While Georgia fans are likely still basking in the glory of the football program’s national championship, things are in a state of disarray on the hardwood. Following a 6-26 season, the Bulldogs parted ways with Tom Crean after four seasons with the program. So, who will the Dawgs bring in to right the ship?
One name that has already proven to be a lightning rod for conversation as the search gets underway is Rick Pitino. While the Hall of Fame coach’s accolades on the court make for a compelling resumé—two national titles and seven Final Four appearances—it’s his off-the-court issues that could keep him from being considered for the opening.
After he was ousted at Louisville in the midst of a corruption scandal, Pitino coached overseas for two seasons before returning to college basketball at Iona. The 69-year-old coach brought the Gaels to the NCAA Tournament a year ago but may miss out on the big dance this season after falling to Rider in the MAAC Tournament’s opening round.
Despite his controversial past, college basketball analyst DeShaun Tate joined Sam & Greg on 92.9 The Game and expressed that hiring Pitino would be the best way to jumpstart a struggling program.
“There’s only one way to go. If you want to be competitive, you want to keep these kids at home and you’re tired of it, you’re fed up, you’re not just looking forward to Georgia on the gridiron and you actually say, ‘we want to say that we are in contention to be considered the best two-sport program in the country,’ then you do what you’re supposed to do. You ante up, you pay the top dollar and you go get Rick Pitino from Iona. For me, it’s just that simple.”
Paul Finebaum recently shared his opinion that Pitino will not be considered at UGA, a sentiment echoed by The Athletic’s Seth Emerson.
Tate also mentioned Providence’s Ed Cooley as another target for Georgia. DawgNation has listed former UGA player and current Xavier assistant Jonas Hayes, Cleveland State’s Dennis Gates and several others as potential candidates.