2011-2012 College Football Head Coach Carousel

[MrBug708]

So long Mike Stoops. Wildcat fans are thinking Belotti or Peterson

[cartman]

Mike Leach or Mike Stoops?

[MrBug708]

Whoops! Thanks!

[DeToxRox]

Arizona should hire Leach. Our borders could use more beef.

[dawgfan]

So long Mike Stoops. Wildcat fans are thinking Belotti or Peterson
Bellotti I could possibly see, though I expect he would wait a bit to see whether UCLA might open up too. No way on Peterson.

[sovereignstar v2]

Why in the fuck would Chris Peterson go to Arizona?

[MrBug708]

The word is that Greg Byrne (AD) worked in the athletic department at Oregon for a year when Petersen was a position coach there. Sketchy at best, but some posters claim they are "best friends"

[Atocep]

I heard a few weeks ago that Rich Rodriquez was very interested in the Arizona job if it opened up.

I think it's a terrible fit though.

[Ksyrup]

Saw a tweet on the chance of landing Peterson: 0.0%

[I. J. Reilly]

On behalf of Oregon State I would like to apologize to the rest of the Pac-12. But I bet there are some happy officials in the league right now.

[dawgfan]

On behalf of Oregon State I would like to apologize to the rest of the Pac-12. But I bet there are some happy officials in the league right now.
Yeah, goddamit - we needed Stoops to win just enough to keep his job. Neuheisel, Kiffin & Wulff too...

[MrBug708]

Nope.com

[SnDvls]

Yeah, goddamit - we needed Stoops to win just enough to keep his job. Neuheisel, Kiffin & Wulff too...

+1

[molson]

I just wish Mark Mangino would coach somewhere again. He's like an big angry oompa loompa.

[gstelmack]

Reports are that Gary Pinkel of Missouri is not going anywhere. And if he does it will show that he's the worst football coach ever.

[bronconick]

The only reason Petersen should be mentioned is because the long time BSU AD was fired this summer over the $10 in football and women's tennis violations, meaning there's a new variable. That said, he'd still wait for something better than Arizona.

[GrantDawg]

Reports are that Gary Pinkel of Missouri is not going anywhere. And if he does it will show that he's the worst football coach ever.


Actually, Pinkel has already been offered the job at Alabama, LSU, Texas, New England and both pro New York teams. He is just weighing his options right now.

[JPhillips]

Actually, Pinkel has already been offered the job at Alabama, LSU, Texas, New England and both pro New York teams. He is just weighing his options right now.

I heard that the Pac-10 schools are voting today on a plan to replace Arizona with Mizzou.

[Chief Rum]

Actually, Pinkel has already been offered the job at Alabama, LSU, Texas, New England and both pro New York teams. He is just weighing his options right now.

I hear the Yankees are also looking to have him replace Girardi, and Obama plans to ditch Biden and nom Pinkel as his running mate in 2012.

[Arles]

Arizona's football program has been a dumpster fire for the past 10 years. At this point, they should just hire one of the Gramatica brothers to coach and kick.

Little known fact: Arizona has missed as many PATs (13 of 17) as the entire Big Ten (208 of 212)

[Arles]

The three names being bantered about in local Arizona radio are:

Chris Peterson
Mike Bellotti
Larry Fedora (head coach at So Miss)

I doubt Peterson comes out, but I could see the other two. At this point, I'll take door #2 over Stoops. He just never could turn the corner with the team.

[I. J. Reilly]

Arizona's football program has been a dumpster fire for the past 10 years. At this point, they should just hire one of the Gramatica brothers to coach and kick.

Little known fact: Arizona has missed as many PATs (13 of 17) as the entire Big Ten (208 of 212)

Arizona is certainly a bad football team right now, but compared them to the program that Stoops took over after Makovich. He actually accomplished quit a bit, I thought he had earned the full year at least.

[JeeberD]

From what I've seen on the CUSA board the past few years, Southern Miss fans would be ecstatic if Fedora left for another job...

[Ksyrup]

Arizona is certainly a bad football team right now, but compared them to the program that Stoops took over after Makovich. He actually accomplished quit a bit, I thought he had earned the full year at least.

Yeah, and they've had a tough schedule this year - one of the country's toughest so far, I believe. I know the Oregon State loss is bad, but losses to #6, #9, and #10, plus a 7-point loss to USC?

[Arles]

The problem is the team has the best QB-WR combo (Foles-Criner) the program has ever had and couldn't keep up with the offenses they faced. Plus, stoops is supposedly a defensive genius and the defense ranked 115/120 schools this season.

Just look at the last game: Oregon State was 0-4 (lost to Sacramento St) and held Arizona to 120 total yards and a 26-6 first half score. On the flip side, OSU put up 37 points by the end of the game and torched Arizona's D. They are a bad team this year and the tough schedule just made it even worse. Plus, they were 2-11 in their last 13 games against ranked teams and made just 3 bowl games under Stoops - where they went 1-3, outscored 90-41. I don't see much hope with this program under Stoops - and he had 8 years to get things on track.

[MrBug708]

Keep an eye on Mark Hudspeth for the Arizona job

[SunDevil]

Kevin Sumlin Has to Be Arizona’s Top Target to Replace Mike Stoops in Tucson (http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/10/11/kevin-sumlin-has-to-be-arizonas-top-target-to-replace-mike-stoops-in-tucson/)

[MrBug708]

Does Case Keenum get to come with him?

[dawgfan]

Sumlin would seem to be a pretty good candidate.

[Butter]

Another all offense, no defense coach. Arizona used to be a tough defensive team, I would think the fan base wouldn't mind seeing just the teensiest bit of defense in the new coach's philosophy, no?

[Ksyrup]

Their D left when brother went to FSU. Unfortunately, he seems to have lost it somewhere along I-10.

[Arles]

Another all offense, no defense coach. Arizona used to be a tough defensive team, I would think the fan base wouldn't mind seeing just the teensiest bit of defense in the new coach's philosophy, no?
Stoops was a defensive coordinator and supposedly a genius on that side of the ball. All he did was slowly degrade our offense while keeping the D at average.

In the Pac-12, I'd rather have an offensive-minded head coach and then go out and get a good DC. If this were the SEC, I might have a different strategy.

[DanGarion]

Arizona's football program has been a dumpster fire for the past 10 years. At this point, they should just hire one of the Gramatica brothers to coach and kick.

Little known fact: Arizona has missed as many PATs (13 of 17) as the entire Big Ten (208 of 212)

Arizona has a team? I thought that Arizona was the new term for Bye Week...

[SnDvls]

The problem is the team has the best QB-WR combo (Foles-Criner) the program has ever had and couldn't keep up with the offenses they faced. Plus, stoops is supposedly a defensive genius and the defense ranked 115/120 schools this season.

Just look at the last game: Oregon State was 0-4 (lost to Sacramento St) and held Arizona to 120 total yards and a 26-6 first half score. On the flip side, OSU put up 37 points by the end of the game and torched Arizona's D. They are a bad team this year and the tough schedule just made it even worse. Plus, they were 2-11 in their last 13 games against ranked teams and made just 3 bowl games under Stoops - where they went 1-3, outscored 90-41. I don't see much hope with this program under Stoops - and he had 8 years to get things on track.

replacing Stoops with the D-Cord was a dumb move too. uofa hasn't played defense all year why make the D-Cord the new head coach? At least show him the door too and make the O-Cord the new man for the last 6 games...they've shown up in the games.

[MrBug708]

Kish got it because he was the longest serving assistant, no? If you give it to the new guy, you risk a further revolt this year

[SnDvls]

Kish got it because he was the longest serving assistant, no? If you give it to the new guy, you risk a further revolt this year

I wouldn't say there was or would have been a revolt at all. The players played their hearts out IMO. They just aren't that good and adjustments aren't made in the game. Recruiting has been bad for uofa for a couple of years and the injuries make the bad recruiting stick out more. Yes he was there from the begining with stoops. The Fr RB Carrey is a stud and should be starting and getting the majority of the carries each game. Antolin is a bust and always has been along with a fumble prone back. That's the 1st change I make as their coach.

[dawgfan]

The season is a wash, so it doesn't really matter so much that the defense has sucked under Kish. All you're hoping for as the AD is a guy that the locker room (and rest of the coaching staff for that matter) won't revolt against and someone organized enough to handle the job.

[Arles]

Yeah, the Wildcats are just going to "suck for Luck" and get a better draft pick. That's the reasoning for Kish.

Wait, there's no draft in college? Well, I got nothing then...

[DeToxRox]

It is probably way too soon for him to be the HC of a BCS school, but Ron English quietly has taken Eastern Michigan from the worst team in the NCAA to 5-3 and a contender for the MAC Title in just three seasons. He has ties to Arizona and is a marvelous recruiter, especially with his ins in California. Arizona could be an intriguing fit though he is very much a dark horse candidate and like I said, probably not ready.

[MrBug708]

Rick is not going to be the head coach of UCLA next year. The only thing remaining is when he'll be fired. A bad showing at homecoming on Saturday, could signal the end of him

I wouldnt be surprised to see UCLA step up and make the next coach paid one of the top 10 highest paid coaches in college football.

[MrBug708]

It is probably way too soon for him to be the HC of a BCS school, but Ron English quietly has taken Eastern Michigan from the worst team in the NCAA to 5-3 and a contender for the MAC Title in just three seasons. He has ties to Arizona and is a marvelous recruiter, especially with his ins in California. Arizona could be an intriguing fit though he is very much a dark horse candidate and like I said, probably not ready.

Arizona will probably hire a higher profile coach than that, but he's on the bottom of their short list

[DeToxRox]

Arizona will probably hire a higher profile coach than that, but he's on the bottom of their short list

Oh I agree. If they strike out with their top options, I could see him sliding in there.

[DeToxRox]

Rick is not going to be the head coach of UCLA next year. The only thing remaining is when he'll be fired. A bad showing at homecoming on Saturday, could signal the end of him

I wouldnt be surprised to see UCLA step up and make the next coach paid one of the top 10 highest paid coaches in college football.

Who are the names of people UCLA fans want to see come in? Outside of your Meyer, Gruden, etc.

[MrBug708]

Oh I agree. If they strike out with their top options, I could see him sliding in there.

I don't think it goes past Mark Hudspeth

Who are the names of people UCLA fans want to see come in? Outside of your Meyer, Gruden, etc.

Petersen is #1, but that is reaching right now. I don't have a problem with Leach or RichRod. June Jones would be solid as well

Passed that? I'm not sure

[Eaglesfan27]

Rick is not going to be the head coach of UCLA next year. The only thing remaining is when he'll be fired. A bad showing at homecoming on Saturday, could signal the end of him

I wouldnt be surprised to see UCLA step up and make the next coach paid one of the top 10 highest paid coaches in college football.

Ba ha ha ha. With the budget crisis, no way UCLA will pay big money.

[MrBug708]

Ba ha ha ha. With the budget crisis, no way UCLA will pay big money.

We aren't going to pay someone like Lane Kiffin, four million dollars, to coach our team.

Jeff Tedford made 2.8 million a few years ago. With the budget as bad as it has been, it won't stop an athletic department, who is going to make 20 million in TV revenue, from paying someone 2.5 million-ish to a coach.

UCLA donors are threatening to withhold money from the Pauley renovation. What choice will the AD have? Especially when people like Casey Wasserman are involved?

