Watch more video of Mark Floreani on flotrack.org

Webb: Decision 2011    

The track & field world is buzzing amid recent news that Alan Webb, American Record holder and distance icon, is leaving historic coach Alberto Salazar and the Oregon Project.  First reported Wednesday, this new development has everyone wondering what is next for the capricious middle-distance runner.  

With Webb essentially a "free agent", he nows joins Ryan Hall as top American runners now without ties to a coach or training group.  Perhaps this is our version of the LeBron decision of last summer.  And while we're pretty sure he won't be "taking his talents to South Beach" any time soon, there are many other potential destinations to consider.

Here's our take on where he could end up...

Coach Vigilante / University of Virginia
Webb, a Virginia native, may decide that he wants to train closer to home.  Having found some of his greatest successes and most consistency while training in Virginia, Webb may be lured back to his homeland.  Vigilante runs a collegiate program, which could be a disadvantage to having the time available to coach Webb.  However, Arizona coach James Li (another candidate) has found a way to balance coaching the Wildcats and Bernard Lagat.  Plus, there's no ignoring the huge results Vig had at the University of Texas, coaching one of the elite middle-distance crews in the country.  Back that up with the current success he's having with Robbie Andrews and the University of Virginia team, and you have to think this is a viable option.

Coach Gagliano / New York
The former Georgetown and Oregon Track Club coach, now back East in the New York area, could be a dark horse of sorts.  For one, he has a small stable of runners.  If Webb's past is any indication, he seems to thrive off of much individual attention (think Rasczo), and Gagliano would be able to coach him accordingly.  While New York seemingly has no geographical benefits for Webb, as far as training or emotional ties, New York is the first place Webb broke 4 minutes for the mile (Armory).  OK, that's probably neither here nor there.  But the fact remains that Gags has the historic credentials and available time and energy to allocate toward coaching Webb.     

Coach James Li / Tucson, AZ
As mentioned, Li has had undeniable results with Lagat.  The longtime Arizona Wildcat distance coach finds a way to coach collegiately and post-collegiately effectively.  Much like Vigilante, Li has impressive collegiate credentials (Cheseret) to supplement his work with Lagat.  We know after Webb's stint in Albuquerque years ago that he can train effectively in a dry, hot climate like Tucson.  The seeming conflict could be teaming together two of the country's (or world's) top milers.  However, if fostered correctly, this could prove to be an extreme advantage.

Coach Warhurst / Ann Arbor, MI
This could come as a surprise to many, but it just may be a potential destination.  Although his first stint didn't work out, it can't be blamed on lack of results or a failed attempt on Warhurst's part, as the project just didn't last long enough to tell.  Warhurst has coached a long list of middle-distance stars (Sullivan, Berryhill, Brannen, Willis, Leer, etc.) and continues to produce.  With Leer, Willis, Bethke, Brannen, etc., Webb could help form the top middle-distance group in the country.  Furthermore, Webb seemed to really enjoy his time in Australia with this crew.     

Coach TBD / South Beach Miami, FL
One can't help but imagine Webb teaming up with Ryan Hall, and potentially luring a third star in Dathan Ritzenhein, to create a Dream Team of sorts down in Miami, Fl.  Think about it: Terrific long runs on the beach, thriving night-life scene that is conducive to a distance runner's lifestyle, and fresh seafood for the Omega-3's.  I don't see how this isn't the favorite, really.