The answer to that question appears to be yes.

Florida International is reportedly trying to hire Isiah Thomas to lead its men’s basketball team. Yeah, that Isiah Thomas. And this comes after Thomas talked to the Clippers about, well, something.

Since the Clippers already have a manager/general manager that they seem content with, the job Thomas would get in LA would probably be an assistant, or a scout, or something along those lines. That wouldn’t be too surprising, although questionable.

But hiring Thomas as a coach? Can that be anything more than some kind of publicity stunt? Why else would you want Thomas as your coach unless you were trying to bring attention to your school or program?

It seems to be working, since I’m sure I’m not the only one mentioning Florida International on a blog or Web site. It can’t be worth it though, to put your program in the hands of someone who has had no success at the management level, just to draw some national attention.

For Thomas, it’s a win-win situation. We already think he’s a terrible coach, so even if he fails, that’s what is expected. But if he does somehow win (here’s what he’d take over), people would say he’s a better fit in college.

A deal could come as early as Tuesday.

Tags: college basketball, Florida International, Isiah Thomas