Thursday, November 29, 2007

here a coach there a coach

Arkansas

Jeff Long is doing his best not to slight hog fans. He is looking far and wide and talking to candidates all across the country. I feel confident that the Razorbacks are going to get a good coach and I think it is going to be a Lane Kiffin type hire. I think with all that is going on this search is going to be a doozy. Get ready to hear every name under the sun

This weekend is going to be a madhouse. I hope Jeff Long will be able to nail down his hire before Les Miles bail for Michigan but I doubt it. If UCLA loses and fires Karl Dorrell that also has hug implications.

Tommy Tub – he is using you hog fans. I am told there is no way he is leaving. Then again I could be getting used too.
Lane Kiffin – If Jeff L can make this happen he needs to jump all over it. Did he use the Arkansas job to get his name out there for UCLA? If it is Kiffin it won’t happen until Sunday or Monday.
Mike Leach – also eying UCLA job.
Chris Peterson – see above.
Brian Kelly – I am told he was contacted indirectly yesterday, I haven’t been able to get a report on his feedback.
Jim Grobe – I don’t think he is the right fit for the Hogs.
Bobby Petrino – a good source told me that he is waiting on LSU but that if Miles stayed Arkansas would be possible. My gut says he stays in Atl.
Jim Mora Jr. – if Ty Willingham gets another year would Jr. come back south? Word his he has marginal interest.
Steve Sarkisian - If you are willing to hire the man that was going to be Sarkisian's OC why not hire the man.
Gus Malzahn – I was told that if Major Applewhite turns Houston down Gus in on their list. If this hire goes good this could be the only chance for the hogs to hire Gus. They are thinking about that I assure you.


Duke
I’ve said Al Borges all along, but it looks like the Dukies are wanting a head coach.
Glen Mason seems to be making the most noise. But with the OBC on campus yesterday you know he was pushing the talents of Steve Spurrier Jr. I think he has a real chance.
David Cutcliff would be a great hire for this job, he would jump at the chance. I read Mike Shula but have not heard that myself.


SMU

SMU fans are confused. I understand, you have never gone through a high-profile search like this. Did you read the words I just said: “HIGH PROFILE.” Do you think this search is getting such attention from big names because of Phil Bennett’s success? STEVE ORSINI. Ponies, I have been trying to tell you, this man knows what he is doing.

As I told you a few days ago Rick N. is in the mix. A flurry of emails told me I was an idiot, but that’s ok. I was speaking with a well-connected Pony booster this morning who said if we don’t hire Rick now this means he isn’t our first choice and that will let the air out of the sails. WHAT? If you get RN now or next week you tap dance to the Green Elephant naked. If Steve O is waiting on Paul J (or some other that means he thinks he has a chance

It is obvious there is a lot still in play. Steve O is waiting to see what all shakes out this weekend. Does Paul Johnson get Georgia Tech? Relax Pony fans and think about the fact that the worst you are going to do is Fran, and that is pretty darn good. Think back to the search last time. You were choosing between Phil Bennett and the guy at Mrs. Baird’s bread. (Skip H was mentioned I know).

Steve O’s list. I swapped Chan with Rick N. after a call I got last night.

1. Paul Johnson
2. Chan Gailey
3. Rick N
4. Fran
5. Bowden
6. Mason

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Arkansas

Tommy T - I could eat crow here, but I can't find one Auburn source that thinks Tubb is going anywhere. I think mastermind Jimmy Sexton used this as leverage in Tubb's negotiations with Jay Jacobs. In fact I was told tonight that Tubb got another year, better salaries for assistants and more seats at the stadium. The only people that i talk to that think there is a chance are Arkansas guys.

Lane Kiffen - There appears to be some legs to the Lane Kiffen rumors. Word on the street is that Kiffen leaked to a search firm that he was interested in getting back into college. Life with Al Davis is too much, as it would be for most. This is the type of coach Arkansas needs, young, energetic, smart, and has coached on both sides of the ball at some level. Raiders players love him, and if you can get respect of NFL players older than you I think he can manage to motivate college players. Ask Reggie Bush what he thinks about Kiffen. I can't confirm some of the reports out of Arkansas that he certainly next after Tub but he IS on the list.

Chris Peterson - his name picked up steam for the Arkansas job today, but for also the Wash St. job, which i think is a little more likely. I'm told Jeff Long does like Peterson quite a bit.

Brian Kelly - name is still out there, nothing new today on his end. Damn good coach.

Butch - I was still holding out hope until his dad said it was too late. I still never say never in this business but not likely

Mike Leach - I''ve said it before I'll say it again. If he leaves it is for UCLA.

