Villanova’s Baker Dunleavy will be Quinnipiac’s head basketball coach

It was only a matter of time until Villanova Wildcats associate head coach Baker Dunleavy was running his own program, and that time is now. Dunleavy will soon be announced as the head basketball coach of the Quinnipiac Bobcats.

The move has independently been confirmed by WTNH’s John Pierson in New Haven, CT and ESPN.

Rumors began last week that Dunleavy was at or near the top of the list for the Quinnpiac job, with final interviews to follow shortly after. With the April live recruiting period just around the corner, we all expected this process to move quickly and now the Bobcats have their man.

This will be a good experience for Dunleavy, who’s already gaining support as an eventual replacement for Jay Wright whenever he decides to hang up the suit or move on. Dunleavy getting this experience will prepare him more to be a candidate for the gig down the road.

Keep an eye out for how Dunleavy builds his staff at Quinnipiac — it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him take a person he trusts with him as an assistant coach. George Halcovage or Mike Nardi would be ideal candidates for the opportunity.

As for Villanova, they have at least one vacancy on the bench, and maybe more. Given the success that the staff has had the last few years I’d put my money on bumps for Ashley Howard and Kyle Neptune while Wright backfills other roles on the staff possibly with Nardi or Halcovage.

We’ll have a post coming shortly with a list of options, but in the meantime congrats to Baker on the new gig!

Tuesday Update: Quinnipiac makes it official.