Who should be South Carolina's next basketball coach

The University of South Carolina is in the market for a new men's basketball coach with the news of Frank Martin's firing.

The move ends a decade where Martin went 171-147, but made just one NCAA tournament appearance and did not win a conference title. He finishes as the third-winningest coach in program history.

LINK: Martin out as USC coach

Last year Martin kept his job due in large part to outside influence and the school having to pay a massive buyout of former football coach Will Muschamp. The Board of Trustees at the time had concerns paying two massive buyouts.

You can read a more in-depth look at that below.

LINK: Martin saga leaves USC with egg on its face

Martin's contract was reworked to be much friendlier for the school, which was reported in April by WLTX.

The big takeaway was if he was fired after April 1, 2022, the buyout wouldn't exceed $3 million. That is on top of his $3.3 million salary from the season.

Now, athletic director Ray Tanner has another big hire to make. One of the biggest issues that plagued Martin's tenure was lackluster offense and poor recruiting, so look for candidates to all have a solid background in offense and being strong recruiters. 

Also, a younger coach.

We will use KenPom's offensive efficiancy ratings as a barometer to judge offenses. For context, South Carolina ranked 200th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency, and 32nd in defensive efficiancy.

LINK: KenPom offensive efficiency

Mike Boynton, Oklahoma State

The 39-year-old Gamecock alum was an assistant under Martin from 2008-2013. Since taking over in Stillwater, the Cowboys have improved since a down second season. The 2020-2021 season was his best season, making the NCAA tournament and have the program's first winning record in the Big 12 since 2012-13. 

Would be a popular move with the fanbase, and he can sell he was a key part of the staff that signed Sindarius Thornwell, the key cog in the program's Final Four run. 

This year though has not gone smoothly, with a 15-15 record and a 170 ranking in adjusted offensive efficiency. His defense though was sixth.

Carolina would have to open the pocket book to exceed his $3 million/year contract. Martin's contract called for a $3.3 million salary.

Boynton would also be the first African-American head coach of the program.

Niko Medved, Colorado State

The 48-year old helped stabalize a struggling Furman program before leaving after the 2016-17 season to improve the Colorado State program. Medved has one of the most efficient offenses in the country. He also has experience working with less than top-flight talent and getting the most out of it. 

Ranked 20th in the country in offense and 25-5 overall, a move for Medved may be the most challenging rebuild in his young career. 

Also, while is offense is ranked in the top 20, his defense is 83rd. Still, scoring 80-90 points a game potentially, while maybe losing, is a more fun brand of basketball than losing with a total in the 60s, at least for the first season or two. 

Medved is currently making a little over $700k per year, so Tanner could double that and still come out ahead of what he was paying Martin. 

Darian Devries, Drake

The 46-year old shares something in common with another on this list, Bob Richey; he took over for Medved, and has won 20-plus games every season. Devries led Drake to its first NCAA tournament appearance last year since 2008. 

Ranked 77th in the country in offense and 93rd on defense. Drake also has a 24-10 record on the year. 

Carolina wouldn't have to break the bank on this hire with Devries currently making less than $500k per year, so this move financially makes sense. And if he does well and other schools coming calling, you can at least remain competitive at the negotiation table, at least for a little while. 

Drew Valentine, Loyola-Chicago

At 25-7, the 30-year old as Loyola-Chicago in a good place in the Missouri Valley in his first season. More telling is the 42nd ranking in offense. 

Valentine would be a high risk, high reward hire, with not much of a resume to go on as a head coach. Still, financially wouldn't break the bank, is young and likely has connections in the talent rich Chicago area.

The offense ranks 42nd and and defense is 22nd.

Earl Grant, Boston College

Grant, 44, is in his first year at BC as he tries to stabalize a program that hasn't won 20 games in a season since 2010-2011. A North Charleston, SC, native, Grant made his name leading College of Charleston for seven seasons and amassing a 127-89 record.

His time at Charleston was highlighted by a the 2018 year where the Cougars won a conference title and made the NCAA tournament. 

The Eagles struggled this year, going 13-20 and are 159th in offense and 126th on defense. Much like Devries, a friendly contract with Grant reportedly making $650k per year.

Bob Richey, Furman

The 38-year old actually took over for Medved at Furman and has continued the success, winning 20-plus games in his first three seasons. They are 22-12 this season.

The offense is 22nd in the country, but it would be a huge jump in competition from the Southern Conference. The defense is 177th.

Richey may have the most price-friendly contract of all the coaches on this list, making a reported $200k per year. 

Eric Henderson, South Dakota State

Henderson is in his third year as head coach, and the group is 30-4. He started strong with a 22-10 inagural season, and has maintained a double-digit wins each season. 

Henderson's team is guided by offense, ranked 12th in the country. But his defense is near the bottom at 220. Does Carolina want to do a complete trade in from Martin's defense-first philosophy?

With a base salary of $275,000, Carolina could make an enticing offer while not having to exceed the $1 million mark if it chooses to. 

Dustin Kerns, Appalachian State

Another young coach, Kearns has bounced around the southeast outside a four-year stint as an assistant at Santa Clara.

This is likely a name down on the list, with a team at 19-14 but an offense only marginally more efficient (199th) than South Carolina, and a defense way worse at 124th.

It may be difficult selling a Clemson graduate as the head coach to the fans, but with him currently making $300k/year, it may be a steal. This is likely the last phone call you make.