After a busy three weeks during which he was reported as a finalist for coaching jobs at Tennessee and Rhode Island and mentioned in connection with other openings, John Giannini returned to Orono on Tuesday with the same title he’s held for five years: head basketball coach at the University of Maine.

And while Giannini still refuses to comment on specific job openings he may or may not have interviewed for, he did admit that he turned down at least one job because it didn’t fit all of his – and his family’s – criteria.

Giannini said that he’s not “involved” in talks with another school right now, but he wouldn’t be surprised if more make contact with him: Last year, he pointed out, some schools were filling vacancies well into the summer.

“The only thing I would be interested in is coaching at a school in one of the top 10 conferences,” Giannini said.

“They have multiple NCAA tourney bids, high tourney seedings, national TV contracts that greatly help recruiting, and a very high level of financial support.

“On top of that, it would have to be a place where my family feels comfortable.”

Giannini said four schools, which he would not name, citing the institutions’ desire for confidentiality, have contacted him.

“I’ve turned down some opportunities that, frankly, would have been lucrative by my standards, and I’ve missed out on some other opportunities,” he said. “But there hasn’t been an offer that meets all the criteria with me and my family.”

Giannini said other schools having interest in him means one thing: The Black Bears have been successful, and administrators recognize that.

“If [that interest] goes away, it’s not a good sign for our program,” he said.