Search Firm: Predicting Nebraska’s Next Head Basketball Coach

Tim Miles is out as Nebraska’s head coach after seven seasons and one NCAA tourney (2014). There were high expectations this season, but the Cornhuskers couldn’t get back to the NCAA tournament and Miles’ tenure concluded. Now Athletic Director Bill Moos will try and bring someone in who can make Nebraska relevant on a yearly basis.

With that in mind, I’ve come up with my list of coaching candidates as I put myself in the role of Moos. We’ll do this for all the major job openings going forward.

Remember, check the bottom for who I would hire and who I think Nebraska will wind up hiring.

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Nebraska checked in ninth in the Big Ten in Stadium’s Chain of Command series, where we rank the jobs in each league. It’s a football school, but there’s still plenty of budgetary support for the basketball program. Nebraska has gone to the NCAA tourney just once – in 2014 under Tim Miles – since 1998.

 

THE DECISION-MAKER

Bill Moos – Hired in 2017, previously at Montana (1990-95), Oregon (1995-2007), Washington State (2010-17)

Men’s Basketball Hires:

Montana: Blaine Taylor (141-66, 7 seasons, 2 NCAA tournaments)
Oregon: Ernie Kent (235-173, 13 seasons, 5 NCAA tournaments)
Washington State: Ernie Kent (58-97, 5 seasons, 0 NCAA tournaments)

 

HEAVY LEADER

Fred Hoiberg – He was fired by the NBA’s Chicago Bulls early this past season and will be paid next season by the Bulls. Hoiberg wants to coach, but he’s not going to take just any job. Sources indicate that Hoiberg will likely be the guy unless there’s a breakdown in negotiations. He feels as though the Nebraska job fits him, and there’s history: He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska and his grandfather coached at the school from 1955-63.

 

NOT SURE OF HIS INTEREST

Thad Matta – His resume is more impressive than anyone on this list (he has a pair of Final Four appearances and went to the national title game), but the big question is whether Matta wants to coach again. If he really wants to, then Moos should have him at or near the top of his list.

 

OTHER CANDIDATES

T.J. Otzelberger, South Dakota State – Otzelberger went to the NCAA tourney in his first two seasons at South Dakota State, but didn’t go this season despite winning the Summit regular-season title. He’s from Wisconsin, coached at Iowa State under Hoiberg and Greg McDermott, and would be a perfect fit if they can’t land a big name.

Tyronn Lue – The former Cleveland Cavs head coach was fired early this season, and he’s been rumored to be in the mix if and when the Lakers make a move with Luke Walton. Lue was a star at Nebraska, and we’ve seen how hard it is for ex-NBA players to spurn their alma maters. The issue? Lue has no college coaching experience.

Nate Oats, Buffalo – He was a high school coach in Michigan just a handful of years ago, but he just went to his third NCAA tourney in four years since being elevated following the departure of Bobby Hurley to Arizona State.

Craig Smith, Utah State – He’s done one of the best jobs in the country this year at Utah State, where the Aggies were expected to finish towards the bottom of the Mountain West. Instead, Utah State tied for a share of the league title. Smith is a former Miles assistant, so that may hurt his chances – but he’s done an incredible job this season and should be in the mix.

Steve Forbes, East Tennessee State – Forbes has won 100 games in four seasons at ETSU, and has been successful at all levels. He can recruit at a high level, and has proven himself as a head coach in junior college and now in D-1. He’s also got strong midwest ties.

Steve Alford – Alford was fired at UCLA just before the New Year. He had success at New Mexico and also coached in the Big Ten at Iowa.

 

OUTSIDE THE BOX

Tommy Lloyd, Gonzaga – The Zags assistant could sit and wait until Mark Few retires, or take a shot if the right job presents itself. Lloyd can recruit overseas, something a school like Nebraska needs to take advantage of.

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MY PICK:

Fred Hoiberg – It fits. Hoiberg can get his juco’s and transfers into school and he doesn’t love the limelight, so he’ll have no issue playing second fiddle to football.

WHO I THINK THEY WILL WIND UP HIRING:

Fred Hoiberg – This one is all but done. The former Iowa State coach should be the next coach in Lincoln.

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