Sports

Seton Hall eager to talk to Cornell coach

Seton Hall officials continue to request and conduct interviews this week for the vacant head basketball coach position. But the big one appears as if it will happen next week.

The Big East school, The Post has learned, is waiting in anticipation for Cornell coach Steve Donahue to clear his schedule, so that an off-campus discussion can take place. The Big Red met Kentucky in the Sweet 16 last night in Syracuse, so that would most likely happen early next week. But Seton Hall, a source said, is ready, willing and able to request permission from Cornell to formally speak with Donahue, as soon as it’s possible — meaning, once the Big Red’s season is over.

With the St. John’s position still open, Donahue may play a role there, too.

Meanwhile, according to a source, Siena’s Fran McCaffery, thought of as the Pirates’ leading candidate, appears ready to “dig in” on his negotiations. Seton Hall, another source indicated, would like to pay in the $500,000-550,000 range, but would be willing to go as high as $700,000. McCaffery, who interviewed Tuesday, already makes $500,000 from the Albany school and might not be enthused about leaving a successful MAAC situation for a discounted Big East reclamation project . . . unless it pays.

Iona coach Kevin Willard interviewed yesterday on the South Orange campus. On Wednesday, Robert Morris coach Mike Rice interviewed. Former Pirates forward Adrian Griffin, now an assistant with the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, and Vermont coach Mike Lonergan still remain in the mix.

But it’s clear that the Donahue scenario needs to play out before a final decision is made. Should Donahue stay in the Ivy League — or take another position elsewhere — Seton Hall’s vacancy may end up being a two-man race between McCaffery, who has been to three straight NCAA Tournaments, and Rice, who has been to two straight.

tsullivan@nypost.com