What Really Happened at Cuse? What’s happening at UNC? #SearchSZN

The Spaces analyzed the latest turns in the college basketball coaching carousel and NIL-driven power dynamics. The host (Curry Hicks Sage) recapped the show’s origins and highlighted Ben McCollum’s validation after upsetting Florida and reaching the Sweet 16 with Iowa. The centerpiece was Syracuse: Jerry McNamara is effectively the choice, but only after a stealth, full-court push for Saint Louis coach Josh Schertz that came within hours of happening before SLU countered with an unprecedented NIL/commitment package to retain him. Discussion widened to UNC’s potential transition (true targets would be Billy Donovan, Tommy Lloyd, and Dusty May; Nate Oats’ interest is real but mutual interest is unclear), Boston College’s NIL ceiling limiting its search, and rumors around LSU. Listeners joined to probe Syracuse factional dynamics, Florida’s loss to Iowa, and whether well-funded mid-majors now outclass low high-major jobs. Macro takeaways stressed that NIL is reshaping job quality and realignment logic, with proposals for resource-aligned conferences and reduced D-I footprint. The session closed by eyeing possible future moves at Kansas and other openings (USF, Charlotte) and the growing premium on places that reduce fundraising burdens for coaches.

Space overview and context

• Host: Curry Hicks Sage (Search Season/“Burning Stage” podcast)
• Format: Open conversation on ongoing college basketball coaching searches, NIL economics, and tournament-driven domino effects. Call-in contributors included Justin, Holden, Ryan (Florida fan), and Miles.
• Housekeeping: Curry recapped the show’s origin (2022 UMass coaching search chronicling) and the Search Season Coach of the Year lineage (first recipient: Ben McCollum; then Dusty May; Josh Schertz; Eric Olen). He promoted the long-form Burning Stage coach interviews and his subscription model (ad-free, no gambling sponsors).

Headline: Syracuse’s hire of Jerry McNamara amid a late, aggressive push for Josh Schertz

Timeline and process

• New Syracuse AD was effectively at work just before formal announcement. He quickly switched search firms and started a fresh, tight-lipped process.
• For much of the week, external tea leaves pointed to “in-family” Jerry McNamara (GMAC). Yet the true holdup, per Curry’s sources, was a stealth full-court press for Saint Louis head coach Josh Schertz.
• The pursuit intensified between the end of the A‑10 tournament and the start of the NCAA tournament, continued through Syracuse’s week, and by the Michigan–Saint Louis game tip, Schertz felt “all but Syracuse bound,” according to Curry’s sourcing.

The Saint Louis counter and its implications

• Overnight, Saint Louis countered with what Curry characterized as an almost unprecedented financial/organizational commitment for a mid-major in the NIL era. He framed it as a “coup” that flipped the decision in the “11th hour.”
• Curry’s assessment: In the short term, SLU has effectively positioned itself as a “Gonzaga of the Midwest/East.” He emphasized SLU’s market advantages (no football, strong local support, arena consistently filled, corporate money in a sizable media market).
• NIL context offered by Curry: SLU’s 2025 season was roughly $3–4M; Michigan’s was in the $13–15M range, illustrating the talent-aggregation gap that turned in Michigan’s favor. SLU’s donors/trustees, seeing the Michigan game, needed little convincing that NIL is the decisive lever now.
• Retention reality: Curry believes SLU can fend off many suitors now, but not the true blue-blood tier (UNC, Kansas, Michigan State) if those open.

Why Syracuse landed on McNamara (and skipped Kyle Smith late)

• Once Schertz stayed put, Curry believes institutional pressure to finalize with GMAC surged (chancellor alignment, “keep it in the family” messaging, and the optics of moving on quickly after a near-miss on Schertz).
• Kyle Smith (Stanford) had been back-channeled as a potential contingency; Tony Skinn was contacted earlier in the process. But the dynamics—new AD, the Beheim family legacy, local media pressure, intra-campus politics—made GMAC the clean, fast close.
• Per Curry, Syracuse NIL figures discussed with multiple candidates were in the 7–9M range. He argues that’s mid-ACC and viable if executed well.
• Leak management: Some frustration existed in GMAC’s camp about the timing of leaks before everything was fully signed, but Curry assesses the deal as effectively done.

Hodson and narrative hygiene

• Bryan Hodgson was materially part of Syracuse chatter pre-new AD and while Providence developed. Curry’s certainty on whether a formal Syracuse offer occurred has vacillated; he now leans uncertain/agnostic.
• Meta note: Curry admonished sources who mislead; he’s open about revising takes when new facts emerge.

Broader dominoes and ongoing predictions

• Hits Curry cites: Hodgson to Providence; GMAC to Syracuse; Scott Cross to Georgia Tech. He still leans Randy Bennett to Arizona State.
• Boston College: Curry calls BC’s NIL posture an indictment; AD is reportedly candid that NIL won’t materially improve. Names with some traction: Luke Murray; John Becker (Vermont); “Conquer” (unclear reference); an early interest in Eric Olen (New Mexico) cooled due to NIL realities. Curry doubts LeVell Moton/Larranaga-type options and is skeptical of a high-upside outcome if NIL stays anemic.

