Michigan Friday: Beilein Might Lose a Key Assistant

I hope everyone had a great and safe 4th of July!

The news of the holiday was that the Boston Celtics hired Brad Stevens formerly the head coach of Butler.  I think this was a great hire for the Celtics, Brad seems like a great coach and the Celtics are in re-building mode.

The issue for Wolverine fans is that Butler is looking at one of their former players and Michigan assistant coach LaVall Jordon.   ESPN even calls LaVall the front-runner for the position.   Reports are that LaVall interviewed with Butler on Thursday and we should expect a go/no-go decision fairly soon.

So if LaVall leaves, who might fill the role?  Coach Beilein seems to like guys with coaching experience, so I figure he might have his eye on a top assistant around the US.  With that said, I would like to put my vote out for a couple of former Wolverines.

Jimmy King - Jimmy has continued to be around the program for many years and I wonder if he would be interested.   Could be a very good recruiter.

Travis Conlan - Just left U of M as the Director of Basketball Operations to take an assistant coaching job at U of D.  It seems like he would be a no-brainer to come back and this time as an assistant coach.

Zack Novak - There are reports his overseas professional career might be coming to an end because he doesn't like the travel and living abroad.  He knows Beilein system and would be a great mentor to McGary and Spike.   What we don't know is if Zack is more interested in a professional career or coaching.

• There continues to be reports that #1 RB Leonard Fournette is interested in visiting Ann Arbor.  I hope he decides to make that trip but I expect he will eventually end up at LSU.

Enjoy your long holiday weekend!