Bo Pelini - looks like he probably has the Neb job. Go ahead email me tell me i am an idiot, but I stand by more sources and will always think Bo Pelini was darn close to getting this job. Even if he doesn't, the interest in Lane Kifen would be hard to miss. I am sorry i missed the Lane Kiffen info but he apprantly leaked it the minute Ark came open.

Brent Venables - I am told that if Long were going to hire and assistant it was Pelini or Bust.

Bill Cowher - get real

Steve Sarkisian - probably getting tossed in there due to Kiffen, but he is a search firm fav as well. He is probably ready. He could easily be Wash St. new coach.

Paull Johnson - my understanding he is out of the picture for this job.


Duke -
Glen Mason seems to be getting a good look here. Someone in the AD thinks Steve Spurrier Jr. has what it takes. Terry Bowden has been named here but I dont see it as a fit. Al Borges is still being talked about along with Rick Stockstill (if you can get him jump on it)

Georgia Tech

Jimbo Fisher - Bobby Bowden getting an extension? Jimbo leave tonight if you can. Georgia Tech will try and mirror the bulldogs hire of Mark Richt.

Will Muschamp - Not over Fisher (so I am told), but if anyone saw Rad's energy comments today that may have been a sign. Muschamp has as much energy as anyone in the biz.

Rick Neuheisal - wants it but it doesnt look like he will get it.

Bobby Johnson - his name is being mentioned for more jobs than this one.

Neb
It's Pelini, no it's Gill, no wait it is Jim Grobe. All signs point to Pelini but I was told by someone close that Grobe's interview went spectacular.

SMU
The latest i got today is that is a 2-way race between Paul Johnson and Rick Neuheisal. Keep in mind Orsini's lips are sealed like your date to the prom. I think Chan Gailey has a good chance as well. The Schottenheimer thing seems to have lost steam. The only assistants name's that are still breathing are Gus Malzahn (nation's #! offense has caught some attention) and Charlie Strong.

Southern Miss - I am told it will be hard to turn down Tyrone Nix but that Gus Malzahn will get a fair shake.

Washington State
Steve Sarkisian
Chris Peterson
bobby Hauck

send me your thougts coachcarousel@yahoo.com

I am trying to give you guys the bes info i can, in this game you win some you lose some.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Replacements for Nutt

Replacements for Nutt

Now that there is an actually opening we will find out a ton. Leadership at UA are going to make a run at Tommy T first and Butch Davis 2nd, imo Butch has the best chance of those 2. Butch apparently got VERY offended by some past UNC official’s reaction to his contract extension. A source close to this situation said UA is willing and able to pay as much as needed to get the right guy.

Again, as I have said before Jeff Long is the wildcard, and as you know he has talked to Bo Pelini. Reports today said Nebraska was flying all over the country to meet with Pelini and Turner Gill. Gill has the coveted head coaching experience albeit not much. I stand by my sources that have told me Bo would prefer and SEC job over Neb but I guess you couldn’t blame a man when Neb comes on their private jet to lure you. I know Jeff Long has an allure for Bo but will the hog leadership let Jeff Long really make this hire.

Someone from the athletic department is putting out that there will be no assistants hired, I can’t confirm that. See below for my top 10 candidates

1. Butch Davis - best recruiter in the history of college football (guys if you can pull this off get it done and get it done now)
2. Tommy T – solid choice, damn expensive which Im told doesn’t matter. (Tommy T really likes his brand new 9,000 square foot house in Auburn. I know he can build a mansion in Fayetteville as well)
3. Bo Pelini – How hard will Jeff Long fight for Pelini? Is he “allowed” to hire an assistant
4. Brian Kelly – is the aggies loss Arkansas’ gain?
5. Chris Peterson – They just got rid of a guy from Boise
6. Bobby Petrino – seems committed to Falcons but stranger things have happened.
7. Paul Johnson - hoggies are worried about running to much, how about running up wins
8. Todd Graham – great future and Malzahn’s relationships with Ark high school coached can’t be looked over
9. Charlie Strong – will get an interview, deserving but hasn’t gotten that elusive head job. Has worked for Holtz, Spurrier and Meyer
10. Gus Malzahn – I don’t see it happening but I know the Arkansas faithful would love it and I think he could do it. And if i know there are some boo$ter$ that would support him.

SherMAN

I guess Sherman is the hire... wow! BB better hope this works in a hurry.

Sorry AG fans.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

wow

What a weekend for college football!! With so many openings there will be more rumors in the next 2 weeks than in all the season combined. The best ADs are the one's who keep their search quiet. So you may not know until the bitter end.

Agggies
Mike Sherman? Are you kidding? I don't buy it one bit. This is BB gamesmanship. This is like the Steve Kragthrope to SMU rumor that wasn't.

