Now entering the second week without a head basketball coach, reports are starting to emerge with a top target for Alabama.
Wichita State’s Gregg Marshall is reportedly the coach Alabama will offer once his season ends, CBSSports.com reported Monday afternoon. The school would be prepared to offer $3 million a year to one of the hottest coaches in the sport.
Anthony Grant made $1.9 million a year before Alabama fired him March 15 after six seasons.
Marshall has a 398-158 record in 17 years as a head coach with the last eight at Wichita State. He’s led the Shockers to their second Sweet 16 appearance in three years with Sunday’s 78-65 win over No. 2 seeded Kansas. Last season, Wichita State went undefeated in the regular season after reaching the Final Four in 2013.
The Shockers (30-4) play Notre Dame on Thursday in Cleveland.
Marshall has been a popular target for big-name schools seeking new coaches, but he’s been loyal to Wichita State. His 2013 contract extension plays him $1.75 million a year, according to USA Today.
This wouldn’t be the first time a major-conference school was interesting in Marshall. He was reportedly pursued by UCLA two years ago. Last spring, his agent told the Kansas City Star he had been contacted by several schools, but did not reveal any names.
“He’s turned down some very good basketball jobs that have offered a great opportunity, but it just wasn’t the right fit or time for him and his family,” agent Myles Solomon told The Star.
At Wichita State, Marshall is the top coach in the school’s marquee athletics program. Football was eliminated by the school in 1986.
Marshall was asked by ESPN last year what it would take to lure him away from Wichita State.
“I don’t know,” Marshall told ESPN.com. “But I’m very happy here. It would take something really big.”
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