Several names emerged in Colorado State’s coaching search to replace Tim Miles. Among them: Southern Miss’ Larry Eustachy, New Mexico State’s Marvin Menzies and Weber State’s Randy Rahe. (Not to mention New Mexico assistant Craig Neal reportedly getting the job.)
That’s why this report that the Rams have reached a deal with former Oregon coach Ernie Kent is a little surprising. Couldn’t see it coming.
According to CBSSports.com, Kent will be formally introduced on Wednesday or Thursday.
Kent, 57, coached the Ducks from 1997 until his firing in 2010. The Oregon alum was 235-174 in 13 seasons and is the school’s all-time wins leader. He took the Ducks to two Elite Eight s(’03 and ’07), but only won one Pac-10 regular-season title and finished 4th or lower in 10 of those seasons.
He also coached Saint Mary’s for six seasons, going 90-80 with one NCAA tournament berth.
Still, in terms of surprising moves, it’s similar to N.C. State’s hiring of Mark Gottfried last season. Few saw that move coming considering Gottfried had been out of coaching for two seasons. His tenure at Alabama featured more consistency than Kent’s at Oregon, but not by much.
Considering the roster Miles left behind at Colorado State, expect Kent to do well right away. But after that, it’ll be anyone’s guess.
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