I guess the logic behind Mike Sherman would be Aggies are always going to get athletes so bring in a great X's and O's guy? if I am an aggie fan, i expect/demand an awsome recruiter. Sherman could be (i guess) but it is a huge risk.

As you know i will admit when I am wrong, so I may eat some crow here, but the coach won't be Mike Sherman.

I still think Brian Kelly gets this job. Bobby Petrino is gaining some steam here. JImbo Fisher if they hire an assistant (he can recruit the heck out of TX)

Arkansas
Wow. Is this thing ever going to end? I thought Nutt was out for sure, now somehow a surprise win over LSU has saved his bacon? I think after Nutt meets with Jeff Long and doesn't get the pass for next years probable struggle he is going to leave. In fact, I think he is leaving anyway. I've posted before the Nutt/GTech connection and know that is a distinct possibility. Nutt to Ole Miss would be the best, can you imagine Arkansas playing against Nutt every year? that would be good to be true. For Ole Miss it makes sense, they get a guy who ahs proven he can win in the SEC West and can win some big games occasionally.

Note to Dr, White and Jeff Long: Let your fan base know Jeff Long is in charge, allow him to fix this. I can only imagine if Nutt is still around next year, he won't be the only one on the hot seat. Long and Nutt are supposed to meet tomorrow. Long's attitude to Nutt probably depends on how his meeting with Bo Pelini went on Saturday.

My prediction - Nutt, for his family's sake, swallows his pride and takes another job, (likely GTECH). This way Nutt leaves on his own terms instead of getting fired next year.

Baylor
Some think Nutt and Baylor have had a deal, I am not one of those. I hope for their sake they get someone better than Larry Fedora, he can maybe do ok, but i doubt it. Nutt still an option here but i think the LSU win falsely raised the bar. Mike Sherman would be a great fit at Baylor, just not at A&M. Best Bet: Art Briles.

Georgia Tech
Houston Nutt, Jimbo Fisher and Paul Johnson top candidates, with Charlie Strong getting a look. I'll be shocked if Gailey stays.

Neb
Most people say Pelini then Gill, I say Gill is the top choice. Brian Kelly and Paul Johnson get looks also.

Ole Miss
2 coordinators in a row and look where they are (although Cutcliff isn't looking so bad now). I mentioend Nutt above, Derek Dooley is a name that was passed on to me tonight by a major Ole Miss booster. The name Dooley would have to carry some weight in the SEC. Art Briles has been mentioned. I would have to say Rick Neuheisal is the early favorite, sorry pony fans. George O"Leary would be a safe play. Todd Graham is also on the radar.

SMU
My only news is here is that feelers have been sent to Marty Schotennheimer to come fix the Miami Dolphins, nothing certain but he would have to take that job over the ponies. I personally don't think it will be Fran but his name sure is coming up more and more. Chan Gailey would be a great hire.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Turkey for you turkey for me

Here we are Thanksgiving day, and we still don't know a whole lot.


I will be the first to admit i was wrong on Butch Davis. I (and alot of others) got spun in his charge to get some commitments made from UNC. Congrats UNC, my condolences Razorbacks.

With it being Thanksgiving i thought i would talk a bit about a few of the assistants that head coaches are thankful for:

Jimbo Fisher - The hottest name right now among assistants. LSU and Georgia Tech will both talk to Fisher. My prediction Georgia Tech

Bo Pelini - I still think Pelini says no to Neb. If LSU doesn't make an offer look for Bo to get his start in coaching for the hogs. Bo is the real deal folks. My prediction - Arkansas, so hog fans you should be excited.

Dan Mullen - latest right now is that search firms are raving about him but ADs are skeptical due to his youth. (funny how youth is more of a deterrent in NCAA than NFL). My prediction - stays at florida

Gary Crowton - Ryan Mallett will enjoy Gary Crowton calling the plays next season.

Brent Venables - I've gotten a ton of emails lately regarding Venables. My response to those questioning his ability, Do you really think Bob would keep him around if he wasn't the best out there? I remember a time when OU fans were glad to get rid of Mark Mangino, it seems he is doing ok. Venables keeps Ron Prince up at night i can assure you.

Gus Malzahn - Arkansas fans email me often asking about Gus to the Hogs. For some reason you guys don't understand that the same group of people that support nutt dislike Gus. So hire gus and you are back to square 1, divided fan base. Someone started a rumor that Gus was going to work for mack brown. I got confirmation Mack is impressed with Gus but Greg Davis (ut oc) is Mack's best friend and is going nowhere. The best thing for Gus to do is go with Todd Graham to his big job in the next couple of years and then he will be looked upon as ready. Not saying he isn't but hogs take off your blinders and think about it.

