UCF coaching search down to 2 candidates
Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Rumors have circulated that UCF's basketball coaching search is down to 2 names. Those 2 names are: Martin Ingelsby and Matt McCall. Of course their had was forced as Steve Pikielli took the Rutgers job. Many around UCF believe that Underwood is the abortive to take over the Oklahoma State-Pittsburgh job and that his price tag got higher thanks to Stephan F Austin's tournament run. So that leaves Ingelsby and McCall as the leaders for the UCF job. While there has been no formal announcement, MCCall is expected to interview with Danny White this week. Ingelsby, will not interview for the job until Notre Dame's run is concluded. There have been rumors circulated about a mystery third candidate be it Johnny Dawkins-Jim Cleamons-Brian Shaw. While all three have expressed interest, McCall and Ingelsby remain the front runners.
There are 2 questions that arise with this news. First why would McCall leave Chattanooga for UCF? After all McCall has only spent one season at the school and won both the regular season and conference tournament championship. He won 29 games with the team this year. Of course he got them into the NCAA tournament. So why would he leave where he has been successful for UCF? Well McCall is from Florida. In fact he has spent most of his career coaching in the state of Florida. So a transition to a Florida college would be alluring for a native Floridian. Of course many in the college basketball industry believe that UCF has more resources and is a better opportunity than Chattanooga. So the idea of McCall leaving Chattanooga for UCF may not be out of the realm of possibility.
The next question is would Ingelsby still come to UCF if other jobs come calling? This is on the heels of the rumors that Delaware is considering Ingelsby. After all there is a connection between Brey and Delaware. Yet, I believe UCF offer will be more than anything that Delaware will offer. In addition I think the connections between Danny White-Brey-Ingelsby is stronger and will be a deciding factor in the young coaches mind. The concern however will be the recently opened Pittsburgh job. Ingelsby is from Philadelphia and a return to Pennsylvania may entice him.
Of course with Danny White, he may have a coach in mind that has not mentioned yet. I would not be surprised if he shocks people and pulls a name like Steve Lavin out of his hat. Expect a coach to be announced next week.
