For the first time in days, a new name is being mentioned as a possible candidate for the Pitt job.
Jeff Goodman of ESPN reported late on Wednesday that Washington head coach Mike Hopkins has surfaced as a candidate.
Hopkins just completed his first year as head coach at Washington (21-13) where was named the PAC-12 Coach of the Year. Hopkins signed a 6-year, $12.3 million deal with Washington and made $1.8 million this season.
Prior to Washington, the 48-year old was a long-time assistant (22 years) at Syracuse and was actually named the coach-in-waiting for when Jim Boeheim eventually retired.
According to the News Tribune (Washington), if Hopkins were to leave Washington after his first year, his buyout would be $2 million.
Hopkins has a strong reputation as a recruiter and has deep ties to programs in the Northeast.
If this report is accurate, Heather Lyke and Pitt are getting a Plan B ready in the event Danny Hurley rejects their contract offer. Sources tell PSN that the current contract offer to Hurley is for six years and worth $3.25 million per season.
