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NBA: Top 10 Coaching Candidates

By Aaron Ferguson

Apr 1, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Bennett talks to an official from the bench against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 57-28. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Bennett talks to an official from the bench against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 57-28. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Tony Bennett

Teams Coached: None
Career Record: 0-0
Postseason(s) and Record: 0 appearances, 0-0

Tony Bennett has done a fine job coaching at the college ranks. In three seasons as Washington State’s head coach, he took the Cougars to two NCAA tournaments, including a Sweet 16 in 2008, and a NIT appearance.

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    • Moving on to the University of Virginia, Bennett has led the Cavaliers to four NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Elite 8 this year, and one NIT birth in seven seasons.

    Bennett, 46, has a lifetime record of 234-105 (.690) in 10 seasons at the two schools combined. His last three seasons as UVa head coach have yielded two 30-win seasons and a 29-win season. Bennett coached ACC Player of the Year Malcolm Brogdon.

    If Bennett were to leave, now might be a good time to do it. Arguably the best player he has coached (Brogdon) is graduating, though he recruited Klay Thompson to Washington State he never coached him, and he has had an incredible three years, compiling 89 wins.

    Bennett’s name hasn’t been mentioned in any head coaching searches. However, ESPN did say he was a top name that popped up among insiders who felt he’d make a successful NBA coach.

    Next: Honorable Mention