Giacoletti not going to Northern Illinois

Gonzaga men’s basketball assistant coach Ray Giacoletti has withdrawn his name from consideration for the head coaching job at Northern Illinois University, The Spokesman-Review has learned.

Giacoletti and Purdue assistant Paul Lusk were finalists for the job, sources indicated. Northern Illinois, a Mid-American Conference school located in DeKalb, is replacing Ricardo Patton, who was fired after compiling a 35-83 record in four seasons. Other candidates included Indiana assistant Tim Buckley and Michigan State assistant Mark Montgomery, according to the Daily Chronicle in DeKalb.

Giacoletti appeared to be the first choice for the job, according to a report Tuesday afternoon on ESPN.com’s Rumor Central. Giacoletti pulled his name from consideration later Tuesday.

Giacoletti has been with the Bulldogs for four seasons. Prior to joining GU’s staff, Giacoletti was a head coach for 10 years at three schools. He posted winning records at North Dakota State (1998-2000), Eastern Washington (2001-04) and Utah (2005-07).

Giacoletti is a native of Peoria, Ill, which is about 120 miles south of DeKalb.