Basketball search ongoing for Mercer (barry hinson)

[ORUalum]

Basketball search ongoing for Mercer

By Michael A. Lough

(excerpt)

As reported Tuesday, two coaches have been interviewed by Mercer: former Oklahoma assistant Bob Hoffman and ex-Missouri State head coach Barry Hinson.

Hoffman was the first to interview, visiting Macon last week. Hoffman is currently the head coach of the Rio Grande Valley (Texas) Vipers of the NBA Development League.

Hinson, let go after going 169-117 in nine years at Missouri State, gave Mercer a look on Monday.

...

A message was left at the Missouri State basketball office for Hinson, who apparently flew in and out of Macon on Monday.

Hinson's name has also cropped up in the search at Detroit, James Madison and Rice, schools in higher-profile leagues (Horizon, Colonial Athletic Association and Conference USA) than the A-Sun.

He was among the lowest-paid head coaches in the Missouri Valley Conference and received a settlement for about $150,000. His overall compensation package has been reported at about $200,000, some coming from outside sources.

Slonaker got a raise when Mercer won the A-Sun's regular season title in 2002-03 when his contract was extended. That bump, as well as yearly increases, pulled him from the bottom of the A-Sun and into six figures.

Hinson's attractiveness is boosted by MSU's academic reputation under his reign. Only three players who completed their eligibility have failed to graduate, and one is back in school to finish.

http://www.macon.com/170/story/298514.html

[MoState417]

Word is Barry turned down this job. Smart move on his part IMO. Barry can get a better job then this and Mercer has had talks about moving down to DII. Not the place he needs to be.