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New Mexico State alumnus Rob Evans wants Reggie Theus' old coaching job
Coach search
New Mexico State Athletics Director McKinley Boston announced Wednesday he has retained Champ Search to assist in the hiring of a new men's basketball coach. Boston also used the California firm when he hired Reggie Theus in 2005. "I feel confident they will provide us with solid candidates to go along with those I already have in mind," Boston said in the news release. Boston said he plans to interview two internal candidates, assistants Damon Archibald and Chris Pompey.
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An old friend of New Mexico State is putting his name in the hat to replace Reggie Theus as Aggies coach.
Long-time coach and Aggie alumnus Rob Evans told The Tribune on Wednesday he's interested in the NMSU job, a day after Theus bolted for the NBA's Sacramento Kings.
Evans, the former Ole Miss and Arizona State coach, was a member of Lou Henson's "miracle midgets," the Aggies' 1966-67 team that made the NCAA Tournament with no players taller than 6-foot-5. The current Arkansas assistant coach was a Henson assistant from 1969-75. He's also a Hobbs native.
"We'll see if they're interested, and we'll go from there," said Evans, 61. "I've had a lot of people calling me about it last night. It's an interesting and intriguing job."
The Tribune left phone messages Wednesday for Theus and NMSU Athletics Director McKinley Boston.
Theus reportedly accepted a three-year deal with Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof, New Mexico natives, worth $6 million.
Whoever takes over the Aggies will walk into an solid basketball situation molded by Theus, who turned a struggling Aggies squad into an NCAA Tournament team. NMSU, last year's Western Athletic Conference tournament champion, is expected to return seven players from last year's 25-win team while adding high school star Herb Pope.
Evans is a former Southeastern Conference coach of the year who was fired by Arizona State in 2006. His career record is 205-201 in 14 seasons.
The chance to return home attracts Evans to New Mexico, as evidenced by his applying for the University of New Mexico job that went to Steve Alford in March. The Aggies might be a better fit for Evans because of his relationship with the school.
Evans said he's not looking to land a job based solely on connections or ties to a school.
"I feel that I'm suited for many jobs based on the success I've had," Evans said. "I'm not more suited for this job than any other job, though this certainly is a great opportunity. It just opened up, so it will be interesting to see what happens."
Evans said he didn't know of any other candidates for the job, and he said he hasn't been contacted by the school.
It's uncertain whether Boston will hire a proven head coach or follow the formula that landed Theus - target up-and-coming college assistants. Theus was a Louisville assistant before captaining New Mexico State.
