College Football Coaching Carousel 2013-14

[mauf]

I think the biggest draw would be the chance for him to utterly and totally dominate college football. Mack was a good CEO and person, but in the richest recruiting hotbed where UT gets the recruit they want 95 percent of the time in the richest school terms of money generated by the team, there's no excuse why Texas hasn't been winning conference titles every other year -- they have the best combination of facilities, recruiting territory and money.

With Saban, he could crush the Big 12, probably with Mack's guys next year, and in the medium term virtually lock-up the chance to plan for a championship every year until he steps down, no hyperbole. Not play for a championship every other year like at Bama, but exceed the dynasty he's created at Bama.


Texas has had those paper advantages for at least 30 years but has never turned them into a dynasty. It's not just Mack Brown.

 

[DJnVa]

http://thebiglead.com/2013/12/11/nick-saban-has-had-a-contract-extension-on-his-desk-for-six-days-now-paul-finebaum-reports/
 
 
Per Paul Finebaum, who shares an agent with Saban:
 

Alabama coach Nick Saban has had a contract extension on his desk since Friday, and the longer it goes unsigned, the more uncomfortable Alabama officials grow, sources said.
 

 

[Tangled Up In Red]

And Boise goes with Bryan Harsin. OC under Petersen from 2001-2010. Boise native. HC at Arkansas State last season after one year of co-OC at Texas.
Strong hire, even with the 1.75M buyout. Should be around for a long time.

 

[gtg807y]

So since 2010 they've had 4 total head coaches, I guess 7 if you count interims. And whoever edits the wikipedia page for Red Wolves football is starting to get a little bitchy at the whole thing.

 

[thehitcat]

http://thebiglead.com/2013/12/11/nick-saban-has-had-a-contract-extension-on-his-desk-for-six-days-now-paul-finebaum-reports/
 
 
Per Paul Finebaum, who shares an agent with Saban:
 

 
So what's the latest here?  Anyone "in the know?" 

 

[canderson]

So what's the latest here?  Anyone "in the know?"

Brother is a season tix holder for the Texans (lol at him!) and says Houston wants him badly.

 

[JMDurron]

http://thebiglead.com/2013/12/11/nick-saban-has-had-a-contract-extension-on-his-desk-for-six-days-now-paul-finebaum-reports/
 
 
Per Paul Finebaum, who shares an agent with Saban:
 

 
Remember that Paul Finebaum has historically made his money by saying whatever gets Alabama fans the most agitated, AKA calling in to/reading his revenue-generation vehicles.  It's the perfect kind of non-confirming rumor that is guaranteed to agitate the crimson masses.  

 

[RedOctober3829]

Kirk Herbstreit reporting that Saban is staying at Alabama.

 

[sachmoney]

Kirk Herbstreit reporting that Saban is staying at Alabama.

 

[DJnVa]

Someone on twitter just posted that a prominent HS coach in Texas just told him that Mack Brown is staying.
 
Crazy.

 

[sachmoney]

The Saban extension has been confirmed by Alabama.

 

[LuckyBen]

Mack Brown will bring that program all the way down.

 

[Yeah Jeets]

Since Colt McCoy left Brown's gone 30-20. He's now riding the coattails of two back-to-back Heisman-level QBs into a 5th straight year of mediocrity. 

 

[RedOctober3829]

@JasonLaCanfora: Much made of Texas Longhorns interest in Harbaugh and Tomlin - strongly doubt either leaves - but I'd add Sean Payton to that NFL wish list

LOL Texas is seriously delusional if a coach of this caliber sniffs them.

 

[axx]

I love Nick Saban. The BS he spews is hilarious.
 

"The way this sort of got spun, it was a little bit more like, 'OK, he got a new contract at Alabama, so he's going to stay at Alabama instead of going to Texas,'" Saban told ESPN.com on Saturday. "I never considered going to Texas. That wasn't even a conversation.

 
http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/10136999/nick-saban-alabama-crimson-tide-coach-refutes-speculated-links-texas-longhorns

 

[JMDurron]

Kirk Herbstreit reporting that Saban is staying at Alabama.

