Murray State's Matt McMahon appears to be on the move according to the latest news from CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein. According to reports, McMahon is finalizing a deal to become the next head coach at LSU.
Sources: Murray State's Matt McMahon is finalizing a deal to become the next head coach at LSU. Official announcement expected soon.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 21, 2022
McMahon's hiring stems from LSU's firing of their former head coach Will Wade. Wade was fired after reports surfaced of ‘significant' recruiting violations. Wade is no longer associated with the university, and the head coaching position at LSU had been vacant since March 12th.
Coach McMahon had been with Murray State since 2011, beginning his tenure as an assistant before being named the head coach prior to the 2015 season. During his tenure, McMahon posted a .697 winning percentage (154-67) while capturing 4 conference titles.
Murray State had seen some its most successful seasons under McMahon, including back-to-back NCAA tournament bids in 2018 & 2019. Murray State is also fresh off another NCAA tournament bid in 2022, compiling a 30-3 record while going undefeated in Ohio Valley Conference play. The 30-3 earned the Racers a 7-seed in the 2022 NCAA tournament. McMahon's Racers were upset in the second round by 15-seed Saint Peter's University.
McMahon's most memorable success came when NBA superstar Ja Morant was a member of his Murray State program. Morant was selected #2 overall in the 2019 NBA draft after leading the Racers during their consecutive tournament appearances. McMahon has always been known as a solid recruiter who has been able to maximize his players' talent and help them achieve their best potential.
LSU is certainly hoping McMahon can replicate his success as he transitions from a mid-major to the SEC. LSU as a program is coming off back-to-back NCAA tournaments bids, and Tiger fans are hoping this hiring can propel them beyond the first weekend of the NCAA tournament. LSU had not advanced beyond the second round in either of the past two seasons.
Matt McMahon will be taking over a program that has a cloud hanging over its head. With potential sanctions being placed on the program due to Will Wade's violations, it may be a while before LSU sees results from this hiring. However, if Tiger fans can be patient and trust McMahon's skills as a coach they are likely to be rewarded. McMahon has the talent to succeed at a big time program like LSU. Do not be surprised if LSU is taking the spotlight in future renditions of March Madness.
For more college basketball news, click here.
Follow Us
Subscribe