[dawgfan]

Petersen is #1, but that is reaching right now. I don't have a problem with Leach or RichRod. June Jones would be solid as well

Passed that? I'm not sure
No Bellotti?

[bronconick]

It is probably way too soon for him to be the HC of a BCS school, but Ron English quietly has taken Eastern Michigan from the worst team in the NCAA to 5-3 and a contender for the MAC Title in just three seasons. He has ties to Arizona and is a marvelous recruiter, especially with his ins in California. Arizona could be an intriguing fit though he is very much a dark horse candidate and like I said, probably not ready.

He'll probably follow in Hoke's footsetps and get a job in CUSA/MWC etc. next.

[MrBug708]

No Bellotti?

I have mixed feelings. I wouldnt be opposed, but not my first choice

[dawgfan]

I have mixed feelings. I wouldnt be opposed, but not my first choice
I'm sure there's a better, younger candidate out there. But it's hard to think that Bellotti wouldn't be a really good backup plan. He's got a limited coaching span left - have to think at age 60 that he'd be no more than a 5-7 year solution - but it's hard not to be impressed by what he did in establishing Oregon as a consistently good football program.

[MrBug708]

If he can find another Chip Kelly, I'm all for it

[dawgfan]

Hearing word from some Husky insiders that UCLA is supposedly ready to open up the pocketbooks and make a big push for Chris Peterson. You guys hearing the same things Bug?

[Chief Rum]

Hearing word from some Husky insiders that UCLA is supposedly ready to open up the pocketbooks and make a big push for Chris Peterson. You guys hearing the same things Bug?

Interesting to see this from outside sources. We hear stuff like this inside all the time, but you always figure it's pie in the sky stuff, and usually that's exactly what it is.

Would be interesting if there's something behind the talk this year.

[MrBug708]

Hearing word from some Husky insiders that UCLA is supposedly ready to open up the pocketbooks and make a big push for Chris Peterson. You guys hearing the same things Bug?

I heard this earlier in the year from a pretty good source for USC...I believe there is a ton if smoke. Beating cal might have complicated things. I would be nice to get Wilcox back with ccp

[DeToxRox]

Mississippi Rebels won't retain Houston Nutt as coach, sources say - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7202990/mississippi-rebels-retain-houston-nutt-coach-sources-says)

Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt will not be retained after this season, multiple sources told ESPN.com, and the university will make an announce at a 3 p.m. ET news conference.

Sources also said that athletic director Pete Boone also will not return once the university hires his replacement. It's not clear when that announcement will be made.

Nutt, in his fourth season as coach of the Rebels, will coach the remainder of this season. Ole Miss has lost 12 straight Southeastern Conference games dating to last season and is assured of its second straight losing season under Nutt.

Coming over to Mississippi from Arkansas in 2008, Nutt led the Rebels to nine victories in each of his first two seasons, including back-to-back Cotton Bowl wins.

[Izulde]

Par for the course for Nutt.

[DeToxRox]

I think Rich Rod is the perfect guy to take over Ole Miss. I think they will take a stab at a young coordinator though.

[DeToxRox]

lol holy shit. Mandel with the kill shot:

@slmandel Stewart Mandel

In his defense, Nutt wasn't working with a full cupboard. He needed another year for his 2009 recruits to qualify.

[cartman]

If Ole Miss could ever get an Xs and Os coach that could also recruit to keep the in-state talent coming to Oxford, they would be a force to be reckoned with.

[RomaGoth]

Hearing word from some Husky insiders that UCLA is supposedly ready to open up the pocketbooks and make a big push for Chris Peterson. You guys hearing the same things Bug?

Interesting to see this from outside sources. We hear stuff like this inside all the time, but you always figure it's pie in the sky stuff, and usually that's exactly what it is.

Would be interesting if there's something behind the talk this year.

I heard this earlier in the year from a pretty good source for USC...I believe there is a ton if smoke. Beating cal might have complicated things. I would be nice to get Wilcox back with ccp

Can't see Peterson leaving BSU, especially for Los Angeles. He has repeatedly stated that he loves the small town atmosphere in Boise and doesn't want to move his kids around again. Stranger things have happened though.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Reports on KC radio that Leach is being targeted for the Old Miss job.

[dawgfan]

Can't see Peterson leaving BSU, especially for Los Angeles. He has repeatedly stated that he loves the small town atmosphere in Boise and doesn't want to move his kids around again. Stranger things have happened though.
He has, but things can change. I wouldn't put great odds on UCLA getting Peterson (assuming Neuheisel is gone), but I wouldn't rule it out either. UCLA is arguably the biggest sleeping giant out there - get a good coach there, and there's little reason they couldn't start winning 10+ on a regular basis.

[GrantDawg]

If Ole Miss could ever get an Xs and Os coach that could also recruit to keep the in-state talent coming to Oxford, they would be a force to be reckoned with.


Very true.

[Chief Rum]

He has, but things can change. I wouldn't put great odds on UCLA getting Peterson (assuming Neuheisel is gone), but I wouldn't rule it out either. UCLA is arguably the biggest sleeping giant out there - get a good coach there, and there's little reason they couldn't start winning 10+ on a regular basis.

Yup. The big issue has always been the university's commitment to the program. Too much penny-pinching and stringent overseering in all details of the program. UCLA is a very good academic school--not on par with a Stanford, of course--but a regular top 20-25 school on most academic rankings lists, and the administration takes great pride in this, to the detriment of costly programs that don't contribute to those rankings (i.e. football).

The condition of the program has now (or post-Arizona blowout on national TV) gotten to the point where very frustrated and deep-pocketed alums are really starting to flood the school with complaints about how the most visible program representing the school in the media is an utter embarrassment, and the admin's "culture" with respect to football is regarded as the primary reason for it. The admin does have great pride in UCLA's well-known basketball ttradition and in the currently-being-renovated Pauley Pavillion, one of the "hallowed halls" of the sport. The donors are pissed off enough that many have basically threatened to pull their Pauley renovation donations if a change isn't made, both specifically with the football coaching job at UCLA and the overall culture of the UCLA admin toward football.

There are also rumors that Adidas is pressuring UCLA as well, since UCLA is one of the company's premier apparell reps. Combine that pressure with a whole shitload of new Pac 12 TV money, and the rumors coming out of Westwood now are that the admin is ready to pay a Top 10-15 level salary for the head coach, much more for the staff in general, improved facilities on campus and lossening the academic restrictions which have plagued UCLA recruiting for years.

What all this means is that it's not out of the question you could see a Top 10 salary thrown at Peterson by UCLA. And given the other natural advantages--weather, BCS conference, major media market, right in the middle of a recruiting hotbed--you would have to think a top end salary at UCLA would definitely intrigue Peterson, regardless of his past comments.

[dawgfan]

What I find a bit odd (and I'm sure this hasn't escaped the attention of UCLA fans) is that Dan Guerrero is the highest-paid AD in the conference (at least among the public schools where such figures can be obtained by the press), yet the department has a rep for not shelling out competitive money for coaches.

A really good coach at UCLA scares me. With the location, the prestige of the school and a pretty good tradition, there's no reason the Bruins couldn't pull off something close to what Pete did at USC.

I guess the bright side is UCLA has always recruited well, so even with a good coach there I'm not sure that would have much of an impact on UW recruiting.

[tarcone]

Who gets the PSU job?

[MrBug708]

I find it pretty unspeakable that Baylor has a better football and basketball team than UCLA does at the moment. That should speak to the job that Guerrero has done

[MrBug708]

I dont think that the PSU job is going to be that coveted. That AD situation is going to be a mess and they will be following a legend

[corbes]

I assume Peterson will be linked to every job this year. For what it's worth, the UNC message boards have already decided the exact salary range that Peterson will be/has already been offered by UNC. All insider information of course.

[RomaGoth]

This could be one of the most intriguing college football offseason stories ever. I'll toss out a name that would be the kind of splash they should look to make if everything really does have to start over from scratch.

Chris Peterson.

That would be career suicide.

[dawgfan]

I assume Peterson will be linked to every job this year. For what it's worth, the UNC message boards have already decided the exact salary range that Peterson will be/has already been offered by UNC. All insider information of course.
With all due respect, I can't begin to imagine a scenario where North Carolina is the school that Peterson leaves Boise State for.

[corbes]

With all due respect, I can't begin to imagine a scenario where North Carolina is the school that Peterson leaves Boise State for.

Even on the UNC boards the scenario is convoluted and involves a (completely imaginary) theory that Peterson is best friends with the incoming AD and that for some reason or another Peterson's wife would be really happy with the medical facilities in the area. I know that even the imaginary theories don't involve football, I can't fathom what football-driven pitch would bring Peterson to UNC. "Hey Chris, four words for you: 'Meineke Car Care Bowl.'"

[Logan]

Even on the UNC boards the scenario is convoluted and involves a (completely imaginary) theory that Peterson is best friends with the incoming AD and that for some reason or another Peterson's wife would be really happy with the medical facilities in the area. I know that even the imaginary theories don't involve football, I can't fathom what football-driven pitch would bring Peterson to UNC. "Hey Chris, four words for you: 'Meineke Car Care Bowl.'"

Hopefully he doesn't read the papers. "Hey Chris, two words for you: Belk Bowl" doesn't have the same ring to it.

[britrock88]

Meh. All our next coach has to do is go 7-1 and beat VT to make the ACC Championship every year. We do well against Miami already. We just need to handle the pesky NC State problem...

[Swaggs]

Hearing that Rich Rodriguez has been offered the Tulane head coaching job and that if he does not get an offer from Ole Miss or Arizona (deemed doubtful), he will accept within the next two weeks.

He was offensive coordinator there under Tommy Bowden during their undefeated season about 10-12 years ago. If they allow props, I can see him doing very well down there.

[Tigercat]

If anyone can ever build a program at Tulane where they get the best recruiting scraps in Louisiana and compete with the Mississippi schools for a few recruits, they could build a decently talented team. Talking TCU/Boise State talented.

The problem is playing in front of an empty Superdome crowd isn't exactly appealing, and Tulane's future alternative is an on-campus stadium that will only seat 30k.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I imagine that administrators & news crews better hide their vehicles if PSU hires their next head coach from Liberty.

[MrBug708]

<inside the Morgan Center>
Hello Chris, that was a tough loss today. Ready to join a BCS conference? I have 3 million with your name on it

[Matthean]

PSU is going to need a Les Miles type of guy who can recruit and do PR. If he lacks in Xs and Os, he can bring in guys to handle that. All of the game planning in the world isn't going to counter getting past the PR mess PSU is in or the recruits to move the program forward. Following a legend is bad enough. Following one after this scandal is going to be next to impossible.

[Young Drachma]

<inside the Morgan Center>
Hello Chris, that was a tough loss today. Ready to join a BCS conference? I have 3 million with your name on it

Or wait until next year when Boise State is playing in the Big East. ;)

[Izulde]

I hate I-AA coaches after what little Hauck has done in his two years.

[Swaggs]

Maybe I am crazy, but the PSU job still looks pretty good to me. They play in front of 100K fans, are a big dog in one of the best and most stable conferences, don't appear to be in danger of any sanctions, and are in a great recruiting area (Pennsylvania, Jersey, MD, DC).

Plus, on-field expectations are probably going to be lower than they would have otherwise been and there is probably not going to be a "favorite son" type (like Tom Bradley or Larry Johnson), that was overlooked for the job, that a segment of the fans would always want because anyone tied to Paterno or Sandusky is going to be toxic for awhile.

