After Buzz Williams’s departure from Blacksburg, Virginia Tech AD Whit Babcock has a lot on his plate looking for the Hokies next coach. Babcock must act fast though, if he is to keep Hokie players and recruits, as it has already been reported that Sophomore guard Wabissa Bede has entered the transfer portal and four star recruit Anthony Harris has reopened his recruitment. As those things are happening,here are some candidates Babcock could be looking at to fill the head coaching vacancy at Virginia Tech.
Mike Cronin- Cincinnati
I think this would be an ideal higher here for Virginia Tech, as Cronin has had a great 13 year career at Cincinnati. The Bearcats finished 28-7 this year and won the AAC conference tournament for the second straight year. Cronin has also led the Bearcats to nine straight NCAA Tournament appearances and could very easily replicate that success in Blacksburg.
Mike Young- Wofford
As reported today by Yahoo! Sports, Young is the leading candidate for the job. This should come as no surprise, as Young had a very successful season at Wofford. The Terriers went 30-5 this season and beat Seaton Hall in the first round of the NCAA Tournament before falling to Kentucky in the Round of 32. Young is a Radford High School graduate which is located close to Blacksburg and could look to come back home to take the helm at Virginia Tech.
Ryan Odom – UMBC
Their was some false reports yesterday that Odom was expected to be the next coach at Virginia Tech. Odom was an assistant at Virginia Tech under Seth Greenberg for seven season and led UMBC to a historic upset over No.1 seed UVA in last year’s tournament. UMBC did stay competitive this year too going 21-12 and losing in the American East Conference championship game. While many fans in Blacksburg would be unhappy about this hiring, it would not be a bad option if Tech can’t get anyone from a major conference.
Russell Turner- UC Irvine
Turner had a very good season this year with UC Irvine. As the Anteaters went 31-6, winning the Big West conference championship and upset Kansas State in the first round of this year’s NCAA Tournament. Turner graduated from Hampden-Sydney College which is located in Virginia and could want to come back home and take over the Hokies.
Image via: Sporting News
