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Indiana is working diligently to find its next coach.
But Vanderbilt fans can relax.
It won't be Kevin Stallings.
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Stallings has long been considered a potential candidate, primarily because of his close relationship with Indiana athletic director Rick Greenspan. But sources have told CBSSports.com that Stallings' connection to IU rival Purdue -- he's a former Boilermaker player and assistant -- trumps any perceived positives, meaning his name has essentially been taken out of the mix as Indiana officials search for Kelvin Sampson's permanent replacement.
Meantime, all focus is on Washington State's Tony Bennett.
There are contrasting reports about whether Bennett has been offered the IU job with Bennett going so far as to tell one media outlet Saturday that he hasn't "had one conversation" with Indiana. Still, according to multiple sources (one of whom is close to Bennett), here's the reality of the situation: No, Bennett has not "had one conversation" with "Indiana" or "formally" been offered the Indiana job, but that's not how this stuff works in this era. Remember, Billy Donovan was never formally offered the Kentucky job last year, but he knew it was his job if he wanted it.
This is similar.
According to sources, third-party representatives made Bennett aware late Friday through other third-party representatives that he can be Indiana's next coach if he wants to be Indiana's next coach. He is expected to decide in the next 24 hours and allow IU to move forward, one way or another. Furthermore, a separate source said if Bennett withdraws from consideration at Indiana he will use it to display his loyalty to Washington State before asking WSU officials for everything he needs (chartered planes, better pay for assistants, etc.) to consistently win in the Pac-10. If he gets it, great. If not, then he'll take a serious look at California or LSU, two other places where Bennett is considered among the leading candidates to fill a head coaching vacancy.