According to ESPN’s Jay Bilas, UNC head coach Bill Guthridge will step down tomorrow as head coach. In many ways I will be sad to see this happen. I admit to being one of the many critics last season, and still proudly post my articles from then (See February articles). However, UNC loses in that it loses one of the few true gentlemen in sports. Gut not only dressed to impress, he also kept a cool demeanor about him with the public. While I was critical of certain coaching aspects over the last three seasons, I never attacked Gut the man. He is, and will always be, a model of a gentleman to which we all can aspire. I wish Gut the happiest in retirement!

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Now all of a sudden, the longest running debate in the history of The University falls into our laps on the eve of a major holiday. Maybe the timing was planned, but there is some business to tend: who succeeds Dean Smith/Bill Guthridge? Here are some of the primary candidates: Roy Williams: Williams took the “underground railroad” from UNC to Kansas after Larry Brown left in 1988. Williams has held the as one of the great programs out there, though has stumbled recently. Williams would be a perfect fit, as he would continue the tradition of the “family” in Chapel Hill.

Larry Brown: It is well documented that Brown and prima donna Allen Iverson don’t get along. In the end, Iverson sells tickets, Brown doesn’t. The timing would be perfect for one of Dean’s favorite former players and assistant coaches to come to the roost, however Brown has plenty of dirt on his record. Forever a journeyman, could Brown stay at UNC long? Brown is approaching 60, so how many more years of coaching does he have anyway? Brown infuriated plenty in the Old North State when he recruited Danny Manning out of Greensboro to Kansas by offering his father an assistant coaching job. The worst stain on Brown’s record, though, is the slew of NCAA sanctions imposed, which led to his departure from Kansas. UNC faithful have much pride in a clean program, and don’t want to risk any funny business.

Phil Ford: Ford is Dean’s favorite former player, and possible person on the planet. Two recent DWI convictions, however, leave him handcuffed from recruiting, and on shaky ground with alumni. Ford is the only strong black candidate mentioned by many, and it is unfortunate that he has had trouble with the law, as his race is a complete non-factor with everyone involved.

George Karl: Karl may be the best coach to ever wear the Tar Heel uniform. His success in the Pros mirrors Smith’s for years at UNC: his team is always in the hunt. Karl would KILL for the job, but that may be the rub. Karl’s temper is well documented. His experience with college-aged players is not, so it begs the question,”Could he have the same success at the college level?” Put Karl in the mix, but not at the very top.

Matt Doherty: Matt left the Roy Williams roost last season to coach Notre Dame, and had a fantastic season. Even though UNC is presumably Doherty’s dream job, the timing is completely wrong from him to be the #1 candidate.

Jeff Lebo: Jeff is in his second?? Season at Middle Tennessee Eastern State Central University. Lebo is doing well at that level, but his WAY down the list with limited coaching experience at the top level.

Buzz Peterson: It was to be a meeting of teacher and student. Appalachian State opens its new arena this December against the Heels. Now neither Peterson nor Gut will be on the sidelines. Who knew? Peterson is doing well coaching, but probably is on down the list as well.

Eddie Fogler: Fogler had a nice run at Vandy, but his overwhelming troubles fielding a competitor at S. Carolina bring serious questions about his ability.

John Thompson: Now this is a stretch, I admit. Thompson and Smith are quite close; and let’s not fool ourselves, Smith will have the major say in who is the next coach. Thompson will return to coaching, the question is,”When?” He interviewed with the L.A. Clippers, but the situation wasn’t right. Well, that shows that he isn’t insane! Thompson, however, has little to none popularity with most alumni.

Dana McCall: I’ll take it! With 4 years of experience coaching 10, 11, and 12 year olds, I am quite ready to coach at the top level. My criminal record is clean, and I am willing to put down the drill and enjoy a long happy career sailing the mighty blue ship. I promise 40 minutes of in-your-face full-court trapping defense, and back door picks that would make Princeton look stupid…All that coupled with student seating surrounding the court. And NO MORE BAGGY SHORTS! Yeah. My press conference is set for next Friday afternoon, unless my wife makes me mow the yard instead.

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Whatever happens I wish the best for Gut, and will never stop thanking him for leaving the cupboard full.