[Grammaticus]

If you look at it from the fans perspective, Leach is the overwhelming favorite for the job at Ole Miss. Archie Manning and Mike Glenn (FedEX executive) are heading a 5 person committee to identify the HC candidates. I hear the top options are Leach, Sumlin, Mahlzan and Kirby Smart.

Personally, I hope it is Mike Leach. At Ole Miss we need someone that can win with less talent. Leach is one hell of a creative coach and probably the most innovative guy in the game today.

[RedKingGold]

Maybe I am crazy, but the PSU job still looks pretty good to me. They play in front of 100K fans, are a big dog in one of the best and most stable conferences, don't appear to be in danger of any sanctions, and are in a great recruiting area (Pennsylvania, Jersey, MD, DC).

Plus, on-field expectations are probably going to be lower than they would have otherwise been and there is probably not going to be a "favorite son" type (like Tom Bradley or Larry Johnson), that was overlooked for the job, that a segment of the fans would always want because anyone tied to Paterno or Sandusky is going to be toxic for awhile.

Not only that, but that whole specter of "following a legend" has evaporated. People will want someone to step in and make them forget all about Paterno.

Also, if it's a high profile guy, he could basically step right in and run the program exactly as he wants, likely picking his own AD and staff without having to feel tied to Paterno's staff.

Lastly, if the coach wins, people will rally behind him as an excuse to try and forget all about the scandal. If he loses, then popular opinion will likely blame the fallout of the scandal and not the coach's job performance, at least for awhile.

Therefore, PSU is arguably a more attractive job after the scandal than before it.

[MrBug708]

Or wait until next year when Boise State is playing in the Big East. ;)

That is like moving from Rhode Island to Connecticut and claiming being happy about the size of the state. :)

[Chief Rum]

That is like moving from Rhode Island to Connecticut and claiming being happy about the size of the state. :)

Even better--in addition to moving to a bigger state, they have a weekly commute from Connecticut to a comparable Florida, Kentucky and Minnesota.

[dawgfan]

Not only that, but that whole specter of "following a legend" has evaporated. People will want someone to step in and make them forget all about Paterno.

Also, if it's a high profile guy, he could basically step right in and run the program exactly as he wants, likely picking his own AD and staff without having to feel tied to Paterno's staff.

Lastly, if the coach wins, people will rally behind him as an excuse to try and forget all about the scandal. If he loses, then popular opinion will likely blame the fallout of the scandal and not the coach's job performance, at least for awhile.

Therefore, PSU is arguably a more attractive job after the scandal than before it.
Yeah, I'm not buying the idea that Penn State is not an attractive job. Huge fan base, stable, high-level (and highly funded) conference, great recruiting location, not directly following the legend - I think this job is still one of the top ones in the country. In fact, given the likely disparity in sanctions between Ohio State (they'll get some) and Penn State (unlikely to get any), I think that Penn State is the more attractive opening right now.

[kcchief19]

Therefore, PSU is arguably a more attractive job after the scandal than before it.
I don't see any scenario where that is true. The next coach is going to walk in with the recruiting cupboard bare and few if any of his own recruits willing to follow him to PSU.

This scandal is going to be kept alive for years with the trial and lawsuits. The name PSU is sullied forever.

There's also the likelihood that a combination of time and losing makes people long for the days of Joe Pa. He will always be looming over the program -- and remember that his reputation is still much better with the fan base, donors and ex-players than it will be nationwide. If the next coach is outside "the family," you're talking about a complete start from scratch in terms money, talent and fan support.

The only thing the next coach can do to make things better is win, and it's going to be much harder to win at PSU now than it would have been without he scandal.

[RedKingGold]

I don't see any scenario where that is true. The next coach is going to walk in with the recruiting cupboard bare and few if any of his own recruits willing to follow him to PSU.

Again, it depends on the type of coach hired. Are you telling me that recruits will say no to Urban Meyer because of the scandal? I think not.

This scandal is going to be kept alive for years with the trial and lawsuits. The name PSU is sullied forever.

While the scandal is, of course, a huge deal, I think this statement is a bit overblown because it's a week old. What happens, a month, a year, five years from now? Honestly, I'd never heard of the Red Sox scandal until it was posted in this thread.

There's also the likelihood that a combination of time and losing makes people long for the days of Joe Pa. He will always be looming over the program -- and remember that his reputation is still much better with the fan base, donors and ex-players than it will be nationwide. If the next coach is outside "the family," you're talking about a complete start from scratch in terms money, talent and fan support.

Again, I disagree. There are many, many, many PSU fans and boosters who have wanted JoePa gone since 2000. Many forget that President Spanier and other Boosters pressured Paterno to retire in 2004 only, because of his power, he rebuffed them.

Outside of the scandal, I think you'd find more PSU fans who would argue that JoePa has held the program back since the mid-nineties but, really, you couldn't just fire the guy without a scandal such as this.

The only thing the next coach can do to make things better is win, and it's going to be much harder to win at PSU now than it would have been without he scandal.

Again, I disagree. Some of the underclass pieces are there and would probably not transfer if a solid coach with a winning pedigree came in. Without the JoePa legacy, boosters/BoT are free to pick a guy without Penn State ties, such as a Meyer or other hot college coach.

[RedKingGold]

By the way, keep one name in mind for the PSU job: Bill Cowher.

Wouldn't that be a win-win for everyone?

[RomaGoth]

THAT would be interesting. I have no idea if his approach would work in college, both on the field and recruiting, but it's the kind of out of the box thinking they're going to have to do to keep from becoming Illinois for the next few years.

Ron Zook may be available soon...then they could be Illinois for the next few years!

[Ksyrup]

Are people forgetting that the NCAA may step in and level some sanctions on the football program a few years from now, when the criminal trials are over? What big name coach is going to want to take over a program tarnished as PSU is in the short-term, and possibly hamstrung by sanctions 5-10 years out?

Let's take a worst-case scenario, that the criminal trials and discovery in civil trials brings to light a cover-up of allegations pre-dating even 1998. The NCAA has already said they are going to look into this based on where it goes from here. If anything screams "lack of institutional control" - if the NCAA's rules have any meaning to them whatsoever - you'd think they would throw the book at an athletic program that was determined to have purposely concealed a child molester.

Now, maybe ultimately the NCAA is going to adopt a "the damage to the image is sufficient enough and the entire program has been wiped clean" position, but how do you know that by January 2012? I could see a dedicated alum taking the job, but I can't see an established, untarnished coach (someone mentioned Tressel, but isn't he out for 3 years minimum for the Show Cause order?) willingly taking this job because of the upside.

[dawgfan]

The NCAA has jurisdiction over their rules. I've seen nothing so far in this investigation that suggests Penn State broke any NCAA rules, and given the trajectory of this story, I doubt we will.

[Ksyrup]

Bob Davie (!) named head coach of New Mexico.

Also, just saw this:

<S>@</S>HABOTN (http://twitter.com/#!/HABOTN): Ronnie Sanders of AuburnUndercover.com reports that Gus Malzahn is expected to be the next HC at North Carolina.

EDIT UPDATE: <S>@</S>HABOTN (http://twitter.com/#!/HABOTN): UPDATE: The AuburnUndercover.com post has been revised to say Malzahn has "emerged as the clear favorite" at UNC.

[dawgfan]

Bob Davie (!) named head coach of New Mexico.
Well, they couldn't get any worse, right? Right?

[jbergey22]

Tough program to take over when trying to build your career back up. He might be stuck there for a very long time.

[Ksyrup]

If he names Matt Millen and Craig James his DC and OC, we're golden on ESPN broadcasts for the next 18 months or so.

[RomaGoth]

If he names Matt Millen and Craig James his DC and OC, we're golden on ESPN broadcasts for the next 18 months or so.

Epic. :lol:

[Matthean]

Also, just saw this:

<s>@</s>HABOTN (http://twitter.com/#%21/HABOTN): Ronnie Sanders of AuburnUndercover.com reports that Gus Malzahn is expected to be the next HC at North Carolina.

EDIT UPDATE: <s>@</s>HABOTN (http://twitter.com/#%21/HABOTN): UPDATE: The AuburnUndercover.com post has been revised to say Malzahn has "emerged as the clear favorite" at UNC.

Would love to see this as a 'Bama fan.

[Ksyrup]

The NCAA has jurisdiction over their rules. I've seen nothing so far in this investigation that suggests Penn State broke any NCAA rules, and given the trajectory of this story, I doubt we will.

Well, they see it differently. The fact that they've sent PSU something indicating an intent to investigation LOIC suggests to me there'll be some form of punishment, even if it ultimately turns out not to be too much based on lack of direct evidence.

[dawgfan]

Well, they see it differently. The fact that they've sent PSU something indicating an intent to investigation LOIC suggests to me there'll be some form of punishment, even if it ultimately turns out not to be too much based on lack of direct evidence.
An intent to investigate doesn't mean they'll find that Penn State actually broke any NCAA rules.

I don't pretend to know the depth of the NCAA rulebook, but based off of what we know so far, I'm struggling to think of what rules they broke with regard to NCAA regulations.

[gstelmack]

An intent to investigate doesn't mean they'll find that Penn State actually broke any NCAA rules.

I don't pretend to know the depth of the NCAA rulebook, but based off of what we know so far, I'm struggling to think of what rules they broke with regard to NCAA regulations.

If what is suspected is really going on, doesn't it fit the definition of "Lack of Institutional Control"? Or is the real problem here that they showed too much Institutional Control?

[Ksyrup]

I guess the question, which I don't know the answer to, is whether the LOIC has to relate to a specific NCAA rule they have broken, or is the LOIC itself the NCAA rule that was violated, and all they have to show is that it involved the athletic program?

[dawgfan]

If what is suspected is really going on, doesn't it fit the definition of "Lack of Institutional Control"? Or is the real problem here that they showed too much Institutional Control?
Well, that's obviously a pretty vague charge. That works to the NCAA's advantage in many cases, allowing them to combine a number of smaller infractions into one larger major infraction.

But this isn't exactly the scenario the NCAA had in mind IMO when they created that charge. This isn't a case (so far that we know of) of Penn State athletics officials systematically ignoring/knowingly breaking NCAA rules; so far, this is an issue of actually breaking laws, which is not NCAA jurisdiction.

[Swaggs]

Not sure whether to believe this or not...

http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/meyer-agrees-to-coach-buckeyes-building-staff-29902

[RomaGoth]

Not sure whether to believe this or not...

http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/meyer-agrees-to-coach-buckeyes-building-staff-29902

Perfect. I hate Urban Meyer and Ohio State. They make a great pair. Apparently his health issues weren't as bad as originally though, eh? Too bad if Herbstreit goes too, I actually like him on college gameday.

[Swaggs]

Perfect. I hate Urban Meyer and Ohio State. They make a great pair. Apparently his health issues weren't as bad as originally though, eh? Too bad if Herbstreit goes too, I actually like him on college gameday.

The Herbstreit part is what makes it especially hard to believe. Maybe he thinks he has a duty to help return Ohio State to respectability or something, but it just seems unlikely that he leaves his pretty cushy TV job to spend 80 hours a week coaching football.

[Logan]

Especially for what I assume would be a QB coach position?

