Probably going to try to do something like this each day now that things are picking up...
1) Some have seen, but Matt Norlander of CBS is reporting that Josh Schertz won't be the next Kansas State coach and is actually working on a potential deal to remain at Saint Louis. What I do know is that it hasn't been explicitly communicated to K-State just yet. However, Norlander is one of the best there is on a national level, and based off some other details, I tend to think it's true. I refuted other claims about Schertz/Kansas State the past couple weeks from folks like Trilly and others. What they were saying just wasn't true. That being said, this is the first true time since I began to put stock in a potential marriage that I think it's becoming less likely.
2.) Goodman put out a second tier of options that included Ben Jacobson, Takayo Siddle and Bob Richey. In reference to Jacobson, like Chris Jans, I think that's him wanting the job more than K-State wanting him. When it comes to Siddle and Richey, those are two names that have yet to come up when I've spoken to folks with knowledge of the process.
3) In addition to what Goodman posted, he also said Creighton head-coach-in-waiting Alan Huss was a target and a potential wild card. I agree. I think he's actually the second tier of options, maybe alongside Casey Alexander of Belmont who I don't necessarily put in the top tier like others. If you remember, Huss was one of the first two coaches I mentioned in connection with the job, even when others disagreed. It's not a name I'd dismiss at this point, even if not the favorite.
4) Speaking of Alexander, he's on the verge of losing in the quarterfinal of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament despite being the No. 1 seed in St. Louis. So, he'll be the first option truly available if Kansas State wants to move quickly. Though he's coached a lot of terrific teams in his time as a head coach, with multiple regular season titles, he's had a tough time getting over the hump in the league tournaments.
5.) I've hinted that from day one I'd call the leader in the clubhouse Jerrod Calhoun of Utah State. I was told he was not the slam dunk to Cincinnati that people thought, and he is a Bob Huggins guy that would have appreciation for the K-State job because of his relationship to him. I still feel that way. The two sides remain on the same page, contrary to what others have said. I would suggest/recommend Kansas State pick up the pace in trying to lock him down, though. He will be a wanted man if more and more vacancies open. His wife has ties to Pitt, and one of his best friends is Joe Mazzulla - who happens to be from the Providence area of Rhode Island. So he's going to be pulled in multiple directions.
Lock Calhoun up now, Gene.
