Report: Tom Crean could become interim Louisville coach

The Louisville Cardinals need an interim basketball coach just days before practices are to begin for the 2017-18 season, and they may be looking at an established name on such short notice.

ESPN’s Lisa Kerney reported Wednesday that former Marquette and Indiana coach Tom Crean could become a candidate for Louisville’s interim job.

BREAKING NEWS: Rick Pitino OUT at #Louisville. Tom Crean could emerge as interim head coach candidate.

— Lisa Kerney (@LisaKerneyESPN) September 27, 2017

Crean may be the best Louisville can do right now. He has a Final Four to his name and twice was a Big Ten champion, and perhaps most importantly for Louisville right now, has a clean record.

Pitino was placed on administrative leave — effectively fired — as Louisville has become caught up in the FBI investigation into illegal payments relating to the basketball program.