Tony Benford

[brewcity77]

The coaching carousel spins on, and more and more I'm becoming convinced that once Marquette's season concludes, Tony Benford will find himself with a new job. He's a dark horse for the Illinois job, he's been mentioned with Southern Illinois and Nebraska. And now he's being rumored as a candidate for the SMU job.

SMU Eying Marquette Assistant

Marquette assistant Tony Benford is a highly regarded coach whose name often comes up whenever there's an opening these days. And we have to wonder if SMU could be an option, here.

Given Benford's experience coaching in nearby states (Nebraska, Arizona State, New Mexico), he would make a lot of sense. And according to this tweet today by talk show host Richie Whitt, we aren't the only ones who think so. Keep an eye on Benford and this Mustangs' job -- when Marquette's season ends, he could become a top candidate for this opening.

So with all the openings available, where do people think Benford would be the best fit? I have to say, if he got a shot at a high-major job like Nebraska, you simply can't pass on that, but he might be better off working his way up through a mid-major first. With that in mind, I think SMU is perfect. A year to stay out of the spotlight in C-USA, a fertile recruiting ground in Texas coupled with his nationwide connections, and he'll be given time to bring the program up through the ranks of the Big East. Considering how long they gave Doherty, I have to imagine that program will have a long, long leash.

[Tugg Speedman]

Is it good that Buzz start a coaching tree with assistants jumping to head coaching jobs.  That would mean he can get top assistants that see him as a stop to a head coaching job.  Of course they have to work hard for Buzz to get that shot at the next level.

Or would you rather see him have some trusted assistant that stays with him year after year.  This gives Buzz stability.

Which do you prefer?

[JD]

I think the VCU leader is going to the Illini.

Should be a great addition for them!

[Goose]

Let the assistants get their day. These guys work hard and deserve a shot at real money. Opportunities do not come often in life and they should be taken advantage of. Good head coaches attract good assistants, so no worry on my part.

[WellsstreetWanderer]

illinois is going after Shaka hard and word is he is open to the idea and money is not a problem

[tower912]

Coach Benford has earned his shot.   I would not have the slightest animosity for him grabbing for the brass ring.    I just hope Buzz has talent in the coaching pipeline, as well. 

[MattyWarrior]

I think Benford has been a great assistant, and his recruiting is key. Always nice to have consistency and get to grow the kids that you've help recruit. They must be paying him well and he must like it here but I don't see him passing up a D1 job.
I'd hate to lose him, but SMU would be a good place to start.

[Dawson Rental]

Is it good that Buzz start a coaching tree with assistants jumping to head coaching jobs.  That would mean he can get top assistants that see him as a stop to a head coaching job.  Of course they have to work hard for Buzz to get that shot at the next level.

Or would you rather see him have some trusted assistant that stays with him year after year.  This gives Buzz stability.

Which do you prefer?

Well, if the assistant were say, George Blaney, I'd say JUMP, JUMP!

[Dawson Rental]

Will Shaka Smart be smart enough to keep Jerance Howard?  Please Shaka insist on keeping all of your current assistants!!

[brewcity77]

Will Shaka Smart be smart enough to keep Jerance Howard?  Please Shaka insist on keeping all of your current assistants!!

Does anyone know if Howard threw his hat in the ring? I'd love to see him look for greener pastures (and just over the northern state line) if they go with someone else.