The reset button was hit this morning on Pitt basketball’s search for a new coach when Danny Hurley officially accepted the offer from Connecticut.
With Hurley’s name crossed off the list, the question now is who will Heather Lyke target next?
Despite talking with Pitt, Thad Matta doesn’t appear to be a realistic candidate nor does Arizona head coach Sean Miller. That could change if Pitt decides to seriously pursue him but the uncertainty surrounding Miller has Lyke hesitant to get involved and potentially tie her long-term image and reputation to that of Miller.
So, where does Pitt go from here?
A name to watch is someone that people around here should be familiar with and that’s St. Bonaventure head coach Mark Schmidt.
Schmidt took the Bonnies job in 2007-08 after leaving Robert Morris, where he coached for six seasons (2001-07). Before coaching Robert Morris, Schmidt was an assistant coach with the late Skip Prosser at Xavier (1994-2001).
In 11 seasons with St. Bonaventure, Schmidt has compiled a record of 192-152 (.558) and has made the NCAA Tournament twice. The last 3 seasons, St. Bonaventure has an overall record of 68-29 and were A-10 regular season conference champs in 2015-16.
Following the 2015-16 season, St. Bonaventure rewarded Schmidt with a contract extension through the 2021-22 season.
This type of move likely wouldn’t be met with a ton of excitement but it’s obvious from the success he’s had in Olean, a place that isn’t easy to win at, Schmidt can coach. The question is whether he’d be able to recruit the kids capable of winning in the ACC.
Aside from Schmidt, another name that will likely be brought up is Buffalo’s Nate Oats. Plus, last night Jeff Goodman brought up another name to consider and that’s Washington’s Mike Hopkins. Boston Celtics assistant Micah Shrewsberry and Atlanta Hawks assistant Chris Jent could still be in the mix, as well.
