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Utah athletic director Chris Hill says there is nothing new to report in his coaching search to replace men's basketball coach Jim Boylen. However, there seems to be plenty going on behind the scenes.
Saint Mary's coach Randy Bennett's name continues to be linked to the job as a possible candidate, with some media reports stating the Utes and Bennett were in contract negotiations.
However, sources have told The Tribune that those reports are inaccurate.
Bennett is an often-pursued coach for openings thanks to his solid record at Saint Mary's, where he has coached the last 10 years.
The Gaels have enjoyed 25-plus win seasons the last four years and have been to the postseason five times (NCAA in 2005, 2008, 2010 and NIT in 2009, 2011).
Over the last four years, Saint Mary's is 106-29.
The Gaels lost to Kent State 71-70 in the NIT last week to finish 25-9.
His contract runs through 2020, according to school officials.
BYU coach Dave Rose is thought to be high on the Utes' list as well.
In addition, a source says former Alabama coach Mark Gottfried has indicated he would like to be the man tabbed to rebuild Utah's basketball program.
Gottfried declined to comment on the situation when contacted by The Tribune on Tuesday.
Gottfried resigned during his 11th season as Alabama's coach in 2009 with a record of 210-131 overall and 83-82 in the SEC.
The Tide made five straight NCAA Tournament appearances starting in 2002 but missed the NCAA Tournament in 2007 and 2008.
Gottfried signed a $1 million contract with the Tide in 2005 through 2011. He was given a $2.2 million buyout according to the Birmingham News.
Hill has refused to put a timeline on when he plans to fill the coaching vacancy.
Hill fired Boylen two days after the Utes lost to San Diego State in the MWC Tournament, completing a second straight losing season.