Alabama Set To Offer Grant MBB Job...

((HT: Al.com/Mobile Press-Register))

Gentry Estes lets us in on one of the most-recent worst-kept secrets- The University of Alabama is set to offer their head coaching vacancy to VCU's Anthony Grant ((pictured, thanks Getty Images)).

Grant is expected on the UA campus for what would be his second meeting in the past week with Crimson Tide officials.

There is no guarantee of Grant's acceptance, but a source close to the situation said the VCU coach is leaning toward making the move to Alabama. His potential deal would likely be worth more than $1.5 million annually.

Alabama athletics director Mal Moore and executive director of athletics Dave Hart met Sunday with Grant in Richmond, Virginia, according to a report by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. No offer was tendered, but the understanding was that Grant was asked to travel to Tuscaloosa for a second meeting.

Grant, 42, has been targeted as Alabama's top candidate since VCU's Thursday night loss to UCLA in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Rams athletics director Norwood Teague granted UA permission to approach Grant after Moore's request Saturday night.

Georgia has also expressed interest in Grant for its vacancy, but VCU sports information director Chris Kowalczyk confirmed Tuesday that the Bulldogs have not contacted VCU about Grant.

Grant was at his office in Richmond on Tuesday afternoon, Kowalczyk said.
"His car is right outside," Kowalczyk said. "He's in his office today."

Grant is a Miami native and played at Dayton in the 1980s. He worked his way through south Florida high schools and held assistant gigs at Stetson and Marshall before in 1996 beginning a 10-season stay under Billy Donovan at Florida.

After helping the Gators to the 2006 national title, Grant received his first head coaching job at VCU, which has won at least 24 games each year and reached two of the past three NCAA tournaments.

This season's squad went 24-10 and attained a Number 11 tournament seed.

Grant was set to make around $850,000 this season, according to salary totals reported by the Times-Dispatch. Per an extension announced last year, Grant's deal runs through the 2013-14 season.