Flip Saunders turns down Minnesota Gophers: Eyes Timberwolves in the future?

Dec. 30, 2011; Milwaukee, USA; Washington Wizards head coach Flip Saunders passes the ball to the referee as his team plays the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center. The Bucks defeated the Wizards 102-81. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Athletic Director Norwood Teague is having a tough time replacing Tubby Smith.

Former Timberwolves head coach and current ESPN analyst Flip Saunders reportedly turned down an offer for the vacant head coaching position for the Minnesota Gophers as reported by our network site Golden and Gopher.

This report comes as a shock because it was previously believed that Saunders wanted to coach for his alma mater. Multiple media outlets are reporting that Saunders turned down the Gophers because the school wanted to hire his recruiting staff. It is strongly believed that Saunders would want to hire his son Ryan to his staff.

Minnesota already missed out on VCU’s Shaka Smart and Iowa’s Fred Hoiberg, as both coaches opted to stay with their schools and each received big contract extensions. The “U” is reportedly in talks with Florida Gulf Coast’s Andy Enfield, who took his 15th-seeded team to the Sweet 16 before losing to Florida Friday night.

Saunders eyeing Timberwolves?

Keep an eye on the situation with Timberwolves head coach Rick Adelman when season ends. Adelman is reportedly weighing options on retiring, and Saunders is a possible candidate to replace him.