Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall turned down Alabama's vacant coaching job on Wednesday and the Birmingham News web site, AL.com, wasted no time putting together a list of six possible candidates -- with emphasis on three of them.
At the top of the list? Minnesota's Richard Pitino.
Here's what writer Michael Casagrande wrote about Pitino:
"Three years into his head coaching career, the son of Rick Pitino has been contacted by Alabama about the position, The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported. He has a 61-42 overall record after two years at Minnesota and the 2012-13 season at FIU. He led a depleted Golden Panther program to an 18-14 record and within two points of an NCAA Tournament appearance. That led to the opportunity with the Big Ten program.
"Pitino, 32, led the Gophers to a NIT championship in Year 1, but the team struggled last season. An 18-15 record included a 10th-place finish in the Big Ten, and a 3-6 mark in the last month of the season.
"Why he'd fit: Pitino is young, but has the fire and energy of his father. He's well connected in the coaching business and has the charisma to bring enthusiasm back to the Alabama program.
"Why he wouldn't fit: Well, he's young. Pitino has yet to coach a team to the NCAA Tournament."
