November 27, 2006
Reviewing the top coaching candidates
With jobs sitting open (and more openings likely to come about this week), here's a quick rundown of the usual suspects in regards to hiring a new head football coach:
Steve Spurrier - Head Coach - South Carolina
It's obscene to even think about Spurrier leaving South Carolina, where they have tried to move mountains to make The Visor happy. He has said he is not interested in the Miami job, but taking the reigns at Alabama might appeal to Steve's ego. Do they make a houndstooth visor?
Rich Rodriguez - Head Coach - West Virginia
Proven winner, built one hell of a program at WVU. He has been rumored at Alabama, but is thought to be holding on at West Virginia despite any offers. Has a close relationship with FSU Head Coach Bobby Bowden and many FSU insiders claim that Rodriguez is the "coach in waiting" when Bowden retires.
Jeff Tedford - Head Coach - Cal
Rumored to be in the mix at Alabama. Securely in place at Cal after the administration bent to his wishes regarding facilities & contracts last year. Can he recruit the talent to displace USC in the Pac10? The "always a bridesmaid" scenario could have Tedford entertaining calls.
Bob Stoops - Head Coach - Oklahoma
It's hard for me to imagine Stoops leaving Oklahoma, where the Sooners head coach is revered as sitting at the right hand of God himself. Stoops has returned OU to a national powerhouse position and an outstanding recruiting network throughout the South and Midwest. It's hard to imagine a bigger stage for a college football coach, but... his name keeps coming up.
Jim Grobe - Head Coach - Wake Forest
On the radar at Alabama, but probably not a contender for the Arizona State job. Has a history of fielding respectable teams despite limited talent. Has the DDs in the ACC championship game this year.
Greg Schiano - Head Coach - Rutgers
Has seemingly declined a shot at the Miami job. His name will be rumored for every head coaching job, particularly at Alabama. General thought is that Schiano is happy to stay at Rutgers until JoPa retires at Penn State.
Barry Alvarez - AD - Wisconsin
Alvarez turned down the Miami job last time it was open, but that was during his coaching days. Does the Badgers AD want to get back on the sidelines? He would appear to be the top pick at Miami if he was interested. Both Arizona State and Alabama would also be interested in seeing Alvarez walking the sidelines.
Paul Johnson - Head Coach - Navy
Johnson's name seems to come up in every coaching search and you have to wonder how much more he can do at Navy, given the talent/size disadvantage that seems to be the Achille's heel of the Midshipmen versus upper tier competition. Considered a potential candidate at NC State and Alabama, but not at the top of either school's list.
Bill Cowher - Head Coach - Pittsburgh Steelers
The popular choice for the job at NC State. A Wolfpack alum and former Pack linebacker, Cowher owns a home in Raleigh and has expressed his desire to return to the area at some point. Is Cowher ready to step away from the NFL?
Danny White - Head Coach - Utah Blaze (Arena)
White is the name in Arizona football. An Arizona State alum, he has the ability to get the fan base fired up instantly. His head coaching experience is limited to twelve years with the Arizona Rattlers (Arena) and two years with the Utah Blaze (Arena). It's yet to be determined if Danny White could recruit and/or relate to the college athelets, but as a former player, you have to think that White has a chance. Arizona State needs a great hire to avoid losing ground to Arizona and Mike Stoops in the recruiting war.
Norm Chow - Offensive Coor - Tennessee Titans
Who doesn't want to hire Norm Chow? Chow would be the first Asian-American head coach in the college ranks. It's believed that he prefers a Pac10 school for his first head coaching job, as he has a great feel for the conference & competition. Heavy odds on Stanford and Arizona State. He would be a great hire for either school, but likely to have more success at ASU.
Mike Price - Head Coach - UTEP
If ever a coach paid the price for a mistake, it is Mike Price. After being embarrassed at run out before taking the field at Alabama, Price has become a humble winner at UTEP, restoring the Miners program in the process. You don't get many advantages in El Paso, and Price is proving himself again. He has to be a candidate at ASU if Danny White or Norm Chow pass.
