PHILADELPHIA — Jay Wright, who led Hofstra into the last two NCAA tournaments, has been given the chance to return to his home town as the basketball coach at Villanova.
Wright, being wooed by several other schools including Tennessee, said Monday he was offered the Villanova job by Wildcats athletic director Vince Nicastro, but "has not made a decision at this time."
"I did meet with Villanova on Sunday and was offered the position," Wright said in a statement released by Hofstra. "It's a tremendous opportunity that I must consider, but I have not made a decision at this time."
Wright, who led to the Pride to a 26-4 record and a second straight America East Conference title, would replace Steve Lappas, who unexpectedly resigned Saturday after nine years at Villanova.
A final decision by Wright is expected as early as Tuesday, after the much-sought-after coach interviews for the Tennessee job with Vols athletic director Doug Dickey in New York. Tennessee is looking to replace Jerry Green, who resigned last week even though he led the Vols to the NCAA tournament in all four seasons he coached them.
On Sunday, Nicastro told several newspapers that Villanova had "offered Jay the job. We haven't yet come to an agreement, but we're confident we will get one."
Nicastro also said the offer was made during his meeting with Wright and his agent, Carl Hirsh. Neither Wright nor Hirsh were immediately available for further comment on Monday.
The 39-year-old Wright was born in Philadelphia and was a Villanova assistant for five years. He became the top candidate for the Wildcats' job when Lappas left.