Morrill and Rupp aren't on Utah's list

The Div. I basketball coaching changes are heating up, with new coaches being named on almost a daily basis.

The latest moves have UTEP coach Billy Gillispie taking the Texas A&M job, former Texas coach Tom Penders being named coach at Houston and ex-Iowa State (and Utah State) coach Larry Eustachy taking the Southern Mississippi job. The latest rumor has Gene Keady leaving Purdue for the University of San Francisco job.

Could Utah be next? Possibly, but a new coach is not likely be to be named until next week at the soonest.

Utah athletic director Chris Hill is being tight-lipped about any possible candidates, but there are a couple of names you can cross off the list — Kerry Rupp and Stew Morrill.

Hill informed interim coach Rupp that he will not stay on as the Ute head man. Rupp had taken over Jan. 29 when longtime coach Rick Majerus suddenly left the team. Many Ute followers didn't expect Rupp to stay on for next year, but when he led the Utes to a 9-4 record, a Mountain West Conference tournament championship and an NCAA tournament appearance, he began to get support from various quarters.

However, Rupp sounded like he wasn't surprised at the decision not to be considered as Majerus' permanent replacement.

"Chris and I talked, and we're on the same page," said Rupp. "I understand completely. He wants to get a coach with more experience."

Rupp also said he never coached with the thought in mind of becoming the permanent coach.

"I never spent a minute worrying about it," he said. "I just tried to do the best job I possibly could and get the players to play their best."

Even though it came under difficult circumstances, Rupp said he enjoyed the experience of the past two months.

"It was a very good experience," he said. "It's something I've learned from that will definitely help me wherever I resurface some time in the future."

So what are Rupp's plans?

He said he wants to continue coaching and would like to get his old job as an assistant coach at Utah back if he can.

"Hopefully I'll land on my feet," he said. "I'd love to be here with the new coach, but it's out of my hands."

Hill has been very complimentary of the "great job" Rupp did in taking over for Majerus but preferred not to comment on his meeting with Rupp this week.

As for any players planning to leave early from the U. program, Rupp said he isn't aware of that happening.