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Still very little coming out of Conte Forum about Boston College's search for its next men's basketball coach, but the college basketball coaching carousel continues to spin ...
First, ESPN's Jeff Goodman is reporting that both Marquette and Wake Forest have reached out to Virginia Commonwealth head coach Shaka Smart. Marquette has shown a willingness to spend on its men's basketball coach, though the school's search for a new head coach may be hampered by the fact that the school doesn't currently have either an Athletics Director or University President. Smart has roots in Wisconsin. The VCU coach was born in Madison and played high school ball at Oregon High School in Oregon, Wisconsin. The case against Smart heading to Marquette is that it's largely assumed that he will only leave VCU for his last coaching job at one of college basketball's elite programs.
Also, interesting tidbit on Marquette's coaching search in today's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that could play in BC's favor.
The new and diluted Big East was one of the reasons why Williams left. While Virginia Tech is a worse job, the ACC is a better league. Williams also left because he believed the program had peaked after a flat season. He wanted to get out while the getting was good because he didn't see winning at another Elite Eight level in Marquette's future.
Of course, in order for BC to capitalize on Williams leaving Marquette for Virginia Tech by landing a similar, established head coach, the school is likely going to have to open up the checkbook and make a more significant investment in men's basketball.
Meanwhile, the University of Dayton has extended coach Archie Miller through the 2018-19 season. I haven't heard Miller's name mentioned for the BC job beyond message board speculation, but he was on Marquette's list of coaches the program was interested in. The fact that Dayton is still playing in this year's NCAA Tournament likely doesn't help his candidacy either as my guess is schools like Marquette, Wake and BC want to wrap up this process in relative short order. Miller wouldn't be available to interview until next weekend at the earlier with the Flyers advancing to this year's Sweet Sixteen.
Finally, the Bowling Green opening has now been filled, as the Falcons have replaced Louis Orr with Wichita State assistant Chris Jans.