NCAA Basketball: Mid-major coaches poised for bigger jobs after 2019-20

NCAA Basketball: 10 mid-major coaches poised for bigger jobs after 2019-20

By Bryan Mauro | May 18, 2019

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 15: Head coach Tim Cluess of the Iona Gaels yells to his team during the first half of the game against the Duke Blue Devils in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

6 of 7

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – MARCH 21: Head coach Randy Bennett of the Saint Mary’s Gaels reacts in the second half against the Villanova Wildcats during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 21, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

4. Matt McMahon

Murray State has a long list of coaches who have been successful for the Racers and have gone on to be successful in their bigger jobs. Mick Cronin, Billy Kennedy and Steve Prohm are all coaches who have gotten their start as the head coach of the Racers. McMahon showed that he can be next in the long line of successful coaches from Murray State. He has made two consecutive NCAA tournaments and won a game this season.

If nothing else McMahon should be remembered for the coach who introduced the world to Ja Morant. As the star leaves Murray State can McMahon keep the Racers afloat and continue to win consistently. That is what every athletic director who is thinking of making a change is watching. McMahon was mentioned in the talks for the Virginia Tech opening, he didn’t get the job but he is starting to be recognized.

3. Randy Bennett

Saint Mary’s Gaels basketball is the program that it is now because of Bennett. When Bennett arrived in Moraga, he inherited a program that did not have much history and had won two games the year prior. What he has done in his 18 years at the helm is remarkable. The Gaels have made eight NCAA tournaments and have had a handful of players make and succeed in the NBA under Bennett. Matthew Dellevadova and Patty Mills are the two NBA veterans from the school.

There is no explanation as to why Bennett has yet to receive a power job, maybe he doesn’t want one and is happy in Moraga. The question is what else can Bennett do at Saint Mary’s that he has not already accomplished?

Home/Mid Major Conferences