Frank Martin Reportedly Close to Taking South Carolina Job

Current Kansas State basketball coach Frank Martin appears to be headed down south for some change in his life. 

According to Colin Dunlap, a host at 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh, Martin will become the new head coach for the South Carolina Gamecocks.

"

Frank Martin will take the South Carolina job tomorrow. Good for him.

— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) March 26, 2012"

The Kansas City Star reported that Martin’s agent, Richard Katz, said “we have had conversations” with South Carolina.

Nothing is set in stone just yet, but it looks as though Martin will embark on a new chapter at South Carolina.  

Jeff Goodman, the senior basketball writer for CBSSports.com, reassured this fact, but also pointed out that something could be finalized soon.

"

Frank Martin to South Carolina is NOT done yet. Could it happen today?Absolutely. However, nothing done yet.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanCBS) March 26, 2012"

This certainly comes as a surprise, considering Kansas State is a much better basketball program than South Carolina and Martin signed a new contract in 2010 that runs through 2015.  

The Wildcats made it to the NCAA Tournament this year, but were thrashed by the No. 1-seeded Syracuse Orange in the second round. 

South Carolina, on the other hand, finished with a 10-21 overall record and just 2-14 in Southeastern Conference play. 

Kansas State was Martin's first head coaching job, and he's led them to the NCAA Tournament all but one year while he's been the main man in charge. 

One could argue that SEC basketball is easier to win in than the Big 12, but playing in the same division against Kentucky, Florida and Tennessee is definitely a daunting task. 

Martin is a very good coach, so there is little doubt he could turn things around for South Carolina, but leaving a good program like Kansas State at this time is rather puzzling.

Money could be a big factor here, so this is something to watch as it unfolds.

Stay tuned right here with Bleacher Report as we'll update you if and when Martin finalizes a deal with South Carolina.