Fansided

5 potential replacements for Kevin Ollie at UConn

By Brad Berreman

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY - FEBRUARY 22: Head coach Kevin Ollie of the Connecticut Huskies is seen during the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at BB
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY - FEBRUARY 22: Head coach Kevin Ollie of the Connecticut Huskies is seen during the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at BB /
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Mandatory Credit: Anthony Nesmith-Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Anthony Nesmith-Getty Images /

1. Dan Hurley

Over Hurley’s last two seasons at Rhode Island, the Rams are 50-16 with a 29-8 mark in Atlantic 10 play and back-to-back conference tournament titles after Saturday’s win over Saint Joseph’s. In his five seasons as head coach, the Rams have now topped 20 wins three times.

Speaking of having to get in line to talk to a coach, Hurley has immediately been mentioned as a top candidate at Pitt after Thursday’s dismissal of Kevin Stallings. With deep roots in the northeast, as a New Jersey native, Seton Hall alum, head coach at St. Benedict’s Prep (Newark, New Jersey) and Wagner as well as Rhode Island now, Hurley has more than a famous last name in college basketball circles.

If they can somehow get completely out from under Ollie’s buyout, UConn is in line to have an advantage over Pitt in terms of a potential significant offer to Hurley. At this point, Pitt’s case to fire Stallings with cause looks a lot weaker that UConn’s with Ollie if the NCAA investigation uncovers anything.

Next: 3 candidates to replace Andy Kennedy at Ole Miss

Hurley is in line or a move up to a bigger job, and his list of options may continue to grow. UConn needs to get in the mix now, if the hours since letting Ollie go haven’t been long enough to spur that action.