As we get into the 2nd half of conference basketball, we have our annual edition of coaching candidates to replace Brian Gregory at Georgia Tech. We go back to exactly 1 year ago for last year’s possible coaching candidates to replace Brian Gregory, and his 21-58 ACC record. 2 years ago we said Brian Gregory had the hottest basketball coaching seat in the ACC. Back in 2012 we had Gregory ranked at the bottom at ACC head coach list, just ahead of Wake Forest coach at the time Jeff Bzdelik.
So again in 2016, we are again discussing Gregory’s hot seat status, and coaching replacements. Georgia Tech’s financial issues are well documented. This is cash strapped athletic department due to an ill-advised buyout with Paul Hewitt, and an odd extension with Gregory. That’s what AD Mike Bobinski gets paid to do though – find a way to manage Georgia Tech’s athletic finances. We will keep that in mind, as no matter what Bobinski does, Georgia Tech will not be able to afford a 3-4 Million Dollar coach.
Chris Mack, Head Coach Xavier
This is one of my podcast partner @Hokiesmash top candidates. Chris Mack worked under Mike Bobinski when Bobinski was at Xavier. Mack has ACC experience coaching at Wake Forest in the early 2000s. He has 5 NCAA appearances in 6 seasons for Xavier, and will make the NCAAs this year. His salary is just over $1 Million, so if Georgia Tech can get to the $1.5-$2 Million range they may be able to make a run at him
Craig Neal, Head Coach New Mexico
Craig is a former Georgia Tech player who is currently the head coach at New Mexico. 3 years ago he led New Mexico to 27 wins, and this year the Lobos appear headed to the NIT or NCAAs. There is something I like about former players going back to their schools – They are less likely to leave.
Mark Price, Head Coach UNC Charlotte
Mark Price is one greatest Georgia Tech players ever. A star in the 80s under Bobby Cremins, and an NBA All-Star. He’s coached in the NBA, and is currently the head coach at UNC-Charlotte. If there is anything working against Price is that he’s only been a head coach for a year. Taking a chance on Price still might not be bad thing though.
Jeff Capel, Asst Coach Duke
It might be time for former Duke Jeff Capel to take a head coaching job again. He is currently an assistant coach at Duke. If he’s not waiting/hoping to become the head coach at Duke when Coach K retires, Capel is worth a look. He led Oklahoma to the Elite 8 when he was there.
Tommy Amaker, Head Coach Harvard
Would Tommy Amaker be willing to leave Harvard? Amaker has built an Ivy League power at Harvard, and may be ready to move back into power conference basketball. Like Capel, Amaker is a former Duke player. We’re not sure if he’s just waiting on Coach K to retire, but Amaker sure can coach.
Archie Miller, Dayton
At the risk of hiring another Dayton coach, ala Brian Gregory, Archie Miller would be a steal. Miller is young, just 37, and would provide a huge shot the in the arm to a stagnant program. He’s about to lead Dayton to its third straight NCAA appearance. Last year’s coaching salary had Miller making just over $600 K. He’d get a nice raise at Georgia Tech.
