Following the Cougars’ ouster from NCAA tournament and coach Tom Penders’ subsequent resignation, speculation is ramping up regarding athletic director Mack Rhoades search for Penders’ replacement.  Since becoming Houston’s AD in June, Rhoades has hired a new golf coach and a new volleyball coach for the school, but replacing the UH men’s basketball coach will be a different sort of challenge altogether. 

Whoever takes the job must be prepared to work with a substandard arena and exceedingly poor fan attendance.  Despite the Cougars’ 2010 Conference USA championship, UH’s next head coach will have his work cut out for him.  So who is on Rhoades’ short list?

The majority of the swirling rumors surrounding the job center on four candidates.

Billy Clyde Gillispie  

Gillispie has been rumored to be Houston’s next head coach for nearly a year.  He proved he can recruit and win big in the state of Texas at UTEP and Texas A&M, but an aborted stint at Kentucky, a refusal to sign a contract, and off-the-court issues with alcohol halted his meteoric career path.  Is Gillispie interested in another rehab project to rebuild his reputation?  Is he up to the challenges at UH?  Mack Rhoades, who worked with Gillispie at UTEP, is sure to ask.

Pros: 

• Program revival specialist
• Proven winner and recruiter in Texas and Conference USA
• Splashy hire sure to make news across the state

Cons:

• Unlikely to stick around for long
• Doesn’t work cheap
• Concerns remain regarding alcohol problems

Bob Marlin

Sam Houston State University’s coach used to be the region’s best kept secret.  A pair of trips to the NCAA tournament have put an end to Marlin’s anonymity.  Coaching out of the Southland Conference, Marlin is used to achieving results with limited resources, and he is a respected teacher of the game.  Might UH provide a step up in competition and compensation that Marlin finds intriguing?

Pros:

• Excellent X&Os coach
• NCAA Tournament experience
• Accustomed to coaching on a budget

Cons:

• No major program experience
• Taking interviews with Auburn, UTEP, and others

John Lucas:

The former Rockets guard and NBA head coach has reportedly sought an interview for the UH job.  Lucas has been involved with youth basketball in Houston for decades and has impressed enough people to build a fine career as a head coach and assistant in the NBA.  Houston would be Lucas’ first job in college basketball, and almost certainly the first he has shown interest in.

Pros:

• NBA coaching experience
• Wealth of local recruiting contacts
• Excellent mentoring skills

Cons:

• No college coaching experience
• Unimpressive win-loss record as head coach

Chris Walker

Villanova assistant Chris Walker’s name has been rumored as a potential hire, and it’s easy to see why.  Quality assistants at winning programs are always in demand to coaching vacancies.  Walker has proven himself to be a solid recruiter who feels ready for the next step, traits that described UH football coach Kevin Sumlin two years ago.  Considering how that hire turned out, Rhoades may be inclined to give Walker a shot to prove himself.

Pros:

• Experienced recruiter in a well-run program
• Fits the profile of Rhoades’ previous coaching hires at UH
• Ambitious and hungry

Cons:

• No head coaching experience
• Won’t have Villanova’s resources at Houston