New Coach: Throwing names out

[bigskywbb]

Just curious as to why he is the best candidate? I am biased towards Miller and truly believe he is the best candidate especailly looking at his resume. He has worked for some of the best coaches in college basketball Calipari, Alford, Haith.....What has Smith done that proves he is the best? The team he came to in New Mexico was recruited by Miller....especially the 2 from Australia. We have had a few studs (Al Beye, Damir Latovic) that were from overseas and I like the potential of that. I personally would like to see someone who comes in here and eventually moves on to bigger and better because they have turned the MSU program into something special.

Because you can't be on a staff that just got fired and get a HC job. Sorry Ryan

[1CatFan23]

Just curious as to why he is the best candidate? I am biased towards Miller and truly believe he is the best candidate especailly looking at his resume. He has worked for some of the best coaches in college basketball Calipari, Alford, Haith.....What has Smith done that proves he is the best? The team he came to in New Mexico was recruited by Miller....especially the 2 from Australia. We have had a few studs (Al Beye, Damir Latovic) that were from overseas and I like the potential of that. I personally would like to see someone who comes in here and eventually moves on to bigger and better because they have turned the MSU program into something special.

Because you can't be on a staff that just got fired and get a HC job. Sorry Ryan

That makes total sense....and I'm not Ryan Miller, just someone who believes he would be a great candidate. Apparently Smith, Bone, TJ, and every other candidate has been on this board the past couple of days because there have been a few posts of people lobbying for them as well. Do I know Ryan, yes. He is incredibly competitive and I know he would bring in high calibur players. Do I have connections to MSU, yes, very much so. I'm passionate about who they bring in because I would like to see the program reach its potential. I hope we bring someone in that is trying to get to the next level, like what Tim Miles did at NDSU. That program seems to be doing alright after Miles left....

[mslacat]

According to reports on the internet Oregon assistant Brian Fish is expected to interview today for the Montana State head coaching job.

Now are we up to double digits in reported coaching candidate interviews

[CatBlitz]

According to reports on the internet Oregon assistant Brian Fish is expected to interview today for the Montana State head coaching job.

Now are we up to double digits in reported coaching candidate interviews

Who are your top three?

[CelticCat]

If I'm keeping tabs correctly, the serious candidates so far are:

T.J. Otzelberger - Assistant Washington
Ryan Miller - Associate HC Auburn (staff was fired, may be kept on)
Larry Davis - Associate HC Cincinnati
Steve McClain - Assistant Indiana
Lamont Smith - Associate HC New Mexico
Brian Fish - Assistant Oregon

mslacat mentioned there may be 10 or more interviews though, so who am I missing?

There are the two assistants from Utah (Connor & Hill) that would bring the total to 8... Sprinkle?

[ilovethecats]

I have it on good authority that New Mexico Associate Head Coach Lamont Smith has been invited to interview for the coaching position. When I ran his name by a couple people I know in the coaching business (as I have done with a few candidates) both have essentially said "Hire him NOW". Mr. Smith has made it on my "I am very intrigued" list.

http://www.golobos.com/ViewArticle.dbml ... EASON=2013" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Definitely has an intriguing resume.

if true he's the best candidate thus far.

Just curious as to why he is the best candidate? I am biased towards Miller and truly believe he is the best candidate especailly looking at his resume. He has worked for some of the best coaches in college basketball Calipari, Alford, Haith.....What has Smith done that proves he is the best? The team he came to in New Mexico was recruited by Miller....especially the 2 from Australia. We have had a few studs (Al Beye, Damir Latovic) that were from overseas and I like the potential of that. I personally would like to see someone who comes in here and eventually moves on to bigger and better because they have turned the MSU program into something special.

just personal opinion. I like miller to fwiw but he won't get the job here. smith is a young coach who has already created a great reputation for himself. he is a defensive specialist and a hell of a recruiter. the defense is what excites me the most. a fast-paced team that creates points by pressing and trapping. I don't know if you watched the la tech vs fsu game last night in the NIT but I see his team looking like la tech. they press and trap all game long. think they forced nearly 20 turnovers last night and scored on many of them. from what I have heard about lamont and from what I remember watching him play this is what we could expect.

the only downside I see with a hire like this is he likely wouldn't be here long before he moves on. his name gets mentioned a lot and I think it's only a matter of time before he gets his shot.

so in my personal opinion, what I know of him, he'd be very high on my list at this time. so naturally....I don't plan on getting him.

