Keno Davis, Providence – He’s borrowed a page from his father and 13-year Iowa coach, Tom’s, offensive playbook and added an energy drink. The Friars were 15th in the Big East (4-14) in Keno’s second season, but he’s recruited well there and his frenetic style would cause alarm in a Big Ten that is a half-court, slug-it-out league. A 1995 Iowa grad, Keno has gone 19-14 and 12-19 in his two seasons with the Friars after coaching Drake to the 2008 MVC title in his rookie season. He makes $1 million annually on a contract that runs through 2016.

Josh Pastner, Memphis – The third-youngest Division I assistant at 31 years old, Pastner has guided the Tigers to a 23-9 record after being elevated from an assistant to John Calipari. Pastner played for and coached under form Iowa coach Lute Olson at Arizona. Pastner would get a financial boost coming to Iowa. He signed a five-year, $4.4 million deal last April.

Kevin Stallings, Vanderbilt – The 2010 SEC coach of the year turned Barta down in 2007, so Barta signed Lickliter. A Midwest native and former Purdue player, Stallings knows his way around the Big Ten. He’s had four 20-win seasons, three NCAA berths and two Sweet 16 appearances (2004, 2007) in his decade in Nashville, and makes about $1.4 million annually.

Brian Gregory, Dayton – A former associate head coach at Michigan State for Tom Izzo, Gregory is under contract through 2018. He makes around $500,000 annually. Dayton was 20-12 this season, following up on a 27-8 campaign that included a first-round NCAA victory. Gregory is 145-80 in seven seasons.

Paul Lusk, Purdue assistant – If Barta wants to roll the dice on an up-and-comer, here’s one. Lusk, a former Iowa player, is Matt Painter’s right-hand man at Purdue and brings personality and a passion for hard work to the table.

Anthony Grant, Alabama – Coached Crimson Tide to a 17-15 record in his first season. Grant came to Alabama from Virginia Commonwealth, where he took two of his three teams to the NCAA Tournament. Grant made $1.83 million at Alabama this season.

Ben Jacobson, Northern Iowa – If the timing had been different, former Iowa A.D. Bob Bowlsby was poised to pluck Greg McDermott away from Northern Iowa for the Hawkeye job. Jacobson has won the last two MVC titles, but he’s seen McDermott struggle taking the next step. Tripling his salary would be an appealing twist of the arm.

Stew Morrill, Utah State – His tactical excellence would come in handy in a coach-rich Big Ten. Aggies are 27-7 this season, the 11th consecutive season of 23 victories or more in Morrill’s 12 seasons as coach. Had a 17-game winning streak end with a loss to New Mexico State in the finals of the WAC Tournament. Morrill is Utah State’s winningest coach

Rick Majerus, St. Louis – What coaching list can be complete without a mention of Majerus? He campaigned for the Iowa job the last time it was open. Majerus coached a team made up of no seniors, eight freshmen and four sophomores to a 20-11 record. The Billikens’ 11-5 Atlantic Ten record included five road wins.

Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech – He took the Hokies to a 23-8 mark in the traditionally strong ACC in his seventh season. Coached at Long Beach State and South Florida before coming to Virginia Tech in 2003-04.

Steve Lavin, ESPN – The former UCLA coach has been launching trial balloons about a return to coaching. He’s been mentioned with the DePaul vacancy. Lavin can get players, and drum up enthusiasm for a program buried in apathy. But can he coach them?

Tony Barbee, Texas-El Paso – He’s seen steady improvement with the Miners. The victories have increased, from 14 to 19 to 26 and a Conference USA regular-season title this season. Barbee is a native of Indianapolis, Ind. The Miners were 15-1 in C-USA this season.

Chris Mooney, Richmond – Atlantic 10 coach of the year. One of just three programs to finish in among the top three in the league standings three straight years. Finished 13-3 in the Atlantic 10 and reached tournament final with a 25-7 record