LSU whispers and source calibration

• Curry referenced Dick “Hoops” Weiss hinting LSU could open. Curry previously repeated a source’s claim that LSU wouldn’t open due to buyout constraints; he now questions that source’s reliability and concedes Weiss could be right.
• Connected clarity: Curry now reasserts his longstanding view that Nate Oats would covet UNC (and likely Michigan State) if those hypotheticals materialize.

UNC succession watch: governance, board, and candidates

Governance and optics

• UNC has an incoming AD officially starting June 1; Bob Cunningham (outgoing) didn’t hire Hubert Davis (was a Roy Williams decision). UNC must choreograph possible transitions amid recent institutional PR wounds (the “Belichick” saga), Roy’s influence, and Hubert’s status.

Candidate board (Curry’s read)

• Billy Donovan (NBA) — Curry hears NBA folks think he may leave the pros this year. UNC has the budget and brand to make a compelling run.
• Tommy Lloyd (Arizona) — Buyout rumored around $11M per Curry’s DM intake (UNC wouldn’t blink at ~$10–$15M for the right guy). Question: appetite to pay very large buyouts and the comparative NIL/booster edge over Duke.
• Dusty May (Michigan) — Curry expects multiple NBA suitors, notes Michigan’s ability to match or exceed most offers if they truly want to keep him. If he wins a title, his market spikes further.
• Less likely: Todd Golden (Florida) due to a recent loss and a lingering PR shadow (see next section). TJ Otzelberger’s preferences and personality (Midwestern, low-glitz) don’t fit UNC’s 24/7 stage in Curry’s view.
• Curry cautions against reading “Carolina family” lists planted with long shots; he views a Sporting News list heavy on NC ties (e.g., King Rice, Wes Miller) as misdirection.

Duke vs UNC resource delta (as relayed by Curry’s contacts)

• Duke’s donor base includes mega-donors capable of cutting huge checks at will; UNC’s wealth is more diffuse (land, coastal assets) and less liquid for NIL. Curry also hears Duke players are landing more national ad NIL opportunities than UNC’s at present.

Todd Golden: allegations, adjudication, and PR calculus

• Curry relayed his own deep due diligence on the Title IX-alleged “horny online” behavior that later appeared in a student paper a year after he was approached with it. His conclusions:
  • No criminal conduct was alleged; a university Title IX process reviewed it pre-2024 season and did not lead to removal or sanctions preventing him from coaching.
  • He believes Florida would have acted (and saved buyout money) if cause existed when Golden’s results were still modest.
  • Nonetheless, he admits the optics remain a PR risk, especially for brand-sensitive UNC post-Belichick situation.
• Performance context: A Gator caller (Ryan) recapped the Iowa loss endgame (Florida considered fouling Josh Dix/Sturtz on a late possession but couldn’t execute; corner three sank them). Curry credited McCollum for out-scheming a more talented roster and called Golden a very good coach who embraces the “heel” persona.

Ben McCollum’s arc and validation

• Curry reminded listeners he spotlighted McCollum early (as the inaugural Search Season COY from his Division II days). Narrative per Curry:
  • McCollum spent years winning national titles at Northwest Missouri State, then moved to Drake, and has now led Iowa to the Sweet 16, beating a 1-seed Florida. Curry views this as confirmation of his early read.
  • He lauded McCollum’s late-game scheme and execution, highlighting NIL/talent/resource gaps he overcame. While Curry would hire McCollum broadly, he doubts UNC would leap for someone two years removed from DII.

USF, Charlotte, and other openings

• South Florida: Following Hodgson’s departure to Providence, Curry praised USF’s mature handling and expects a strong hire. Names floated:
  • Pettway (Kennesaw State) — natural connections via Amir Abdur-Rahim lineage and SEC ties.
  • Takayo Siddle; Bob Richey — both mentioned by folks Curry heard from.
  • AAC context: Even with NIL second/third in the league, it’s become a one-bid conference; 21–10 can be a tough sell upward.
• UNC Charlotte: Curry hasn’t gone deep on names; asked listeners to DM for follow-up.
• Cincinnati: Curry predicts “Calhoun to Cincinnati” imminent (following Arizona loss)

Kansas: if Bill Self ever retires

• Early season chatter had Jacque Vaughn as a natural successor (strong interest, pro pedigree, true buy-in to the craft). Curry thinks KU’s NIL/booster strength lets the coach focus on coaching.
• External names if they go beyond alumni: Todd Golden, TJ Otzelberger, Grant McCasland, Scott Drew, Ryan Odom were mentioned in brainstorming. Curry notes Scott Drew’s results feel diminished in the NIL era. He also noted McCasland’s injury-riddled roster this postseason complicates optics.
• Big theme: Many top coaches increasingly prioritize programs where NIL is predictable so they can coach, not constantly fundraise.