[mslacat]

Acording to some sources including a local Television Station NBA D-Legue coach Charlie Parker said he coming to Bozeman for an interview. Parker always seemed an odd fit for the Bobcats.

I was kind of joking about the double digits although, I was told by one source that MSU had 4-5 canidates in on Tuesday and 3-4 in yesterday and more in today. That is an ungodly amount of Canidates to have in for interviews. Normally you see 3 or 4 at most, so there could be some bogus info out there.

I am trying to really keep an open mind but, the three canidates that intrigue me are LaMont Smith, T.J. Otzelberge and Brian Fish

I was also very interested in Mike Rohn from Colorado but I do not think he applied.

[Jobu]

Thanks for all the updates, Mslacat!

[mslacat]

Here is what Hoopdirt.com has to say about our coaching search with a few more names.

http://hoopdirt.com/blog/a8bf2368/montana-state-rumors/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Montana State rumors...

Posted by The DirtKing on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 4:50pm.
The search is heating up at Montana State. A bunch of former DI head coaches are in the mix. Here are some of the names that I’ve heard surrounding the search there…

• Larry Davis – Associate head coach Cincinnati. According to a great source, may in fact be on MSU’s campus today. Has been at Cincinnati since 2006 – was the head coach at Furman before that.

• T .J. Otzelberger – Assistant coach Washington. Spent seven years as an assistant at Iowa State before joining the Washington staff last fall.

• Louis Wilson – Head Coach Adams State (CO). Has been at Adams State since 2010. Was the associate head coach at Cal State Northridge before that.

• Steve McClain – Associate head coach Indiana. Just wrapped-up his fourth season on Tom Crean’s staff at IU. Is the former head coach at Wyoming (1998-2007). Has also been an assistant at Colorado, TCU, and Texas A&M.

• Greg Graham – Assistant coach Bradley. Another former DI head coach. Spent 2002-10 as the head coach at Boise State. Also served as an assistant at 5 other DI schools.

• Barret Peery – Head coach Indian Hills. A former assistant at Utah, Portland State, and Southern Utah. Was also the head coach at the College of Southern Idaho.

[homeytennis]

Peery has a gaudy W-L record in junior colleges.

[ISUClonehead]

I will be sorely disappointed if TJ doesn't get the job.

Who wants to start doing bets?
I've got 3:1 that TJ gets the job! Place your bets now!

Like Cyclonebasketballguy, I am a huge ISU fan who watched Coach TJ recruit some amazing players to Ames. He would ne doubt be a great fit for this job. My question is, can MSU afford him? As Associate Head Coach for ISU, he was already north of the $200K salary figure. At Washington, he is probably pushing $250. Not being very familiar with MSU, I am not sure what the total compensation package is for this position. I'm sure some of you must have a good idea.

[Helcat72]

I will be sorely disappointed if TJ doesn't get the job.

Who wants to start doing bets?
I've got 3:1 that TJ gets the job! Place your bets now!

Like Cyclonebasketballguy, I am a huge ISU fan who watched Coach TJ recruit some amazing players to Ames. He would ne doubt be a great fit for this job. My question is, can MSU afford him? As Associate Head Coach for ISU, he was already north of the $200K salary figure. At Washington, he is probably pushing $250. Not being very familiar with MSU, I am not sure what the total compensation package is for this position. I'm sure some of you must have a good idea.

OMG!....who's next in line!

[c.falls cat]

I will be sorely disappointed if TJ doesn't get the job.

Who wants to start doing bets?
I've got 3:1 that TJ gets the job! Place your bets now!

Like Cyclonebasketballguy, I am a huge ISU fan who watched Coach TJ recruit some amazing players to Ames. He would ne doubt be a great fit for this job. My question is, can MSU afford him? As Associate Head Coach for ISU, he was already north of the $200K salary figure. At Washington, he is probably pushing $250. Not being very familiar with MSU, I am not sure what the total compensation package is for this position. I'm sure some of you must have a good idea.

OMG!....who's next in line!

What? He would easily make 250K here........



every two years.

[Potomac Griz]

I will be sorely disappointed if TJ doesn't get the job.

Who wants to start doing bets?
I've got 3:1 that TJ gets the job! Place your bets now!