David Cutcliffe - OC - Tennessee
Has head coaching experience and is likely in the mix at NC State. Cutcliffe's health was an issue during a very brief swim through Notre Dame.
Steve Kragthorpe - Head Coach - Tulsa
Built his reputation for offense during BYU's pass-happy glory days. His teams have a reputation for offense. Declined to be a candidate at North Carolina for unknown reasons. He could be considered at any of the top programs, but is likely to a stronger candidate in the Pac10 with his background in the west.
Dave McGinnis - Defensive Coor - Tennessee Titans
Has a reputation for building strong defenses, but can come off as "slick" at times. Likely to be a candidate at Arizona State. There is some talk of being able to get McGinnis and Chow in a "package" deal, but it's really not clear as to who would be the Skipper and who would be Gilligan.
Jimbo Fisher - Offensive Coor - LSU
Considered by some to be the top offensive assistant in the country, Fisher could be candidate at NC State if he was interested. His name has also been discussed at Miami and for offensive coordinator at Florida State.
Bo Pelini - Defensive Coor - LSU
Pelini was the hot pick a few years ago after stepping in as interim coach at Nebraska. Since then, he's only managed to run one of the best defenses in the country. Pelini could be considered a candidate at any school.
Gene Chizik - Defensive Coor - Texas
UPDATE: Chizik hired at Iowa State
His tenure at Texas and Auburn have shown that Chizik can flat out coach defense. He's an unproven commodity as a head coach, but everyone seems to believe he will be an outstanding coach one day. He is considered a good recruiter, but not great. Would be an outstanding hire at Iowa State, NC State or Miami.
Mark Dantonio - Head Coach - Cincinnati
UPDATE: Dantonio hired at Michigan State
Likely to be announced as the new Head Coach at Michigan State sometime today, but we'll mention him anyway. He turned Cincinnati from an awful joke of a team into a winning program, boosting the team up from C-USA to Big East in the process.
Comments:
James said:
posted on November 27, 2006 12:13 PM — 63.107.135.125 — link — abuse?
As to NCSU, the fanbase is crying for Cowher but he has no college exp nor any staff/recruiting lines established. Jimbo Fisher is a logical choice based on region/recruiting bases. Chow had Rivers to coach. Paul Johnson is an option but the triple wing in Raleigh? How about Tom O'Brien at BC, he was drooling for a chance in UNC at Chapel Hill.
Marcus G said:
posted on November 27, 2006 1:00 PM — 24.233.181.127 — link — abuse?
The coup of the year would have Mike Price coming to Miami. Maybe a reach, but he would be a perfect fit. Words on the street here in S. Florida beyond obvious Schaino and Spurrier, that Jimbo Fisher is getting strong considerations. One would wonder if his ties to Saban is an influence. Stay tuned.
brian smith said:
posted on November 27, 2006 1:06 PM — 216.218.78.27 — link — abuse?
Paul Johnson is the only proven winner at every level possible. Here is a quick fact why he should be the next coach. While at Georgia Southern he coached against everyones favorite coach Jim Tressel in the National title game, with both sides having equal athletes and embarrassed him blew youngstown st. out. they scored 52 points to win the national title. Do you consider that offense boring? Dont think so. Johnson is the only choice that makes sense, and by the way this year his navy team is 9-3 all three losses to bowl teams, with wins over an acc team duke by 30 points, a big east team connecticut by 20 points, and a pac 10 team stanford by 30 points.
Evan said:
posted on November 27, 2006 1:10 PM — 66.57.23.85 — link — abuse?
I have the same concerns about Cowher that you brought up, but coaches seem to have an easier time going from NFL to college so I don't see it as a major issue, especially with a name like his.
I'm not sure the triple option would work in any major conference, but I've heard PJ's name a lot with the Bama job.
The thing with Tom Obrian is that you konw what you are getting, a solid standup guy who can win 8 games every year, there is not much upside past that. Sounds great to me but it is NC State and we dont have much to lose so why not go after someone with a bigger upside.
