Who's the right fit? Is the next coach from a big-school? A mid-major?
Cuonzo Martin of Missouri State: In three seasons, the Bears bench boss turned a cellar-dweller into the Missouri Valley regular-season champions. The Bears lost in the second-round of the NIT this season. The former Purdue University star is known as a great recruiter, even at the mid-major level.
"Let me get a little word on Missouri job - an excellent choice would be Cuonzo Martin of Missouri State," tweeted college basketball analyst Dick Vitale.
Brian Gregory of Dayton: He's taken the Flyers to the NCAA Tournament twice in eight seasons as head coach. Dayton won the NIT championship in 2010.
Shaka Smart of Virginia Commonwealth University: He's led the Rams to the "Sweet 16" in only his second season at VCU. Smart is young, energetic. Mizzou better act fast, his name has been mentioned for several openings, including the University of Tennessee.
Kevin Stallings of Vanderbilt: The St. Louis-area native has led the Commodores to the NCAA Tournament three of the last four seasons. Like Martin, he is also a member of the Gene Keady Purdue coaching tree.
Jon Sunvold: The former Tigers all-American guard has been a color analyst on Mizzou broadcasts. He's a fan favorite, but also has no coaching experience.
Kim Anderson of University of Central Missouri: He played under Norm Stewart at Mizzou. He also on Stewart's staff from 1982-2000. He has since coached at Central Missouri, leading the Mules to two Final Fours and a .746 winning percentage in the Division II ranks.
Change is always challenging. So are expectations. The next coach of the Missouri Tigers better be prepared to win.
"We're not satisfied at where we are," said Alden. "We expect to win at a high level. The expectations are not to be competitive but to win and compete for championships."
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