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Top coaches eyeing Arizona job

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It might not seem that way today, but Arizona is going to hire a great basketball coach in about five months. "Judging on calls, guys, this is a great job," UA athletic director Jim Livengood said Friday, less than 24 hours after the retirement of Lute Olson. "This isn't a place where somebody says, 'Oh, if it wasn't in Tucson or if it wasn't the U of A . . . man, I would be interested.' " Yes, Livengood has received inquiry phone calls from people who represent people who coach basketball. No, he didn't want to divulge how many calls or from whom. This will be a process, a long-term process, to find Olson's replacement. Livengood said university President Robert Shelton would be "very involved." Livengood added he would be ready to discuss details of that process soon, perhaps next week. Other than that, what we know is that Russ Pennell will be the interim head coach this season. As with Olson's retirement, consider that another bolt from the blue.

Arizona Republic

Lute Olson, AP Lute Olson, AP

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October 26, 2008  11:00 AM ET
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Why not look? Great school, great program and lots of young hotties there, just make sure you're not married. Mr. Bowden I'm looking in your direction.

October 26, 2008  11:56 AM ET
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You have to look at Arizona. It's a great program, in a great location. Recruiting there will be easy.

October 26, 2008  12:42 PM ET
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Olson picked the coach already "Russ Pennell " his number 1 assistant, retiring weeks before the season started, what else were they going to do. Now all he has to do is be competitive and the job is his. What a friend and mentor Mr. Olson is. I like it.

October 26, 2008  02:53 PM ET
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QUOTE(#4):
Originally posted 12:42 PM ET  10.26 by HES

Olson picked the coach already "Russ Pennell " his number 1 assistant, retiring weeks before the season started, what else were they going to do. Now all he has to do is be competitive and the job is his. What a friend and mentor Mr. Olson is. I like it.

I don't know about Pernell necessarily being tapped for the job. Much like Clemson's AD right now, Arizona can conduct an exclusive search amongst folks not currently employed, or perhaps a well-regarded assistant that doesn't have head coaching responsibilities. But at the very least, Pernell's interim position will him give plenty of free pub for a full-time HC job at a smaller conference school. He's got to keep 'Zona at .500 basketball or better, though.

October 26, 2008  09:16 PM ET
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Bob Knight has been spotted in Tucson

October 26, 2008  09:19 PM ET
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QUOTE(#6):
Originally posted 09:16 PM ET  10.26 by doghockey

Bob Knight has been spotted in Tucson

Dude.....and staring through the fence @ the AZ cheerleaders......as would I. Just sayin'.

October 27, 2008  03:22 AM ET
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Does anyone know how to spell Bill Frieder?

October 27, 2008  12:42 PM ET
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I believe it will take a big name coach to keep up what Lute has done for Arizona.

October 27, 2008  04:51 PM ET
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Calipari or Few would be my guess!

Jesse W.
www.churchofcowherd.com

 
October 29, 2008  07:01 AM ET
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Here comes the General Baby !
As Dickie Vitale would say,Lets introduce Arizonas new coach, Robert Montgomery Knight...

doghockey called it first,
I was just thinking the same thing when I read of the opening and the Generals wanting to return to the game.
This from an IU Hoosiers fan & Bobby Knight fan even now...

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