Matt McMahon explains waiting for right opportunity before leaving Murray State, LSU connection

New LSU head coach Matt McMahon made the jump to the SEC this spring after seven seasons at Murray State. Following the firing of Will Wade after the SEC Tournament, McMahon was chosen to be the next leader of the Tigers program.

McMahon made three NCAA Tournament appearances with the Racers. It was a wonder as to why he had not earned an opportunity sooner when pairing that with his 0.697 winning percentage. On a recent appearance on Jon Rothstein’s ‘College Hoops Today’ podcast, he said he didn’t want to leave Murray, Kentucky unless it was for the right job.

“I don’t know. Maybe I’m a little different than others. I wasn’t in a hurry to say I’m at this certain level by any means,” said McMahon. “I think Murray State’s a big-time place. We had a lot of professional players, did a lot of winning, won championships and won multiple games in the NCAA Tournament. I think for me it was just more about waiting and trying to find the right opportunity if it ever presented itself.”

Growing up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee planted McMahon firmly in the middle of the SEC. His love for the conference, specifically a certain era of Tiger basketball, made it easier to make the change.

“I’m a guy who was born and raised in SEC country. I love the SEC and always have,” he said. “I grew up watching Chris Jackson at LSU. He was my favorite player as a kid on those great teams in the late 80s and 90s.”

With the LSU in a transitional period from Wade’s era to McMahon’s, a lot will be built on what he accomplishes this season. Still, the advantage of having the whole state of Louisiana to himself is a start. From there, it will be all about making the most of the opportunity that he patiently waited for.

“You’re the only Power Five school in the state. You really are the flagship university and program for the state of Louisiana,” said McMahon. “I think the long term opportunities that are here are just really off the charts. I’d say, for me, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to come here to LSU. I’m really excited about both the opportunities and the challenges that lie ahead.”