Source: Rutgers, Hill at impasse

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Fred Hill is still the head coach at Rutgers but likely only for the weekend as he mulls a settlement offer that is well below what his contract is due.

A source with direct knowledge of the situation said Friday there was no movement on the negotiation and the two sides are at an impasse. Rutgers offered $600,000 when Hill's representation claims he is due $2 million.

The Star Ledger reported on its Web site Friday that Hill was overseeing weightlifting sessions Friday.

If a settlement can't be reached then Hill is likely to be fired for cause early next week with a legal battle likely to ensue for his remaining money, according to the source.

A number of sources have confirmed that ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla, a former coach for St. John's, Manhattan and New Mexico, as well as Jim O'Brien, a former Ohio State and Boston College coach, are said to be high on Rutgers' wish list as possible replacements for Hill.

Rutgers finished 15-17 last season. The Scarlet Knights were 5-13 in the Big East and finished 14th in the 16-team league. Hill, 51, was 47-77 overall after four seasons.

On March 17, Pernetti was quoted in a school release saying Hill would return next season.

"Fred Hill is under contract as our men's basketball head coach," Pernetti said then. "We had a productive meeting and look forward to working together to build the program."

But last week, Hill, whose father, Fred Hill Sr., is Rutgers' baseball coach, reportedly shouted at Pittsburgh's baseball coach. Hill was reportedly asked to issue a public apology but has declined to do so.

Andy Katz is a senior writer who covers college basketball for ESPN.com.

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Andy Katz | email

Senior Writer, ESPN.com

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• Senior college basketball writer for ESPN.com
• 22 years covering college basketball, including on TV
• Former president of U.S. Basketball Writers Association