Danny Manning Is TU's Top Coaching Candidate

The University of Tulsa is seemingly closer to deciding who will step in as the new head coach of the Golden Hurricane.

The News On 6 has confirmed that current Kansas assistant Danny Manning is the top candidate for the job.

Manning is currently with the Jayhawks preparing for its national semifinals game against Ohio State.

In a statement released Wednesday evening, The University of Tulsa says it has not reached an agreement with any candidate, but ESPN's Neil Everett simultaneously released a report stating Manning has agreed to coach at TU next season.

"The University of Tulsa has not reached an agreement with any candidate for the head basketball coaching position at the school," said a press release from the University. "As stated when the coaching search began on March 11, TU officials will not discuss any candidates until an official announcement is made by the University."

Manning has been an assistant at KU since 2007, but has served in some capacity on the staff for his alma mater for nine seasons. He played at Kansas from 1984-1988 and is the Jayhawks all-time leading scorer and rebounder with 2,951 points and 1,187 boards during his career. Manning was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in November, 2008.

The 45 year old went on to play 15 seasons in the NBA after being drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. Manning played for seven different professional teams including the Clippers, Hawks, Suns, Bucks, Jazz, Mavericks and Pistons.

The Golden Hurricane has been searching for its next head coach since firing Doug Wojcik on March 11 after a 17-14 season.

Although no official deal has been completed, it is expected soon. Stay with The News On 6 for all the updates by ‘liking' us on Facebook (News On 6 Sports) and following us on Twitter (@NewsOn6Sports).