Larry Brown decision expected

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SMU is expected to have a decision from Larry Brown over the next few days on whether or not he wants to be the school's next men's basketball coach, sources said.

Brown reiterated to ESPN.com on Monday night that he had a good interview Sunday with SMU, but declined further comment.

Meanwhile, multiple sources have confirmed that SMU has pursued a coach-in-waiting scenario for the 71-year-old Hall of Famer, should he agree to coach the Mustangs. The job has been vacant since SMU fired Matt Doherty last month after six seasons.

But UNC-Wilmington coach Buzz Peterson told ESPN.com there was no truth to a report he would go with Brown to SMU.

Marquette assistant Tony Benford was approached through his representative to gauge his interest in a $500,000 coach-in-waiting opportunity, even after he was one of the finalists SMU interviewed Saturday, another source said.

But Benford is a finalist for the vacant North Texas opening, now that former Mean Green coach Johnny Jones has gone to LSU. Benford has strong Texas ties from his time recruiting for New Mexico, Nebraska and Arizona State, as well as playing at Texas Tech.

Another source said Brown has looked at possibly hiring former Illinois assistant Jerence Howard. But a source connected to Howard said no deal is done.

Andy Katz is a senior college basketball writer for ESPN.com.

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Andy Katz | email

Senior Writer, ESPN.com

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• Senior college basketball writer for ESPN.com
• 22 years covering college basketball, including on TV
• Former president of U.S. Basketball Writers Association