[Matthean]

Not sure whether to believe this or not...

http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/meyer-agrees-to-coach-buckeyes-building-staff-29902

The Chris Spielman and Kirk Herbstreit part is what confuses me. I still think if it is true that a coach who stepped down twice in two years due to health issues isn't the guy you want coaching considering OSU is going to get slammed by the NCAA and expectations there will be insane. OSU could very easily get slammed for 3 years and then it would take a couple of years to build back up. I know he won at Utah, but after seeing him trying to poorly run the Tebow offense when Tebow was no longer there, my opionon of him went down.

[bronconick]

Eh, if Meyer really has had health issues, I don't see him ever going to a powerhouse again. His doctors told him to dial it back, and he ended up with the 2010 Florida Gators as a result.

If he gets back into coaching, I could see him copycatting Solich's career arc. Go find a job at a meh WAC/MWC/MAC/CUSA school with no pressure where giving 70% gets him 8-9 wins and a content, if not happy fanbase.

[JPhillips]

The Herbstreit part is what makes it especially hard to believe. Maybe he thinks he has a duty to help return Ohio State to respectability or something, but it just seems unlikely that he leaves his pretty cushy TV job to spend 80 hours a week coaching football.

Sounds like a story with enough details that they could trace the leak.

[Swaggs]

The Chris Spielman and Kirk Herbstreit part is what confuses me. I still think if it is true that a coach who stepped down twice in two years due to health issues isn't the guy you want coaching considering OSU is going to get slammed by the NCAA and expectations there will be insane. OSU could very easily get slammed for 3 years and then it would take a couple of years to build back up. I know he won at Utah, but after seeing him trying to poorly run the Tebow offense when Tebow was no longer there, my opionon of him went down.

I don't know if you can take away from his legacy a whole lot based on the one season's results without Tebow, when he won national titles (and SEC titles) with two different starting QBs in such a short period of time. That last year kind of falls in the "too small of a sample size" area to me, as his coaching staff got picked apart (due to their success), he lost one of the best college QBs ever, and had the retirement rumors hanging over his head).

The Herbstreit stuff, I can maybe buy if Herbie thinks Meyer may be a short term solution and being on staff could fast track him to becoming Ohio State's head coach (without him having to do hard time climbing the coaching ladder and bouncing around jobs/locations). It would be interesting to see, as Herbstreit's income would have to take a considerable nosedive, even if he becomes a very well paid position coach.

[GrantDawg]

It would be interesting to see, as Herbstreit's income would have to take a considerable nosedive, even if he becomes a very well paid position coach.


Considering this and the 80-100 hour work week mentioned earlier, I just don't really see any way Herbstreit is doing this. It just about invalidates the whole rumor completely.

[BillJasper]

Considering this and the 80-100 hour work week mentioned earlier, I just don't really see any way Herbstreit is doing this. It just about invalidates the whole rumor completely.

This. I just don't see how taking a pay cut of, at least, 70% and working quadruple the hours would be enticing in any way.

[Matthean]

I don't know if you can take away from his legacy a whole lot based on the one season's results without Tebow, when he won national titles (and SEC titles) with two different starting QBs in such a short period of time. That last year kind of falls in the "too small of a sample size" area to me, as his coaching staff got picked apart (due to their success), he lost one of the best college QBs ever, and had the retirement rumors hanging over his head).

Oh, I know. It just seemed odd for such a top level coach who has won without Tebow to try and run an offense when he didn't have the QB with the right skill set for it.

Considering this and the 80-100 hour work week mentioned earlier, I just don't really see any way Herbstreit is doing this. It just about invalidates the whole rumor completely.

This is also from a site pointing out Sandusky was released on bail and then found near an elementary school. As in, the one by his house. OMG, how dare he go home. We must make a misleading post about it.

[MrBug708]

Eh, if Meyer really has had health issues, I don't see him ever going to a powerhouse again. His doctors told him to dial it back, and he ended up with the 2010 Florida Gators as a result.

If he gets back into coaching, I could see him copycatting Solich's career arc. Go find a job at a meh WAC/MWC/MAC/CUSA school with no pressure where giving 70% gets him 8-9 wins and a content, if not happy fanbase.

That sounds like the perfect recipe for a job at UCLA

[Matthean]

Meyer rumor has at least made ESPN level

Ohio State Buckeyes talking to Urban Meyer about job, sources say - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7254564/ohio-state-buckeyes-talking-urban-meyer-job-sources-say)

[CU Tiger]

This. I just don't see how taking a pay cut of, at least, 70% and working quadruple the hours would be enticing in any way.

Agree about $$$, but I think you may be underestimating the hours Herbstreit works at ESPN. For example he averages 35 radio interviews A DAY for various regional, market shows to promote the ESPN brand. THen his daily ESPN taping, on air work. Add in promotional appearances and actually doing homework on upcoming teams Id say he pushes the 80 hour envelope....now mind you 80 hours of watching football, but 80 hours none the less.

[GrantDawg]

Mark Richt will be coaching in Athens for another couple of years now.

[MrBug708]

There is a rumor I've seen that UW was contacted about the chances of getting Sarkisian to switch schools to another PAC-12 school. Only three schools would really fit that bill, UCLA, USC, and Arizona. I dont think Arizona has a shot, USC will likely roll with Lane for at least another two years, and UCLA doesnt seem like a good fit for Steve

[dawgfan]

There is a rumor I've seen that UW was contacted about the chances of getting Sarkisian to switch schools to another PAC-12 school. Only three schools would really fit that bill, UCLA, USC, and Arizona. I dont think Arizona has a shot, USC will likely roll with Lane for at least another two years, and UCLA doesnt seem like a good fit for Steve
I think USC is the only school that realistically might have a chance of grabbing Sark away, and that's clearly not happening right now (unless Kiffin somehow is getting NFL interest). Wouldn't surprise me if other Pac-12 schools would sniff around, but I don't see him going anywhere.

And after a loss like today's, he'd better be focusing 100% on the job at hand, because that was ugly.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Mark Richt will be coaching in Athens for another couple of years now.

Yep, saved his job by winning the East ... although the team spent a good part of the day keeping it interesting ;)

[Matthean]

Urban Meyer -- if Ohio State Buckeyes offer job, I'll have a decision to make - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7265672/urban-meyer-ohio-state-buckeyes-offer-job-decision-make)

Let me translate this for you. OSU is waiting for the proper time, ie after the Michigan game, to toss him the offer and would announce him being hired before the ink dries. Meyer is likely merely waiting for the offcial NCAA findings to figure out how much of a mess he would have to be dealing with to figure out if he really would want it. Those findings should be coming within the next two weeks. Convenient, no?

[Butter]

I know the university would love the money, but I have been saying for weeks now (not here, but to friends) that the school needs to self-impose a bowl ban for this season. They're only going to a crap bowl at best (one projection I saw said the GoDaddy bowl? Uh, how about no?), so why not at least throw yourself completely on the mercy and save everyone from having to watch OSU playing Western East North Michigan in Toronto and take the pill now.

I don't know if they'll do that, but it should seriously be considered.

[Logan]

Was Meyer's contract up at Florida when he retired?

[DeToxRox]

In all honesty the amount of UM fans worried about Meyer coaching OSU is hilarious to me. No matter who coaches OSU, no one will have near the run Tress had there. He had one of the greatest runs in history. As good as Meyer is, he will not touch that.

[Chief Rum]

I know the university would love the money, but I have been saying for weeks now (not here, but to friends) that the school needs to self-impose a bowl ban for this season. They're only going to a crap bowl at best (one projection I saw said the GoDaddy bowl? Uh, how about no?), so why not at least throw yourself completely on the mercy and save everyone from having to watch OSU playing Western East North Michigan in Toronto and take the pill now.

I don't know if they'll do that, but it should seriously be considered.

Just what OSU needs. One year after allowing their players to play in the Sugar Bowl when they should have been suspended, this year they can do a "bowl ban" in a relatively crappy year.

Let me know when OSU makes a decision that actually hurts its program (outside of firing Tressel--they didn't have a choice there).

[Matthean]

I know the university would love the money, but I have been saying for weeks now (not here, but to friends) that the school needs to self-impose a bowl ban for this season. They're only going to a crap bowl at best (one projection I saw said the GoDaddy bowl? Uh, how about no?), so why not at least throw yourself completely on the mercy and save everyone from having to watch OSU playing Western East North Michigan in Toronto and take the pill now.

I don't know if they'll do that, but it should seriously be considered.

Via 2 ESPN predictions and the one from SI, you get two votes for Gator Bowl against Florida and a Little Caesar's Bowl against Ohio as where Penn State gets the Gator Bowl. I think many are thinking PSU is going to get the short end of the stick in terms of a bowl this year so that's why OSU gets the Gator instead of PSU. GoDaddy has no direct Big Ten tie in.

[Matthean]

In all honesty the amount of UM fans worried about Meyer coaching OSU is hilarious to me. No matter who coaches OSU, no one will have near the run Tress had there. He had one of the greatest runs in history. As good as Meyer is, he will not touch that.

Michigan has a too much of a pulse to let it happen. I see at least a nice 3 year swing for Michigan before OSU starts their own rebuilding phase. The Michigan fans that are worried about Meyer are the same type of fans for OSU who think OSU wins titles simply because Meyer is their coach.

[DeToxRox]

BFeldmanCBS
Expect RichRod to be rejoined at Arizona by many of his former staffers from WVU and Michigan... The Pac-12 just got tougher.


BFeldmanCBS
Expect Rich Rodriguez to be named the next Arizona head coach in the next 48 hours according to sources.

[DeToxRox]

If Rich brings his assistants with him, who have zero ties out west, I don't see how this can end well for Arizona.

[k0ruptr]

I fully expect the Hawaii position to be open after the season.

[Matthean]

BFeldmanCBS
Expect RichRod to be rejoined at Arizona by many of his former staffers from WVU and Michigan... The Pac-12 just got tougher.

Of the words I would have used, I don't think tougher would be one of them. This would be interesting if he could bring in people who have a clue about defense, but he will likely just go out and hire his buddies again just like he did before.

[RomaGoth]

I fully expect the Hawaii position to be open after the season.

Seems that would be a perfect fit for Rich Rod rather than a place like Arizona.

[DeToxRox]

As I believe I said before in this thread, Arizona should have gone with Ron English. With his ties out West, and especially in the state itself, he would have been a great choice. He has taken the absolute worst team in the NCAA and has them bowl eligible in three years. They play hard and they play physical. It would have been a great choice in my opinion.

Certainly Rich can work out but if the band is getting back together, then the chances for success reduce dramatically.

[k0ruptr]

I want nothing to do with rich rod

[Atocep]

If Rich brings his assistants with him, who have zero ties out west, I don't see how this can end well for Arizona.

I said earlier in the thread that I heard before Stoops was even let go that Rich was very interested in that job.

Gibby following him is a given (I feel sorry for Arizona fans). It will be very interesting to see if Magee follows.

I don't see this working out well if he just reassembles the old staff. His staff has one decent recruiter (Gibby) and the rest just don't recruit well and they're going to be in unfamiliar territory.

For Arles and any other Arizona fans, Rich is a solid coach that surrounds himself with MAC/CUSA-level assistants and people that give him terrible advice. Tony Gibson is arguably the worst assistant in Division 1 FBS football and he'll be coaching your secondary. Yes, he's that bad. The rest of his old staff is made up guys that are only getting assistant jobs because they're tied to Rich.

