A Way-Too-Early Look at John Beilein's Replacement Candidates
Well...this sucks. But the question has to be asked as to who is going to be the next head coach for the program. I would say the massive favorite and most realistic amongst Michigan fans would be Luke Yaklich given he's already with the program and has transformed the team's defense since arriving.
If Warde decides an outside hire is best, it's an interesting question as to who they would look for given this is rather late. Dream scenarios would include names like Chris Beard, Jay Wright, even Brad Stevens.
They would probably look at Lavall Jordan as well, but he hasn't had too much luck over at Butler. Who would you like to see if it's an outside hire? IF you can get Chris Beard, then I would say you go and get Chris Beard. What are your thoughts?
Have Harbaugh coach both teams. I mean, at this point, why the hell not?!
Swing for the fences and make Billy Donovan an offer he can't refuse. Proven winner in college, 2x national champion, multiple Final Fours, put plenty of players into the NBA, the whole schmear. And any man that smacks OSU around to win a national title is a friend in my book.
He may also be wearing out his welcome in OKC. He's got two of the best players in the game in Westbrook and George, and he can't win anything with them. Got one year left on his contract, so paying the buy-out would be at least manageable.
Not saying its likely, and my guess is he wants to see his time in the NBA through to the end, for better or worse. But he could win big here, and keep pace with Izzo. He'd actually be the one guy you could hire that both A) isn't a complete pipe-dream (aka Brad Stevens), and B) you look at the hire and say "Wow, we actually found a way to get an upgrade."