The search continues for Buzz Williams replacement at Marquette. Williams was introduced as Virginia Tech’s new head coach at a Monday news conference.
It was thought last night that Marquette was set to name VCU’s Shaka Smart their next head coach, but day four of the search ended without a deal.
Smart, from Madison, is also being pursued by Wake Forest. Marquette has also spoken with former UCLA and Pittsburgh coach Ben Howland.
Smart took VCU to the 2011 Final Four and is one of the most sought after coaches in the country. He has already turned down job offers in recent years from Illinois, Minnesota and UCLA.
VCU gave Smart an 8-year extension that increased his yearly salary from $350,000 to $1.2-million a year.
He could make substantially more at Marquette. Buzz Williams was set to earn almost $3-million next season.