George Mason Basketball Head Coach Search: Latest News, Speculation on Open Spot
George Mason's firing of head basketball coach Paul Hewitt opened one of the premier mid-major jobs in the country. It appears school brass is looking to rejuvenate the program by targeting a coach with an awfully familiar last name.
Continue for updates.
George Mason Reportedly Finalizing Deal with Dave Paulsen
Monday, March 30
Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reported that "George Mason is finalizing deal to hire Bucknell coach Dave Paulsen, sources tell Yahoo."
Steven Goff of The Washington Post cited multiple sources who have said it's a done deal:
George Mason Target Jay Larranaga Declines to Become Candidate
Friday, March 20
According to sources cited by Wojnarowski, "Celtics assistant Jay Larranaga has declined to become a candidate at George Mason." Wojnarowski's sources noted that Larranaga is "committed to Boston and (his) NBA coaching career."
Wojnarowski reported on March 16 that Larranaga was near the top of George Mason's list for its next head coach. Larranaga, 39, has been a Celtics assistant coach since 2012 and has elevated to the position of lead assistant under Brad Stevens. He has also served as a coach on the Irish and Ukrainian national teams.
Wojnarowski's report indicated the program will emphasize head coaching experience in its search, but may also target Miami assistant Chris Caputo. Caputo served as an assistant coach at George Mason prior to following Jim Larranaga to Miami in 2011.
It seems the athletic department is looking to find someone with tangential ties to the Jim Larranaga era. Larranaga spent 14 seasons as the Patriots head coach from the 1997-98 season to 2010-11. He led the team to five NCAA tournament berths, including a surprising Final Four run in 2006.
George Mason fell out of the national purview under Hewitt, failing to make the tournament in all four of his seasons. The team has gone a combined 20-42 since joining the Atlantic 10.
Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.
