Though I've mentioned him in passing, Taylor seems to be interested in the Utah job, or so the Tribune is reporting today. In the article Michael Lewis also mentions that Michigan State assistant Jim Boylen will fly out to meet with Chris Hill this week, and so could Blaine Taylor, who current coaches Old Dominion.
Though Taylor didn't come out and say he was interested in the job, he pretty much didn't have to with his subtle quote in today's paper. He told the Tribune that he was the type of guy to sit back and let them [Utah] do what they have to do. Or reading between the lines, if they want him, he'll be waiting.
Taylor took over an Old Dominion program that had struggled over the final years of Jeff Capel's tenure and rebuilt them from the ground up. In his first two years they struggled, as he went 13-16 and 12-15, but by his third year he had things turned around. The past three years the Monarchs have posted an impressive 79-25 (.75%) record and has made two NCAA Tournaments in that span, including winning the CAA in 2005. Prior to arriving at Old Dominion, Taylor spent three years as an assistant under Mike Montgomery at Stanford. There he helped guide the Cardinal to an Elite Eight and an 84-14 (.857) record.
Before Stanford, Taylor was the head coach at Montana, taking over for Utah State head coach Stew Morrill when he left for Colorado State. In 7 years at Montana, the Grizzlies went 142-65 (.686) and made the NCAA Tournament twice.
During his 12 years of coaching, Taylor has won 20 or more games 8 times and has only had two losing seasons (his first two at Old Dominion).
Both Blaine Taylor and Jim Boylen are possible candidates for the newly opened Michigan job.
Personally, I really like Taylor, who has won every place he's coached. This guy turned around an Old Dominion team and has strong western ties. The fact he coached under Mike Montgomery doesn't hurt, either.
I'm sure as the week presses on we'll hear even more names mentioned.