April 23
Three coaching veterans -- Dr. Tom Davis, Dick Bennett and Billy Tubbs -- have new sideline gigs. But people often wonder why former coaches get that urge to roam the sidelines again. Think about all the stress and the tough times involved in the profession.

The bottom line is that coaching is addictive. There's no doubt that if I didn't find a life in television, I would have wanted to be back in that chair coaching. I would have wanted to work with young people, motivating and inspiring. I always loved the X's and O's, trying to get the edge in competition against the opposition.

	Bennett

	Davis

	Tubbs

I got a lucky break because things worked out beautifully with ESPN and ABC. I thank God every day for that. If not, I would have been lost. I remember when I was fired by the Pistons on Nov. 8, 1979.

I had some incredible offers from the corporate world in Detroit. But I thought I'd be miserable if I wasn't around a basketball arena or sporting event.

Some coaches who are forced out or leave the game don't get a break like that. But they have experience, experience, experience -- and sometimes it wins out over youth when new coaching jobs open.

Look at the three recent hirings: Davis at Drake, Bennett at Washington State and Tubbs at Lamar. But why would they want to return to coach at schools that aren't highly visible on the basketball landscape after spending time at the top of the mountain?

Let me tell you, these guys have a drive and desire to succeed. It's still about coaching, leading and teaching. They are in conferences that receive automatic berths to the NCAA Tournament, so they still have a shot at getting fame and notoriety for those schools.

Drake got a tactician as good as any in Davis, the former Iowa coach. He can chalk with the best of them, and he remains in the state of Iowa, shifting to the Missouri Valley Conference. Drake made a great choice, and I'm glad for the opportunity he has to pass his wisdom to the youngsters.

Tubbs couldn't just sit in an office and work as an administrator. He had that urge to battle and recruit, to utilize the experience of working at places like Oklahoma and TCU. Tubbs loved to run and press, and his Lamar players will love his style (though his Southland Conference opponents may not).

In fact, in the NCAA Tournament years ago, Tubbs led Lamar in a prior stint to a win over Detroit and my buddy, Smokey Gaines. Yes, life takes a full cycle sometimes.

Bennett did an amazing job in 2000, leading Wisconsin to the Final Four.

Bennett did an amazing job in 2000, leading Wisconsin to the Final Four. But he resigned voluntarily in November 2000, saying at the time that he was too weary to coach. The Badgers have continued to enjoy success under Bo Ryan.

Well, Bennett got recharged and has the urge to compete again. It won't be easy in Pullman, battling the likes of Arizona, UCLA and Stanford in the Pac-10. Bennett gets the maximum out of his personnel, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of every player. I expect Washington State to control tempo, execute on offense, play solid defense and surprise some people.

It's great to see athletic directors recognizing the experience and hoop knowledge these guys bring to the table. These are three sharp, cagey and wise mentors, baby!