Toole remains at RMU

[Chris Cappella]

Robert Morris head coach Andy Toole was interviewed for the Fordham job today but has reportedly turned down an offer to become their new head coach, per sources and confirmed by the program.

Toole informed his staff yesterday he was traveling to the private school on Long Island for a visit and an interview today. Things got a little weird early in the evening when multiple Fordham writers essentially confirmed that Toole was taking the Fordham job:

"@wfuvsports Robert Morris head coach Andy Toole is nearing a deal to become the new coach at Fordham University , sources tell WFUV."

"@GiveNGobball Signs pointing to Andy Toole being hired as the next Men's Basketball Head Coach at Fordham University, sources tell me."

However, at around 8:30 p.m., Toole told his players he was not accepting the job, per a source. Robert Morris athletic director Craig Coleman confirmed this by releasing a statement on RMUcolonials.com:

"We're thrilled that Andy has decided to remain at RMU," Coleman said. "He has accomplished a great deal with our program, and we have full confidence that he can take our program to even greater heights."

Fordham finished last season 10-21. The Rams have not had a winning season since they went 18-12 in 2007.

This post was edited on 3/27 9:36 PM by Chris Cappella

 

[Carlester]

Hooray!! Awesome news. So fortunate to have Andy at the helm.

 

[ColonialCrazy]

Awesome news!! Go Colonials!

 

[Victory!!!]

Why is the assumption that he is staying? Doesn't that just mean not going to Fordham? Why not GMason or something else that may come up as a result of some other hires?

 

[ColonialCrazy]

That is certainly a possibility. We saw Rice sign an extension and pass on a few jobs, before Rutgers and a massive salary came calling late in the process. So that cant be ruled out Victory.

George Mason is no longer a possibility, as they have hired Dave Paulsen of Bucknell. There aren't any A-10 jobs open at the moment with Archie Miller (Dayton) and Dan Hurley (Rhode Island) signing long extensions. Those two schools could be "poachers" if they were to have their head coach leave for one of the big vacancies, and VCU could lead to some movement if Shake Smart leaves for Texas. i don't think Andy would fit there, but the trickle effect could lead to him.

For now though, all bets are that Toole is back. Here is Toole talking about his decision to stay on The Fan in Pittsburgh, if you missed it: http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2015/03/29/andy-toole-right-move-to-stay-at-rmu/

From talking with him, he is extremely committed to Robert Morris, and maybe even more, extremely comfortable here now. He's only 34 years old, so he is in no rush. Also, he's lived in Pittsburgh now for eight years, three as an assistant under Rice and five as the head coach. It would take a big paycheck and perfect opportunity for Andy to leave at this point, and right now, that doesn't appear to be out there.

Robert Morris is very fortunate to still have him, that's for sure.