The best thing you can hope for is Rich finally realizes that it's time to move away from those guys and get a new staff.

[MrBug708]

I like the hire for Arizona. Of course, I hope this doesnt mean Belotti is coming to UCLA

[bronconick]

Urban Meyer -- if Ohio State Buckeyes offer job, I'll have a decision to make - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7265672/urban-meyer-ohio-state-buckeyes-offer-job-decision-make)

Let me translate this for you. OSU is waiting for the proper time, ie after the Michigan game, to toss him the offer and would announce him being hired before the ink dries. Meyer is likely merely waiting for the offcial NCAA findings to figure out how much of a mess he would have to be dealing with to figure out if he really would want it. Those findings should be coming within the next two weeks. Convenient, no?

They just added that Failure to Monitor charge a couple weeks ago. That's going to sit out there into next Spring.

[Matthean]

http://pics.campl.us/f/d/d37f954a5802aaf927c085e376f78246.jpg

[Swaggs]

I don't know if Rita's skin will survive in Arizona.

[Butter]

Just what OSU needs. One year after allowing their players to play in the Sugar Bowl when they should have been suspended, this year they can do a "bowl ban" in a relatively crappy year.

Let me know when OSU makes a decision that actually hurts its program (outside of firing Tressel--they didn't have a choice there).

The reason they had a crappy year was largely due to all of the suspensions from last year. So I wouldn't exactly say the program hasn't been hurt. The recruiting is down, they basically have had a lost year. I wouldn't exactly say going to the Little Caesar's bowl in a year when they could've contended for a Big Ten title is not having "punishment", but if you are a proponent of the bowl system you can't have it both ways. You can't just wait until Ohio State has a "meaningful" year and THEN slap the penalties on. Although I imagine that OSU is likely going to get some sort of bowl ban, but likely not until after the season.

[Arles]

I'm not sure Arizona could do any better. Apparently, RichRod is a great recruiter - which is #1 in the qualifications for AZ. The fact that he's had some exciting offenses works as well. Arizona did fairly well running the spread under Sonny Dykes a few years back so I think the team/school will embrace his system.

What's funny is RichRod recruited a couple really good players for Michigan from Arizona a few years back (including current starting DE Craig Roh from Chaparral). If you can get top kids from Florida to go to West Virginia, recruiting California/Texas for AZ isn't going to be that much tougher.

Unless someone is willing to sell me on how Arizona was in the running for Chris Peterson, I think this is about the best hire we could hope for. For those touting Ron English, I don't see it. Outside of attending school out here, he doesn't have many coaching ties out west and is the same mold as Stoops - his best days were as a DC for a top program with no history of recruiting/winning as a HC. I think I'll pass.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I like seeing Rich Rod back in college football. He's tenure at Michigan was a disaster and after prolonged exposure to the man I think he's a bit of a weirdo, but I enjoy watching his offense at work. It will definitely make watching Arizona games more interesting, which, as a college football fan, is all I really care about as far as Airzona goes.

[DeToxRox]

I'm not sure Arizona could do any better. Apparently, RichRod is a great recruiter - which is #1 in the qualifications for AZ. The fact that he's had some exciting offenses works as well. Arizona did fairly well running the spread under Sonny Dykes a few years back so I think the team/school will embrace his system.

What's funny is RichRod recruited a couple really good players for Michigan from Arizona a few years back (including current starting DE Craig Roh from Chaparral). If you can get top kids from Florida to go to West Virginia, recruiting California/Texas for AZ isn't going to be that much tougher.

Unless someone is willing to sell me on how Arizona was in the running for Chris Peterson, I think this is about the best hire we could hope for. For those touting Ron English, I don't see it. Outside of attending school out here, he doesn't have many coaching ties out west and is the same mold as Stoops - his best days were as a DC for a top program with no history of recruiting/winning as a HC. I think I'll pass.

Rich is a good recruiter who makes weird recruiting decisions. He offered kids in February of their Junior year who he could have easily gotten in January of their senior years. Many of these kids are no longer with the Michigan program because they were just not quality enough athletes.

He finds tons of sleepers but strikes out on an equal amount.

He will benefit from being able to sign JUCO kids though.

[Matthean]

I'm not sure Arizona could do any better. Apparently, RichRod is a great recruiter

I think Michigan starting 3 true freshman this year and likely doing so next year kind of says all I need to know about RR's recruiting. The senior class that contains some of Michigan's best players was Carr's last class.

[Swaggs]

I would say that Rodriguez, for a BCS level head coach, is pretty average as a recruiter. The groundwork/pipeline for West Virginia recruiting in the state of Florida was established by Don Nehlen throughout the 80s and had little to do with Rodriguez until the team started winning BCS games. I wouldn't consider WVU a "brand name" in Florida or anything, but having a 25-30 year history recruiting in the state (and, at this point there are a number of former players coaching high school in the state, notably in at Miramar, where we have gotten several high profile starters in the past few seasons) and consistently being in the Big East with Miami and then South Florida, has allowed us to establish a strong presence.

I still think Rodriguez is a really good head coach and I believe he would have had a good year at Michigan this season if he would have been given the time (and I understand why he wasn't, as well). I think he is a good CEO-type that will improve the overall infrastructure of the program and provide a smart, innovative offensive mind (w/o having to go out and hire a big dollar OC). The downside is going to be the cronyism among coaches (some will be pretty good, some are awful -- Tony Gibson, in particular). He will also disproportionately recruit offensive players and try "athletes" on offense first, and if they fail, stick them on defense (WVU often had failed QBs and WRs learning on the job at CB and S).

[Atocep]

What's funny is RichRod recruited a couple really good players for Michigan from Arizona a few years back (including current starting DE Craig Roh from Chaparral). If you can get top kids from Florida to go to West Virginia, recruiting California/Texas for AZ isn't going to be that much tougher.


Rich is an average to good recruiter. Florida kids going to WVU started long before Rich got there. It's a big part of how Nehlen built his teams and Doc Holliday was largely responsible for that. Rich was able to take advantage of relationships that were formed in Florida over the 15+ years before he took over. WVU is considered one of the first schools, if not the first, outside the deep south to realize the amount of talent in Florida and focus heavily on recruiting there.

I think WVU actually recruited Florida better after Rich left. Rich was locked out of part of Florida and WVU brought back Doc Holliday as recruiting coordinator under Bill Stewart. Overall WVU's recruiting has improved since Rich left (I believe Michigan's has picked up a bit too). Part of that improvement at WVU is due to the success Rich had, but a large part of it is simply hiring better recruiters.

Rich's problem is the rest of his staff (assuming he's putting the old staff together) doesn't recruit all that well. The only good recruiter also happens to be a terrible coach. As stated Tony Gibson has no business coaching any position group. Calvin Magee is a miserable asshole that lacks people people skills and considers himself architect of Rich's offense. The rest of the old staff doesn't really stand out in any area.

For Rich to be successful again he's going to have to learn from his mistakes. From putting a staff together, how he handles himself off the field, to his approach to recruiting.

Rich's approach to recruiting in the past was to over-recruit high school QBs and running backs and give them a look at QB and RB first. If they fail there they're moved to either the slot, corner, or safety. There's little depth along the O-Line, D-Line, and at linebacker. I'm pretty sure Michigan saw much of those same things.

As I said earlier, I think Rich is a good coach. He has his flaws, though, and the thing that would concern me is he's shown no interest in fixing those flaws. His offense is going to put up points by year 2. He has no interest in what's going on with the defense so he needs to bring in a good defensive coordinator. If nothing else, it's not going to be boring at Arizona for the next few years.

[dawgfan]

Ron English has Eastern Michigan, maybe the worst program in FBS, at more than 4 wins for the first time since 1995 in only his 3rd year there. They're a win away from 7 total and being bowl eligible. If they get to a bowl, that would be the first since 1987 and only the 2nd ever. That's not yet a "history" of recruiting/winning as a head coach, but it will be one of the best single season coaching feats in recent memory if EMU is in a bowl game.
I have no idea if Ron English is good or not, but what strikes me about this statement is you could've said just about the same thing about Turner Gill at Buffalo.

And hey, maybe Gill will work out eventually at Kansas too - I really don't know enough about the situation at Kansas to assess his tenure there so far.

[Arles]

If RichRod makes UofA interesting to watch over the next 2-3 seasons, he will have done something than Johnny Mac and Stoops couldn't accomplish in over a decade.

The bar isn't very high at Arizona and just getting someone who coached at West Virginia and Michigan (both pretty strong programs) is a bit of a coup. Bringing in an "upstart" coach with little name recognition wasn't going to do much. Arizona needs someone to bring in a reputation (good or bad) not try to build one.

[Atocep]

I wouldn't be shocked to see Jeff Casteel head to Arizona. I expect him to look for a head coaching job this offseason or a high profile DC job, but his staff isn't meshing well with the offensive staff at WVU and if he's not hearing anything from other schools Arizona might make sense for him. I don't think there's very many WVU fans that are expecting Casteel back next year and it's probably best for both WVU and Casteel.

[Swaggs]

I wouldn't be shocked to see Jeff Casteel head to Arizona. I expect him to look for a head coaching job this offseason or a high profile DC job, but his staff isn't meshing well with the offensive staff at WVU and if he's not hearing anything from other schools Arizona might make sense for him. I don't think there's very many WVU fans that are expecting Casteel back next year and it's probably best for both WVU and Casteel.

I hope we can keep Lockwood and Coach K. I can live without Dunlap and, while I like Casteel, I think it is pretty crappy that he hasn't been given a courtesy interview during the time he's been here and wouldn't be surprised to see him go. I think he's a real good DC and that his defensive style may actually match up better in the Big 12 than Big East, but he's getting blamed for our lack of upperclassmen on defense this season (I think I read that there are only five defensive players from the classes of 2007 and 2008 on the two deep this season). He's demonstrated that he's capable of having top 20 defenses (top 5 nationally (but I'll say top 20 in considering our competition obviously hasn't always been strong) with the right personnel he has shown and I'm guessing whoever we would hire probably isn't going to have as strong a pedigree.

[WVUFAN]

I know this is the wrong thread, so apologies in advance, but since y'all are talking WVU football, I thought I'd ask here ...

If there's a 4 way lock in the Big East at the end of the year (ie, Louisville loses, WVU wins), who will go to the BCS bowl? Rutgers beat Louisville, who beat WVU, who beat Cincinnati, who beat Rutgers ...

[Atocep]

I know this is the wrong thread, so apologies in advance, but since y'all are talking WVU football, I thought I'd ask here ...

If there's a 4 way lock in the Big East at the end of the year (ie, Louisville loses, WVU wins), who will go to the BCS bowl? Rutgers beat Louisville, who beat WVU, who beat Cincinnati, who beat Rutgers ...

Most likely WVU based on BCS rankings. It's hard to imagine any of the other schools passing WVU in that scenario.

[Logan]

I know this is the wrong thread, so apologies in advance, but since y'all are talking WVU football, I thought I'd ask here ...

If there's a 4 way lock in the Big East at the end of the year (ie, Louisville loses, WVU wins), who will go to the BCS bowl? Rutgers beat Louisville, who beat WVU, who beat Cincinnati, who beat Rutgers ...

You swapped Rutgers (we beat Cincy, lost to Louisville)...but to answer your question, it's a 4 way tie where just like in a 3 way tie, the bid goes to the team with the highest BCS rank. It would be WVU in that case.

