Colleges

South Alabama coach draws USF's attention

The Bulls can talk with John Pelphrey about their basketball coaching vacancy.

By GREG AUMAN
Published March 20, 2007

TAMPA - In his first known move directed at an up-and-coming basketball coach, USF athletic director Doug Woolard has contacted the University of South Alabama for permission to speak with coach John Pelphrey.

Pelphrey, 38, who spent eight years working under Florida coach Billy Donovan, has a 44-19 record in the past two seasons with the Jaguars. He could not be reached for comment, but South Alabama athletic director Joe Gottfried confirmed Monday that Woolard had called over the weekend.

Pelphrey played at Kentucky under coach Rick Pitino from 1988-92 and had his No. 34 jersey retired by the Wildcats. He is the most established of Donovan's former assistants, with an 80-69 record in four seasons in Mobile. After a 24-7 record and an NCAA Tournament berth last season, South Alabama went 20-12 this season, losing Wednesday to Syracuse in the first round of the NIT.

Woolard, who is not commenting on prospective candidates, is seeking a replacement for Robert McCullum, who was fired March 9 after four seasons, including a 4-28 record in two seasons of Big East play.

Former coaches such as Mike Jarvis and George "Tick" Price have expressed interest in the job, but the only other candidate whom Woolard has reportedly requested permission to speak with is Connecticut associate head coach Tom Moore, an assistant under Jim Calhoun for 13 seasons.

Other unconfirmed candidates who are interested in the Bulls opening, according to recent online reports, include former Virginia coach Pete Gillen and George Washington coach Karl Hobbs.

[Last modified March 20, 2007, 01:20:31]