Baylor
Mike said no, i cant find anyone that doesn't think this is Nutt's job for the taking. Don't think Jimmy Sexton has stopped talking to SMU. I can assure you if Nutt isn't at Baylor he will be at SMU.

SMU
I told you footballrumormill was wrong about Krag. Seems like Glen Mason is gaining some steam. Orsini is shooting for the stars so don't be surprised when someone out of left field pops in the picture. Chan Gailey is another that could jump in the mix. Schotenheimer is still an option guys.

Aggies
Brian Kelly will interview with Michigan and Nebraska but will be the coach at A&M, look o"ut" Mack.

Neb
Turner Gill or Paul Johnson. Brian Kelly in the mix.

LSU
Bobby Petrino is now the favorite for LSU. Look out Saban. JImbo Fisher and Pelini will obviously get looks. I dont know if LSU will hire and assistant.

happy thanksgiving
coachcarousel@yahoo.com

Monday, November 19, 2007

I had a mass attack of emails from Aggie fans, it seems you guys are not happy with my list, so i will explain.

Your job is one of the tougher to gague. Looking at BB's latest hires and the reasons below, and from what i am hearing out of Cincinatti, i call Brian Kelly the favorite and i think you'd be lucky to have him.

Spurrier - He's not leaving. Id be shocked if he ever left the SEC. Miramont is nice course but not that nice.

Tubberville - If Tub gets beat by Bama this weekend then maybe you guys will be back in the mix but i doubt it. Sorry, i just dont think he's leaving.

Gary Kubiak - aint leaving. he is has the keys to a blossoming NFL franchise, bad timing.

Art Briles - He would jump for the job, but would yall jump to get him?

Rich Rodriguez - purely speculation here, but he aint leaving.

Crunch Time

Baylor
It looks like this is a 2 man race between Mike Singletary and Houston Nutt. It has been widely reported that Baylor is concerned that Singletary has no head coaching experience and it is widely speculated by me that if Singletary plays his card right he can be an NFL head coach in 2 years, so DON”T GO TO BAYLOR. As crazy as Nutt is he is much better than Larry Fedora and would actually probably do ok in Waco. Let’s just hope they don’t catch him having a Big O at George’s.

Nutt – 5-1
Singletary – 7-1
Fedora – 15-1

Duke
Congrats Duke fans you are getting a new coach. Who is it?

Glen Mason 5-1
Al Borges - 10-1
Steve Spurrier Jr. - 20-1
Tery Bowden - 30-1

LSU
With Skip Bertman on his last leg this will be a hire by John Lombardi, LSU President. Judging by a couple of hires he made while at Florida, Steve Spurrier and Billy Donovanm, he knows what he is doing. If the right guy with head coaching experience isn’t out there, look for them to go with Jimbo Fisher or Bo Pelini. But it looks like the Hogs are scared to pull the trigger on Butch Davis, he would have a nice 10 year run at LSU.

Butch Davis – 5-1
Jimbo Fisher – 7-1
Bo Pelini – 10-1
Les Miles – 100-1

Arkansas
If Jeff Long is paying attention he will realize that he has 2 choices. 1) He can risk irritating an influential board member and hire Butch Davis. 2.) He can risk irritating an entire fan base and not hire Butch Davis, (see above) everyone will be irritated when you have to play him for the Golden Boot every year. I have a funny feeling it is not going to be Butch. If Butch Davis goes to LSU does Jeff Long instantly get on the hot seat himself?

Bo Pelini – 7-1
Brent Venables – 10-1
Butch Davis – 15-1
Dan Mullen – 20-1
Jimmy Johnson – 50-1

Nebraska
We are still hearing that it is Gill’s job to lose, if that is the case then it is over because he could do nothing to lose it at this point. I think Butch Davis is the darkhorse here.

Turner Gill 5-1
Bo Pelini 7-1
Butch Davis 10-1
Chris Peterson 15-1
Paul Johnson 25-1

North Carolina
I know I reported I thought Butch was going to stay, I was wrong. It appears Butch is bye bye, to either LSU, Arkansas, or Nebraska.

Paul Johnson (will he still be available) 5-1
Troy Calhoun – 10-1
Jimbo Fisher 15-1
Terry Bowden 20-1

SMU
Sorry guys I am still not buying Kragthorpe. I obviously could be very wrong. There is still a sleeper out there I can’t get my arms around. I don’t feel very good about this list. I know they love Paul Johnson but things will have to fall perfectly for that to happen.

Mystery Coach – 5-1
Paul Johnson – 10-1
Terry Bowden 10- 1
Houston Nutt 15-1
Marty Schottenheimer 25-1 ( a real possiblility)
Glen Mason 30-1

Texas A&M
Bill Byrne, like most of the top-notch AD’s, is doing a terrific job of keeping this search to himself. Word out of Cincinatti is that Brian Kelly has become a favorite of Chuck Neinas. His toughness is exactly what the Aggies need. I hope they would endorse him, all he has done is win games for 20 years.