[Atocep]

I hope we can keep Lockwood and Coach K. I can live without Dunlap and, while I like Casteel, I think it is pretty crappy that he hasn't been given a courtesy interview during the time he's been here and wouldn't be surprised to see him go. I think he's a real good DC and that his defensive style may actually match up better in the Big 12 than Big East, but he's getting blamed for our lack of upperclassmen on defense this season (I think I read that there are only five defensive players from the classes of 2007 and 2008 on the two deep this season). He's demonstrated that he's capable of having top 20 defenses (top 5 nationally (but I'll say top 20 in considering our competition obviously hasn't always been strong) with the right personnel he has shown and I'm guessing whoever we would hire probably isn't going to have as strong a pedigree.

I'd love to keep him and I agree the 3-3-5 would be a great fit in the Big 12. His problems this year are mainly because of recruiting misses by the previous 2 staffs. I just don't see it happening right now. The 3-3-5 isn't mixing well with Holgerson. It's a complicated defense and they just don't get the reps they need in practice under Holgerson. I think Casteel got used to long, tough practices that got the defense all the looks it needed.

Ironically, I've heard Stoops' name brought up as the person Holgerson would likely look to first. I don't think that will happen, but if things aren't working between the defensive and offensive staffs then I think Holgerson should get the opportunity to bring in his own guy.

[WVUFAN]

Sorry about that, Logan. So a 4 way tie will occur whether Louisville beats South Florida or not, as long as WVU wins the Backyard Brawl.

[Logan]

Sorry about that, Logan. So a 4 way tie will occur whether Louisville beats South Florida or not, as long as WVU wins the Backyard Brawl.

Nope, you guys have to beat South Florida too.

[WVUFAN]

As for Rodriguez ...

I still believe (and have absolutely no proof) that he threw that Pitt game when WVU was on the verge of a national title game. And I think the way he left the school was very poor. But he's a heck of a good offensively-minded coach.

His issue in Michigan is that he didn't have a defensive coaching staff to match his offense, and he didn't have the time to get his type of players for his offense in. RichRod was doomed from the start -- he wasn't a Michigan man, so his rope was really, REALLY short.

[WVUFAN]

Nope, you guys have to beat South Florida too.

I forgot we had another game too. Ok, if WVU wins out, we get a BCS Bowl (probably against the ACC Champions), right?

A WVU/Virginia Tech Orange Bowl game would be incredible. I miss the rivalry.

[Atocep]

I forgot we had another game too. Ok, if WVU wins out, we get a BCS Bowl (probably against the ACC Champions), right?

A WVU/Virginia Tech Orange Bowl game would be incredible. I miss the rivalry.

Louisville has to lose to South Florida. We need that to happen and win our last 2.

[WVUFAN]

If Louisville beats South Florida, and WVU, Cinci and Rutgers all win out, all four would be 5-2 in conference. On paper, a 4 way tie for the Big East title. Would WVU go to the Orange Bowl?

[Swaggs]

Louisville has to lose to South Florida. We need that to happen and win our last 2.

The simplest equation is for us to win out + either Cincy winning out or Louisville losing to South Florida.

If Louisville loses, we would win the mini-conference tiebreaker with Rutgers and/or Cincy by virtue of beating them head to head.

If Cincy wins out, we would win the mini-conference tiebreaker with any combination of Cincy, Rutgers, and/or Louisville.

[Young Drachma]

Is there any buzz at all about Dave Christensen at Wyoming? This is 2 winning seasons, and 2 bowl games, in only 3 years there. He's got plenty of experience as an OC for Pinkel at both Toledo and Mizzou, so I would think he'd be a guy whose name starts popping up at schools that struggle in BCS conferences. Maybe somewhere like Ole Miss?

I think he's too old to have only 3 years of HC experience under his belt. He had been at Mizzou a long time when the Pokes plucked him away, he wasn't getting many looks then. I think they hired him hoping he'd hang around, but Wyoming can never keep a good coach in Laramie once they have any success.

So it wouldn't shock me if he gets some buzz, but I distinctly recall when he was hired away that folks weren't knocking down his door, as this is his first career head coaching gig. But if they did, it'd probably be a good choice. No question we've turned a corner. I expected this year to be a disaster and yet, he's done more with Joe Glenn's recruits (melded with his own, too) than anyone anticipated being possible.

A lot of programs could do worst than bring him in, that's for sure. The real question is whether he'd want to deal with the pressure cooker of a job where he'd get canned after 3-5 years for not meeting muster for marginally more money, when he could stay here where folks are just happy going to bowl games and where if we finished the year ranked he'd probably get a statue when he retires and just cash those UW checks until he's ready to retire. His base is low, but with incentives and so forth, he's making close to a million. Which isn't a lot, but...it's a lot when you consider that barring a scandal, he'd be able to stay for AT LEAST another seven years at this point before folks would call for his head. And that would take five years of craptastic play for even that to start to happen.

[Logan]

The simplest equation is for us to win out + either Cincy winning out or Louisville losing to South Florida.

If Louisville loses, we would win the mini-conference tiebreaker with Rutgers and/or Cincy by virtue of beating them head to head.

If Cincy wins out, we would win the mini-conference tiebreaker with any combination of Cincy, Rutgers, and/or Louisville.

Similarly for Rutgers, the easiest equation is RU beats UConn Saturday and USF wins out.

Should be fun.

[Swaggs]

I think he's too old to have only 3 years of HC experience under his belt. He had been at Mizzou a long time when the Pokes plucked him away, he wasn't getting many looks then. I think they hired him hoping he'd hang around, but Wyoming can never keep a good coach in Laramie once they have any success.

So it wouldn't shock me if he gets some buzz, but I distinctly recall when he was hired away that folks weren't knocking down his door, as this is his first career head coaching gig. But if they did, it'd probably be a good choice. No question we've turned a corner. I expected this year to be a disaster and yet, he's done more with Joe Glenn's recruits (melded with his own, too) than anyone anticipated being possible.

A lot of programs could do worst than bring him in, that's for sure. The real question is whether he'd want to deal with the pressure cooker of a job where he'd get canned after 3-5 years for not meeting muster for marginally more money, when he could stay here where folks are just happy going to bowl games and where if we finished the year ranked he'd probably get a statue when he retires and just cash those UW checks until he's ready to retire.

He's only 50. I'd say he is on the right track and could be attractive for a job like Washington State (although they really could/should afford to go high dollar now). Otherwise, a job in the MWC, like Wyoming, feels about right for him until/unless he puts together a top 25 season or two.

[Young Drachma]

He's only 50. I'd say he is on the right track and could be attractive for a job like Washington State (although they really could/should afford to go high dollar now). Otherwise, a job in the MWC, like Wyoming, feels about right for him until/unless he puts together a top 25 season or two.

Pullman is attractive?! By what measure?! Hahaha...I get it. Pac-12 and all that. Well if he does eventually bolt, he'll have earned his stripes honestly that's for sure. Maybe back at Mizzou when Pinkel gets ushered out?

[Swaggs]

Pullman is attractive?! By what measure?! Hahaha...I get it. Pac-12 and all that. Well if he does eventually bolt, he'll have earned his stripes honestly that's for sure. Maybe back at Mizzou when Pinkel gets ushered out?

I think he is from Washington state, isn't he?

[Young Drachma]

I think he is from Washington state, isn't he?

Played three years at Washington in the early 80s, yeah.

[BishopMVP]

UMass finally throws its hat into the ring by firing the abominable Kevin Morris. Some people are mentioning ex-coaches Mark Whipple and Don Brown, but I doubt either come. Leach is thrown around as a longshot, but I think that's wishful thinking and he'll end up at Kentucky whenever Joker gets fired. Current Texas Tech OC (and UMass alum) Neal Brown has been mentioned, as has UNH head coach Sean McDonnell.

[bronconick]

Ron English has Eastern Michigan, maybe the worst program in FBS, at more than 4 wins for the first time since 1995 in only his 3rd year there. They're a win away from 7 total and being bowl eligible. If they get to a bowl, that would be the first since 1987 and only the 2nd ever. That's not yet a "history" of recruiting/winning as a head coach, but it will be one of the best single season coaching feats in recent memory if EMU is in a bowl game.


I think he'll get a better job this offseason just for that fact, but I'm not sure what he has to do at EMU (transfers, transfers, transfers!) to be competitive will have anything to do with almost any other job out there.

[BillJasper]

I honestly don't see the reasoning behind bringing Urban Meyer to Ohio State. This is a school facing a possible two or three season post-season ban and a coach who quit twice on Florida in a two year span due to health/family issues.

Fickell seems to be doing a fairly decent job of recruiting, has grown on the job and would cost a third of what Meyer would. I think Fickell could be solid with a little more talent on the offense and a more creative offensive coordinator.

[Lathum]

Espn reporting Meyer to the osu a done deal.

[BillJasper]

Seven years, $40 million dollars. What a waste of money.

I hope Fickell gets a shot somewhere else.

[Izulde]

Urban Meyer Denies Latest OSU Reports | SI Tracking Blog – Tracking the MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, and NCAA On Twitter (http://tracking.si.com/2011/11/23/urban-meyer-denies-latest-osu-reports/?sct=hp_t2_a4&eref=sihp)

[BYU 14]

Seven years, $40 million dollars. What a waste of money.

I hope Fickell gets a shot somewhere else.

Have to agree, Meyer is a helluva of a coach, but I don't see him finishing a 7 year contract. While it is true a year off can recharge you, it won't take long for that grind that drove him away to start to take it's toll again.

At some point, no matter how much you love the game, the extreme time commitment makes it harder to treat as a passion vs a job, which is the key to being happy. I think the OSU will become a job for Meyer within 2-3 seasons and he will walk away again.

And if you look back, Meyer has always moved on after short stints as a head coach. Two years at Bowling Green, 2 years at Utah, then 6 at Florida. He seems to be a coach who thrives on new situations, but burns out quickly, which seemed to start after 3-4 years at Florida.

His longest stint as an assistant coach was 6 years at CSU, which is solid, but again that is without the pressures of being the guy.

[Izulde]

ESPN has zero credibility with me, so I'll go with the denial until it's actually proven.

[Logan]

ESPN has zero credibility with me, so I'll go with the denial until it's actually proven.

You wouldn't err on the side of the fact that every denial from a coach about being in contact with a school has either ended up with the coach in that new job or with a contract extension at his current school?

[Izulde]

You wouldn't err on the side of the fact that every denial from a coach about being in contact with a school has either ended up with the coach in that new job or with a contract extension at his current school?

That's a fair point and I suppose it does cancel out ESPN's lack of credibility. :D

[Arles]

I think he'll get a better job this offseason just for that fact, but I'm not sure what he has to do at EMU (transfers, transfers, transfers!) to be competitive will have anything to do with almost any other job out there.
Agreed. English would make a nice hire for a solid midwestern program (similar to Arizona in struggles) because he's a smart coach. But, his techniques of bringing in C+ college/JC transfers won't work in a major conference. You are really rolling the dice with him and he lacks the name recognition of a RichRod to offset his lack of recruiting ties out west.

It would be best for him (and the future program) for him to stay in the midwest.

[spleen1015]

But ESPN is also reporting the Meyer is denying the reports.....

[cartman]

But, his techniques of bringing in C+ college/JC transfers won't work in a major conference.

Bill Snyder would respectfully disagree.

[RomaGoth]

ESPN has zero credibility with me, so I'll go with the denial until it's actually proven.