Macro: The NIL era is reshaping the map (mid-majors vs low high-majors)

Curry’s thesis

• We’re seeing well-funded mid-majors (SLU, VCU, Dayton, High Point) outbid or out-perform lower-resourced high-majors (Penn State, BC) when NIL is aligned. Smart coaches will think twice about moving “up” to low-NIL high-majors.
• Curry floated a disruptive idea: resource-aligned schools (e.g., High Point, Charleston, others truly spending) should form their own performance-based consortium or mini-conference to raise schedules/NCAA profile—rather than dominating leagues with peers spending a fraction. He foresees eventual D1 contraction.
• A‑10 stratification example: VCU/Dayton/GW spending real money vs. Fordham/La Salle closer to $1M. He compared SLU’s new stance favorably to Big East programs (Creighton/Villanova), benefited by no football.
• High Point case study: a modern, amenities-forward campus brand + ~$2.5M NIL = real national exposure (beating Wisconsin, pushing Arkansas). Curry argued the ROI in earned media is massive.
• Funding mechanisms and ethics: Curry cited a conversation about a private entity “buying” an athletics operation (outsourcing, akin to third-party dining/bookstore models) to juice NIL and drive conference elevation/TV-rights revenue. He’s ambivalent—fascinated by the mechanics yet uneasy about exposing undergrads wholesale to market forces.

Call-in contributions and host responses

• Justin
  • Asked whether Syracuse factions (new AD/chancellor vs old guard) were aligned.
  • Curry’s view: They gave the AD real latitude to chase Schertz; when SLU countered, institutional gravity favored the in-family GMAC close. He would prefer Schertz or Kyle Smith on pure resume, but respects the internal pressures and Jerry’s on-court audition.
  • They also discussed Dennis Gates (Mizzou): buyout reportedly massive (~$20M) limits options; keep and reassess with a strong recruiting class.
• Holden
  • Pressed whether UNC should consider Todd Golden; asked about a rumored $15M buyout. Curry: Even $15M is surmountable for a 20-year hire, but he expects UNC to be extremely buttoned-up after recent PR wounds and to avoid any candidate carrying reputational risk.
• Ryan (Florida alum, at the game)
  • Described a home-game feel vs Iowa, last-possession foul intentions that weren’t executed, and admiration for McCollum. Curry agreed UF had a talent edge and still got out-schemed.
• Miles
  • Asked whether better-resourced mid-majors increasingly trump low high-majors. Curry: Yes; cited Rhodes’s VCU→Penn State move as shortsighted in today’s NIL, and predicts more Schertz-like retention wins. He flagged Siena trying to spend (~$1M) but constrained institutionally; a DM tipped that Richmond is likely increasing spend.

Key takeaways

• Syracuse will finalize Jerry McNamara; the real story was a near Schertz coup that died when Saint Louis delivered an extraordinary, late-breaking NIL/commitment package.
• SLU’s move is a watershed for mid-majors in the NIL era; expectations there should be sky high next season.
• UNC watch: governance and optics are complex; the realistic board feels like Billy Donovan, Tommy Lloyd (~$11M buyout), and Dusty May (plus potential NBA overtures). Todd Golden is less likely given optics; TJ Otzelberger is a style fit mismatch.
• LSU: don’t dismiss talk of an opening; Curry is re-evaluating earlier “no buyout money” input.
• Boston College: NIL posture likely caps the search at mid-tier outcomes (Luke Murray, John Becker, etc.). Curry calls the current stance a self-sabotage for competitiveness.
• Predicted/imminent moves: Calhoun to Cincinnati soon; USF likely to land a capable successor (Pettway a logical fit). Randy Bennett to Arizona State still trending.
• Macro: Resource alignment trumps labels. Coaches increasingly prefer programs where NIL is strong and stable; some mid-majors are becoming better jobs than low high-majors.

Notable data points and corrections (as stated in the Space)

• Syracuse NIL discussed with candidates in the ~7–9M range.
• Tommy Lloyd’s Arizona buyout: DMed to Curry as ~$11M (UNC could stomach that).
• Nate Oats: from Wisconsin, coached HS in Michigan; reportedly hasn’t signed Alabama extension due to buyout triggers and is hyper-competitive with eyes on UNC/MSU caliber jobs.
• Curry’s source-set recalibration: Admitted some prior LSU/UNC Oats-related claims from a source were likely wrong; committed to ongoing transparency.

What to watch next

• Formal announcement and terms for Jerry McNamara at Syracuse; any explicit NIL commitments.
• Saint Louis roster/portal/tampering dynamics after the retention splash; implications for A‑10 competitiveness.
• UNC internal choreography: Hubert’s status, timing given AD transition, and discreet outreach to Donovan/Lloyd/May.
• LSU decision point and downstream moves.
• USF and UNC Charlotte candidate lists hardening.
• Big-picture: Whether other mid-majors emulate SLU’s model, and whether any “consortium”/realignment momentum surfaces among heavy-spending non-power programs.