Hofstra’s Tom Pecora has risen to the top of Fordham’s wish list, and according to a source, it’s just a matter of time before he leaves Hempstead for Rose Hill.
Amidst a flurry of conflicting reports yesterday, the committee in charge of finding the Rams’ next head basketball coach came out with a distinct leader, and it’s Pecora, the Queens Village native who has coached the Pride for nine seasons.
But here’s where it gets tricky. For starters, Pecora — like all of the Rams’ candidates — has yet to formally interview, a process that could happen today. A source told The Post late last night that an offer, worth $705,000 annually, was already being prepared.
Robert Morris’ Mike Rice and Cornell’s Steve Donahue were the other names discussed yesterday by the committee.
Rice, a former Fordham guard who has led the Colonials to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, will interview with Seton Hall today. Donahue, meanwhile, cannot talk with any school until the Big Red are finished with their Sweet 16 run.
Last month, Fordham announced a funding increase to the men’s basketball program. With that proposed offer, it’s clear that the school stayed true to its word. Pecora’s annual salary would place him amongst the highest paid in the Atlantic 10.
Pecora would inherit a program that went 2-26, and didn’t win a conference game. Dereck Whittenburg was fired five games into the season and was replaced by interim Jared Grasso, who won just one game.
“Tom’s proven he can win, he’s proven he can get players from this area to stay home, and Fordham has seen enough in his body of work,” a Division I coach said. “The Colonial Athletic Association is not an easy place to succeed in, and he made Hofstra a player in that league.”
Meanwhile, Rice is believed to be a good fit with Seton Hall, as he has a strong relationship with several New Jersey high school coaches — including Bob and Dan Hurley — and has already been an assistant coach in the Big East with Pitt.