Report: Alabama meeting with Avery Johnson

Alabama is reportedly interested in ESPN analyst and former NBA coach Avery Johnson for its head coaching vacancy. The Crimson Tide and Johnson were expected to meet Saturday night.

Alabama is interested in ESPN analyst and former NBA coach Avery Johnson for its head coaching vacancy, reports ESPN's Jeff Goodman. The Crimson Tide and Johnson were expected to meet Saturday night.

Johnson, 50, last coached in the 2012–2013 NBA season with the Brooklyn Nets. He also spent the previous two seasons with the Nets following four seasons from 2004 to 2008 with the Dallas Mavericks. Over his seven NBA seasons, Johnson has a 194–70 record that includes a 23–24 mark in the playoffs.

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[daily_cut.college basketball]Alabama fired head coach Anthony Grant last month after six seasons and a 117–85 record. The Crimson Tide finished 19–15 (8–10 SEC) after losing to Miami in the NIT.

Alabama athletic director Bill Battle pursued Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall and was reportedly ready to offer him more than $3 million, but Marshall elected to remain with the Shockers on a deal worth $3.3 million annually over seven years.

On Sunday, CBSSports.com's Gary Parrish reported that should Johnson receive an offer to become Alabama's coach, he is leaning toward accepting it. Johnson is regarded as the front runner for the position, Parrish reported.

ESPN also reported that Murray State coach Steve Prohm and Louisiana Tech coach Mike White are talking with Alabama.

- Mike Fiammetta