 
:rex:

 

[BigMike]

@JasonLaCanfora: Much made of Texas Longhorns interest in Harbaugh and Tomlin - strongly doubt either leaves - but I'd add Sean Payton to that NFL wish list

LOL Texas is seriously delusional if a coach of this caliber sniffs them.

 
There would be a lot of happy Steelers fans if that happened.  He has a very mixed view in Pitt.   I can't see him leaving for a college program, he has no college backround, and would be a fish out of water at that level totally dependent on finding a great staff, from a pool where he has no experience.    He probably would be a good closer as a recruiter

 

[RedOctober3829]

If this OB article is true, Texas is one dysfunctional department.

The tweets saying Nick Saban had re-upped with Alabama raced through the Longhorns' football banquet Friday night, igniting a Game of Thrones power struggle among the mega-wealthy donors at Texas.

Texas fans suffering from Macklash may have Mack back in 2014.
For a growing percentage of Texas fans suffering from Macklash, the news was devastating.

 
http://texas.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1587416

 

[JMDurron]

That vaguely reminds me of the kind of in-fighting that Alabama supposedly went through before Saban came along, with some degree of assurances of autonomy from the then-exhausted power brokers who were desperate enough to land him to give him the control that he wanted.  Even without the alleged filibuster to keep Brown around, I can't imagine Saban wanting to leave his current organizational model for that train wreck.  If he wants a new challenge someday, he can always wait for everyone making the environment dysfunctional in Austin to exhaust themselves and agree to (mildly) STFU and let him do what he wants/needs to do in a few years.  Let some sustained mediocrity flush out whoever loses the power struggle before making the change, assuming he ever feels like making a change to begin with.  

 

[canderson]

Brown has resigned, but will coach the loss to Oregon.

 

[canderson]

And espn now has a link up: http://m.espn.go.com/ncf/story?storyId=10138466

 

[bbc23]

There's all sorts of happiness in my pants.  I legitimately thought he was coming back after last night and was horrified at the thought.  My personal 1st choice on the realistic spectrum to replace him is James Franklin.  

 

[berniecarbo1]

They are throwing Jimbo Fisher's name out there, especially if he wins the BCS. Nothing left to do there after turning the program around, getting first rounds picks, undefeated season, Heisman winner and if a title...it sounds plausible.

Texas is a destination job no doubt and that would be a fabulous resume, turning around 2 perennial powers.

 

[canderson]

They are throwing Jimbo Fisher's name out there, especially if he wins the BCS. Nothing left to do there after turning the program around, getting first rounds picks, undefeated season, Heisman winner and if a title...it sounds plausible.
Texas is a destination job no doubt and that would be a fabulous resume, turning around 2 perennial powers.

Thatd be a long wait though to hold out until after the MNC.

 

[Kremlin Watcher]

Truly surprised. Thought Mack would try to hang on for another year or two.
 
With Saban out of the mix, no idea who is top of the pops for Patterson.
 
But at the end of the day, thank you, Mack, for 12 years of great Texas football, for 2005, for Ricky, VY, Colt, Benson, Charles, et al. And thank you for finally recognizing that this is the best solution. You don't get DKR's record, but someday we will build you a statue. Hook 'em.

 

[axx]

Should point out that Saban has no buyout. It would be very Saban-y if he were to go to Texas even after getting the new deal.

 

[Grin&MartyBarret]

Rich Ellerson was let go by Army. Most West Pointers consider Ed Warriner the favorite for the job.

 

[Dave Stapleton]

Reports out there that Bill O'Brien's agent is putting out feelers on NFL jobs. Implication js that he's looking to get out of PSU.

 

[Infield Infidel]

One thing to remember is that the recruiting dead period starts today, and is two weeks longer than in the past (12-16 to 1-15). So new coaches hired after today can't have in-person contact with current commits for about a month (they can make phone calls). Gives those kids a lot of time to think about changing. It also compresses the contact period before signing day to less than three weeks. 

