OKLAHOMA CITY - If the shift hasn't yet occurred, the search for the University of Colorado's next men's basketball coach now hits high gear after the Buffaloes' elimination Thursday from the Big 12 Conference tournament.

Without naming names or divulging numbers, athletic director Mike Bohn said several of his counterparts and NBA general managers have been contacted by CU for permission to speak with their coaches or assistants.

Bohn declined to comment on whether Air Force athletic director Hans Mueh has given CU permission to talk with coach Jeff Bzdelik once the Falcons' seasons ends. But Bzdelik is said to be at the top of the list of prospective successors to Ricardo Patton.

Nuggets assistant Mike Dunlap has met informally with Bohn, and Phoenix Suns assistant Alvin Gentry has shown interest in the job. Nevada-Las Vegas coach Lon Kruger, who also coached at Kansas State, Illinois and Florida, also might draw the attention of CU's search committee, which is scheduled to meet again early next week.

Bohn said no formal interviews have been conducted, but he wants a new coach in place as soon as possible. He also said Patton's formal exit date still was not settled, but it is doubtful he will be expected to work through a contract that runs through June.

At least one of Patton's staffers, possibly director of basketball operations Will Smith, temporarily will be retained to aid in transition.

There has been speculation freshman forward Xavier Silas might request a release to transfer, but Bohn and Silas disputed that. Bohn said he has had "no indication from anyone that is going to be the case,'' and Silas said he intends to remain at CU.

Bohn plans to keep the team's returning players abreast of any developments in the coaching search. "I don't want them meeting their coach on ESPN or in a local media outlet," Bohn said, adding that he will meet with the players Monday.

Bohn contended the CU job is more attractive now than in October, when Patton announced his resignation, because of recent booster pledges to finance charter travel and an operations center in the Coors Events Center. He said a feasibility study is under way for a practice facility planned near the Events Center.