Nick Saban agrees with you.

[Matthean]

Have to agree, Meyer is a helluva of a coach, but I don't see him finishing a 7 year contract.

My guess is it's a minimum of a 3 year rebuild as well. It just doesn't make sense to me to spend roughly half of your contract rebuilding a program when health issues and a rabid fan base are involved.

[HerRealName]

My guess is it's a minimum of a 3 year rebuild as well. It just doesn't make sense to me to spend roughly half of your contract rebuilding a program when health issues and a rabid fan base are involved.

Rebuild what? This is a young team with something like 37 of 44 on the 2 deep returning along with a talented young QB with a year of experience. He's walking into the most talented roster in the league. Is that even in dispute?

[Grover]

But ESPN is also reporting the Meyer is denying the reports.....

Meyer's also denied them on air while broadcasting games on ESPN.

I think he's gonna get the job, but he's got to deny it for now.

[Matthean]

Rebuild what? This is a young team with something like 37 of 44 on the 2 deep returning along with a talented young QB with a year of experience. He's walking into the most talented roster in the league. Is that even in dispute?

After the NCAA hits them twice, there might be starting talent next year but eventually there's going to be little depth. It's why USC is doing fine this year, but will go through a down swing as they deal with the scholarship restrictions.

[Eaglesfan27]

After the NCAA hits them twice, there might be starting talent next year but eventually there's going to be little depth. It's why USC is doing fine this year, but will go through a down swing as they deal with the scholarship restrictions.

If they can avoid too many injuries at one position, I'm not sure any team gets hurt that badly by scholarship reductions. USC played 49 players against Oregon, Oregon only used 48. Like most NFL teams, most teams play 50 players or less. I've come to the conclusion that scholarship reductions really only hurt future players who don't get the opportunity to get a scholarship.

[DeToxRox]

So I don't know where this is coming from, but a UCLA fan on another forum I go to has said there are rumors that Herm Edwards will be the next coach at UCLA. Can that really be?

[Eaglesfan27]

So I don't know where this is coming from, but a UCLA fan on another forum I go to has said there are rumors that Herm Edwards will be the next coach at UCLA. Can that really be?

FWIW, I've heard the same thing on a USC forum. I think he'd probably be a good recruiter.

[tarcone]

I think Herm Edwards would do awesome in the LA area. I bet he could recruit SoCal like no other.

[MrBug708]

We already had Herm Edwards, his name was Karl Dorrell and his cousin coached at UW and Notre Dame, Ty Willingham. The only people saying this is the people at ESPN's radio show. Of course, the people at Fox Sports think that Rick is staying, so we might as well implode the football program. UCLA's problem is that we have disorganized teams that do not play up to potential. Hiring Edwards would do nothing to rectify that situation.

So we probably will hire him now

[MrBug708]

If they can avoid too many injuries at one position, I'm not sure any team gets hurt that badly by scholarship reductions. USC played 49 players against Oregon, Oregon only used 48. Like most NFL teams, most teams play 50 players or less. I've come to the conclusion that scholarship reductions really only hurt future players who don't get the opportunity to get a scholarship.

Those poor five star kids with no other options :(

USC has avoided the injury bug on offense this year. Their offensive line somehow has managed to avoid too many issues, which is a shock because of the lack of depth on the team

[Eaglesfan27]

Those poor five star kids with no other options :(

USC has avoided the injury bug on offense this year. Their offensive line somehow has managed to avoid too many issues, which is a shock because of the lack of depth on the team

Obviously, the 5 star kids still get a scholarship, but it all filters down and ultimately less kids get scholarships. USC's offensive line was lucky to avoid injuries this past year, but lots of guys were banged up and managed to play injured. Depth should be much better next year, especially if they get at least 4 of the fab 5 that are rumored to be coming to USC.

[dawgfan]

If they can avoid too many injuries at one position, I'm not sure any team gets hurt that badly by scholarship reductions. USC played 49 players against Oregon, Oregon only used 48. Like most NFL teams, most teams play 50 players or less. I've come to the conclusion that scholarship reductions really only hurt future players who don't get the opportunity to get a scholarship.
With typical amounts of injuries and attrition, USC is going to be thin in terms of depth. Yes, they played 49 guys against Oregon - that's pretty typical. Where it becomes a problem is when 15 guys that they projected to be starters or play significant time at the beginning of the season are not available, and instead of the 3rd, 4th or 5th year, experienced talent playing, it's young guys, or even worse walk-ons.

USC attracts enough talent that with decent coaching they shouldn't slip below .500 over the next several years as they endure and then rebuild from the scholarship reductions, but it's going to be tough for them to roll off 10+ wins seasons because their margin for error will be cut significantly.

[Matthean]

With typical amounts of injuries and attrition, USC is going to be thin in terms of depth. Yes, they played 49 guys against Oregon - that's pretty typical. Where it becomes a problem is when 15 guys that they projected to be starters or play significant time at the beginning of the season are not available, and instead of the 3rd, 4th or 5th year, experienced talent playing, it's young guys, or even worse walk-ons.

USC attracts enough talent that with decent coaching they shouldn't slip below .500 over the next several years as they endure and then rebuild from the scholarship reductions, but it's going to be tough for them to roll off 10+ wins seasons because their margin for error will be cut significantly.

+1 Michigan recently was down 17 scholarships for various reasons. Last year they had enough injuries in their secondary they held a tryout within the student body. USC and OSU won't be bad teams since it's way too easy to get 6 wins for major programs, but they will go through a downswing and will take time to become elite again.

[Crapshoot]

We already had Herm Edwards, his name was Karl Dorrell and his cousin coached at UW and Notre Dame, Ty Willingham. The only people saying this is the people at ESPN's radio show. Of course, the people at Fox Sports think that Rick is staying, so we might as well implode the football program. UCLA's problem is that we have disorganized teams that do not play up to potential. Hiring Edwards would do nothing to rectify that situation.

So we probably will hire him now

What on earth is the similarity between these 3 coaches except for race? What pt are you trying to make?

[Matthean]

ESPN -- Urban Meyer requested to be taken off weekend TV assignment - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7279485/espn-urban-meyer-requested-taken-weekend-tv-assignment)

There's one person not covering the OSU/Michigan game.

[bronconick]

+1 Michigan recently was down 17 scholarships for various reasons. Last year they had enough injuries in their secondary they held a tryout within the student body. USC and OSU won't be bad teams since it's way too easy to get 6 wins for major programs, but they will go through a downswing and will take time to become elite again.

See: 2011 Florida State offensive line after 2008-2010 recruiting classes yielded 4 offensive linemen.

[MrBug708]

What on earth is the similarity between these 3 coaches except for race? What pt are you trying to make?

Easy there Gloria Allred, the similarity between those guys is that they are known as high character guys who can't coach. I've seen enough of those types in the PAC-12.

[MrBug708]

Obviously, the 5 star kids still get a scholarship, but it all filters down and ultimately less kids get scholarships. USC's offensive line was lucky to avoid injuries this past year, but lots of guys were banged up and managed to play injured. Depth should be much better next year, especially if they get at least 4 of the fab 5 that are rumored to be coming to USC.

The problem with that fab five is that Cal and Oregon also think they are getting them

[miami_fan]

Al Golden has signed an extension with the University of Miami that runs through Feb 1st, 2020. And this means what exactly?

[MrBug708]

SPORTSbyBROOKS
@SPORTSbyBROOKS SPORTSbyBROOKS
Multiple sources close to UCLA football program have told me tonight that Rick Neuheisel's firing will be announced tomorrow. Sunday.
---------------

I dont actually think he has sources, but good to see something is starting

[CU Tiger]

I don't think the AD has the balls to do it, but there is smoke in Clemson tonight. I have spoken with BOT member who claims he has spoken to 3 others and they are in favor of going another direction immediately.

No one else would hire the joker...so maybe the Dabo expriment can go back to commercial real estate.

[DeToxRox]

Feldman is reporting Wulff is likely out at Wazzou. If there is one legitimate BCS job for Mike Leach, it's WSU. He will exist on an island unto himself since no one cares at all about WSU. He can get them back to being a solid team.

[MrBug708]

Sources are saying Leach to WSU, which probably means Sumlin to ASU

[DeToxRox]

I know UCLA fans would love a home run but I really feel like Ron English would get the job done there. A mean defense and physical run game could really look good in Westwood. I doubt it happens but it'd be intriguing. I will continue beating this drum.

[dawgfan]

Sources are saying Leach to WSU, which probably means Sumlin to ASU
Leach to WSU would concern me. I am against this - keep Wulff!

[MrBug708]

Rick's buyout is 250K

[DeToxRox]

Zook out at Illinois, Porter out at Memphis.

[DeToxRox]

PeteThamelNYT Pete Thamel

Akron Coach Rob Ianello got the call he was fired while driving to NY for his mother's funeral. That's just awful.

[dawgfan]

Rick's buyout is 250K
That's it? Rick needs a better agent...

Wonder how quickly he'll land on his feet as an offensive assistant somewhere.

[mckerney]

And now Turner Gill is out.

[Izulde]

Hope Hauck gets added to the list, though he probably won't.

[BillJasper]

And now Turner Gill is out.

Gill was at Kansas for two years? That's a pretty short leash.

[DeToxRox]

Gill was at Kansas for two years? That's a pretty short leash.

While I agree, I think it was warranted. Kansas was the worst BCS team in the country I think. Even worse then Wazzou. It didn't like things were going to get better any time soon either.

[BillJasper]

Ianello was at Akron for 2 years as well. At least Kansas has the excuse of being in the Big 12. Akron should recognize who they are and give a coach a real chance.

I just think it'll be tough to get a quality coach to come in if he doesn't even get time to build the program. Even if Gill's teams were terrible, two years is far too short a time to tell if he was going to be able to turn the program around.

Good news for Kansas though... I hear Neuheisel is gonna be available. :lol:

[BillJasper]

While I agree, I think it was warranted. Kansas was the worst BCS team in the country I think. Even worse then Wazzou. It didn't like things were going to get better any time soon either.

You'll have to count me as ignorant as far as college recruiting goes...

So you get to bring in 10 or 15 scholarship kids per year? I doubt he was initially unable to recruit four and five star kids as Kansas has a pretty dismal program historically and he only has the Buffalo job on his resume? So these kids he has brought in so far are only freshmen and sophomores? Traditionally, unless your really gifted or the program is in pretty bad shape, most of these kids would be sitting for a while? I guess he could have brought in some JUCO kids as a short term solution?

Just seems like two years is an awfully short time to rebuild a program that wasn't top of the line to begin with...

[JonInMiddleGA]

While I agree, I think it was warranted. Kansas was the worst BCS team in the country I think. Even worse then Wazzou. It didn't like things were going to get better any time soon either.

Sounds about right.

[DeToxRox]

You'll have to count me as ignorant as far as college recruiting goes...

So you get to bring in 10 or 15 scholarship kids per year? I doubt he was initially unable to recruit four and five star kids as Kansas has a pretty dismal program historically and he only has the Buffalo job on his resume? So these kids he has brought in so far are only freshmen and sophomores? Traditionally, unless your really gifted or the program is in pretty bad shape, most of these kids would be sitting for a while? I guess he could have brought in some JUCO kids as a short term solution?

Just seems like two years is an awfully short time to rebuild a program that wasn't top of the line to begin with...

