1. Earl Watson, former Phoenix Suns coach
Watson checks nearly every box UCLA is looking for in their next head coach.
The 39-year-old played for the Bruins from 1997-2001, giving him ties to the school that no other candidate has. He also has NBA experience from a 13-year playing career and a 118-game stint as the Suns head coach, a stint that many think ended too soon.
Watson’s name holds weight on the West Coast that should allow him to recruit the area at a high level, especially considering his strong ties to the area’s AAU circuit.
The obvious flaw in Watson’s candidacy is that he has not been involved in the college game since his Bruins playing career ended. However, that does not appear to be a huge concern for some prominent boosters and decision-makers at UCLA.
Plus, because he’s currently not coaching anywhere (like Hoiberg), UCLA can begin negotiating with Watson immediately, marking yet another factor that plays to his advantage.
Watson and Hoiberg are clearly UCLA’s top two candidates but, given his ties to the school and NBA resume, Watson has the leg up and is the school’s first choice.