Brian Kelly – 5-1
Paul Johnson 7-1
Jimbo Fisher 10-1
Troy Calhoun 15-1
Rich Rodriguez 30-1


coachcarousel@yahoo.com

Friday, November 16, 2007

ANUTTER 1 Down

Not that we didn't know it but Arkansas now has an opening.

Houston Nutt leaked through some of his friendly reporters today that he has 4 offers but the jobs still have coaches so he waiting to see. I say he has offers, Baylor and SMU. Take the SMU gig, you'll thank me for it. Nutt leaked this info to attempt to drive his price up in upcoming negotiations. HE IS NOT ALREADY SIGNED WITH BAYLOR. It is a distinct possibility but he has not signed a deal. Georgia Tech and Central Florida are still on his radar

It seems that as of right now Arkansans for Butch are going to have to do without. Jeff Long has to establish total indpendence from the BOT members so that means no Butch. I don't blame Long here, he is just coming off a situation where Dave Wanndstedt, booster favorite, was shoved down his throat and it backfired. But Mr. Long, Butch is the best man for this job.
(disclaimer: not saying Butch is completely out, but the entire BOT is going to have to be on board, not likely)

With the timing of this though, this puts Bo Pelini back in the mix. Can Jeff Long stike his deal before the others get their mits on him? This will be a wild ride

I stand by my list of candidates as there are no new candidiates at this time. Bill Cowher will not coach the hogs.

Congratulations hog fans


Duke

Hey Dukies, the Al Borges rumors aren't slwoing down.

Thanks

coachcarousel@yahoo.com

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Footballcoachrumomilpragacagho

This is the best time of year, everyone's mom and uncle went to school with the AD or is neighbor with the friend of the coach. Quite Frankly that is who I think has given footballrumormill.com their scoop. Pony fans are convinced it is Steve Kragthorpe, see below why i think it is not Kragthorpe:

A. Not a "spash." A great hire and would do well, but is in now way a splash
B. Tom Jurich (Louisville AD) and Kragthorpe have been freinds for nearly 20 years. IF Kragthorpe turned on Jurich after 1 year after the deliberate pursut of Kragthorpe last year, then Krag isn't as cool as you think.
C. Orsini is after a bigger fish than that
D. Surely Krag wouldn't bail on Jurich???
E. Why would you leave Louisville after 1 year?
F. If you can't win at Louisville and you were just a few games over .500 at Tulsa why would Orsini hire you?

Looks to me like Footballrumormill is more interested in selling ads than reporting facts.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Solids

Assuming LSU is Open
Illinois beat Ohio State, how does that affect the LSU job? Well I had been predicting that Michigan was going to beat Ohio State, Carr would save his job for 1 more year and Miles stays at LSU. Not gonna happen now, Ohio State wins, Carr is out Miles is in at Mich.

Tommy Tub to LSU - nope

Bo Pelini appears to have his choice between Nebraska and LSU. Most people seem to think that Pelini covets the Neb job, but i have it on good faith Pelini loves the SEC, particularly The Red Stick (Baton Rougue). (Does Pelini still has some resentment to Neb for snubbing him the first time, you bet!, and i bet he would love to say thanks but no thanks I've got a better gig.) Rebuild at Neb or keep on truckin in the top 10 every year at LSU? Exactly. Pelini would have his pick of the litter of offensive coordinators (there are 2 pretty good ones at OU that have Co beside their name and would like to go out on their own... if they don't get their own jobs)and would be a constant at LSU for the next 10 years.

Arkansas
Through doing this column, I have learned that Hog fans are as passionate as any other fans in the country, and they are about to get what they deserve. Nutt has finally come to grips with the fact that his Hog days are over. Below is another recap of where I think the Hog search is -Pelini.

If it aint Butch or Bo
So as you read above I am retracting my Pelini to Arkansas pick (if LSU is open, if not he shuns Neb for Ark, damn, 2nd time that happened), thanks Ron Zook. Jeff Long will go with the next best thing, I just can't tell if his next best thing is Brent Venables or Kevin Wilson. Hog fans are emailing me about Brian Kelly and I can't find any count to it, although he is a heck of a coach. I can't tell if search firm fav Dan Mullen (OC FLorida) is catching Long's attention or not, he has caught mine.

SMU
Steve Orsini has secured $9 mil in outside money to finance the new hire. Depending on the buyout $9 mil can go along way at SMU, Even famous AR columnist Wally Hall is saying Nutt to SMU.



