Search gets underway for Idaho’s next men’s basketball coach

University of Idaho athletic director Rob Spear flew to an undisclosed location Wednesday afternoon to begin interviews for the next men’s basketball coach.

Spear said he had four interviews lined up. He was doing his first interview Wednesday evening and expected to conclude sometime Friday. He declined to disclose names of the candidates, saying he was meeting them at a “central location.”

“I’m playing my cards close to the vest here,” Spear said. “I want to protect these guys and do right by them and move as fast as I can to get this thing done.”

It’s believed that former San Diego coach Brad Holland and current Washington State University assistant Matt Woodley are among those being considered to replace George Pfeifer, who was fired Tuesday morning after two seasons. Others who may be considered are Utah State assistant Don Verlin, who interviewed for the job when Pfeifer was hired; Southern California assistant Gib Arnold; Portland State coach Ken Bone; and former Wyoming and current Colorado assistant Steve McClain.

Woodley said Tuesday he’s interested in the Idaho job. McClain declined comment when contacted Wednesday. Holland didn’t return phone calls Tuesday or Wednesday. Verlin sent a text message Wednesday, saying he wouldn’t have a comment until Utah State, which was selected to play in the NIT, was finished.

Spear said he hopes to have the top candidates visit Moscow over the weekend or by early next week.

“If I can get it done early next week, that would be ideal,” Spear said. “We will narrow it down and invite the top candidates in for the final round (of interviews) to make sure they can meet with the president.”

Spear said that high among the criteria for the next coach is someone associated with a winning program.

“I want somebody that has won, that has a winning mentality, somebody that can build a program,” Spear said. “Knowing how to recruit to Moscow is very important, and having an appreciation for the competitive league that we’re in is important.”

Spear said he is putting his evaluation of women’s head coach Mike Divilbiss and his program on hold until a men’s coach is hired.