Wardle's assistants are solid. I don't think BW will be offered but what coach wouldn't dream of returning to the school he played for?
I know reports have Wardle in the mix but I would be surprised if he landed the job. I think he does a good job for GB but he did take over a team coming off of back to back 22 win seasons so it isn't a case of doing a total rebuild. Wardle seems to be a good recruiter, good skill developer and good at implementing his style of ball. I think GB is lucky to have him. Yet Marquette with their budget can really afford to go out and get a bigger name if they want to. I think they will explore the obvious names like Bennett, Marshall, Smart, Miller and Howland. I think Wardle is in the back up category or in the lets take care of our own guy and build him up in the media so he gets more from his current school or another stepping stone up the ladder with a different school.
If GB is unable to keep Wardle then I here is a long list of guys to throw out there.
The lesser know guys:
Brian Barone: Keeps things together and seems like a bright mind. Not sure about his personality as he keeps a low profile.
Jimmy Foster: Keeps things together and is becoming a more vocal coach, I am impressed by his growth in GB.
Gary G from Norbert's: Obvious connection and he is successful. D1 is a different animal though.
Pat Miller from Whitewater: Successful to say the least. Not sure if that goes to D1 or not.
Drew Diener: Same boat as Gary G.
High Profile Assistants:
Kevin Keatts, Louisville: An up and comer who comes from a brand of hoops that fans will like. Might be expensive and holding out for more options.
Jerrance Howard, Kansas: Is a high profile recruiting, especially in Illinois, not sure about his x and o's.
Dwayne Stephens, Michigan State: They are always good and he has been there awhile. They have had some coaching flameouts though.
Lesser known assistants:
TJ Otzelberger, Washington: Is from Milwaukee and recruited WI well with Iowa State. Has a decade of bench experience.
Pat Baldwin, Northwestern: Was at GB for a bit, not sure how solid he is but he recruits Illinois and seemed like he had his stuff together.
Dane Fife, Michigan State: Did fairly well at IPFW and they had nothing to work with. GB has a good base, maybe he needs a new opportunity.
Larry Davis, Cincinnatti: They play a style like GB plays now. He has experience and maybe it is time to step out on his own.
The Retreads:
Jerry Wainwright, Marquette: Knows the area now after being at DePaul and MU. Has a good rep as a coach but bad rep as a lazy recruiter.
Norm Roberts, Kansas: Didn't do that well at St. John's but has a good pedigree.
Dave Leitao, Missouri: Former head guy at DePaul and Virginia. Has worked the region, has experience and is defensive minded.
Ritchie McKay, Virginia: Has a lot of stops as a head coach. Working under a guy in Tony B. that fans in GB would appreciate the connection.
Melvin Watkins, Arkansas: A name I have dropped before. Has experience but seems to be content being a #2 at a BCS school.
Kirk Speraw, Iowa: Is from the Midwest and had a long run at UCF with some success. Not a flashy hire but a guy who probably holds the line in GB and wouldn't be a flame out.
Darrin Horn, TV: Former head guy at South Carolina and Western Kentucky. He is from the Crean coaching tree. Not a regional guy but had success at WKU.
Chris Lowery, Kansas State: Did well at first with SIU and then bombed out. Not sure what happened but when they were good they recruited regional guys and played defense.
Off the radar of most:
Terry Porter, NBA: Probably a long shot but he is from the Bennett tree and isn't getting a head job in the NBA anytime soon. Maybe a career change is in order.
Steve Forbes, Wichita State: He was wrapped up in the Pearl stuff at Tenn. but WSU and Tenn. play fun basketball. Maybe it is time for him to get his break.
Calbert Cheaney, St. Louis: NBA pedigree, works the Midwest and comes from a team that plays defense.
Tanner Bronson, St. Louis: He is an assistant coach at a good program and he did it quickly. I would guess he knows what he is doing and might be a future head guy...get in early on him??