Parker: Reports unfounded on new LSU basketball coach

• By RANDY ROSETTA AND JORDAN BLUM
• Advocate staff writer
• Published: Apr 3, 2008 - Page: 1C - UPDATED: 12:22 a.m.

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LSU’s search for a new men’s basketball coach is lurching toward a conclusion, but no decision has been made and no agreement is in place with anyone at this point, according to the head of the search firm.

Dan Parker, the executive officer of Parker Search Firm, slammed the brakes on any notion that the search is already wrapped up. Parker’s firm is overseeing the school’s hunt.

Various national media outlets reported Wednesday that Massachusetts coach Travis Ford is expected to be named the new LSU coach, perhaps as early as the end of this week.

Not so, according to Parker, who insisted the “search has not officially begun.”

“Absolutely not,” Parker adamantly said about the national media reports. “We’ve been in touch with a number of candidates from around the country.

“I won’t comment specifically on him.”

One reason the reports might lack credibility is the fact Ford and the Minutemen are still playing. They meet Ohio State in the championship game of the NIT at 6 p.m. today.

Parker said there would be no contact with coaches still involved in their current season. He did say there would be interviews this weekend at the Final Four in San Antonio.

Who does those interviews might be decided today.

LSU’s search for a new athletic director is also winding down, with four finalists interviewed late Wednesday. Parker, whose firm also assisted in that search, said he expects the new AD to be in place quickly and then head to San Antonio for the interview process with the coaches Parker has targeted.

“We’re waiting on the new athletic director to be named, then we’ll engage with him,” Parker said. “There have been no interviews, but we have made some phone calls. LSU wants it to be an inclusive search.”

Parker also said there is no lead candidate.

Not that Ford doesn’t figure to be in the mix if he wants to be.