JImbo Fisher sounds good to me.
WB said:
posted on November 27, 2006 1:13 PM — 68.17.100.248 — link — abuse?
Spurrier is going nowhere.....write it down.......NOWHERE.
USC tried to pay Spurrier more money when he was hired, but he told USC that the money was too much....he told USC to give the extra money to his assistants so they would be paid better. He also is giving to his assistants his $100,000 bonus for beating Clemson. Therefore, it's clear that money is not an issue. He's at USC to build an SEC champion........a place that has never had such a winner......and he feels that USC is now on the edge of competing for it. Bama has had winning teams before, so it would be nothing new for him to accomplish there. He wants to leave his imprint on the USC program.
Spurrier will retire at South Carolina.
posted on November 27, 2006 2:33 PM — link — abuse?Jeff Quinton said:
Mal Moore says Bama is looking for a proven head coach.
Stephen said:
posted on November 27, 2006 2:37 PM — 129.59.206.180 — link — abuse?
Paul Johnson is the best college football coach in the country. I challenge someone to name a coach who has done more with less talent than Paul Johnson. Here is an excerpt from a Washington Post article on Johnson:
"Paul Johnson has done more with less at Navy than any climber in the sport. Yet his name rarely emerges when the inevitable vacancies beckon. Why? It's not because he's 49, has won everywhere he has been, took over a putrid program, went 31-13 and led Navy to three straight bowl games. It's certainly not because he's 93-23 his last nine seasons as a head coach.
It's because at some point in the warped, myth-building business, Johnson got typecast. He and his staff have run the ball so long, Southeastern Conference and Big Ten athletic directors don't even make a telephone call, figuring he'll bring the triple option to their school and frighten the NFL-bound recruits away. The thinking is, how could a guy grooming U.S. naval officers possibly know the first thing about developing a five-star recruit?
That ignorance keeps Johnson at Navy, where, it should be mentioned, he's completely happy and signed until the next decade. His peers know the tremendous job he and his staff have done, but that's not enough to kill long-held perceptions about a coach who exclusively runs the ball.
"That's the real joke: that people don't understand you have play to the personnel you have," he said. "We run because it better suits us. We run the ball because it kills the clock and keeps our defense off the field, because we don't have monster linemen to pass-protect, because we don't have a cannon-armed quarterback.
"Now, the other side of that is, we could pass 50 times a game and people could say, 'This guy can't coach a lick and they can't win a game.' But I was once told, I think before I got my first job, that they actually expected me to win."
Johnson used to throw, when he had the cannons. As an offensive coordinator in Hawaii, he called the plays that set all the school's passing records until June Jones took over. He makes no excuse for the triple option, especially after his former Georgia Southern players recently sent him a T-shirt with a litany of gaudy numbers on it from his days as an offensive coordinator and head coach there.
Between 1997 and 2001, Johnson went 62-10 and won two Division I-AA championships.
"I've heard it's a gimmick offense," he said. "Well, we sure had some consistency with that gimmick, didn't we?""
J Thomas said:
posted on November 27, 2006 2:41 PM — 70.178.147.205 — link — abuse?
Nobody with a proven record will coach under this man Mal Moore. He is so afraid of losing his own job that he is firing everybody who shows a little sign of weakness. When you look at there turnover rate, who in the hell would want the job for just a few seasons, and then be scape goated by the AD for yet another new comer for the same results. Sorry Bama fans looks like the same scenario next year.
J Thomas said:
posted on November 27, 2006 2:44 PM — 70.178.147.205 — link — abuse?
Tommie,
There have been rumors of schools looking into our new OC, but I believe that they are just that, rumors. I believe he will have to prove himself for another year or so before anything realistic comes about. Expect Nutt to let him loose completely next year though, and hopefully we will be back in the chase.Marcus G said:
posted on November 27, 2006 2:54 PM — 24.233.181.127 — link — abuse?
