Bobby Hurley just turned St. John’s pursuit of his head coaching abilities into a sweetened deal to remain as Arizona State’s men’s basketball coach.
That’s not stopping oddsmakers and others from throwing his name into the mix for the likely very-enticing Michigan Wolverines opening. BetOnline.ag lists Hurley at 5/1 odds to land with the Wolverines, landing him only behind current Oklahoma City Thunder coach Billy Donovan and current Miami Heat assistant Juwan Howard.
Yahoo! Sports’ Pat Forde lists Hurley fourth on a list of 10 realistic candidates for Michigan’s coaching search.
He has reached three NCAA tournaments in six years as a head coach, including back-to-back appearances at Arizona State. Hurley has shown the tactical acumen to be a high-end college basketball coach for a long time. His name brings brand power that most on this list don’t have.
In April, Hurley turned down a chance to join St. John’s and instead agreed to a five-year extension with ASU, where he’s gone 73-58 with two NCAA Tournament appearances in a row.
Howard is the likely favorite to land with Michigan. It’s his alma mater, but the former NBA power forward is also in the running for the Minnesota Timberwolves head coaching position.
Florida head coach Mike White is tied with Hurley at +500 odds.
Michigan is attempting to replace John Beilein, who on Monday was a surprise hire by the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers for their head coaching job. He leaves the program in fine shape after four straight NCAA Tournament appearances and with two NCAA title game appearances this decade.
BetOnline.ag odds for Michigan’s next head coach
Juwan Howard 3/1
Billy Donovan 7/2
Bobby Hurley 5/1
Mike White 5/1
Kevin Keatts 7/1
Shaka Smart 7/1
LaVall Jordan 10/1
Luke Yaklich 10/1
Saddi Washington 10/1
Brad Stevens 12/1