Sorry this is all i have today, the buzz is starting to get harder and harder to decipher and I only post what hear from 3 solid sources. i have a lot of cats to heard... stay tuned.

Sorry for those that may be tired of Hogs/Nutt but that is who I am getting the most requests from. SMU 2nd (aint that interesting)

If you want to me to check out your school email me at coachcarousel@yahoo.com

Monday, November 12, 2007

Monday November 12 - things are heating up!

Arkansas
Who is going to step up and end this epsiode of "hogs and the restless." I understand that if there is not a change made that Jeff Long is going to have a tough first month on the job, Hog fans desperatley need relief. The question I have is if Mike Singletary gets the Baylor job will Nutt take the SMU job? (more on this in SMU section)

It appears that there is ongoing controversy with BOT regarding Nutt/replacement. Butch Davis is the obvious choice here but is he TOO close to John Tyson? Who gives a rip?? he is the best choice. But we all know how egos are and with times a changing and Fayetteville catching up with the 21st century, some members of the board seem to be holding on to the past. If the BOT can't get together and make a decision how do they ever expect the fans to come together in agreement? If these guys ran their businesses this way they wouldn't be on the BOT.

My prediction is that Jeff Long steps in and finds some magical compromise and ends this mess. More and more people are telling me Long has been visiting with Bob Stoops about recommendations. If that is the case Pelini? Venables? Kevin Wilson? Kevin Sumlin (who is quitely becoming a strong candidate at A&M)? Or does he listen to the search firm who seems to really like Dan Mullen and Charlie Strong. Dan Mullen could get a good DC and instantly bring Arkansas up to date with their offense.

There is a "Long" way to go before we know who their next coach is.

Duke -
I have had several Duke fans asking me about Ted Roof's likelihood of sticking around. It seems that there are 1 or more key people at Duke that really want to give Roof another shot. The latest word is if they could get Dave Christensen or Al Borges that they may make a move. The Duke athletic departement is hard to get a read on. Roof seems to know defense but head coach is not working for him at Duke. I think in the end they get a solid O-Coordinator and make a change. Gus Malzahn would be a great fit to revive this program

SMU
Homecoming this weekend had alumni and donors abuzz. How many times was the question asked "so who is going to be the new coach"? By my account every 30 seconds. Rumors will continue and Steve Orsini is keeping this very close and is by all means in total charge of this search. I do know for certain a couple of candidates. (along with the hasbeens that are always mentioned)

Paul Johnson - seems to be the number 1 choice without question. Would it be good for business if Roger Staubach could get the ponies rolling. Paul Johnson without a doubt would be a great fit, but with all the openings I think he will get a BCS gig.

Houston Nutt - I personally think he would succeed there, but after coaching in the SEC West for 10 years it will be tough to go to Conference USA, but being a head coach is better fit for Nutt to be on staff in the NFL. With the death of Mike Nolan's father this week, Mike Singletary got a week's head coaching experience with the niners. That doesnt come close to comparing with 10 years in the SEC West and i think deep down Baylor AD knows this. Will he be pressured to hire Singletary? If so that is good for SMU fans. Bottom line is Nutt will either be coaching Baylor, SMU, replacing George O'Leary at Central Florida (Syracuse), NFL assistant (Highly unlikely) or taking a year off (highly unlikely too, unless he got a TV gig, Arkies would love to see Nutt on TV every Saturday.)

Todd Graham - how can he jump to his 3rd school in the conference.

Major Applewhite - is he ready? does he satisfy the SMU fan base?

thanks

coachcarousel@yahoo.com

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Mid-Day Football Obervations

Aggies
Nice try, you did good for the bookies, but not good enough for Fran. The more i talk to the Aggie Elite the more I am convinced Tommy T is nothing more than media speculation. Bill Bryne has his man and is not saying who it is, I am telling you though it is not TT.

Arkansas
Wow! This will go down as one of the most underachieving teams in the history of college football. Today Nutt sealed his own fate, he will be lucky to get a Baylor offer. he should be ashamed. If it were me i would quit today and blame it on the fans, because Jeff Long is going to look at nutt's SEC record and Arkansas' devastated fan base and nutt will be castrated. (i hope to have and insider report on views from administration tonight or tomorrow). Butch Davis got beat again today, do hog fans care?

Baylor
this is going to be ugly. Let's just hope that Bob Stoops' puppy dog isn't feeling well and he is feeling soft. (although Stoops and Soft is kind of like saying Baylor and hard). Singletary is looking really good right now after Nutt's performance.

Clemson
Tommy Bowden is safe, but wil never do any better than this

More Important than you think
Art Briles vs Todd Graham. If you don't think Search firm execs, athletic directors, and university officials are watching this box score you are crazy. (i know for certain 2 of the major search firms are at this game). Heading into half Todd Graham has the lead. What does that mean? Briles will remain as the succesor to Mike Leach, as for Graham, he continues to rise. Don't think Gus Malzahn is not being talked about.