Like Cyclonebasketballguy, I am a huge ISU fan who watched Coach TJ recruit some amazing players to Ames. He would ne doubt be a great fit for this job. My question is, can MSU afford him? As Associate Head Coach for ISU, he was already north of the $200K salary figure. At Washington, he is probably pushing $250. Not being very familiar with MSU, I am not sure what the total compensation package is for this position. I'm sure some of you must have a good idea.

OMG!....who's next in line!

What? He would easily make 250K here........

every two years.

It's time for Fields to get creative here. Offer him $250,000 for the head coaching job.

In the fine print of the contract just be sure that it's noted the $ means Fijian Dollars, not US Dollars and you're good to go!

[MSU01]

mslacat retweeted earlier from what appears to be a New Mexico fan site account that Lamont Smith is a "serious candidate" for the MSU job. Looking at his resume, I'd be pleased if that were to be the hire. It sounds like the interviews were held last week, so I am hoping we hear something in the next few days!

[mslacat]

Just got back last night from Boise -where my daughter kicked ass- and I have done a little digging this morning but everyone is keeping very tight lipped, but there are signs that we could have a new coach soon. First I noticed a couple named candidates reached out to media sources to withdraw or claim they never applied for the job. This is usually a sign that: A) They did not feel they got or had a chance at getting the job and are looking to save face, or B) They did not like the money being offered.

While I have always thought Washington Assistant T.J. Otzelberge was a favorite this year (he almost got the job last year) I am now hear rumblings that New Mexico associate Head coach Lamont Smith may have improved his stock enough to be consider a favorite. I have also been hearing rumors of a candidate reaching out to some MSU folks as possible additions to their staff (if they get the job?)

A big issue for a lot of candidates is salary. Fields has reached out and generated a lot interest from assistant coaches who are considered to be prime canidates in the west and Midwest as D-1 future coaches and their current salary reflects that. For example Oregon assistant Brian Fish is reported to make $200,000 / yr at Oregon. Montana State can offer $115,000 to 130,000 maybe? So the big question will be is the lure of this D-1 head coaching spot worth the possible pocketbook hit?

I could be wrong but I would expect Fields to name a new coach by the end of the week or sooner.

[Colter_Nuanez]

Just got back last night from Boise -where my daughter kicked ass- and I have done a little digging this morning but everyone is keeping very tight lipped, but there are signs that we could have a new coach soon. First I noticed a couple named candidates reached out to media sources to withdraw or claim they never applied for the job. This is usually a sign that: A) They did not feel they got or had a chance at getting the job and are looking to save face, or B) They did not like the money being offered.

While I have always thought Washington Assistant T.J. Otzelberge was a favorite this year (he almost got the job last year) I am now hear rumblings that New Mexico associate Head coach Lamont Smith may have improved his stock enough to be consider a favorite. I have also been hearing rumors of a candidate reaching out to some MSU folks as possible additions to their staff (if they get the job?)

A big issue for a lot of candidates is salary. Fields has reached out and generated a lot interest from assistant coaches who are considered to be prime canidates in the west and Midwest as D-1 future coaches and their current salary reflects that. For example Oregon assistant Brian Fish is reported to make $200,000 / yr at Oregon. Montana State can offer $115,000 to 130,000 maybe? So the big question will be is the lure of this D-1 head coaching spot worth the possible pocketbook hit?

I could be wrong but I would expect Fields to name a new coach by the end of the week or sooner.

I've got two sources who say that Lamont Smith is the guy Montana State should hire. I've heard nothing but good things about him.

[ImagineSanta]

Just got back last night from Boise -where my daughter kicked ass- and I have done a little digging this morning but everyone is keeping very tight lipped, but there are signs that we could have a new coach soon. First I noticed a couple named candidates reached out to media sources to withdraw or claim they never applied for the job. This is usually a sign that: A) They did not feel they got or had a chance at getting the job and are looking to save face, or B) They did not like the money being offered.

While I have always thought Washington Assistant T.J. Otzelberge was a favorite this year (he almost got the job last year) I am now hear rumblings that New Mexico associate Head coach Lamont Smith may have improved his stock enough to be consider a favorite. I have also been hearing rumors of a candidate reaching out to some MSU folks as possible additions to their staff (if they get the job?)

