INDIANAPOLIS---Although there were no official interviews scheduled by Boston College athletic director Gene DeFilippo today, the BC athletic director still was conducting business as he searched for a replacement for Al Skinner who was fired last week.
DeFilippo talked to Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl this morning.""Gene called me yesterday (Thursday)'' and I returned his call ''' said Pearl , who is a BC graduate and took the Vols to the Elite 8 round before they lost to Michigan State in the Midwest Regional Finals. "We talked about his search for a new coach.I have a lot of affection for BC and I still have a lot of friends in the area. But I told Gene that I was committed to Tennessee and wished him luck.'';
DeFilippo also received a call this afternoon from former Vermont coach Tom Brennan, who has retired five years ago and has dabbled with some television work
"It's a dream job,'' said Brennan this afternoon. "I left a message for Gene. I'd love to get involved.''
Brennan also expressed an interest in the opening at Holy Cross
DeFilippo is expected to resume official business on Monday when he interviews Northeastern head coach Billy Coen.
Coen will be the fourth coach interviewed by BC. Whether he is the last coach in the interview process is uncertain.
Richmond coach Chris Mooney talked to BC on Thursday and provided the most intriguing choice for DeFilippo if he wanted to go outside of the BC connection (Both Coen and Fairfield coach Ed Cooley, who DeFilippo interviewed on Wednesday), were members of Skinner's staff before becoming head coaches four years ago. But late Saturday night, Mooney, according to ESPN.com, agreed to a contract extension at Richmond.
Once Coen, who talked to Siena yesterday about its opening, is interviewed, DeFilippo must then prioritize his requirements. Cooley and Coen are more familiar with BC from their 9-year stint on Skinner's staff. Cooley emphasized it during his talk with DeFilippo on Wednesday. Coen, will no doubt say the same thing.
Both coaches would provide the smoothest transitions in terms of knowing people in admissions and academic support.
Donahue's success at Cornell the past two seasons, including this season's run into the NCAA Sweet 16 round, has been well documented. Donahue would be a good fit at BC in many areas, but whether he convinced DeFilippo that recruiting at the ACC level--something he has not done before--is the key question.
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While Skinner, who was fired by BC last week, has no immediate plans, the Atlantic 10 opening in Charlotte, could be a possibility if Charlotte athletic director Judy Rose does not find her new coach in the next few days. Skinner said he didn't know any details about the job, but as A10 school with new facilities and an area of the country closer to his summer home in South Carolina could be a fit....UMass Lowell coach Greg Herenda could be moving into the picture at Holy Cross.