Looking for Hot Coaches: West Bracket

The last of the looks at coaches from the mid-majors who other schools may look to poach, especially with an upset win or two. The West has a bunch of young coaches a lot of teams have marked for the future, but would probably like to wait-and-see given that most are only in their 1st year at their respective schools.

Chris Lowery, Southern Illinois: There certainly is a lot to like about Lowery. He's young (only 34), smart and has had success in all three years as head coach. His teams play hard on both ends of the floor, though, defense is the hallmark of his teams. There are two things making it unlikely he will be leaving SIU. None of the jobs out there right now seem much better then the one he has and Lowery is an alum of SIU. That means the money has to be very, very good. Not sure that anyone would take the chance to pay him what they might have to, given he's only been in charge for 3 years.




Chances of Leaving: Unlikely, but will listen. Mainly to get an idea of his market value and get a nice bump in pay from SIU.

Anthony Grant, Virginia Commonwealth: Just a year into his job and he has the Rams in the NCAA Tournament. He was an experienced assistant at Florida under Billy Donovan. Add in that Grant is a Miami native, and he becomes an attractive candidate for the South Florida job and possibly Florida State or Miami if changes are made at those schools. The counter argument is that he has only been a head coach for one season and inherited a pretty good team that Jeff Capel (hired by Oklahoma) put together. Some may want to wait and see with Grant, but if the Rams win a game or two there might not be a chance to wait.

Chances of Leaving: Will listen, but unless the offer is from a major conference school he isn't leaving yet.

Randy Rahe, Weber State: Last year Weber State was 10-18, then Rahe was brought in after being an assistant at Utah. This year, 20-11 and in the NCAA Tournament. He's from the Stew Morrill coaching tree, and has been coaching in the Rockies and Mountain geographic area since the late 80s. Having only one year of head coaching experience would make a lot of bigger schools wary, but Wyoming might be willing to take a chance.

Chances of Leaving: Will listen, but unless the Wildcats get the unbelievable upset over UCLA, he won't be a top candidate. He needs to do more for most schools to take a shot with him.

Brad Brownell, Wright State: Spent four years having great success at UNC-Wilmington in the CAA, getting them into the NCAA Tournament twice. Still, he wasn't looked at seriously until Wright State took a chance. Now, he has turned around a 13-15 team into 23-9 NCAA Tournament team. People are noticing and giving his team a chance against Pitt. Brownwell is from Evansville, Indiana and Evansville is looking for a new coach. Hmm. Still, Brownwell might be looking bigger

Chances of Leaving: Will listen. If for no other reason, then to get a raise. Brownwell makes $220,000/year which is pretty good for a Horizon League coach. It may be too rich for some other higher mid-majors.


Previously on Fanhouse: Looking for Hot Coaches: Midwest Bracket
Looking for Hot Coaches: South Bracket
Looking for Hot Coaches: East Bracket