California has strong interest in Xavier's Chris Mack to be its next coach, multiple sources told ESPN.com on Thursday.
Mack, 44, has led the Musketeers to the NCAA tournament in four of his five seasons since taking over for Sean Miller in 2009. Xavier reached the Sweet 16 in 2010 and 2012.
Coach Mike Montgomery retired earlier this month after six seasons in Berkeley. The 67-year-old had previously been coach at Montana, Stanford and with the Golden State Warriors. He has publicly pushed for assistant Travis DeCuire to get the job.
California was 21-14 this season and will lose seniors Justin Cobbs and Richard Solomon.