NCAA: Amaker will say no to Michigan

By Steve Grove sportsuperstarz.com Columnist

Among the hottest coaching rumors in the offseason, has been the pairing of Tommy Amaker with the Michigan Wolverines. However, according to one Big East official I recently spoke with, Amaker is prepared to turn down Michigan and remain at the University of Seton Hall.

“I am not going into the specifics of any discussion I have had with Tommy,” said the official, who spoke with Sportsuperstarz.com on condition of anonymity. “However, he told me flat out that he is staying at Seton Hall. He told me that he has no interest in the Michigan job and the prospect of a rebuilding job doesn’t really interest him. He said he has put too much time into building his program at Seton Hall.”

Amaker recently led the Pirates to the Big East conference semi-finals and the postseason NIT. However, Alabama 85-79 eliminated them on Tuesday night and the questions about the Michigan job immediately began. The Pirates finished a disappointing 16-14 and 5-11 in conference play, after being ranked in the top ten in both polls at one point in the season.

They had to make it past Rutgers to earn a berth in the Big East tournament, before they made their impressive two-day run. According to the official we spoke with, these are among the biggest reasons Amaker will return.

“He really feels like he has unfinished business here,” he said. “When you are ranked in the top ten and then you back slide like that, it is really cause for concern. He told me that he does not feel like leaving after such a disappointing season would serve anyone well. He also told me that he wants to build a program here, similar to the one he left at Duke.”

Meanwhile, this development would leave the Wolverines without a coach. Michigan fired Brian Ellerbe following their first round elimination from the Big Ten conference tournament to Penn State. The Wolverines finished just 10-18 and 4-12 in conference play.

Their season included embarrassing losses to Northwestern and Duke and according to sources they felt Amaker was the best man to turn around the once powerful program. Michigan officials would not comment on the status of their coaching search.

“He doesn’t feel that it would really be the best fit for him,” said the official. “There is talent for him still at Seton Hall and he really doesn’t think that a move at this juncture would be that smart. Plus, you don’t know what you are getting into when you take over a struggling program. He could be gone in less than two years if he takes that job.”

With indications that their other lead candidate, Rick Pitino, will be taking the Louisville job, where does Michigan next look for a coach? Sources state that they have also contacted Bob Knight, who told them he has no interest in the job. Their list of candidates now includes Iowa’s Steve Alford, South Florida’s Seth Green and Rick Barnes from Texas. Sources state that more candidates could be added to this list over the next week.

Article courtesy of sportsuperstarz.com