Providence Still Lacks a Head Coach

It's hard to believe that in the 90s, Providence was able to raid Xavier for their head coach (Pete Gille, anyone?). Can't picture that these days. Now, the Friars can't even entice an alum coaching at a mid-major to take their job.

Jim Larranaga (Providence, 1971) opted to remain at George Mason rather than take the job at his alma mater. Admittedly, Larranaga has been at GMU for 12 years and had that Final Four run that keeps him in regular demand in the DC area for lucrative speaking engagements.

Still, this was supposed to be a slam dunk of a hire. Someone who would also reenergize the fans. How demoralizing was being turned down by Larranaga? Providence Athletic Director Rob Driscoll felt the need to issue a press release on the rejection to reassure the fans and alum.

"We offered him a very substantial package but he was too comfortable in his current situation and opted to stay at George Mason. As a result, I will continue to have ongoing discussions with the other finalists in this search. I remain very optimistic that we will find a head coach who will embrace the rich tradition of Friar basketball and move the program forward."

I don't remember the last time a school issued a press release about being rejected.