college football head coach hiring/firing thread, '08

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by timmynausea

Locksley is best known for his recruiting, particularly connections in the Washington DC/VA/MD area - he helped Zook recruit many of the players that Urban Meyer won a national championship with as well as most of the players that Ralph Friedgen had success with in his first 2 or 3 years at Maryland while under Ron Vanderlinden there.

He was a popular name among fans last year in the WVU coaching search. On one hand, it seems like a pretty good hire for New Mexico, but that's a long way from DC.

Plus, what happens with Zook bankrolling him?

[Chief Rum]

Interesting stuff being tossed out on some UCLA sites.

DeWayne Walker interviewed for the San Diego State job, and got a recommendation from Pete Carroll. He's also supposedly involved in the NMSU head coach search.

And Sarkisian apparently sent out feelers to him for possible going up to Washington be Sark's DC, but Walker said no (seems he is only interested in head coaching positions, not a lateral move).

Although Carroll is always supportive of his former assistants, I found it funny (and obvious) that he should recommend Walker here, considering how much issues Walker's D's have presented him since he's come to Westwood.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Auburn talks to UGA assistant about coaching vacancy | [email protected]

Georgia assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner has talked to Auburn about its head coaching vacancy.

The Tigers are searching for a replacement for Tommy Tuberville since he left the job last week following a 5-7 season.

“Auburn University, my alma mater, contacted me recently about its open head coaching position,” Garner, an Alabama native who played for the Tigers from 1984-88, said through a Georgia spokesman. “Based on my respect for the Auburn program, we had a conversation about that opportunity.”

The 42-year old Garner, also the Bulldogs’ defensive line coach, is in his 11th season on the Georgia staff. The former Tiger, who was an All-SEC offensive lineman and team captain at Auburn in 1988, served as an Auburn assistant from 1990-95.

The Birmingham News reported that Garner interviewed on Sunday with Auburn officials. Miami offensive coordinator Patrick Nix, another former Tiger, also was to interview.

Buffalo coach Turner Gill and Ball State coach Brady Hoke are reportedly also potential candidates, along with Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher — another former Auburn assistant — and Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson.

Reached by phone Monday by the Banner-Herald, Garner referred questions to the Georgia spokesman, who released the statement.

“My family and I love Athens and the University of Georgia and are completely happy here,” Garner said. “I’m sure the process will take its proper course and I don’t think it would be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

[Galaxy]

Auburn seems to be talking to everyone they can.

[Warhammer]

I think Auburn is surprised that no one really wants that job.

[MJ4H]

I don't think nobody wants that job.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by MJ4H

I don't think nobody wants that job.

Just no one they want.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Interesting stuff being tossed out on some UCLA sites.

DeWayne Walker interviewed for the San Diego State job, and got a recommendation from Pete Carroll. He's also supposedly involved in the NMSU head coach search.

And Sarkisian apparently sent out feelers to him for possible going up to Washington be Sark's DC, but Walker said no (seems he is only interested in head coaching positions, not a lateral move).

Although Carroll is always supportive of his former assistants, I found it funny (and obvious) that he should recommend Walker here, considering how much issues Walker's D's have presented him since he's come to Westwood.

Hey, I'll throw as big of a party for Walker leaving as I will for Sark leaving

[Klinglerware]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

I've seen it proposed that Ty would be best-suited to either a military academy or an elite academic school (like a Vanderbilt or Rice). Given his personality and how he approaches coaching football, I tend to agree with that view.

There was a rumor that Yale sent out feelers to Willingham for their vacant head coaching spot.

It would definitely be a step down both financially and in stature, and not necessarily an upgrade in job security (alumni hounding probably played a role in the "retirement" of the previous Yale coach)...

[JonInMiddleGA]

Georgia running backs coach eyed for head coaching job at UTC | [email protected]

Georgia running backs coach Tony Ball expressed interest in the head coaching job at his alma mater after it opened in October. Now, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wants to speak to Ball.

The Southern Conference school asked for and received permission to talk to Ball about the position, Georgia coach Mark Richt said this afternoon through an athletic spokesman.

Ball, completing his third season on the Bulldogs staff, said Saturday that he wanted to speak to UTC officials about their possible interest in him as a candidate to replace Rodney Allison.

“I would like to talk to them just to kind of see if there is that possibility,” said Ball, who starred at running back and kick returner from 1977-80 at the school. “More importantly, I want to see what direction Chattanooga is going. It’s been a long time. It’s time for us to get it right up there.”

[miami_fan]

UM's Nix contacted about vacant Auburn job - UM - MiamiHerald.com

University of Miami athletic director Kirby Hocutt confirmed Monday that Auburn University contacted him ''in the last couple of days'' about its interest in Hurricanes offensive coordinator Patrick Nix as a candidate for head coach.

Nix graduated from Auburn and played quarterback for the Tigers from 1992-1995.

Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville resigned -- or was fired, depending on the source -- last Wednesday after a 5-7 season and offense rated among the worst in the nation.

''We received a call from Auburn in the last couple days notifying us of their interest in Patrick Nix,'' Hocutt told The Miami Herald on Monday evening. ``They asked to speak to him, but I do not know when they plan to do that. I don't know if it's today, yesterday or tomorrow. They called to seek permission and gave us the professional courtesy to let us know of their interest in coach Nix and their intention to visit with him about their head coaching vacancy.''

The Birmingham News, which reported in a blog Monday from New York that ''Nix will be interviewed today or Tuesday,'' said later Monday that the paper ``has learned he's not in New York, however, where Athletics Director Jay Jacobs is conducting the search, so that means the interview was before Monday.''

Nix, a two-year starter for Auburn in 1994 and 1995, has been heavily criticized by UM fans the past two seasons for what they perceive as a boring, uncreative, unproductive offense.

The Hurricanes are ranked 88th of 120 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in total offense, averaging 327 yards a game. They're 47th in scoring offense, averaging 27.9 points.

Auburn is 102nd in total offense and 110th in scoring.

UM coach Randy Shannon said more than a week ago he thought Nix was doing a fine job, and said he wouldn't evaluate his coaching staff until after the season.

[st.cronin]

Locksley had his first press conference at New Mexico today. He talked about building on the foundation laid by Rocky Long, and recruiting hard in Texas. I didn't realize he was only 39. He seems like a good hire, although as others have said, its a bit of an odd fit. He's known for recruiting the east coast, not Texas or California.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Georgia running backs coach eyed for head coaching job at UTC | [email protected]

Georgia running backs coach Tony Ball expressed interest in the head coaching job at his alma mater after it opened in October. Now, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wants to speak to Ball.

The Southern Conference school asked for and received permission to talk to Ball about the position, Georgia coach Mark Richt said this afternoon through an athletic spokesman.

Ball, completing his third season on the Bulldogs staff, said Saturday that he wanted to speak to UTC officials about their possible interest in him as a candidate to replace Rodney Allison.

“I would like to talk to them just to kind of see if there is that possibility,” said Ball, who starred at running back and kick returner from 1977-80 at the school. “More importantly, I want to see what direction Chattanooga is going. It’s been a long time. It’s time for us to get it right up there.”

We are not getting rid of the right coaches.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

We are not getting rid of the right coaches.

Nobody (except CMR) wants him.

[duckman]

Local station is reporting that Kevin Wilson is most likely heading to Mississippi State to be their next football coach. Sources say he's been offered the job, but it's unclear if he has accepted the position.

http://www.news9.com/Global/story.asp?S=9497423

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by duckman

Local station is reporting that Kevin Wilson is most likely heading to Mississippi State to be their next football coach. Sources say he's been offered the job, but it's unclear if he has accepted the position.

http://www.news9.com/Global/story.asp?S=9497423

Interesting. He is RichRod's boy and RichRod said he was going to Oklahoma this summer to discuss offense with him. Apparently they do it every year but couldn't last year with all he had to do.

[Cuckoo]

That'll be a tough loss before the Championship. Wilson has been a fantastic offensive coordinator (and looked even better following Chuck Long).

[sooner333]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Interesting. He is RichRod's boy and RichRod said he was going to Oklahoma this summer to discuss offense with him. Apparently they do it every year but couldn't last year with all he had to do.

I think I'm remembering that RichRod came to visit Northwestern and that's kind of where he took off with the spread offense/option. Wilson was the coordinator there when Kustok and Anderson were there. He left to become OU's offensive line coach after Mangino left following 2001 season and OU promoted Chuck Long. He'll certainly be missed as I felt that the offense really took it to the next level once Long left and even in his first game during the 2005 Holiday Bowl, the offense felt more imaginative and much smoother.

[sooner333]

Dola-- It looks like Wilson won't be leaving and Florida Offensive Coordinator, Dan Mullen will be the new head coach at Mississippi State.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by sooner333

Dola-- It looks like Wilson won't be leaving and Florida Offensive Coordinator, Dan Mullen will be the new head coach at Mississippi State.

Better be careful, a few more switches and they're liable to end up with Patrick Nix. And, evil though I may be, there's precious few teams I'd wish that on.

[digamma]

Originally Posted by duckman

Local station is reporting that Kevin Wilson is most likely heading to Mississippi State to be their next football coach. Sources say he's been offered the job, but it's unclear if he has accepted the position.

http://www.news9.com/Global/story.asp?S=9497423

A friend of mine was on a flight from OKC to O'Hare this morning with Wilson. That's neither here nor there.

[timmynausea]

ECU sources are now reporting that Skip Holtz has turned down the Syracuse job. My guess is that they were offering a lot less than he originally expected salary-wise.

[MJ4H]

Or he brought his thermometer with him.

