Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg is attracting NBA teams as a potential coaching candidate, multiple front office executives said.

Hoiberg's college success and NBA experience has convinced people around the league that he has the tools to transition to pro basketball.

"If I had to make a hire this year, [Hoiberg] would be one of the first calls I'd make," one NBA general manager said on Sunday. "He is a natural for our league."

It will not be easy to persuade Hoiberg to leave Iowa State. Hoiberg graduated from Iowa State and has a strong reputation in the community.

"It would need to be a long-term commitment, because he could stay at Iowa State forever," says one assistant GM who stays in contact with Hoiberg.