In a statement released early Wednesday evening, Beilein stated: "It has never been my philosophy to comment on job openings at other schools, but the speculation today about me accepting another head coaching job is erroneous...I will be the basketball coach at West Virginia next season and I look forward to continued success.
Sources told WRAL Sports and local ACC expert David Glenn that Lavin has turned down the job. Lavin, who spent the past week talking with State athletic director Lee Fowler about the Wolfpack coaching position, has decided to remain in broadcasting.
Lavin has not coached in three years. During that time, he became one of the top basketball analysts for ESPN and ABC.
After Lavin withdrew, N.C. State's interest was placed squarely on Beilein. WRAL was told that contract talks between State and Beilein were underway Wednesday afternoon. The biggest hurdle was a $3 million buyout clause in Beilein's West Virginia contract. Both sides tried to creatively find common ground, but were unable to reach an agreement.
Beilein and Lavin were both courted to replace Herb Sendek, who left the Wolfpack basketball program last month to go to Arizona State University.
N.C. State athletic director Lee Fowler was unable to be reached for comment. There is no word yet on other possible candidates, but former Wolfpack guard and Fordham head coach Dereck Whittenburg, Miami coach Frank Haith, and former UNC assistant and current Knicks assistant Phil Ford have all attracted interest from fans.
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