Tony Bennett

[Wolfen1]

Turns down IU.

http://www.wthr.com/global/story.asp?s=8088893

Source: Bennett turns down IU job

Updated: March 30, 2008 05:25 PM MDT

Henry Wofford/Eyewitness Sports

Bloomington - The search for Indiana University's next basketball coach will continue.

Sources tell Eyewitness News that Washington State head coach Tony Bennett had preliminary talks with the Hoosiers on Sunday, but told the school he is not interested in the job. He added that he plans to stay at his current job.

A story posted on ESPN.com Saturday quoted a source saying IU Athletic Director Rick Greenspan wants to have a coach in place by the start of next weekend's Final Four in San Antonio.

Bennett is under contract with Washington State for the next six years and there are at least two other schools interested in hiring him. Both LSU and California are reported as interested in talking with the 38-year-old Bennett, who has made a name for himself in just two years in the Pac-10 Conference.

Last year, Bennett was named the National Coach of the Year after leading the Cougars two the first of two consecutive 25-win seasons, including a Sweet 16 berth in this year's NCAA Tournament. Washington State lost to North Carolina on Thursday night.

Bennett's sister, Kathi, coached the Indiana women's basketball team from 2000-05.

[LaVidaLobo]

Wow, how the mighty have fallen. The IU job is a curse and Bennett could see that a mile a way.