N.C. State re-starts search for new coach

RALEIGH, N.C., April 12 (UPI) -- Officials at North Carolina State Wednesday went back to square one in their search for a new men's basketball coach.

The ACC school has been rebuffed by its two leading candidates this month, including John Calipari, who decided Monday night to stay at Memphis.

That followed a similar decision by Rick Barnes of Texas.

Various media reports indicated Calipari was offered $2 million a year to come to the Raleigh-based school, and LSU's John Brady and Jay Wright of Villanova may also be considered.

Brady led the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament Final Four this past season. Wright took the Wildcats to the Elite Eight.

ESPN reported Brady would listen if an offer is made.

N.C. State is searching for a replacement for Herb Sendek, who vacated Raleigh for a similar post at Arizona State.

Another possible candidate, Jeff Capel of Virginia Commonwealth, Tuesday took the Oklahoma job.