Two candidates named in two days. Two extensions with the original programs immediately following.
We are three days into the coaching search to replace Tubby Smith and we still have no major news, although there have been two significant letdowns for fans.
Yesterday, we ruled out for good that Shaka Smart – the No. 1 choice for Minnesota – for good after he agreed to an extension at VCU. Today, after a report that athletic director Norwood Teague had offered Fred Hoiberg surfaced, it was squashed a few hours later by the announcement of Hoiberg signing an extension at Iowa State.
To be fair, I never thought the Gophers had a very good chance with either Smart or Hoiberg. Smart has turned down all sorts of schools and money, and Hoiberg – who seems poised to go to the NBA if he wants – is from Ames and is actually called "The Mayor" there. Both seemed pretty happy where they were, and they confirmed that through extensions.
That said, to use a metaphors, there's nothing wrong with shaking the tree to see if anything falls out. Why not talk to those guys first? Any Gophers fans with feelings of panic – as I am getting in my Twitter interactions – don't understand the depth of this administration's network.
It is most certainly not time to be worried.
Here's a recap of what went on today:
First of all, here's my story for tomorrow's paper. While decisions are coming rapidly within the Gophers front office right now, the most meaningful decision might have come a decade ago in a Virginia office.
