Rutgers basketball coaching search: Names to know

With Mike Rice's departure in the wake of the release of practice tapes showing abusive behavior, Rutgers is once again searching for a new head basketball coach. Here is Scarlet Nation's first look at what coaches are names to keep an eye on and could possibly emerge as candidates for the position:

David Cox - Associate head coach, Rutgers University

Age - 40

Skinny: Keeping his name on here, but his relationship to Rice era is detrimental. Cox performed admirably during Rice's three-week suspension, leading the team to three non-conference wins while showing poise in media settings. He has a long-time track record as a collegiate assistant and boasts outstanding recruiting ties in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area. One sticking point could be that he has never been a head coach on any college level, but knows this group of players well. Another sticking point, which might be too much to overcome, is that he was on the staff when Rice's behavior took place.

Dr. John Giannini

Age - 50

Skinny - Giannini took over as the head coach at La Salle in 2004 and led the explorers to a sweet 16 birth this year. Prior to that, Giannini held head coaching positions at Maine and Rowan, combining for a career record of 436-287. He holds a doctorate degree in kinesiology and has brought a high-tempo, fast-paced style of play to La Salle.

Steve Masiello - Head coach, Manhattan

Age - 35

Skinny - Masiello was a walk-on for Rick Pitino at the University of Kentucky and served as an assistant to Pitino at Louisville for six seasons. During that time, he built a strong reputation as a recruiter. Rivals.com named him one of the nation's top recruiters in 2007. Is 35-30 as a head coach for the Jaspers. Viewed as a "rising young star" in basketball circles.

Al Skinner - Former head coach, Boston College

Age - 60

Skinny - Skinner was a candidate for the Rutgers job in 2010 following the dismissal of Fred Hill. He achieved success at the helm of Rhode Island and Boston College, reaching nine NCAA tournaments, but has not been a head coach since 2010.