One week after Ritchie McKay stunned the Liberty community by leaving his post as LU men’s basketball coach to become the associate head coach at Virginia, the search for McKay’s successor is well underway.

Liberty athletics director Jeff Barber confirmed Tuesday that he’s had contact with five coaches who were rumored to be interested in the job, including current interim head coach Brad Soucie, who was the lead assistant on McKay’s staff.

Barber has also had “some form of communication” with Marquette assistant coach Dale Layer, Virginia Tech assistant coach Ryan Odom, Charlotte assistant coach Rob Moxley and Oklahoma assistant coach Mark Cline.

Former Rice coach Willis Wilson and Lee University coach Tommy Brown were also rumored to be interested in the post, but Barber said he has had no communication with either as of Tuesday afternoon.

Barber declined to go into more detail on the search.

For a full story with more details, please read Wednesday’s News & Advance.