(St. Louis, MO) – There was a time when it looked like a ‘no-brainer’ that Jeff Rutter would become the next head coach at Drake University. The interim head coach had the team playing better, more fast-paced basketball and they were winning some games. Now Rutter is still a candidate for the job, but the university is conducting a ‘national search’ to fill the position.
Jeff Rutter – godrakebulldogs.com
After losing his first three games with ‘interim’ in front of his name, the Bulldogs won six of ten games and were 5-4 in the Valley on January 24th. A nine-game losing streak has followed that flurry of positive activity, and Monday, director of athletics Sandy Hatfield Clubb announced the athletics department will include Rutter in their national search.
“We have initiated a national search for a head men’s basketball coach with an unwavering goal in mind – to develop the competitive program that our University, student-athletes, alumni and loyal supporters deserve,” Hatfield Clubb said. “We are seeking a coach who will develop the Drake men’s basketball program into one that competes for Missouri Valley Conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Our national search already has one strong candidate – our acting head coach Jeff Rutter.”
Drake hasn’t finished higher than seventh place in the Valley race since 2012, and haven’t reached double digits in wins in the past three seasons. The Bulldogs last won the Valley’s regular season title in 2008, but Hatfield Clubb believes Drake can compete at a higher level.
“Drake University and our loyal supporters have invested significantly in its basketball programs and facilities over the past several years,” Hatfield Clubb said. “With this support, advancements in our program such as the Shivers Basketball Practice Facility impact the overall student-athlete experience. Our commitment to investment and growth remains as dedicated and strong as ever.”
Drake (7-23, 5-13) battles Bradley (12-19, 7-11) Thursday night in the opening round of the conference tournament in St. Louis.
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Three more road wins so far in @ValleyHoops as @BradleyUMBB @BelmontMBB & @UIC_MBB capture road wins. Looks like @DrakeBulldogsMB will do so too. #FatherHarry
Well @RacersWBB followed the men's example and swept Iowa in the @ValleyHoops race! Racers are 6-1 & if @BelmontWBB holds on to their Iowa sweep, the Bruins and Racers will be tied for first. What a trip for those two teams! #FatherHarry
After today's action, @EIUWBB is 8-0 in @OVCSports play. 4 teams @usiwbb @TTUWBB @LRTrojans @LindenwoodWBB are tied at 6-2. Six other teams are under .500. Great race to the finish lies ahead. #FatherHarry
Really entertaining game between @BelmontMBB & @UEAthletics_MBB. Under four minutes left in a one point game. Gabriel Pozzato back in the Aces' lineup. Rogers is playing like I've expected. Triples are dropping. It's fun and @kylejpeach bringing it on #ThePlus #FatherHarry
