OXFORD | Andy Kennedy, per sources, will announce -- on Monday afternoon during a 3 p.m. press conference -- that he will step down as Ole Miss head coach at the end of the current season. Kennedy, who is the winningest head coach in program history, is the longest tenured basketball coach in the Southeastern Conference and guided Ole Miss to more 20-win seasons than the program had prior to his tenure.
Kennedy's teams advanced to two NCAA Tournaments, winning a game each time.
Here's a very early list of potential candidates to fill the position. The current names are in alphabetical order.
JOE DOOLEY - FLORIDA GULF COAST HEAD COACH
Why it makes sense: He's won at Florida Gulf Coast and has support from several basketball-centric alums.
Why it doesn’t make sense: He will likely have multiple options this offseason, as most expect a good amount of turnover in the coaching industry.
Bottom line: He's probably one to watch.
STEVE FORBES - EAST TENNESSEE STATE HEAD COACH
Why it makes sense: Forbes is one of the hottest coaches in the country, as East Tennessee has won 16 straight games and is a threat to make the second weekend of the NCAA tournament.
Why it doesn’t make sense: Forbes has NCAA baggage in the form on a one-year show cause after his time on Bruce Pearl's staff at Tennessee.
Bottom line: One source said Ole Miss won't touch Forbes because of the NCAA issues. Another believes he's the favorite to land the job.
