CHICAGO (AP) -- Hoping to restore a once-proud program, DePaul is prepared to make its next coach one of the richest in the Big East.
Athletic director Jean Lenti Ponsetto said Tuesday that the next coach could have a salary that "would definitely be in the top half and it would be comparably close to the very top" in the conference. It was a big sign that the "little school under the el tracks," as legendary coach Ray Meyer called it, is ready to make a big push after getting knocked around the past few years.
Ponsetto said DePaul is looking at candidates that include current head coaches of "very successful programs." There have been no interviews because coaches the school wants to talk with are participating in the NCAA tournament.
"Somebody would have to leave something really good if we get any of our top several choices," Ponsetto said.
The Blue Demons just completed their third straight losing season, going 8-23 overall and 1-17 in Big East play after failing to win a regular-season conference game the previous year.
"We have a tremendous men's basketball tradition, so there's a history here of the program having been successful," Ponsetto said. "We know how to get into the NCAA tournament."
They've done it 22 times but not since 2004, when they made the second round under Dave Leitao. They've made the NIT twice since then.
Although they dropped their final 13 games this season, they were more competitive under interim coach Tracy Webster, who replaced the fired Jerry Wainwright in January following several blowout losses and will be considered for the job.
Along with what could be a big payday, the lure of leading a storied program in one of the toughest conferences with a fertile recruiting ground right outside the gym's doors is strong. DePaul has two NCAA Final Four appearances and an NIT championship.
It has a long list of star players, from the great George Mikan to Mark Aguirre, Terry Cummings and Rod Strickland.
It has an on-campus practice facility with recently renovated locker rooms and refurbished men's basketball offices. It has chartered planes for Big East road games. And it has strong academics.
"DePaul absolutely has everything it needs to be successful," Ponsetto said.
One thing DePaul doesn't have: An on-campus arena.
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Athletic director Jean Lenti Ponsetto said Tuesday that the next coach could have a salary that "would definitely be in the top half and it would be comparably close to the very top" in the conference. It was a big sign that the "little school under the el tracks," as legendary coach Ray Meyer called it, is ready to make a big push after getting knocked around the past few years.
Ponsetto said DePaul is looking at candidates that include current head coaches of "very successful programs." There have been no interviews because coaches the school wants to talk with are participating in the NCAA tournament.
"Somebody would have to leave something really good if we get any of our top several choices," Ponsetto said.
The Blue Demons just completed their third straight losing season, going 8-23 overall and 1-17 in Big East play after failing to win a regular-season conference game the previous year.
"We have a tremendous men's basketball tradition, so there's a history here of the program having been successful," Ponsetto said. "We know how to get into the NCAA tournament."
They've done it 22 times but not since 2004, when they made the second round under Dave Leitao. They've made the NIT twice since then.
Although they dropped their final 13 games this season, they were more competitive under interim coach Tracy Webster, who replaced the fired Jerry Wainwright in January following several blowout losses and will be considered for the job.
Along with what could be a big payday, the lure of leading a storied program in one of the toughest conferences with a fertile recruiting ground right outside the gym's doors is strong. DePaul has two NCAA Final Four appearances and an NIT championship.
It has a long list of star players, from the great George Mikan to Mark Aguirre, Terry Cummings and Rod Strickland.
It has an on-campus practice facility with recently renovated locker rooms and refurbished men's basketball offices. It has chartered planes for Big East road games. And it has strong academics.
"DePaul absolutely has everything it needs to be successful," Ponsetto said.
One thing DePaul doesn't have: An on-campus arena.
Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...l.coach.ap/index.html?eref=sihp#ixzz0iNdOmULd
Get a free NFL Team Jacket and Tee with SI Subscription