Neb
Callahan saved his job! Not!. Totally irrelevant. What is not irrelevant is that Turner Gill was off this weekend and had some visits with some Nebraska boosters.

Syracuse
Next? George O'Leary

Friday, November 9, 2007

Baylor Candidates

Mike Singletary - the fan favorite and has a good chance of getting the job, but someone close to the top at Baylor isn't sold. If Singletary came in with the right coordinators he could possibly have some success at Baylor, but he is a risk. Can Baylor afford another run of 4 years of pitifulness? Why not? It's been pitiful forever it seems.

Houston Nutt - this rumor has been flying in Hog circles for weeks. I got confirmation last night that Houston Dale Nutt is on the top of the list of candidates at Baptist U. Houston, a proud Baptist himself could seek redemption of his sins at the holy grounds of the Baylor campus. Nutt, 2-1 against Mack Brown, with a long history of recruiting Texas would come in and instantly add some credibiltity to Baylor. Win 7 games a year and he would be the King of Waco.

Art Briles - the minute the Mike Leach to UCLA rumors started heating up Baylor bumped Briles up the list. Could they jump in and offer him before Texas Tech has a chance? With his style of play and Texas base he makes an interesting candidate.


Todd Graham - a hot commodity on the rise, again proven in TX. But will he wait for a better offer? I assume he will

This is the list for now, i will keep you posted.

coachcarousel@yahoo.com

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Late Night Tip

Ok guys not that we didn't know but bye bye Guy. Baylor 100% certain has an opening. Stay tuned for the list of replacements, most have been talked about but there are a couple of surprises and some names that will effect several of the schools i've posted about.

Stay tuned....

coachcarousel@yahoo.com

Springerville?

The statewide paper in Arkansas released a story today with an email from Houston Nutt's personal email address that mentioned the physical beating of the mother of the former famous QB that Nutt ran off. The author of the email wished that they were one of the people that beat the mother. Is this a football team or an episode of Jerry Springer? It is one thing after another for Coach Nutt in Fayetteveill the last year, how or why would he stay?

I've had several people ask me why I thought Jimmy Sexton could sell Nutt this year when he couldn't sell him last year with 10 wins. The answer, Nutt didn't really want to go anywhere. I think he thought he was going to come back and win a Heisman trophy and a national championship.

I truly feel for the fans in Fayetteville. If you are a Nutt Supporter you have to be running out of excuses to continue to support him. If you don't support him this has to be the longest episode of Groundhog's day ever.

Can Jeff Long come in and get the support of a divided board of trustees and a divided fan base? The answer is go "Alabama after Saban style" for Butch Davis.

AGGIES
A writer for the Houston Chronicle agreed with me about Rich Rodriguez. I can easily picture him on the sidelines at A&M. I'm not sure if he is a golfer but i am sure his gear will fit nicely in Coach Fran's empty locker at Miramont (what a great golf course!)

The fear i have if I am an aggie fan is that Rich Rodriguez and Tommy T are perfectly happy where they are, and their public flirtations are nothing more than getting a raise from their current bosses. To me, the Ags are in the toughest position out of all the schools looking. Nebraska, at worst has some true family guys to hire, whereas Aggies to best of my knowledge have Gary Kubiak as the best play for a family man. Gary has the keys to the Texans and is closer than most think to competing in the NFL. IF you consider Tubb a famaily man, think again.

I still expect the Aggies to end up with a coordinator or a lesser-name head coach. The best hope for the Aggies (Tommy Tubberville related) is that Les Miles bolts for The Big House and Tommy turns LSU down as well, ah but then that is another job to compete with. Good luck Aggies.

But keep in mind Bill Parcells flirted with an almost open Kentucky job last year. Could he have one more magic act until the truly perfect coach comes along?

TTECH
Speculation of Mike Leach to UCLA continues to pick up steam, which would probably be fine with Texas Tech fans, since an equally good coach in Art Briles would step right in and continue to come in 3rd in the Big 12 south. This would have been Sonny Dykes job if Arizona could get to .500.

Neb
Turner Gill? Bo Pelini? How many times will we ask ourselves this question over the bext month? The dabate will get numbing. Paul Johnson is the best fit here.