Bama "...is looking for a proven head coach." They should have not freaked out over a secondhand and bad sources, plus poorly written SI article. Mike Price would have been at Bama for years, but instead he did not get to coach one down. If the university had taken two breaths and allowed the dust to settle, they would not be looking for a proven coach, because they would have had one with Price! Enjoy your settlement Mike!
Former University of Alabama football coach Mike Price has reached a second settlement with Time Inc. in his defamation lawsuit over a Sports Illustrated article about a night of drinking at a topless bar in Florida, court documents showed on Nov. 15.
Trav said:
posted on November 27, 2006 5:37 PM — 24.168.253.159 — link — abuse?
brenda johnson post #17
Well I hate to tell you, but you heard wrong. Spurrier isn't going anywhere, so people can stop saying that he is.
http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5734331
gatorhippy said:
posted on November 27, 2006 5:57 PM — 70.121.108.178 — link — abuse?
WB (#19):
I know how good of a coach he is...
He was my LB coach when I attended the Gator camps as a kid and a prep player in the 80's...
That's why I'm saying to keep him the #@(% this list...
I want him to stay in Hogtown...
But I also know it's inevitable that he gets his shot...
posted on November 27, 2006 6:18 PM — link — abuse?
hippy,
Holtz supposedly tried to get him his shot when Skip was going to be succeeding his dad at SC because of expected complaints from the NAACP. Then when Lou effectively screwed Skip out of the job by not quitting after the 2nd Outback win and things kept spiraling downhill, Strong ended up leaving.gatorhippy said:
posted on November 27, 2006 6:42 PM — 70.121.108.178 — link — abuse?
Pete:
Roger that...
I had heard that one as well...
He was also mentioned in the rumors floating around Mich St. after Smith got fired...
Hell, Charlie's name comes up alot in mid-level jobs...
He's going to get his offer eventually...
It's only a matter of time...
John said:
posted on November 27, 2006 11:58 PM — 66.57.32.251 — link — abuse?
Recent events open the door for a tremendous opportunity at NC State. That is to really become the dominate football powerhouse within the state.
Considering it was not so long ago that the press had State on the outs in getting a Class A basketball coach – because, in part, on the dominance of the two other programs in the neighborhood, UNC and Duke. Those programs just dag-burned intimidated any potential new coach for State. Well, State was fortunate to land Coach Sidney Lowe, and in fact, he has stepped up assertively to the challenge.
All that is well and good. However, the real opportunity for the State program to shine lies in what will happen when the AD selects the next Head Football Coach. There is a real vacuum for a rich NCAA football program in the state of North Carolina. Wake Forest is bidding to fill the gap – temporarily, with its program blossoming. But only NCSU has the world class facilities, far and wide great talent, and a strong, supportive fan base. All that is needed is the right personality to take charge and explode the program.
The state of the state’s sports programs is … to be sure, superior. What other state can boost the likes of programs like Duke basketball, UNC basketball, Panthers football, NASCAR racing, Hurricanes hockey, UNC women’s soccer, etc, etc. What is missing though, is a long term, dominate NCAA football powerhouse. This would fit NC State well. NC State could very easily become the next “Florida State” in our area. Think about it. As dominate as the UNC and Duke basketball programs are, State could be that in football. The door to that opportunity is wide open.
Muscadine said:
posted on November 28, 2006 12:10 AM — 68.191.137.130 — link — abuse?
Bama won't get rid of a good coach, when they find one. Mike Dubose was a dud, Mike Price preferred to party than coach, and Mike Shula was hired with 0 college experience. There probably is not a nicer guy anywhere than Shula, but he was not the right choice then. Those that think Mal Moore is not the right AD may be right. If they don't get the experienced and proven coach this go-round, they may be out in the cold for a long time. I think they will find the right match.
James said:
posted on November 28, 2006 9:13 AM — 63.107.135.125 — link — abuse?
Ok, now that we can put the Cowher to NCSU to rest, figure this is a 2 horse race.
