Randy Bennett officially slams the door on coaching at Utah
by JazzyUte on Mar 31, 2011 9:44 PM MDT
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Last week, I reported both Chris Hill and Randy Bennet had met to discuss the Utah job and then, after an initial discussion and negotiation, he was likely to turn the job down.
Today, a week and a half later, Bennett officially and unequivocally turned down the Utah job, according to sources out of California.
The same article admits both Hill and Bennett met in Phoenix on March 22nd, the day I ran with my story the two parties had met and were negotiating a contract to bring Bennett to Utah.
Ultimately, from what I was told, Bennett essentially told Hill and Utah he was likely to pass on the offer.
There was some discussion late, specifically Thursday, that Bennett and Hill reentered talks. For whatever reason, neither party could agree to a deal and Bennett will be staying at St. Mary's for at least another season.
Where does this leave Utah? Well David Locke of 1320 KFAN speculated earlier Thursday afternoon that the list was down to Randy Bennett and Larry Krystkowiak. You do the math. If he's right, Krystkowiak will be Utah's next head coach.
From my point of view, I was surprised to hear Utah went back to Bennett. It's possible the two sides couldn't come to strong terms originally and Hill tried once more to get him to commit. However, it's apparent, and widely reported now, that there was discussion at the start of last week and it's very, very unlikely Bennett ends up as Utah's next head coach.
So that would indicate it's now Krystkowiak's job to lose.
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Too bad
This would have been a fantastic hire. Once again, C. Hill will not be getting his #1 choice. Not good.
Some Leeway
I’m not going to bust Chris Hill’s chops even a little bit. The guy just got us into the PAC 12 and put pieces of the puzzle together for two BCS bowl wins. Let’s see what happens before throwing the guy under the bus.
This isn't some april fools joke is it?
I was hoping you would be able to get Randy Bennett into your program. Good coach. Would have done wonders for your Ute’s.
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
Hard time believing...
It’s hard for me to believe that Krystkowiak is our final option, or maybe I just don’t want to believe it. The first time I saw his name I cringed, and now he’s all we’ve got? Really? Put Boylen back in to finish what he started before giving it to Krystko. My gut tells me it’s a step down from Giac. I agree that we shouldn’t throw Dr. Hill under the bus just yet. He’s done great things for the U, but not in basketball. Let’s hope maybe he’s planning a meeting with Butler’s coach…
Not heartbroken
I like Randy, but not much more than Krysto, so I’m ok with this news. The real shocker is Randy’s decision. One more year of NIT, and he’ll use up all the capital he gained with his Sweet 16 run. And the NIT looks likely with BYU in the WCC mix now. That league aint sending three teams to the dance anytime soon. This could very well be his last chance to move up.
David Locke?
Are we really quoting David Locke? You can walk around downtown salt lake and find homeless bums on the street with far more credibility than David Locke. This is the guy who has said that Jimmer is not an NBA-player, he is just Jaycee Carroll 2.0. Then he says that Jimmer will have a spot int he NBA and he always knew it.
Locke is like Dick Harmon. You can trust his information on the team he covers. When he tries to speculate on other teams, he usually falls flat on his face. Who can forget Harmon’s tweets about Norm Chow not coming to Utah?
Ok, enough on Dick Harmon………ill never mention him again.
Finally, I think that if Larry K was really as high on the list as he appears to be, the deal would be done right now. He interviewed for the job. The Utes have been turned down by Randy Bennett. If Larry K is not named head coach TODAY, then Locke’s cute little conjecture is crap.
I think Hill is still looking. I am curious as to why Gottfried is not being mentioned more……
Formerly SportsInUtah
Follow me on twitter: @BigBenSportsGuy
There is a rumor out there Hill is meeting with Gottfried today...
I’m just putting out all the information I hear because of how quiet it’s been.
IF it is Krystkowiak, you’d think we would have heard something by now.
But maybe they’re finalizing assistants? Who knows…
good points
I trust your sources.
And sorry, I just have a personal vendetta against Locke. The guy is a clueless clown.
Formerly SportsInUtah
Follow me on twitter: @BigBenSportsGuy
by BigBenSportsGuy on Apr 1, 2011 10:36 AM MDT up reply actions
I hear Locke
talk about how they should get Tommy Connors from Westminster to be the next coach almost anytime they mention the Ute hire. A mistake in my opinion since the jump is too big, but he was talking up Connors big time guess it was just for ratings.
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