(St. Louis, MO) – There was a time when it looked like a ‘no-brainer’ that Jeff Rutter would become the next head coach at Drake University. The interim head coach had the team playing better, more fast-paced basketball and they were winning some games. Now Rutter is still a candidate for the job, but the university is conducting a ‘national search’ to fill the position.
Jeff Rutter – godrakebulldogs.com
After losing his first three games with ‘interim’ in front of his name, the Bulldogs won six of ten games and were 5-4 in the Valley on January 24th. A nine-game losing streak has followed that flurry of positive activity, and Monday, director of athletics Sandy Hatfield Clubb announced the athletics department will include Rutter in their national search.
“We have initiated a national search for a head men’s basketball coach with an unwavering goal in mind – to develop the competitive program that our University, student-athletes, alumni and loyal supporters deserve,” Hatfield Clubb said. “We are seeking a coach who will develop the Drake men’s basketball program into one that competes for Missouri Valley Conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Our national search already has one strong candidate – our acting head coach Jeff Rutter.”
Drake hasn’t finished higher than seventh place in the Valley race since 2012, and haven’t reached double digits in wins in the past three seasons. The Bulldogs last won the Valley’s regular season title in 2008, but Hatfield Clubb believes Drake can compete at a higher level.
“Drake University and our loyal supporters have invested significantly in its basketball programs and facilities over the past several years,” Hatfield Clubb said. “With this support, advancements in our program such as the Shivers Basketball Practice Facility impact the overall student-athlete experience. Our commitment to investment and growth remains as dedicated and strong as ever.”
Drake (7-23, 5-13) battles Bradley (12-19, 7-11) Thursday night in the opening round of the conference tournament in St. Louis.
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As we near the closing of the portal window, we've reached 1900. Some of them never to play college basketball again, earn a college degree and some to play at a much lower level than they did last season.
I guess we'll be seeing this in a @RacersHoops uniform this year. Glad AJ is staying in the @ValleyHoops.
