ESPN insider reveals surprise candidates for Louisville, Maryland jobs

ESPN college basketball analyst Jeff Borzello updated his coaching hot seat rankings on Thursday, taking time to evaluate the candidates for the two biggest jobs already open. With Louisville and Maryland in the market for new coaches, the biggest names in the sport continue to receive their fair share of links to each job.

After early rumors surrounding Bruce Pearl at both schools were shot down by a contract extension, other big names followed. Alabama’s Nate Oats has a buyout in excess of $10 million and Iona’s Rick Pitino seems settled at the mid-major level. That leads to the latest round of names, which head west to link UCLA head coach Mick Cronin with the Louisville job and USC head coach Andy Enfield with the Maryland job.

Mick Cronin and Louisville

Coming off a surprise Final Four run, UCLA brought back one of the best rosters in college basketball. Cronin has proven he can recruit at the highest level with the addition of Peyton Watson and commitment of Amari Bailey, adding to his stock. A potential move closer to his Cincinnati roots would shock the college basketball world more than his move to the Pac-12 just three years ago.

“Cronin is the wild card for Louisville,” wrote Borzello. “If he has real interest in the job, he should be a no-brainer hire.” He also added that Cronin “enjoys the West Coast.”’

Louisville would be considered a rebuild compared to the current state of UCLA, meaning the Cardinals would likely have to throw something special at a coach who already makes $4 million per year.

Andy Enfield and Maryland

Andy Enfield has remained settled at USC for quite some time, coaching the Trojans since 2013. After a miraculous Sweet 16 run with Florida Gulf Coast, the Pennsylvania native packed up and headed west. However, coming off an Elite Eight appearance with a 22-4 record this season, his stock might be high enough that a move closer to home pays just as well.

“Enfield was linked very quickly with the Maryland job, given his ties to the area and his time spent in College Park getting his MBA,” wrote Borzello. “His name has continued to linger for the opening, too, and he’s very much a legitimate candidate.”

Like Mick Cronin, Andy Enfield has also proven himself as a recruiter outside of his familiar ground. His ability to secure both Evan and Isaiah Mobley has led to sustained success in Los Angeles, along with good use of the transfer portal.