Deal Is Off Between Masiello And USF

Steve Masiello remains at Manhattan for time being after reported deal with South Florida fell through. (Photo courtesy of Jaden Daly)

Steve Masiello is still the head coach at Manhattan College.

Masiello, the Rick Pitino protege who guided the Jaspers to their first NCAA Tournament since 2004, and nearly defeated his mentor once inside the field of 68, had reportedly signed a five-year contract earlier this morning to accept the head coaching vacancy at South Florida, setting off a chain reaction of conflicting stories that revealed that the offer had ultimately not been finalized.

The latest update in the ongoing saga comes from the Tampa Tribune, who just moments ago revealed that the deal was off after an undetected discrepancy was found in Masiello's background check, conducted by a search committee South Florida financed to hire a replacement for Stan Heath, who was dismissed two weeks ago after seven seasons at the helm of the Bulls.

Masiello, who at only 36 years old is considered a hot commodity in the coaching industry, especially after his near-upset of Louisville last Thursday, just completed his third year at the helm of the Jaspers, going 25-8 and winning the MAAC championship behind a senior class of George Beamon, Rhamel Brown and Michael Alvarado. He is 60-39 for his career since replacing Barry Rohrssen in 2011.

A Daly Dose Of Hoops will have additional information as it becomes available.