A big issue for a lot of candidates is salary. Fields has reached out and generated a lot interest from assistant coaches who are considered to be prime canidates in the west and Midwest as D-1 future coaches and their current salary reflects that. For example Oregon assistant Brian Fish is reported to make $200,000 / yr at Oregon. Montana State can offer $115,000 to 130,000 maybe? So the big question will be is the lure of this D-1 head coaching spot worth the possible pocketbook hit?

I could be wrong but I would expect Fields to name a new coach by the end of the week or sooner.

Make the case, is Lamont Smith the guy to getting this going in the right direction? Should I begin to care again?

[Colter_Nuanez]

Just got back last night from Boise -where my daughter kicked ass- and I have done a little digging this morning but everyone is keeping very tight lipped, but there are signs that we could have a new coach soon. First I noticed a couple named candidates reached out to media sources to withdraw or claim they never applied for the job. This is usually a sign that: A) They did not feel they got or had a chance at getting the job and are looking to save face, or B) They did not like the money being offered.

While I have always thought Washington Assistant T.J. Otzelberge was a favorite this year (he almost got the job last year) I am now hear rumblings that New Mexico associate Head coach Lamont Smith may have improved his stock enough to be consider a favorite. I have also been hearing rumors of a candidate reaching out to some MSU folks as possible additions to their staff (if they get the job?)

A big issue for a lot of candidates is salary. Fields has reached out and generated a lot interest from assistant coaches who are considered to be prime canidates in the west and Midwest as D-1 future coaches and their current salary reflects that. For example Oregon assistant Brian Fish is reported to make $200,000 / yr at Oregon. Montana State can offer $115,000 to 130,000 maybe? So the big question will be is the lure of this D-1 head coaching spot worth the possible pocketbook hit?

I could be wrong but I would expect Fields to name a new coach by the end of the week or sooner.

Make the case, is Lamont Smith the guy to getting this going in the right direction? Should I begin to care again?

One source told me whoever reached out to him to make him a candidate and have him interview should get a raise.

[mslacat]

Just got back last night from Boise -where my daughter kicked ass- and I have done a little digging this morning but everyone is keeping very tight lipped, but there are signs that we could have a new coach soon. First I noticed a couple named candidates reached out to media sources to withdraw or claim they never applied for the job. This is usually a sign that: A) They did not feel they got or had a chance at getting the job and are looking to save face, or B) They did not like the money being offered.

While I have always thought Washington Assistant T.J. Otzelberge was a favorite this year (he almost got the job last year) I am now hear rumblings that New Mexico associate Head coach Lamont Smith may have improved his stock enough to be consider a favorite. I have also been hearing rumors of a candidate reaching out to some MSU folks as possible additions to their staff (if they get the job?)

A big issue for a lot of candidates is salary. Fields has reached out and generated a lot interest from assistant coaches who are considered to be prime canidates in the west and Midwest as D-1 future coaches and their current salary reflects that. For example Oregon assistant Brian Fish is reported to make $200,000 / yr at Oregon. Montana State can offer $115,000 to 130,000 maybe? So the big question will be is the lure of this D-1 head coaching spot worth the possible pocketbook hit?

I could be wrong but I would expect Fields to name a new coach by the end of the week or sooner.

Make the case, is Lamont Smith the guy to getting this going in the right direction? Should I begin to care again?

OK this is about all I can say without compromising sources. I talked to two people separately. These two people really do not know each other except by name and reputation. Both of these sources know Montana State basketball intimately what it takes to win and the difficulties of coaching here. Both of these guys know are very aware of the current coaching landscape including coaches and assistant coaches. When I asked them separately out of the rumored possible candidates for the job who do you feel would be the best fit for MSU both mentioned Lamont Smith first. One told me the minute I mentioned his name that "Fields needs to hire him now". Now I am not an expert on Lamont Smith nor do I have the confidence to say he is MSU MBB's savior, but two strong independent recommendations from basketball people I know and trust especially when it comes to MSU basketball give me such a high praise, that person gets put in my "I am very intrigued by these candidates list".

To answer a question someone else raised, the person at MSU whom I believe should get the credit for recommending the committee proactively pursue Lamont Smith should go to Temesghen Starr. That said I also want to make it perfectly clear T. Starr is not one of the sources I mentioned above, and I have not talked or communicated with Starr in at least 9-10 months.