Wake Forest head coach Dino Gaudio is the latest casualty of the college basketball world-- the Deacons head man was fired today after three seasons in Winston Salem. March Madness doesn't just refer to the tournament action, but the month is a time where coaches come and go and the next Brad Steven's are given their big shot.
Here are some of the schools that let coaches go and made new hires.
Seton Hall- Fired Bobby Gonzalez-- Hired Iona's Kevin Willard
The Pirates bowed out in the first round of the NIT at home to Texas Tech, but it wasn't the loss alone that did in Gonzo. Gonzalez conduct on and off the court was an issue ever since he came to South Orange from Manhattan. Kevin Willard will be the new replacement at Seton Hall, and the Pirates have to be happy with the hire. Willard took the Gaels from a two-win season to a 21-10 record just two year's later. Willard is a Big Easy guy-- he played his college ball at Pittsburgh and was on Rick Patino's Louisville staff before going to Iona.
Final ruling: Upgrade!
Boston College- Fired Al Skinner-- Hired Cornell's Steve Donahue
In 1997, Skinner was hired at BC to salvage a program devastated by a gambling scandal. Skinner did a terrific job bringing the program back to life-- taking the Eagles to the NCAA tournament seven times since 2001. Reports are conflicting, but it appears the university decided to part ways with the long time coach after he was rumored to interview for the St. John's position.
Boston College now turns to long time Cornell coach Steve Donahue-- who led the big Red to a 29-5 record this season before losing to Kentucky in the Sweet 16. Donahue is a local guy who preaches discipline and hard work. Donahue was emotional while speaking with his players before leaving for Chesnut Hill, but Donahue will have a lot to prove at a big time school. He'll have to bring in local talent to compete in one of the toughest conferences in the country. The debate is still out on whether this hire will help or hurt the Eagles.
Final Ruling: Downgrade!
Depaul- Fired Jerry Wainwright-- Hired Clemson's Oliver Purnell
Wainwright was fired midway through this season as the Blue Demons fell to the bottom of the Big East for a second straight season. Depaul went winless in the Big East in 2008-09. Wainwright had two years left on his contract when he was let go.
The decision to fire Wainwright wasn't a shocker to most, but Oliver Purnell's decision to leave Clemson was. Purnell took the Tigers to a 21-11 record this season and another appearance in the NCAA tournament. Purnell had struggles winning a tournament game once his teams got to the dance, but now Purnell will have the job of rebuilding a struggling program. Purnell calls this job a great opportunity and believes the Depaul is Chicago's team. One thing is certain, Purnell is a good coach with great experience, and Depaul maybe made the best hire of the off season so far.
Final ruling: Upgrade!
Wagner College- Fired Mike Deane-- Hired St. Benedict's Prep HS Danny Hurley
Deane coached the Seahawks since 2003 without much success. Wagner finished this year with a 5-26 record-- not much to say for the firing.
The hiring of Danny Hurley says a lot for the son of Hall of Famer Bob Hurley Sr-- legendary coach at St. Anthony's High School. Hurley has some college experience, he was an assistant coach at Rutgers under Kevin Bannon from 1997 to 2001. Hurley compiled a 223-21 record at St. Benedict's and had four teams ranked in the top five in the country. One advantage Hurley will have is his family connections. It's already rumored he will hire his brother, Bobby Jr.- formed Duke star-- as an assistant coach. If Hurley can bring in some players from St. Ben's and St. Anthony's, Wagner may be a dangerous team in the NEC.
Final Ruling: Upgrade!
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