After striking out on the big boys, Oregon is now looking at Missouri coach Mike Anderson, according to sources close to the situation.
Sources also told FOXSports.com that Anderson isn't the only coach being targeted by Oregon's search committee – which has been led by former AD Pat Kilkenny.
Anderson, 50, has rebuilt a Missouri program left in shambles by Quin Snyder and led the Tigers to the NCAA tournament each of the past two seasons.
Missouri went to the Elite Eight two years ago and was 23-11 this past season before losing in the second round of the Big Dance.
Anderson also plays an exciting up-and-down style that would fit well in Oregon – which will open a brand-new facility named after Nike chairman Phil Knight's son, Matthew, this year.
Anderson is 88-46 in his four seasons at Missouri following a four-year head coaching stint at UAB in which he led the Blazers to three NCAA tournament appearances and an NIT bid.
Anderson was also the long-time assistant coach to Nolan Richardson at Tulsa and Arkansas – where the Razorbacks won the national title in 1994.
Oregon had initially focused its search on trying to land an elite name, but struck out with Gonzaga's Mark Few a year ago and then missed on Pittsburgh's Jamie Dixon and most recently, Butler's Brad Stevens. Florida's Billy Donovan, according to sources, also spurned interest.
The Ducks have ties to Nike, but the job is a middle-of-the-road Pac-10 spot. Whoever takes the job has no clue who the next athletic director will be since Mike Bellotti is gone and Kilkenny has led the search for a new coach.
Anderson, if hired, would replace Ernie Kent, who was 235-173 in 13 seasons at the helm – but just 24-39 in the past two years.
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