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Gonzaga's Next Coach? Key Candidates Emerge
24 Jul
Summary
- Longtime assistant Jorge Sanz is leaving Gonzaga for North Carolina.
- Wayne Tinkle, a former coach with Spokane ties, is a prime candidate.
- Experience in international recruiting is a top priority for Gonzaga.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are facing a significant coaching change as longtime assistant Jorge Sanz announced his departure on Thursday. Sanz is reportedly heading to North Carolina to join Michael Malone's staff.
His departure leaves a void, particularly in international recruiting and basketball analytics, areas where he excelled. Gonzaga is now actively seeking a replacement with less than four months until the 2026-27 season begins.
Several candidates are being considered to fill the open position. Wayne Tinkle, a former head coach at Oregon State with deep ties to Spokane, is a strong contender. His daughter also played for Gonzaga.
Other potential candidates include former Zag Eric McClellan, who brings extensive international playing experience, and Bryce Douglas, an assistant at Seattle University with experience in scouting and analytics.
Gary Bell Jr., a former Gonzaga player and current associate head coach, is also a possibility, as are internal candidates like Kurt Bambauer or Que Johnson. Even former players in other Division 1 programs are being eyed.
