While UCLA's top two candidates for their head coaching vacancy are believed to be Mark Stevens and Shaka Smart, sources say Mark Gottfried may end up being the eventual hire.
“Mark said he wants it and the boosters want Mark Gottfried,” the source told SNY.tv. “He’s got the support of the boosters.”
Smart is negotiating an extension at VCU, while Stevens is not interested in the exposure the job would bring.
“Shaka and Brad Stevens were their top choices,” the source said. “Neither of them wants it.”
Gottfried is currently the head coach at N.C. State and was an assistant at UCLA for eight years.
Gottfried has a $3.75 million buyout in his contract with N.C. State.