I see where you're coming from, but they only had two wins. 42-24 over McNeese State and 45-42 over Northern Illinois. They had a few close games, but they also allowed 66 to Georgia Tech, 45 to Texas Tech, 70 to Oklahoma State, 47 to Oklahoma, 59 to Kansas State, 43 to Texas and 61 to Texas A&M. That is historically bad defense right there, youth or no youth.

[BillJasper]

I see where you're coming from, but they only had two wins. 42-24 over McNeese State and 45-42 over Northern Illinois. They had a few close games, but they also allowed 66 to Georgia Tech, 45 to Texas Tech, 70 to Oklahoma State, 47 to Oklahoma, 59 to Kansas State, 43 to Texas and 61 to Texas A&M. That is historically bad defense right there, youth or no youth.

Not that is has any bearing on his firing or not. But wasn't Turner Gill the one that the alumni wanted fired before he ever coached a game?

[dawgfan]

So you get to bring in 10 or 15 scholarship kids per year?
You get to bring in 25 per year.

[dawgfan]

Count me in as thinking that 2 years is too soon to give Gill the axe. At least give him a 3rd year to see if there's notable progress.

As someone else noted, you're not endearing yourself to coaching candidates by showing you're willing to pull the plug after only 2 years. Kansas is obviously in a major rebuilding situation.

And a part of me thinks that the new AD saw all the young guys getting playing time this year and thinks that bringing in a new coach now will allow "his guy" to get off to a better start to his career.

Maybe Gill isn't the right guy for Kansas, but 2 years is a damn short leash for someone that (to my knowledge) hasn't had any off-field issues that make the school look bad.

[Young Drachma]

So where does Gill end up next? Coordinator? Sit a year out and find a new bottom feeder?

[dawgfan]

Maybe Akron should give him a call...

[kcchief19]

Kansas was the worst spot for Gill to end up two years ago. He's a Husker, so he didn't have any built-in love from the alumni. Then the AD that hired him gets chased out in a scandal and the entire athletic department administration turns over.

Add to that the fact that the cupboard was much more bare at Kansas than people thought. Mangino went out and got the best recruits he could following the Orange Bowl season, but they were mostly 3- and 4-star guys who should have been 2-stars and no one else was recruiting. Kansas was playing a lot of young guys because the last two Mangino classes were awful.

Then Gill finally lands a guy to be his QB and the kid gets into legal trouble and doesn't come to KU.

I like the idea of Turner Gill but I didn't think he was the right guy at the right time. And as a Mizzou guy, I'm very sad to see Turner go because he wasn't going to be able to right the ship.

[kcchief19]

This is good for a laugh ... one of the KU beat writers says the front runners include Mike Leach, Jim Leavitt, Larry Fedora and any Stoops brother not named Bob.

The only name that doesn't fit the list is Larry Fedora, and that's because he's the only one who isn't a dog with fleas. But even then I'm not sure Leach, Leavitt or a Stoops would touch the KU job with a ten-foot pole right now. Maybe Ron Stoops, but that's about it.

[Young Drachma]

Maybe realistically, Kansas should look at Dave Christensen in Wyoming. Not because I'd like to see him go, but...seems more their speed.

[DeToxRox]

Maybe Akron should give him a call...

Akron has inquired on Jim Tressel. I think Luke Fickell ends up there though.

[Swaggs]

I think Leavitt would jump at the opportunity to get back into the game and he does have some history in-state (albeit with KSU). He'd probably be a decent 4-5 year steward to rebuild things back to respectability.

I understand that the previous administration hired Gill, but firing a recently successful head coach after two years is pretty ridiculous. That tells you that you cannot even afford to redshirt your freshmen and allow them to physically mature. They're going to have to overpay anyone decent, so they'll probably end up with someone with warts similar to Mangino.

[DeToxRox]

I guess I look at the Gill situation as the administration admitting a mistake and rectifying it. Since it's a new administration making the hire the new coach should expect more support than Gill received. In all honesty, Turner Gill was a bad hire in the first place. I know I stump for Ron English and it may be because I see more EMU then I ever saw Buffalo, but Gill was 20-30 at Buffalo and followed it up with 5-19 at Kansas. He should have never gotten the Kansas job but he did. It's better to cut ties now if you don't think he can succeed rather then endure another season of misery since it's going only set the program back further.

[DeToxRox]

Some smoke is swirling about Dan Mullen to PSU. He's done an admirable job at Mississippi State and has ties to the Midwest, but I don't see Mullen being a good fit in the Big Ten.

[Swaggs]

I guess I look at the Gill situation as the administration admitting a mistake and rectifying it. Since it's a new administration making the hire the new coach should expect more support than Gill received. In all honesty, Turner Gill was a bad hire in the first place. I know I stump for Ron English and it may be because I see more EMU then I ever saw Buffalo, but Gill was 20-30 at Buffalo and followed it up with 5-19 at Kansas. He should have never gotten the Kansas job but he did. It's better to cut ties now if you don't think he can succeed rather then endure another season of misery since it's going only set the program back further.

I can understand that line of thinking and it is a brave call for an AD to make. At the same time, having that much turnover is pretty devastating to a program. Players transfer out. The players that stick around will be working on learning their third system in four years. The school will get a bad rap from assistant coaches. I just think it is too quick to pull the plug. At the same time, it isn't like they can fall much further, so maybe the time was right if Gill and the AD weren't seeing eye to eye, which is likely.

Some smoke is swirling about Dan Mullen to PSU. He's done an admirable job at Mississippi State and has ties to the Midwest, but I don't see Mullen being a good fit in the Big Ten.

I really like Mullen and had hoped he would get a look from WVU (and there were some rumors swirling). Although it contradicts my previous remarks, I almost think Penn State needs to hire an established stop gap type of guy for a few years, rather than looking for a long-term guy with this hire. I think someone like Bobby Johnson (if he would consider returning) or Jim Grobe would be a good guy to re-establish order and be established enough to deal with Paterno's shadow.

I'm thinking one of these lower level schools jumps on Ron Zook. If Schnellenberger is stepping down at Florida Atlantic, that may be the spot.

They're in Boca Raton. They just opened a new 30,000 seat stadium this year. They're in a bad conference that a recruiter like Zook should be able to run over with his ties to the state.

That sounds like a good fit for Zook. Imagine the kind of talent he could accumulate in a conference that allows props.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I think someone like Bobby Johnson ...

Would you settle for Paul Johnson?

[DeToxRox]

I agree about PSU needing someone to restore balance. Mullen would be experiencing a huge culture shock in regards to the pressures at PSU opposed to Mississippi State, compounded further by the Sandusky black cloud. It's a no win situation for a young coach trying to establish himself when much of the fan base would be all over him for every mistake he makes while comparing him to Joe.

We'll see though.

[dawgfan]

I stump for Ron English and it may be because I see more EMU then I ever saw Buffalo, but Gill was 20-30 at Buffalo and followed it up with 5-19 at Kansas. He should have never gotten the Kansas job but he did..
Um, have you taken a look at how bad Buffalo was prior to Gill arriving? What he did there was quite impressive given the context...

[DeToxRox]

Um, have you taken a look at how bad Buffalo was prior to Gill arriving? What he did there was quite impressive given the context...

I understand the context, and again it probably seems hypocritical since I think English will be a damn good HC, but I personally am of the belief that Buffalo had a great season with Gill at the helm, the culmination of three years of great work, but the chances he sustained it were unlikely.

If Mangino had not been fired the way he had, I doubt Gill gets the Kansas job. They wanted to scrub themselves of the dickish Mangino with the clean cut Turner Gill. He was an easy sell at the time because he is a nice, well spoken guy who many Jayhawks remember from his time to Nebraska. Don't kid yourself though in thinking that he gets the KU job if he had the demeanor of Brian Kelly though.

[DeToxRox]

Some twitter buzz that Mike Sherman could be out at A&M. Larry Fedora probably makes too much sense for that to happen, but it'd be a great fit for the Aggies if it did.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Urban Meyer joins Ohio State Buckeyes as coach, agent confirms - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7289592/urban-meyer-joins-ohio-state-buckeyes-coach-agent-confirms)

[Matthean]

Urban Meyer joins Ohio State Buckeyes as coach, agent confirms - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7289592/urban-meyer-joins-ohio-state-buckeyes-coach-agent-confirms)

My only question is how does him balancing football and family life translate to how well he does on the field. If he does do it well enough, he's too good of a coach at a college that has potential to really not have mass success there. I can see the Big Ten being the Big Two again with Wisconsin and Nebraska being solid #3 and #4.

[BillJasper]

Urban Meyer joins Ohio State Buckeyes as coach, agent confirms - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7289592/urban-meyer-joins-ohio-state-buckeyes-coach-agent-confirms)

Way to teach the kiddies that it's okay to lie if it's something you really want... :eek:

[RomaGoth]

Way to teach the kiddies that it's okay to lie if it's something you really want... :eek:

Welcome to big-time college football (AKA the NCAA).

[BillJasper]

Welcome to big-time college football (AKA the NCAA).

I just didn't see the need to lie. Even while he was lying, everyone knew he was taking the job. A simple "no comment" would've sufficed.

Wonder what his buddy St. Timmy would think of it? :lol:

[MrBug708]

Rumor going around that Dan Guerrero (UCLA AD), Troy Aikman, and Casey Wasserman are flying to Boise this weekend

[Butter]

Urban Meyer joins Ohio State Buckeyes as coach, agent confirms - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7289592/urban-meyer-joins-ohio-state-buckeyes-coach-agent-confirms)

I guess everyone loves this guy as a coach, but it makes me a little sick. I hated him at Florida. The ultimate drama queen, then bailing the year after The Golden Boy graduated.

[Swaggs]

ESPN Rumors section mentioned that Akron may be trying to work something out with Jim Tressell. Probably a giant long shot, but if he wants to keep coaching and pushing his win total up, neither he nor Akron would have much to lose if they his likely show-cause sanctions follow him to a school like that.

Illinois reportedly looking at Cincy's Butch Jones, Temple's Steve Addazio and Oklahoma's Brett Venables. Leach being named with just about every BCS opening -- it would be a surprise if he didn't return this season. Sounds like Arizona State is where he would prefer to land, but being mentioned with Kansas, Ole Miss and WSU, too.

[Kodos]

Kansas was the worst BCS team in the country I think.

I think Indiana actually earned that unfortunate distinction this season.

[Crapshoot]

The hypocrisy of college football never fails to amaze me - as a coach, go where you want, when you want, screwing recruits and getting big money to do so. As a player? HOw dare you want to transfer? Don't you know you're supposed to play for "the love of the game"?

[gstelmack]

The hypocrisy of college football never fails to amaze me - as a coach, go where you want, when you want, screwing recruits and getting big money to do so. As a player? HOw dare you want to transfer? Don't you know you're supposed to play for "the love of the game"?

Russel Wilson says Hi!

[Young Drachma]

Russel Wilson says Hi!

As you know, Russell Wilson got 1) released from his team by his coach for playing another sport 2) had already earned his degree and 3) thus took advantage of the rule that allows a player with eligibility to transfer to another school so long as it had a graduate program his current school does not have.

That's hardly the same as coaches taking multi-million dollar deals at breakneck speed and having free will in the marketplace. For anyone else, you have to get your release and even then..they can restrict you from going in-conference and then there's the whole sitting out a year in most cases.

Yeah, totally the same thing.