3 absolute long-shot head coaches for Michigan Basketball

After letting Jim Harbaugh fulfill his dream to chase a Super Bowl, Warde Manuel has a redemption story on his hands to get his next major hire right. The options are very enticing compared to most years, so the expectations will be high to land a generational talent as the next Michigan basketball head coach.

This won't be as easy as hiring Sherrone Moore was, but Manuel has to do a thorough search that he'll be remembered for as AD. Remember these are three names that are long shots for a revered program in transition, but never say never.

1. Mark Few Gonzaga

Few is an elite coach who is as loyal as they come. He has won everything at Gonzaga except a national championship and that's where Michigan basketball can come in. He's been there since 1999 and has never experienced a losing record. He's made the tourney every single year, with 11 losses being the most he has ever obtained in a season. That's remarkable, especially for being at a non-power five conference school.

Few can test his competitiveness against the fiercest conference in the nation. We know his track record is second to none at Gonzaga, imagine what it could be like at Michigan with a bigger brand. Perhaps it could be time to make that unknown leap. Few is 61 now and will almost certainly retire a Bulldog in reality, but why not get out of the Gonzaga comfort zone?

Few has been fancied before, but has never wavered on his commitment to the Zags. He has built that program from just a March tournament team to a national title contender and would risk a lot if he left, which is understandable. There's nothing left for him to do there but win the trophy. Manuel should at least call him and gauge his interest about it.