In the event Utah’s Rick Majerus proves too rich or too controversial for their blood, Notre Dame officials are working to prepare a list of candidates as possible successors to coach John MacLeod, who resigned this week.
Notre Dame is expected to explore discussions with Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, Florida’s Billy Donovan and Skip Prosser of Xavier. The next tier of interest would involve Mike Brey of Delaware and Paul Hewitt of Siena, promising if less established head coaches at the mid-major level. Brey and Hewitt took their teams to the NCAA tournament this season.
The opening is said to have attracted the interest of Fran Fraschilla, the former St. John’s coach who is believed to be a candidate for the opening at San Diego State, and John Calipari, whose job with the New Jersey Nets is in jeopardy. There has been no indication that the interest is mutual.
Former Bulls player John Paxson, a Notre Dame graduate, is seen as lacking experience in several areas–particularly recruiting–considered essential to an Irish resurgence.
Preliminary communication through intermediaries could establish whether Notre Dame can accommodate Majerus’ financial position and personal style. His total income, which has been estimated at $1 million per year, may be double the size of the package Notre Dame can offer.