Paul Johnson or Jimbo Fisher?
I like Jimbo based on recruiting experience in a top conference, motivation to be a HC, and track record of achievement.Bubba Bear said:
posted on November 28, 2006 9:34 PM — 24.167.189.52 — link — abuse?
NC STATE should go after the HAWAIIN PUNCH DUO of JUNE JONES and JERRY GLANVILLE as the next CO-HEADS of the PACKS football program. Look at what this duo has done over the years. In Houston, they took the oilers to the NFL playoff three years in a row... then again NFL playoff appearance with the Atlanta Falcons... and now, they are coaching the Hawaii University Warriors to the top 25 teams in the nation... while setting records as the number one OFFENSE in all of college football and holding teams scoreless with a ruthless defense the first half of the PURDUE GAME! At least... the duo should be interviewed.
posted on November 29, 2006 10:13 AM — link — abuse?
Houston Texas Asst & Former Green Bay HC Mike Sherman is interested in the Alabama gig. (Hadn't heard his name but he fits the trend of NFL guys at Bama.)
Rick Neuheisel under consideration for Arizona State
David Cutcliffe is interested in the NC State job. (Might be a good choice)
Wake Forest HC Jim Grobe is not interesting in leaving.
Steve Kragthorpe declined to comment on his interest in the Miami job. That's a first - usually Kragthorpe just shoots down rumors. Is there smoke here??
Larry Coker's agent says that the former 'Canes coach is being contacted by unnamed schools.
Mike Shula would be Randy Shannon's OC at Miami, if he got the job.
FanoftheGame said:
posted on November 29, 2006 1:08 PM — 12.43.234.14 — link — abuse?
I think Norm Chow would have success whereever he goes. He is probably the most recognizable Assistant Coach/Offensive Coordinator in the country and he should be able to recruit well at any major school. Allthough I disagree with goodolnuma5's remarks about Chow's "great pedigree" (seeing as how he isn't from a family that has a long lineage in coaching and his sons are still enrolled at USC), but he does have a proven legacy that has followed him from BYU, USC and now with the Titans. The bottom line is that he's a winner. He's had great success whereever he's been. He may in fact be waiting for another oppurtunity to return to the west coast.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on November 29, 2006 1:31 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Actually, as I understand it, Lane Kiffin (OC at USC) is interested in a head coaching job. We have two OC's in Lane and Steve Sarkisian. Sarkisian has spent the most time with Chow as he was a QB at BYU and then followed him on to USC. Kiffen has taken over the offense for the most part, while Sarkisian works mostly with the QB's, thus freeing up Carroll to concentrate on the defense. That did not happen last year after Chow left. Carroll had to take a hand in the offense. And, we all saw the explosion there. But, Kiffen has done a pretty decent job this year, what with all of the new offensive players. The impact on defense has been extraordinary. So, Kiffen has benefitted USC tremendously this year and is a Norm Chow/Pete Carroll clone. I hope we don't lose him.
Tommie T
Zac said:
posted on November 29, 2006 4:41 PM — 209.36.193.14 — link — abuse?
I'm thinking there aren't enough assistant coaches out there, like Jimbo Fischer, to go around. It would be nice to see a couple of solid assistants take head coaching jobs, that younger promising prospects might move up into good assistant coaching jobs. I really hate to see the likes of Bowden or Joe-Pa leave the game, but it's definitely time some experienced assistants get to carry the reigns, and a few new-bees get their shots as well.
dawgfan said:
posted on November 29, 2006 5:15 PM — 65.222.248.66 — link — abuse?
I grew up a bama fan before graduating from UGA so obviously I still pull for bama against anyone besides UGA. I want them to get a winner and I cant understand for the life of me why cutcliffe isnt being considered for that job. I think he could build a proven winner there. does anyone know why this is.
JCB said:
posted on November 30, 2006 12:49 AM — 71.88.213.173 — link — abuse?
Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson is someone I think could be on the move--probably lateral and out of the SEC. If he moves, it is Cutcliff's last move. If he does not get NC State job, he will remain at UT. I think Norm Chow remains with the Titans. Vince Young is making great strides. Chow will get credit for that, and deserves it. Some pro coaches to consider: Jon Gruden (to Miami), Jay Gruden, Romeo Crennel, Marty Mornhinweg, Bruce Arians (to Alabama?), Mike Mularkey, Kevin Gilbride, Paul Hackett, Donnie Henderson (Detroit Defensive Coordinator has ties to Arizona State), Don Breaux (Redskins Off Cordinator to NC State). Mike Sherman, and Ken Whisenhunt. Looks like a good off season. There are more changes to come.
FTBLFan said:
posted on November 30, 2006 12:43 PM — 216.68.88.53 — link — abuse?
The right pick for NC State is Bo Pelini! Great teams start with defense and his track record speaks for itself. He also has the connections to bring in the type of offensive minded staff that people at NC State would like to put up the #'s. Bottom line is that we want a winner at NC State and Bo is the person who can deliver. He's perhaps not as "trendy" as some of the other names bantered about, but he'll deliver W's...which is what NC State fans are yearning for...and have missed ever since David Rivers departed...
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on November 30, 2006 5:09 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Ertl:
Only problem is that in Alabama - they got "dry counties". Means, you can't buy booze on Sunday's. After practicing all week and playing on Saturday's - what would Solich do on his only day off if he couldn't even get twisted up a little?
Tommie T
Zac said:
posted on December 1, 2006 9:19 AM — 209.36.193.14 — link — abuse?
Hey, Ertl: Jim Leavitt, SFL, has been mentioned in a couple of these blogs; there's even one devoted just to him. To my surprise, he's not mentioned either. Look what he's done at SFL, given, until 10 years ago, the school didn't even have football.
jack ligon said:
posted on December 2, 2006 9:38 PM — 74.226.196.151 — link — abuse?
heres my list of coaches and there possiblities of leaving were they are now-
Steve Spurrier- 0% he leaves carolina, not with that extention he got, nobody will buy that out.
Greg Shiano-Miami's next head coach
Randy Shannon-Rutgers next head coach
Jim Grobe- Next alabama head coach, now that he has that acc title and all those seniors, he knows when its time to go.
David Cutcliff- Hello North Carolina State!!!!
Duke University- soem current assistant who will not win a single game
Rich Rodriguez-One more season at WVA, why because florida state is not open yet, and when jo pa retires, papa nole retires, and that means Rodriguez is staying where he is for now, and fsu fans be ready for the 08-09 season b/c coach RO is coming to FSU
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on December 4, 2006 10:22 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
goodolnuma5:
Not tryin' to be mean, and am not knockin' Baptist's either, just can't see Solich suffering through delerium tremors on Sunday's (the "shakes" is the layman's term for any that don't know). No heavy drinkin' is a religion in Ohio and Penn area. Course, I never had much trouble findin' the stuff when I was in Louisiana for awhile. In fact, I almost thought is was legal. So maybe Solich, if he could find a connection first, just might inquire.
Tommie T
JB said:
posted on December 7, 2006 11:26 AM — 216.153.224.220 — link — abuse?
Likely to be announced as the new Head Coach at Michigan State sometime today, but we'll mention him anyway. He (Dantonio) turned Cincinnati from an awful joke of a team into a winning program, boosting the team up from C-USA to Big East in the process.
UC went to 5 bowl games under Rick Minter - hardly a "Joke of a team" as was stated above. Dantonio did very little at UC....he won't be missed.
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Evan said:
posted on November 27, 2006 11:37 AM — 66.57.23.85 — link — abuse?NC State is going after Offense so their short list is Chow, Fisher, Johnson (Cowher obviously) and chizik other DCs are pretty much off the radar.
I'm surprised you don't have Ron English on their, the DC at Michigan has been mentioned with HC jobs.
Does Anyone think Paul Johnson's offense can win in a BCS conference?