competing with the Gonzaga Bulldogs recently, but this may be the limit. He has been offered jobs before, most notably last season with the opening at California.

This season could present two different reasons for leaving after this year. First, winning the WCC championship will make the Gaels’ coach a high-priority candidate of the spring, allowing him essentially his choice of teams.

Another issue is what happens if Saint Mary’s doesn’t beat the Zags? This is by far the best chance Randy Bennett will have of conquering the WCC against the rebuilding powerhouse for the near future and he could very well decide to leave for a school with better resources to compete on a national level if they don’t come out on top this time.

Why should he stay?

Despite the various reasons he could/should go, he has still remained a Gael throughout the years. Even though he’ll be losing most of his starting lineup, his developmental skills shouldn’t be underestimated and he could very well have another Landale in his Australian pipeline coming. Either way, until the dream job comes along there’s absolutely no reason for Bennett to leave now.

Next: How Monmouth has missed the NCAA Tournament

There’s no exact science as to if or when a coach should leave for a new adventure. Each coach on this list has some long-term security with their current school and risking it could have big consequences. Will Mark Few making it to the championship game while staying put have an influence? Will any of these coaches take the plunge after this season? Time will only tell.

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