Florida basketball: 5 potential replacements for embattled Mike White

3. John Beilein, Former Michigan and West Virginia Head Coach

Beilein’s jump to the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t go well, as he resigned 54 games in last season. But his resume as a college coach still stands. Over 12 seasons at Michigan he had a 278-150 record with two national title game appearances and at least 25 wins five times. Prior to that he went 104-60 in five seasons at West Virginia (73-31 over the last three.

Beilein turned 68 in February, so his age may work against him (fairly or not) as he surfaces as a candidate for any job opening. It’s also possible he just isn’t interested in coaching. But if Florida moves on from White, Beilein has to be on the list of candidates.

2. Anthony Grant, Dayton Head Coach

Grant just finished fourth season as head coach at Dayton, with last year’s 29-2 mark led by lottery pick Obi Toppin the high point. The Flyers made the NIT this year with a 14-10 record, losing in the first round to Memphis. Prior to that, Grant went 117-85 over six seasons at Alabama and 76-25 over three seasons at VCU.

Before becoming the head coach at VCU, Grant was an assistant under Donovan at Florida from 1996-2006. That alone advances him as a candidate to replace White, rooted equal parts in nostalgia and a solid head coaching resume.

1. Dennis Gates, Cleveland State Head Coach

Gates just finished his second season at Cleveland State, which ended with 19 wins, a Horizon League Tournament title and the third NCAA Tournament berth in school history. Despite the Vikings going just 11-21 in his first season, Gates won Horizon League Coach of the Year (as he also did this year).

Prior to taking his first head coaching job, the 41-year old Gates worked as an assistant under Leonard Hamilton at Florida State from 2011-2019. If the Gators make a coaching change, Gates has to be high on the list of candidates to replace White.