Joe Pasternack signs extension with UC Santa Barbara, taking him out of Cal coaching search

It remains completely unclear who the next Cal men's basketball head coach will be.

UC Santa Barbara Athletics @UCSBathletics

BREAKING: Coach Joe Pasternack Inks Contract Extension #GoGauchos

One of the presumptive favorites for the Cal men’s basketball coaching position appears to be out of the running. Joe Pasternack is returning to UC Santa Barbara, signing a huge five-year extension with the Gauchos.

Joe Pasternack @Joe_Pasternack

Let’s run it back! #GoGauchos

Pasternack has been a favorite inside many circles to be the next Cal basketball coach. From old Cal basketball alum he used to coach when he was an assistant with Ben Braun, to Cal donors who have been rumored to be pushing for him behind closed doors, buzz seemed positive on his candidacy.

That he has decided to go back to Santa Barbara seems to indicate athletic director Jim Knowlton has found a better option for the job, and a hire is close to being made.

With Randy Bennett at St. Mary’s also seemingly out of the picture, who the next Cal coach is remains a bit of a mystery.

Amir Abdur-Rahim is still a name on the board at Kennesaw State and feels like a favorite for the job. He has been interviewed for the job and the momentum seems to keep moving in the direction. His brother Shareef has definitely been pushing for him, and Jaylen Brown has put in a good word too.

gary washburn @GwashburnGlobe

Jaylen Brown said he spoke with Cal AD Jim Knowlton about the school's coaching opening and offered his thoughts, including an endorsement for Kennasaw State coach Amir Abdur-Rahim,who has drawn interest. Brown said he's happy to be included in the process. #Celtics #CalBears

There has been some late buzz around Stan Johnson at LMU as well. Johnson has enjoyed modest success at Loyola Marymount and gotten the Lions to a few top four finishes in the WCC. He hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament yet.

There were reports of interest in Rodney Terry at Texas, but with the Longhorns on the edge of the Final Four, his price tag has likely become too high.