Eddie Jordan has accepted the tough task of rebuilding the controversy-filled Rutgers men’s basketball program, according to a report citing sources close to the New Jersey school.
The Lakers assistant coach and Rutgers alum has agreed in principle to take over the future Big Ten program, nj.com reported, after meeting with school officials Saturday. He will be introduced as Mike Rice’s replacement next week at a press conference.
Rice was fired after video of him abusing players went viral. Athletic director Tim Pernetti, university counsel John Wolf and assistant coach Jimmy Martelli all resigned as part of the fallout.
The Newark Star-Ledger reported the deal isn’t done, but the two sides will meet again today and Jordan is expected to meet with embattled University president Robert Barchi. The report said an announcement could come tomorrow.
Jordan, a Washington product who was on Rutgers’ Final Four team in 1975-76, has coached the NBA’s 76ers, Kings and Wizards, and recently told nj.com: “The only college I would coach would be Rutgers, and I believe it makes complete sense for me to be the next Rutgers coach or to at least be heavily considered.”
On Friday, Hall of Fame New Jersey high school coach Bob Hurley Sr. said he would listen if Rutgers approached him about the opening. That ship seems to have sailed.
Jordan, who was a candidate in Rutgers’ previous two coaching searches and worked as an assistant coach there in the 1980s, has amateur coaching experience.
He coached on the AAU circuit with DC Assault, and a source told The Post on Friday if Jordan got the job, he likely would keep interim head coach David Cox on his staff. Cox has the support of the program’s core players, such as sophomores Myles Mack, Eli Carter, Kadeem Jack and junior Wally Judge.
Star sophomore Myles Mack seemed happy with the hire last night.
He tweeted: “EDDIE JORDAN #Rfamily #AndYouKnowIt.”