Alabama athletic director Bill Battle is moving on to other men's basketball coaching candidates after courting Wichita State's Gregg Marshall.
Battle released a statement saying he learned Wednesday night that Marshall had opted to remain at Wichita State. The Crimson Tide is seeking a replacement for Anthony Grant, who was fired on March 15 after making just one NCAA tournament in six seasons.
Terms of Marshall's agreement with Wichita State, which was reached late Wednesday, were not disclosed because the final contract still must be signed. It is expected to be a significant raise from the base salary of $1.85 million that Marshall was making on his previous seven-year rollover contract.
Marshall has led the Shockers to four straight NCAA tournaments, including the 2013 Final Four. Battle traveled to interview him on Monday.
After striking out with his top candidate, Battle says he remains focused on trying ''to get the best person available to lead the Alabama men's basketball program.''
He says that person will be someone ''who understands and values our program.''