 

[canderson]

Reports out there that Bill O'Brien's agent is putting out feelers on NFL jobs. Implication js that he's looking to get out of PSU.

You're going to hear this every offseason until he leaves. I don't think he leaves until Hackenburg is gone - his son is too ill to bolt around the country haphazardly like most coaches IMO.

 

[terrynever]

You're going to hear this every offseason until he leaves. I don't think he leaves until Hackenburg is gone - his son is too ill to bolt around the country haphazardly like most coaches IMO.

Agreed. Plus, there's a $6.7M buyout if BOB leaves this winter.
 
My guess is he stays for another four years or so and then takes the Patriots' job when Belichick and Brady walk away, hand in hand. That's assuming O'Brien has the Penn State program back in the top 10 by then.

 

[URI]

Jim Fleming, the UCF defensive coordinator, is going to be named head coach at URI.

 

[DJnVa]

Ohio St. co-DC heading to JMU.
 
http://www.whsv.com/sports/headlines/Report-Withers-Will-Be-Next-JMU-Head-Football-Coach-236610131.html

 

[axx]

"Intermediaries of" Mike Munchak and Greg Schiano have inquired about the (soon to be?) opening at Penn State. BoB is probably headed to the NFL.
 
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/24/report-munchak-schiano-have-inquired-about-penn-state-job/

 

[jsinger121]

 

Marc Bertrand ‏@Marc_Bertrand3m
Charley Molnar has been dismissed as the head football coach at #UMass.

 
 
http://www.umassathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/122613aaa.html

 

[berniecarbo1]

 


No surprise. Odd they waited this long.
 
 
http://www.umassathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/122613aaa.html

 

[terrynever]

"Intermediaries of" Mike Munchak and Greg Schiano have inquired about the (soon to be?) opening at Penn State. BoB is probably headed to the NFL.
 
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/24/report-munchak-schiano-have-inquired-about-penn-state-job/

Both coaches deny that they, or their agents, have made inquiries to Penn State. "BOB is probably headed to the NFL" may eventually be a true statement. Eventually.
 
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/26/munchak-says-hes-not-interested-in-penn-state-job/related/

 

[canderson]

O'Brien to interview with Houston. Given Children's is the best in the world at his son's medical issues, the fact Houston can pay a ton, and they aren't devoid of talent, it could be a match.

 

[terrynever]

O'Brien to interview with Houston. Given Children's is the best in the world at his son's medical issues, the fact Houston can pay a ton, and they aren't devoid of talent, it could be a match.

Valid point. He can cite the family issue as a reason to break his commitment to the players he has recruited over the past two years.
 
If he's just doing due diligence and keeping his name out there, it could be a positive for Penn State, because you can't buy this kind of publicity for the program. O'Brien's main asset as a recruiter is his NFL background, and ability to prepare players for the pro game. Having pro teams sniff pursuing BOB only adds to his NFL aura for the high school recruits who think they are going to the pros
 
BOB will be gone at some point in the next four years. If it is next month, Penn State has a problem. 2014 recruits could withdraw their verbal commitments and head elsewhere, blowing up the program. I just don't see O'Brien jumping right now.

 

[Dgilpin]

Agreed. Plus, there's a $6.7M buyout if BOB leaves this winter.

My guess is he stays for another four years or so and then takes the Patriots' job when Belichick and Brady walk away, hand in hand. That's assuming O'Brien has the Penn State program back in the top 10 by then.


I've read a few articles that O'Brien would also be the Detroit Lions number 1 choice if/when they make a coaching change. IMO it's a much better situation professionally than the Texans , but I agree with Terry I think he's in state college for a few more years.

 

[Fred in Lynn]

With O'Brien, we could only guess how much his son plays into a decision. He's changed jobs three or four times since his son has been born. Moreover, not in a pattern that suggests he's been seeking or believes an "upgrade" in care is a concern. For all I know, there's only so much improvement in medical care, if any at all, he'd gain by going somewhere new. Their needs are likely very specific. I think it becomes an issue of career advancement for him, which is understandable. Maybe the biggest factor is his legacy. If he departs now, in a real sense he will have been shovelling shit to those he convinced to stay in the face of the sanctions. This is the other edge side of the sword: the passionate appeals to stick it out don't just apply to those to whom you preach. Or maybe not.

