December 14, 2004

Ole Miss Interviews "Leading Candidate" Erickson

Despite conflicting reports throughout the weekend and into today regarding the candidacy of San Francisco 49ers head coach Dennis Erickson, Ole Miss officials are flying to the Bay Area to interview him. The (Jackson, MS) Clarion-Ledger has reported that the university received permission to discuss the opening with Erickson and officials are en route tonight to do so.

ESPN had reported over the weekend that Erickson had emerged as a "secret candidate" for the Rebels' top job. However, after a Monday meeting between Erickson and 49ers management, the 49ers released a statement indicating that Erickson would remain as head coach and no employment decisions would be made until after the season ended. The (Memphis, TN) Commercial Appeal reported this morning that Erickson had been "scratched" off the candidate list.

However, Ole Miss Chancellor Robert Khayat has been confirmed to be a hotel guest tonight at a property very near the 49ers training facility in Santa Clara and Athletic Director Pete Boone is said to be joining him there either tonight or tomorrow, per the Clarion-Ledger.

Erickson confirmed speaking with university representatives late yesterday and stated that he is evaluating his options. One assumes that the boys from Oxford are traveling west with a very large checkbook.

Ole Miss fired David Cutcliffe back on December 1 and has been turned down by several candidates in the search for a new head coach.

UPDATE: Erickson, Khayat, and Boone met for two hours tonight at a Bay Area hotel, according to the Associated Press. Reportedly, no job offer was extended, but there is significant mutual interest in a possible hire. The AP indicated that the Ole Miss delegation will fly back home without an agreement--possibly interviewing more candidates in the coming days--but with neither Erickson nor the university backing away from their interest in the other.