Two weeks into the basketball coaching search, Mississippi State athletics director Scott Stricklin is asking for fans to be patient as the process plays out.

He released a statement on Twitter a few minutes ago. Here it is: "Like Bulldog fans everywhere, I eagerly anticipate the hiring of Mississippi State's next men's basketball coach. However, from the beginning of this process, no deadline has been imposed on the search. It's important that we hire the right candidate to lead our program, a person of integrity who will instill discipline, character and accountability into the men's basketball program at Mississippi State. Thank you for your patience. Hail State!"

On Wednesday, Valparaiso coach Bryce Drew pulled his name out of the running. Prior to that, MSU came up dry pursuing Ohio's John Croce and Murray State's Steve Prohm – however, BulldawgJunction.com is reporting that Prohm is back in play just a few days after signing a contract extension and getting a fat raise at Murray.

Gary Parrish of CBSSports.com reported this afternoon that Vanderbilt assistant coach Dan Muller is a candidate.