Tim Floyd, Billy Gillispie Reportedly Candidates At Houston, UTEP

UTEP and Houston are used to battling for every rebound and hustling to outscore each other on the court.

Now, their biggest battle could be off the court to decide will be the next head coach for their respective men’s basketball teams.

The Houston Chronicle and Fort Worth Star-Telegram say both Tim Floyd and Billy Gillispie have met with Houston Athletic Director Mack Rhoades in order to gauge mutual interest. Reports indicate Gillispie might be the favorite for Houston, while Floyd might be the favorite at UTEP.

But there are still plenty of other coaches out there that might get the job at UTEP.

Miner fans can cross one name off UTEP’s coaching search list and add another one fans here are familiar with.

Sam Houston State’s Bob Marlin, reportedly a candidate for the vacant UTEP men’s basketball job, has accepted an offer to coach at the University of Louisiana.

One new name that has popped up on the coaching search list for UTEP is a name Miner fans are familiar with. A source tells ABC-7 former New Mexico State coach Reggie Theus has contacted UTEP.

Theus is currently an assistant for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

ABC-7 has been told about some other candidates taht could get an interview, including Michigan assistant and former Penn State Coach Jerry Dunn, along with Texas A&M assistant Scott Sinelli.

Former NMSU player and assistant Rob Evans and Marquette assistant Tony Benford continue to be mentioned as possible candidates for the job.