Maryland basketball search: Top Candidates to take over for Mark Turgeon

In one of the most surprising moves in recent memory, Mark Turgeon abruptly parted ways with Maryland basketball Friday, leaving them in search of candidates to become the next head basketball coach. The head man of the Terrapins since the 2011-12 season, Turgeon led them to five NCAA Tournament appearances.

The decision to walk away was reportedly his.

The Terrapins were one of college basketball’s top programs in the early 2000s under coach Gary Williams, whom Turgeon succeeded. They made two appearances in the Final Four under Williams, ultimately winning the championship in 2002. It’s possible this history could attract plenty of big names to the opening in College Park.

The Athletic put together a list of potential candidates to become the next Maryland basketball coach. Below are the seven names to watch.

Maryland basketball coach candidates

Ed Cooley, Providence: Cooley led the Friars to five straight NCAA Tournament appearances from 2014-18, but they haven’t been back since. This year, Providence is off to a hot 7-1 start, so perhaps that dry spell is destined to end. Prior to taking over the Friars, Cooley coached for seven seasons at Fairfield University in Connecticut, so he is well-versed in East Coast hoops.

Kim English, George Mason: English has spent eight games as a head coach after being hired this offseason, so to bring him on would be a high risk. However, it could also deliver a high reward. A Baltimore native, English may be able to use some of his in-state connections to his advantage in recruiting. He played college ball at Missouri and was an assistant coach for Tulsa, Colorado and Tennessee before taking over the Patriots.

Sean Miller, former Arizona coach: Miller brings an impressive track record, but also a lot of baggage. Arizona was one of several teams included in a 2017 federal investigation into corruption in college basketball. The fallout ultimately resulted in his firing this offseason. In 17 seasons as a college coach, Miller has amassed an impressive 422-156 record. He was also reportedly a candidate for the job when Turgeon took it in 2011.

Nate Oats, Alabama: Oats has quickly become one of the most well-regarded new coaches in college basketball. He led Buffalo to three NCAA Tournament appearances in four seasons before taking over in Tuscaloosa. The success has continued with the Crimson Tide, who won the SEC Tournament this past season. Although Maryland would certainly jump at the chance to land a candidate of this caliber as its next basketball coach, it’s unclear if that’s a realistic possibility. Oats’ recent contract extension through 2027 raised his salary at Alabama to $3.2 million annually.

Bruce Pearl, Auburn: At 61, Pearl is well traveled. His 18-year coaching career includes stops at Milwaukee, Tennessee and now Auburn. He recently made his first Final Four appearance with the Tigers in 2019, and led them to a 25-6 finish the following season. This year, he has them is off to a 6-1 start. Both Auburn and Maryland are affiliated with Under Armour, something that could play a factor in the hire.

Mike Rhoades, VCU: In four years as the VCU head coach, Rhoades has never had a losing season. He has led the Rams to two NCAA Tournament appearances with a chance at a third this year. He already knows the area well, something that could help him win out over potential Power 5 coach candidates for Maryland basketball.

Kevin Willard, Seton Hall: A New York native who was an assistant for the Boston Celtics from 1997-2001, Willard is perhaps the most interesting candidate. He learned from Rick Pitino at Louisville before moving into the head coaching ranks in 2007. He also brings plenty of on-court success, leading the Pirates to four consecutive NCAA Tournaments from 2016-19.