Former Coach Davis Considered Front-Runner For Idaho Position There’s Mutual Interest As UI Moves To Replace Joe Cravens

Kermit Davis says he’s interested in the vacant Idaho men’s basketball coaching job. Idaho says its interested in Davis.

Bank on an interview in the near future - and following that, possibly a reunion.

“It’s a place that (wife) Betty and I always enjoyed and we stayed in touch with some good friends throughout the state,” said Davis, who was 50-12 from 1989-90 as Idaho’s men’s basketball coach.

One of those good friends is UI interim president Tom Bell. “How can you meet a better guy,” said Davis, an assistant at Utah State, who was a finalist when the Vandals job went to Joe Cravens in 1993.

The search to replace Cravens, who was fired on Monday after three seasons, likely will be expedient and likely will focus on Davis.

Other names that have been mentioned are former Boise State coach Bobby Dye and Sacramento State coach Don Newman, an ex-Vandals standout player.

But sources in Moscow and Utah said Davis already has been contacted by athletic director Pete Liske and Bell.

Liske denied he had talked to Davis, but said he hopes to in the near future.

“I hope he’s interested and available to talk to,” Liske said. “I know Dr. Bell has always had a relationship with Kermit and so have other people in town.”

Davis left Idaho for Texas A&M in 1991, but he resigned under pressure after an 8-21 season. Davis was placed on two years probation by the NCAA for recruiting violations at the College Station school.

“He’s a quality coach who has had his share of problems, paid accordingly and seems to have learned from it, according to the feedback I’ve gotten from everyone,” Liske said.

Idaho isn’t the only school eyeing Davis. He met with Wichita State’s president last week about that school’s coaching position. However, a Wichita newspaper has reported Davis is no longer under consideration. Davis also has spoken with Middle Tennessee State.

It’s also believed that Utah State coach Larry Eustachy, another former Vandals head coach, has been contacted about the USC job. Davis would be considered a front-runner for Utah State’s job if Eustachy departs.

Davis, who turned down Eastern Washington’s coaching job last year, said he’s happy in Utah and delighted with the schooling 8-year-old daughter Allyson is receiving. Allyson has Down’s syndrome.

Liske, ironically, nominated Davis for the job at Wichita State, where the athletic director is former Vandals A.D. Bill Belknap.

Idaho is in a bit of a time pinch because a key recruiting period begins Saturday and the signing date is April 10.

, DataTimes