KFAN Radio is reporting that sources have confirmed Flip Saunders is the University of Minnesota’s top choice to replace Tubby Smith as men’s basketball coach.
Earlier Friday, KFAN host Dan “The Common Man” Cole tweeted that the deal is all but done:
After consulting several sources, Common is reporting Flip is the next BB coach at the U of M…..
— Dan Cole (@CommonManKFAN) March 29, 2013
In an interview with KFAN’s Dan Barreiro, Saunders said he’s still an NBA analyst and “ex-coach.” But according to KFAN.com, U of M athletics director Norwood Teague is in Indianapolis with Saunders at the Sweet 16. Saunders is there to watch his friend Tom Izzo coach the Michigan State Spartans against Duke.
Earlier this week, Shaka Smart, who was also reportedly on the U’s short list, signed an extension with VCU.
Last night, Fred Hoiberg, who was reportedly offered the Gopher post, signed an extension with Iowa State.
And, of course, that led to some snarky comments in the Twitterverse:
Somehow Flip is going to get a 10-yr contract extension and will not end up the #Gophers coach.
— The Daily Gopher (@TheDailyGopher) March 29, 2013
Just got off the phone with Norwood Teague. I had to turn down the Head Coach job, but I got a raise and an extension. #Gophers #127thchoice
— The•Man From•Okinawa™️ (@jpsanbornmi) March 29, 2013
