USC Basketball Hires Florida Gulf Coast's Enfield As Head Coach
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USC has completed a deal to make Andy Enfield its new head basketball coach, first reported by Sports Illustrated. Enfield led the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16, the furthest a No. 15 seed has ever advanced in the tournament. (UPDATE: It is a six-year contract, according to ESPN's Andy Katz.)
The run for FGCU became one of March Madness' top stories, an exciting underdog that became known Dunk City after slamming down favored Georgetown and San Diego State.
"In meeting with [athletic director] Pat Haden, I was very impressed with his vision for the men's basketball program," said Enfield in a statement. "I am looking forward to bringing an exciting, up-tempo style of play to USC and building the men's basketball brand into one that the fans and basketball community will enjoy and respect."
Enfield, 43, became a story himself with his previous business success and supermodel wife. As soon as the Eagles were knocked out of the tournament by Florida, USC and Minnesota quickly became suitors for his services. Enfield was previously an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics and Florida State Seminoles before guiding FGCU to a 41-28 record in two seasons as head coach.
"Andy has been successful in every area of his life," said Haden in a statement. "He has a consistent and proven record of success for more than 15 years in college and the NBA."
The Trojans are replacing Bob Cantu, who was 7-9 as USC's interim head coach in replacement of the fired Kevin O'Neill, though it is unclear if Cantu will remain on the staff. Under Enfield, USC's style of play is expected to bring some excitement to Galen Center after a few years of a slower, more deliberate offensive gameplan under O'Neill.
[View the story "USC Hires Andy Enfield From FGCU" on Storify]
USC Hires Andy Enfield From FGCU
Reaction from across the College Basketball landscape.
Storified by James Santelli· Mon, Apr 01 2013 20:53:08
In terms of hire-relative-to-fan-expectations, USC crushed the Bruins. On the court, we'll see.Jon Wilner
#USC basketball signee Roschon Prince of Long Beach Poly --> RT @RO_P1: S/o to SC signing the Florida golf coast coach welcome to LABlair Angulo
Andy Enfield's hiring has had more buzz in the last five minutes than Steve Alford had in the last 3 days.Jim Rome
Enfield's wife and Layla Kiffin might be the most attractive duo in college athletics. #USC #FightOnClaire Atkins
Enfield is an interesting hire, but it's fun and I'm optimistic. He's been in the NBA, plays fun style & has recruited the West coast a bit.Jeff Borzello
I certainly hope USC keeps Bob Cantu, if he chooses to return. Would be silly to cut him loose, on a number of levels.Rich Hammond
Enfield signs a six-year deal at USC. Enfield met with USC Monday a.m. and the deal was done tonight.Andy Katz
I love this hire for USC. Rising star. Fun style. He's been in the NBA and recruited to the ACC. His life didn't start last week, you know?Gary Parrish
Pssst, Coach Enfield: No "basketball monopoly is over" ads.Brian Floyd
USC, give a big welcome to @CoachEnfieldMatthew Barkley
Going to have to take wait + see approach on this hire by Pat Haden. USC started their search w Jamie Dixon. They wound up w Andy Enfield.Jon Rothstein
The NCAA tournament's a lottery for coaching careers.John Gasaway
Bookmark this tweet: Great hire for USC. Willing to gamble on a rising star with an appealing style of play. Good for them.Andy Glockner
Of course hiring Andy Enfield is a bit of a risk. But, I mean, USC went 6-26 one year ago. Why not?Joey Kaufman
I'm with @AndyGlockner on the style contrast b/w run-and-gun Andy Enfield and defensive-minded Steve Alford being a potential asset to USC.Jeff Eisenberg
