ESPN Blog: Fran strong candidate for UNT job

Cooley · April 24, 2012

His son at OU is already talking to the Globetrotters. I was speaking of his younger son at HP.

Harry · April 24, 2012

His son at OU is already talking to the Globetrotters. I was speaking of his younger son at HP.

My mistake - here's his rivals profile:

ntmeangreen11 · April 24, 2012

Count me in favor as well, solid hire all around. The coaches we have in place are impressive to say the least compared to what we had in place in 2000, we have come a long way and this will be another hire we can impress people with.

With all three schools(SMU, TCU, UNT) hiring new coaches it's imperative that we strike first and get in to the NCAA tourney and win a game or two this season, it would go a long way with recruits in the area to be the only metroplex team in the tourney. I just hope if we get in our OOC showing will be strong enough to net us a 12 seed or higher, that seems unrealistic though.

Harry · April 24, 2012

If Fran is hired, it would be cool if he could convince SMU to play us this year or maybe just an exhibition game. I'd be down for having it at Moody...shorter drive for me. I imagine that he might get some interesting teams and tournaments on the schedule given his contacts etc... his connections couldn't hurt.

Green Mean · April 24, 2012

Based on what I've been reading on this board looks like Fran will be the guy. I'm more than happy if this is the case.

meangreenfan65 · April 24, 2012

Last Stop: I hope RV is making the right decision?

1999–2000

New Mexico

18–14

9–5

3rd

NIT Second Round

2000–2001

New Mexico

21–13

6–8

T-5th

NIT Quarterfinal

2001–2002

New Mexico

16–14

6–8

6th

NIT First Round

Army of Dad · April 24, 2012

Are we sure? Do we know where Craig James is, What about how those hookers were killed?

Nobody knows where the five dead hookers are. Even then, Craig James is small time compared to Don Vito.

Green Crazy · April 24, 2012

Got to hang out with a few of the basketball players after the spring game over at my house. Not going to drop names but those three that were there all said they were 100 percent sure that they were staying. And they also did say they were Team Fran all the way as am I and as we all should be.

GMG

Are they black?

Army of Dad · April 24, 2012

I do not want to play horse with that dude.

Me neither, but I would love to see him play against Bird and Jordan

Green P1 · April 24, 2012

Are they black?

meangreenfan65 · April 24, 2012

I think there are pros and cons to hire 3 candidates. Fran (head coach exp) yes, but his last stop at New Mexico was not that impressive. Benford (no head coach exp), but high upside. Forrest (no head coach exp), but knows the players, very well. I think RV will make the best choice. Interesting hire!

Harry · April 24, 2012

I think there are pros and cons to hire 3 candidates. Fran (head coach exp) yes, but his last stop at New Mexico was not that impressive. Benford (no head coach exp), but high upside. Forrest (no head coach exp), but knows the players, very well. I think RV will make the best choice. Interesting hire!

Good post. On the outside you would think Fran is a slam dunk but it sounds like Benford is making a strong run.

Mean Green Scrappy · April 24, 2012

This is really starting to wear on me... I am losing too much sleep lately. I need to hear there is a press conference and soon!

unt_rocket09 · April 24, 2012

Im with you...I want this to be over!

GoMeanGreen1999 · April 24, 2012

A couple of really interesting lines from story:

* Multiple sources said Jones has endorsed Fraschilla for the job.

* North Texas is on the verge of possibly moving to Conference USA, according to multiple sources.

* Mitchell could still declare for the NBA draft by Sunday's deadline. Sources said Mitchell is waiting to see who gets the head coaching job before making a decision.

I guess the endorcement of our former winning coach along with Fran's head coaching experience couldn't overcome a guy with neither.