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According to ESPN's Jeff Goodman, Marquette has contacted former UCLA and Pittsburgh coach Ben Howland about replacing Buzz Williams. Howland is "extremely interested" in the opening, though the school has yet to offer him the job.
Williams left Marquette to take the head coaching position at Virginia Tech on Friday. Sources told ESPN.com that Syracuse assistant Mike Hopkins, Green Bay head coach Brian Wardle and Dayton's Archie Miller have also emerged as candidates for the Golden Eagles' opening.
Howland is one of the most accomplished coaches on the market. The former UCLA coach guided the Bruins to three consecutive Final Fours from 2006-2008 and is one of a handful of coaches to bring three different teams to the NCAA Tournament.
Meanwhile, the job opening at USF seems to be down to Manhattan's Steve Masiello and Florida assistant John Pelphrey. Looks like Masiello might get the nod.
!!! RT @RussHoops: Per a good source, Steve Masiello to USF
— Ken DeCelles (@kdecelles67) March 23, 2014
Masiello just completed his third year at Manhattan, guiding the Jaspers to a 25-8 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance. The former Kentucky guard served on Rick Pitino's Louisville staff for six years and is known as a strong assistant and top recruiter.