re: Possible coaching candidates

Regarding the Texas job, as of this point, nothing definite has been done. All signs point to Barnes quitting\being fired but it hasn't happened yet. It is expected to go down Sunday sometime. Now obviously Texas is not sitting on their hands waiting for things to happen. You know they are feverishly working back channels to try and line up their next coach. Two things: Alabama has a huge head start in these negotiations unless Texas has been planning this for some time. And secondly, I read something that said while Texas could obviously go higher, they weren't interested in spending over $3 million a year on a basketball coach. Reading between the lines a little, I'd say their primary target is Smart, Miller, or Jacobson; a successful mid-major.

Also read on another board that all is quiet so far on the situation but that money is not the issue. The issue for Marshall is whether or not Alabama will support the day to day operations in basketball the same way they do football. Said facilities are not at issue either at this time. Day to day support would include a private jet for recruiting, etc. Now to play devils advocate for a moment, if I'm Marshall and I know the situation, I want some serious reassurances that that is indeed the case from the entire administration simply because Batlle can make those promises all day long but we all know he won't be here long term to see they are carried out.

I wish I knew more. I'm burning up my usual sources trying to find any tidbit of news but it's as quiet as a church on Monday morning.