Fansided

5 candidates to replace Avery Johnson at Alabama

By Brad Berreman

AMES, IA - MARCH 9: Head coach Steve Prohm of the Iowa State Cyclones coaches from the bench in the first half of play against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Hilton Coliseum on March 9, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - MARCH 9: Head coach Steve Prohm of the Iowa State Cyclones coaches from the bench in the first half of play against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Hilton Coliseum on March 9, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Brad Horrigan/Hartford Courant/TNS via Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Brad Horrigan/Hartford Courant/TNS via Getty Images /

4. Gregg Marshall

With a long run of success at Wichita State, Marshall has consistently surfaced as a candidate to make the jump to a bigger school and he has consistently stayed put. With Wichita State’s move to the AAC a couple of years ago, and a lack of notable jobs to easily attach him to, Marshall’s name has faded from the discussion to make a jump.

Before Johnson was hired by Alabama in 2015 to replace Anthony Grant, by then-athletic director Bill Battle, Marshall turned down the job. While Johnson was the 19th-highest paid college basketball coach this season, at a shade over $3 million in base salary, Marshall came in 12th at $3.5 million (via USA Today’s salary database).

The Shockers advanced in the NIT with a win over Clemson on Sunday, so even if Marshall would entertain leaving any potential suitors will have to wait.

If Marshall were to ever consider leaving Wichita, going to Alabama four years ago would’ve been a step down and it can easily be seen as at best a lateral move now. But there’s no harm in trying again if you’re Byrne in search of a big-name splash, if only to remove any internal “what if” questions right off the bat.