Chris Mack Being Courted By Cal

Mar 17, 2014; Dayton, OH, USA; Xavier Musketeers head coach Chris Mack takes question from the media before practice the day before the first round the NCAA Tournament at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Just when Xavier fans thought their head coach Chris Mack had avoided rumors of his departure for another year, the University of California has come knocking.

After their exit from the NCAA Tournament following their loss in the play-in game Wake Forest University set their sights on luring Mack away from Xavier in hopes he would want to lead the Demon Deacons in the ACC. Mack presumably removed his name from consideration and Wake Forest moved onto Tulsa head coach Danny Manning who took the job.

Thursday has brought the news that the Cal Golden Bears are pursuing none other than Chris Mack. Cal has apparently made Mack their number one target for the departed Mike Montgomery.

CBSSports.com reported that Mack has been offered the job, although a source later told CBS that was not true. What is known is both sides have had discussions. There also seems to be serious interest coming from the Mack camp as well.

Mack has led the Xavier Musketeers to 4 NCAA Tournament appearances in 5 seasons at the helm in Norwood. That also includes two Sweet 16’s. Mack is 111-57 as the head coach at Xavier, he would be replacing Mike Montgomery who went 130-73 during his six seasons as the head coach at California. Montgomery also took the Golden Bears to four NCAA Tournaments, never advancing past the round of 32.

Chris Mack attended St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati as well as Xavier University where he graduated from. It would be hard to make a case for Mack to leave Xavier. The one positive about Cal is the weather is nearly perfect all year, the athletic budget is huge and they play in a power conference.

As more information becomes available RFB will let you know.