#SearchSzn Weekend Recap 2.11.24

We’re five weeks away from Selection Sunday and the coaching carousel is gearing up for one of the most active cycles in recent memory. This weekend’s games had some significant results that could impact where the dominos fall.

Creighton 78, Xavier 71

My #SearchSzn Saturday Slate tweet caused a bit of a stir with this game showing up on the docket. Was this just a showcase for the search committee at Ohio State? Greg McDermott’s name has been thrown around at different jobs the last few cycles, but this year feels a little different in terms of how serious a moving candidate he’ll be. Sean Miller is back at Xavier for the second time and there aren’t many jobs he’d leave for, but Ohio State is certainly on that shortlist. I expect both guys to be in play should the Buckeyes move on Holtmann.

Columbia 83, Brown 69

Jim Engles needed this win to help him stave off another spring on the hot seat. The Columbia coach needs to make Ivy Madness to ensure his safety this cycle. Mike Martin is having the worst season of his tenure and the whispers are starting that his days might be numbered in Providence.

Saint Joe’s 87, Saint Louis 86

This was nearly the nail in the coffin for Billy Lange, but late free throws by Xzayvier Brown sealed a victory for the Hawks. Lange will be one of the more polarizing figures to watch over the next few weeks. He’s a great recruiter, but the talent has not lived up to the expectations after a blistering start to the season. As for Travis Ford, he’ll need an A10 tournament title to feel safe about his future in St. Louis.

Appalachian State 109, Toledo 104 (2OT)

Dustin Kerns picked up another signature win as his stock continues to rise in Boone. The Mountaineers are 20-5 and in first place in the Sun Belt. The other Mountaineers have a close eye on him. Tod Kowalczyk is one of those guys that has won a ton, but doesn’t have that coveted NCAA Tournament berth. He’s a very good coach and should be in the mix for more jobs, but unfortunately most ADs won’t even give him a look unless he makes the dance.

Green Bay 84, Youngstown State 83

Sundance Wicks is quickly making a name for himself at Green Bay. The Phoenix are 17-9 and in first place in the Horizon League in his first season. Wicks will be a hot name next year if he can repeat this early success. Jerrod Calhoun is another name to watch this cycle. The Penguins’ head coach is working on back-to-back 20-win seasons and he’s very high on the potential mover list. I expect him to get some looks at several mid-major openings this cycle.

Indiana State 73, Missouri State 71

This felt like a gotta have it game for Dana Ford at Missouri State. He’s not lived up to expectations and the AD already put out an “evaluating the program” statement last month. Meanwhile, Josh Schertz continues his ascension to March stardom. He’s already in the mix at DePaul and you’ll likely see his name pop up at Saint Louis and several other premium mid-major opportunities.

Gonzaga 89, Kentucky 85

Kentucky fans are very mad. $40M is a lot of money and he’s not going anywhere to offset the number. I still think it’s unwarranted given his attempts to change, but as I stated in October, the expectations are insane. This will be a fascinating story to watch as the calendar turns to March.

Ohio State 79, Maryland 75 (OT)

Kevin Willard isn’t on the hot seat this year, but these are the kind of results that get you on the preseason lists next year. This roster was built to win now and it just hasn’t panned out. Willard needs to reel in Derik Queen and right the ship or he’ll be in trouble next season. As for Chris Holtmann, he needs as many wins as he can get, no matter the opponent.

Washington State 62, Oregon 56

Chalk up another win for the Kyle Smith Coach of the Year crowd. He’s on the verge of getting Wazzu to their first tournament since 2008. With Washington State moving to the WCC for basketball next season, look for Smith to get himself in the mix at several high major openings on the west coast. The “retirement” birds are buzzing again for Altman after this loss. Multiple sources tell me Oregon needs to make the tournament for Altman to continue in Eugene.

Nebraska 79, Michigan 59

There’s no other way to put it, this was a brutal one for Juwan Howard. The Wolverines are having their worst season since 2008. Athletic director Warde Manuel has expressed through various channels that he’s reluctant to make a move on Howard, but Manuel might not even be in position to make that decision soon. There’s also a chance that Howard bows out on his own by taking a job in the NBA. Michigan’s situation is one of the most intriguing stories to watch over the next few weeks.

Purdue 79, Indiana 59

Mike Woodson isn’t doing himself any favors right now. I’m still of the belief that he’s safe for next year, but the big money is starting to pipe up in Bloomington. A few more blowout losses could lead to a knee-jerk reaction that forces Woodson out, especially with Dusty May out there on the open market.

Stanford 99, USC 68

Another coach not doing himself any favors is Andy Enfield. The Trojans got blown out by Jerod Haase, a hot seat list regular. Enfield’s team came into the season with Final Four aspirations and it’s been a nightmare of year so far. Luckily for Enfield, he’s got a good relationship with the AD and he’s made the NCAA Tournament three straight years. I think he’s safe right now, but next year will be a make or break season in LA.

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