UMass expects to name Ford
Backing of Pitino seen as a factor
The University of Massachusetts is expected to announce the hiring of Eastern Kentucky's Travis Ford as its new men's basketball coach at a press conference this afternoon, sources involved in the process said yesterday.
Ford and his wife, Heather, met with UMass officials in Amherst yesterday to finalize the deal
Ford, 35, led Eastern Kentucky to a school-record 22 wins this season and its first NCAA Tournament bid since 1979. Ford became the focus of the search to replace Steve Lappas, who was fired last week, after initial discussions with former Notre Dame and North Carolina coach Matt Doherty did not evolve as some at UMass had hoped.
UMass athletic director John McCutcheon had made head coaching experience a prerequisite for the job. With that in mind, UMass contacted Manhattan coach Bobby Gonzalez and Kent State coach Jim Christian. But the X factor was the influence of Louisville coach (and UMass alumnus) Rick Pitino.
Ford played for Pitino at the University of Kentucky and Pitino watched with pride as Ford followed a path similar to Billy Donovan, who played for Pitino at Providence, started his head coaching career at Marshall, and moved to the University of Florida.
"I think it's a great fit," said Pitino yesterday, upon hearing that the deal with Ford was close. "Travis will do a great job there."
As for a lack of connection with UMass or the Northeast, Pitino said Ford's staff was Northeast-based and that another assistant coach with Northeast ties would be added.
"He's a lot like Billy Donovan," said Pitino, who was in Albuquerque preparing for his team's regional semifinal game tonight against Washington. "Travis can recruit a kid from Alaska. I think he'll do a terrific job."