 

[axx]

Both coaches deny that they, or their agents, have made inquiries to Penn State. "BOB is probably headed to the NFL" may eventually be a true statement. Eventually.
 
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/26/munchak-says-hes-not-interested-in-penn-state-job/related/

 
The thing is both of them are still employed and the position isn't open... but it may not be long until the position is open at least.
 
 
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10205777/bill-obrien-penn-state-nittany-lions-coach-working-deal-become-houston-texans-head-coach

 

[DukeSox]

Duke's OC becomes Florida's OC.

 

[terrynever]

With O'Brien, we could only guess how much his son plays into a decision. He's changed jobs three or four times since his son has been born. Moreover, not in a pattern that suggests he's been seeking or believes an "upgrade" in care is a concern. For all I know, there's only so much improvement in medical care, if any at all, he'd gain by going somewhere new. Their needs are likely very specific. I think it becomes an issue of career advancement for him, which is understandable. Maybe the biggest factor is his legacy. If he departs now, in a real sense he will have been shovelling shit to those he convinced to stay in the face of the sanctions. This is the other edge side of the sword: the passionate appeals to stick it out don't just apply to those to whom you preach. Or maybe not.

Good stuff here.

Top recruit Thomas Holley said he talked to O'brien on Saturday and the coach said he isn't going anywhere. I find that encouraging. Would he lie to a player two days after interviewing with Houston at his cape Cod second home? We shall see. Many other coaches have done so over the years.

Today's 24/7 media coverage covers negotiations like these from start to finish. There are many twists and turns in a search for coaches. Houston owner Bob McNair admits the process is ongoing with other interviews scheduled.

O'brien could stop the speculation by issuing a strong statement saying he is not leaving Penn State. The fact that he hasn't done so is revealing. Of what, I am not sure.

I still say this is good publicity for the program, assuming he stays..

 

[axx]

I think McNair's comments are a signal that the negotiations broke down.

 

[ethangl]

What else is he going to say?

 

[terrynever]

Situation still fluid. NFL Network has deal almost done. CBS 's Jason LaCanfora says the search committee found a couple things that cause concern with BOB, including his strained relationship with AD Dave Joyner and the fact that two of his coaches resigned after 2013 season ended.

 

[RedOctober3829]

One high-level source said Patterson on Tuesday flew to an undisclosed location to interview Louisville coach Charlie Strong, who has received a high recommendation from the search firm Korn/Ferry, which is assisting in the hunt for Mack Brown's replacement.

Another source close to the situation said Patterson has already interviewed Vanderbilt coach James Franklin and wants to talk to Michigan State's Mark Dantonio.

Patterson met with a group of Texas lettermen before the Alamo Bowl on Monday who expressed support for Baylor coach Art Briles.

A group of billionaire donors appear ready to make their case for Florida State's Jimbo Fisher as the next coach at Texas. Even though Fisher signed a new contract extension at FSU that will take his salary to $4.1 million, the new deal has no buyout, two sources confirmed.

Previously, Fisher had a buyout of $2 million. So the new deal effectively makes it easier for Fisher to leave, if he chose to do so, sources said.

Another billionaire Texas donor has let it be known he supports Jon Gruden as Mack Brown's replacement.

http://texas.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1592852

 

[RedSoxFan]

Schefter and Mortensen are both reporting that Billy O'Brien has reached an agreement to be the Texans next head coach. The good news for Penn State is they get $6M out of it and they'll attract a much better pool of candidates than they did 2 years ago.

 

[soxhop411]

Brett McMurphy ‏@McMurphyESPN8m
Texas very interested in UCLA's Jim Mora. UT & reps of Mora had conversations today sources told @AdamSchefter