Candidates to Replace Rick Ray as Mississippi State Head Coach

Mar 22, 2013; Austin, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Ben Howland during the first half of the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at the Frank Erwin Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Howland

The Former UCLA Bruins head coach is one of fan-favorites for who will replace Rick Ray as the Mississippi State Basketball head coach. Howland is one of the best coaches who is not currently in a coaching position.

During his 10-year tenure as head coach of the UCLA Bruins, Howland amassed a record of 233-107 (.685). This record included three straight NCAA Men’s Final Four appearances from 2006-2008.

Before his time at UCLA, Howland was Head Coach of the Pittsburgh Panthers program where he reached a record of 89-40 (.690). During his tenure at Pittsburgh, he won the Naismith National Coach of the Year award. The Naismith Award is given to the best men’s basketball head coach in the NCAA.

Howland will give instant credibility to the Mississippi State program with recruits. Using his experience of multiple trips to the NCAA Men’s Final Four, Howland would be able to give the Bulldogs guidance into tournament contention. Now this contention could take a year or two, but we should see instant results with Howland at the helm.