[Samdari]

Originally Posted by timmynausea

ECU sources are now reporting that Skip Holtz has turned down the Syracuse job. My guess is that they were offering a lot less than he originally expected salary-wise.

12 million over 5 years????

[timmynausea]

Originally Posted by Samdari

12 million over 5 years????

That's more than I though Syracuse could muster, just based on the way their fans had been talking. In that case, Holtz might think he can land the Auburn gig.

[Samdari]

Originally Posted by timmynausea

Holtz might think he can land the Auburn gig.

That's what the initial reports about his turning the job down said. Neither has been confirmed.

My guess is SU said they need an answer now, and while the Auburn job is still open, the answer is no.

[sooner333]

Originally Posted by digamma

A friend of mine was on a flight from OKC to O'Hare this morning with Wilson. That's neither here nor there.

It was undoubtedly delayed...I have never been on a flight from OKC to O'Hare that was on-time. I guess he's either recruiting or going to learn more about the Syracuse job.

[MJ4H]

FWIW: CollegeFootballTalk.com - Rumor Mill

SYRACUSE HIRES DOUG MARRONE
Posted by Michael David Smith on December 11, 2008, 6:40 p.m.
Syracuse has hired New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Marrone as its next head coach, Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting.

[DeToxRox]

Report is Muschamp will be named Auburn coach Friday.

Wonder how much that'll set Auburn back with a buyout?

EDIT: Might be premature, but saw a few reports on it.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Report is Muschamp will be named Auburn coach Friday.

Wonder how much that'll set Auburn back with a buyout?

EDIT: Might be premature, but saw a few reports on it.

I wonder, too, but it does make some sort of sense. Texas would be a better gig, but how long will it be before Mack Brown retires? I think between him and Jimbo, he has the longer wait before he goes "head coach in waiting" to actual head coach.

[Warhammer]

I hope Muschamp goes and everyone thumbs their nose at the "head coach in waiting" fad.

[MJ4H]

Lots of reports that Muschamp not going to Auburn after all:

Welcome to AJC! | ajc.com

[GrantDawg]

So, Auburn is interviewing ISU's coach.

Chizik serious candidate for Auburn job | ajc.com

In other words, Auburn is officially interviewing every coach with a pulse that will talk with them. I wonder how excited the boosters that ran Tommy off are now? The chances they are moving up in coaches get smaller and smaller.

[st.cronin]

Its kind of like how Alabama's search went a couple of years ago, and they ended up with Nick Saban. Auburn could still end up with somebody good. But yeah, it is a bit absurd what's going on there.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by st.cronin

Its kind of like how Alabama's search went a couple of years ago, and they ended up with Nick Saban. Auburn could still end up with somebody good. But yeah, it is a bit absurd what's going on there.

Is there a Saban out there they could get at this point? Is Petrino still under armed guard?

[st.cronin]

Well, I guess Bill Belicheck could resign from New England or something. That's how Saban suddenly became available.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Dave Clawson is the new head coach at Bowling Green

[MJ4H]

Iowa State's Gene Chizik will be the next Auburn coach, Rivals.com has learned.


Gene Chizik is the new coach at Auburn.

Chizik has been the coach of the Cyclones the last two years, compiling a 5-19 record. Iowa State finished 2-10 (0-8 in the Big 12) in 2008. Chizik was defensive coordinator at Auburn from 2002-04, helping the Tigers go 13-0, win the SEC championship and finish ranked No. 2 in the nation. That year, he won the Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach.

edit: ensuing meltdownage: http://auburn.rivals.com/forum.asp?sid=884&fid=423

[JonInMiddleGA]

Wow.

Suddenly makes the Lane Kiffin hire look like pure genius.

[MJ4H]

Maybe not, I mean look at...oh who the hell am I kidding.

[GrantDawg]

ie. Auburn hired the first head coach that actually said yes.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Wow.

Suddenly makes the Lane Kiffin hire look like pure genius.

Well, yeah.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Hell, this may make the Dave Clawson hire look like pure genius.

[DeToxRox]

Apparently Chizik is getting 3 mil per year too.

Oh man this is awesome.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Apparently Chizik is getting 3 mil per year too.

Oh man this is awesome.

Ok, now if he amazingly turns things around, we'll all look foolish, but....that has got to be the most stupid hire in college football history.

[MJ4H]

Maybe, MAYBE, if they hire an amazing offensive coordinator.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by MJ4H

Maybe, MAYBE, if they hire an amazing offensive coordinator.

And a super-recruiter. And maybe an experienced Head Coach to be his assistant....and if Bo Jackson could be reincarnated....

[MJ4H]

Yeah, who the hell am I kidding.

[miami_fan]

This has to be one last shot at Tuberville.

"We hate you soooo much we replaced you with this guy"

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by miami_fan

This has to be one last shot at Tuberville.

"We hate you soooo much we replaced you with this guy"

I would think this would be more vindication for TT. "You thought replacing me would be easy, huh? Suckers! Thanks for the check!"