Lots of stuff in the coaching world went down today. Here's a recap along with some interesting coaching scoop. I'll do my best to recap each day from here on out:
- UTEP's Tony Barbee wasn't rolling the dice with another go-around in El Paso and decided to go while he was hot and take the Auburn job.
- The New York Daily News reported that it's inevitable that Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt is headed to St. John's. The New York Post reported that Hewitt met with St. John's in New York on Wednesday. Neither is accurate. Sources close to Hewitt have told me the Yellow Jackets head man has yet to make a decision and is torn. He also did not go to visit St. John's today.
- Here's the scoop on Seton Hall – all per sources. Siena's Fran McCaffery met with them on Tuesday night, Robert Morris coach Mike Rice spoke to them Wednesday and Vermont's Mike Lonergan met with them in Albany on Wednesday morning. Also, Iona's Kevin Willard is expected to meet with them on Thursday. Other names in the mix include former player Adrian Griffin, now at assistant with the Bucks, as well as Cornell's Steve Donahue.
- Hofstra's Tom Pecora accepted a five-year deal at Fordham. A few names to watch at Hofstra: Pecora assistant Van Macon, Stony Brook coach Steve Pikiell and Louisville assistant Steve Masiello.
- I have heard this crazy Ben Howland rumor to DePaul about 10 times but wouldn't dare give it any credence until another writer actually wrote it without trying to verify anything. DePaul may want the UCLA coach – and they should – but why in the world would Howland have any interest in DePaul, one of the worst jobs in the Big East. Howland, who grew up in the Southern California area as a youngster, already has his dream job with the Bruins.
- Iowa will likely talk to Dayton head coach Brian Gregory once his season ends and, according to sources, has interviewed Utah coach Jim Boylen.
- Northern Iowa's Ben Jacobsen inked a 10-year deal with the Panthers. The new seal guarantees Jacobson's deal with guarantee $450,000 with annual increases of $25,000 through the term of the deal. His current deal guarantees him $289,306 annually through 2016. Northern Iowa plays Michigan State in the Sweet 16.
- Weber State's Randy Rahe signed a seven-year extension. Rahe was in the mix for the Boise State opening. Boise State, according to sources, is looking at Larry Krystkowiak, Portland's Eric Reveno and Gonzaga assistant Leon Rice.
- Billy Gillispie is the wild card at Houston. If the President approves the hiring, sources maintain he'll replace Tom Penders. If not, the Cougars will look at a group led by Sam Houston State head coach Bob Marlin. Assistants Rodney Terry (Texas), Craig Neal (New Mexico) and Chris Walker (Villanova). Sources said that former USC coach Tim Floyd is trying to get into the mix.
- Louisiana-Lafayette has targeted Marlin after Floyd spurned interest, and Murray State's Billy Kennedy also turned it down.
- Ray Shipman is transferring from Florida.
- Oklahoma will lose two players. Freshman point guard Tommy Mason-Griffin will turn pro while Ray Willis will transfer. No news yet from Willie Warren, but I can't imagine he'll return to Norman.
To check out Jeff Goodman's Twitter, click here.