Ex-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch was seen going wild as his old university, Princeton, shocked No2 seed Arizona on Thursday, eliminating the Pac-12 Tournament champions in the first round of March Madness.
The American manager, 49, has been out of work since February after being sacked by Leeds, with the Premier League outfit sat 17th in the table at the time. Marsch was linked with an instant return to management with Southampton, but a contract could not be reached with the relegation-struggling Saints.
The Crystal Palace job became available on Friday, and Marsch has been named as one of the bosses who could take over from Patrick Vieira at Selhurst Park. The Eagles are sat 12th in the Premier League but just five points separates themselves and 20th-place Southampton with 11 games to go.
Argentine Marcelo Bielsa, who Marsch replaced at Elland Road last season in a bid to save Leeds from relegation, has also been linked with the vacant Palace post, as has former Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Marsch didn't seem to have the Premier League on his mind this week. The former USA international instead turned his focus to his old university Princeton’s first round of March Madness clash with No2 seed Arizona.
Marsch played at the school for four seasons and also served as an assistant coach there. Princeton pulled off a massive shock, eliminating the Pac-12 Tournament champions 95-55, and Marsch could be seen going wild in the crowd pumping his fists.
Marsch’s return to his old stomping ground would have also been to support pal Mitch Henderson, who is the Princeton basketball coach. Henderson, also an alumnus of the school, was described as one of Marsch's best friends by Princeton Alumni Weekly.
Henderson took to Twitter to express his love for Marsch. Alongside his wife, Kim, Marsch is the godparent of Henderson's son. Henderson said on Twitter: "My mentor and friend @jessemarsch was with us today. He and his wife Kim are godparents to our son…Princeton coaching tree is special stuff. Love you my brother."
Princeton advanced to play seventh-seeded Missouri in the second round of the South Region on Saturday. The Tigers beat Utah State 76-65. Princeton’s big win marked the third straight year and 11th time overall that a No15 seed won a first-round game.
