NCAAM teams
Jeff Goodman, ESPN Insider 9y

Grading every head-coaching hire

Insider Men's College Basketball, Mississippi State Bulldogs, Pennsylvania Quakers, Illinois-Chicago Flames, Charlotte 49ers, Texas Longhorns, Tennessee Volunteers, Holy Cross Crusaders, Bradley Braves, St. John's Red Storm, San Diego Toreros, Fordham Rams, East Tennessee State Buccaneers, Utah Valley State Wolverines, Nevada Wolf Pack, Alabama Crimson Tide, Virginia Commonwealth Rams, The Citadel Bulldogs, DePaul Blue Demons, George Mason Patriots, Liberty Flames, SIU-Edwardsville Cougars, Utah State Aggies, Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans, Eastern Kentucky Colonels, Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, Northern Kentucky Norse, Buffalo Bulls, Arizona State Sun Devils, Florida Gators, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

With all 38 vacancies now filled in college basketball, Jeff Goodman gives his assessment of each hire, handing out a letter grade for the match. For a list of filled positions during the hiring season, click HERE. 

Alabama Crimson Tide: Avery Johnson

Career record: 0-0 at NCAA level, 254-186 in seven NBA seasons with the Mavericks (2004-08) and Nets (2010-13) 

The difference between Johnson and other NBA guys is that he has ties to grassroots basketball. He also can sell the fact that he played and coached in the league. Johnson has already hired a strong staff, including vastly underrated associate head coach Bob Simon, which will help him land players.

Grade: B+

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