Coach Smith says he has no desire to leave Minnesota

GREENSBORO

Minnesota's Tubby Smith, whose name has been linked to the coaching vacancy at Virginia, said Wednesday he's not interested in pursuing other jobs.

"I have a job. I have a great job. We're enjoying Minnesota," Smith said at the Greensboro Coliseum as his team prepared to play Texas tonight in the NCAA tournament. "We have no reason to be looking at anything else."

Smith's name has surfaced as a candidate to replace former Virginia coach Dave Leitao, who resigned Monday. Smith didn't mention Virginia specifically. He was responding to a question about how he handles being mentioned for other jobs while preparing his team for the tournament.

"It certainly is flattering sometimes, but it can be a distraction," Smith said, while adding that it's "good to be wanted.

"But it's more important to be needed. I feel like I'm not only wanted in Minnesota but needed."

Many Virginia fans would argue that Smith is needed in Charlottesville. Leitao's final team finished 10-18, the program's worst showing in decades. Smith, whose name was also mentioned when Leitao was hired four years ago, has emerged as sort of a dream candidate for many Cavaliers fans.

Smith won a national title at Kentucky in 1998. He's in the second year of a seven-year contract at Minnesota. He makes a reported $1.75 million a year, with incentives that could push his annual pay close to $3 million. His contract buyout declines over time and is reported to be in the $2 million range at the moment. Virginia is paying Leitao a $2.1 million settlement.

Smith joked that there's one job he is interested in. High Point, his alma mater, is also looking for a coach.

"I've got a lot of interest in that vacant job," he said. "You know, I have three sons who are now in the coaching business."

Ed Miller, (757) 446-2372, ed.miller@pilotonline.com