Mike McConathy, one of the nicest and most underappreciated coaches you will ever know, is trying to move up in the world. McConathy, the head basketball coach at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, has applied for the job as head basketball coach at the University of Iowa.
The Daily Iowan, the University of Iowa's student newspaper, is reporting that McConathy applied for the job, which had been held by Steve Alford, last Friday. I spoke with the coach personally and he does not deny the report. McConathy rose to national prominence last March when his Demons upset Iowa 64-63 in the first round of the NCAA tournament. So, obviously the athletic administration at Iowa is familiar with his work.
McConathy, who is from Bossier City, was the head coach at Bossier Parish Community College for thirteen seasons before getting his Division 1 break at Northwestern. He has made the most of it, as almost everyone who knows him expected. He has led the Demons to two NCAA tournament berths and has won two tournament games. That's impressive, coming out of the tiny Southland Conference.
It is with mixed emotion, I'm sure, that people who know McConathy wish him luck in his effort to advance his career. If he is going to make a bold move into, say, the Big Ten, this is the right time to do it. Iowa should seriously consider his candidacy. If he leaves NSU, and it may not be likely that he will, he has constructed an outstanding program. If he stays another year or two then the school, the team, the conference and those who have known Mike for all these years will benefit from having him around a while longer.
Sphere: Related Content
No comments:
Post a Comment