SMU
Every head coach that has had decent success but that has had an affair, or gone to a strip club, gambling problems or lied on their resume is being mentioned for this job. You have all heard the names and I still don't truly feel like we have heard the right name yet. Who is the right name? I am convinced Steve Orsini has it in his back-pocket. TCU fans are all sure that Fran is coming back to play in their backyard, but i am not convinced of that. I think Fran might fit nice at Colorado State?

email me your thoughts at coachcarousel@yahoo.com

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Aggies, Hogs and Huskers

AGGIES
Ill start with the Aggies. Fran has been spending more time with his lawyers lately than he has looking at film. What's the hold-up you ask? Cha Ching $$. Not that the aggies are lacking for $ but when you have an $8mil buyout and then a $1-2mil+ buyout for a new coach (unless it is Tubberville who has a $6mil buyout) on top of trying to build a new indoor practice facility and track, etc. i dont have a calculator on me but it gets pretty expensive. So word on the street is they are dangling a breach of contract over him to lower the settlement.

Back to what you care about, the new coach. Who is the right man for the job? That is the $50million question. Judging by Bill Byrne's recent hiring history and the cost of the thing, I would not be surprised if he goes the coordinator route, but this is Aggie Football, a coordinator would not go over well and if it didn't work quick Byrne would find himself on the hotseat. If they do, Bo Pelini and Kevin Fisher are the 2 highest profile but Byrne passed over Pelini once before.

So while the Ags flirt with Tommy T. Neb is out hunting a coach that is going to say yes the first time and be a good fit. If aggies have to have a name i go balls to the wall for Rich Rodriguez. If they want a good fit for their program... get ready for this Skip Holtz. Would the Holtz name ease the pain of hiring the coach from East Carolina??????? Are the Aggies willing to run the option, Paul Johnson? One more question, is Bill Parcells too old?

HOGS
This is one of the more interesting searches. Jeff Long is the wildcard here, is he in the mix or not in the mix? I say in the mix. Is Broyles in the mix? I say not.

First there has to be an opening. Is Houston Nutt about to go on one of his traditional winning streaks, does it matter? If Nutt gets to 8 wins how can they fire him? I don't think they can, but word in coaching circles is that Nutt is tired of getting bood everytime he orders a burger or picks up his dry-cleaning, so he and mega-agent Jimmy Sexton are on the prowl. People seem to discount the Jimmy Sexton angle, Sexton could sell Al Gore an SUV.

Places Nutt would go:
Nebraska - He wouldn't say no again, but my guess is they wouldn't ask again either.
LSU - same as above
Georgia Tech - if you saw my post yesterday you know i hear this one is a possibility. Throw in the fact the GTECH AD Dan Radakovich was on the LSU staff that talked to Nutt about their opening, and that he and Sexton have a good relationship we may have a connection.
TX A&M - Not gonna happen
SMU - If Nutt is Fired he will take it. Word around the campfire is that there has been some discussion.
Baylor - Wouldn't be his first choice but it is the Big 12. Nutt would have to get off his keyster and actually recruit himself at Baylor. Nutt is a baptist.

From what i hear there is a 90% chance there will be a new coach in Fayetteville. With the massive growth, new airport, commitment to the SEC, and Arkansas high schools playing spring ball, this program is a sleeping giant. Butch Davis, whose dad lives about 15 minutes from the stadium, would be in a much better position to win a national championship in Hogland than in Chapel Hill. I still think this is where Bo Pelini lands. If Bo went to Fayetteville and took Gary Crowton with him, look out. Will Muschamp's name keeps popping up but i'm not sure he is ready just yet. Gary Patterson supposedly covets this job.

Neb
Paul Johnson is the right man for this job, but with Osborne making the hire he probably keeps it in the family, although the Paul Johnson's option should be considered a big part of this family. Turner Gill would jump at the chance but would the fans acccept him with minimal experience. Bo Pelini would jump at the chance to turn it down, so i am told. Chris Peterson would be a good fit if he doesnt go to UCLA which seems very likeley. Butch Davis' phone will definitely ring for this job, if he took it and Arkansas has a job opening, we would have to get Ark vs Neb on the schedule soon. OSborne is doing a good job of keeping his "true" thoughts quiet.

On a side note, i got a call last night that the latest name to be interested in the SMU job is Dirk Koetter. He would be a good fit in Dallas and for the conference.

If you guys here any good rumors let me know and i will chase them down.

Thanks

Coach Carousel

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Early November - Where Are We??

It is early November and we are on the brink of one of the most exciting off-seasons in recent memory. The Nebraska and Texas A&M openings will be the most interesting to watch since Notre Dame and Florida fought over Urban Meyer. But even after those two openings there are a host of others that are ready to drop the ax. Let's just say the search firms are busy:

Arizona - Mike Stoops is safe (by the hair of his chinny chin chin)

Arkansas - Houston Nutt, does he stay or go? I say go, the main question is does he leave on his own or does he fly out of town hanging on to one of the Fire Nutt banners. The obvious choice is Butch Davis, one of the greatest recruiters of all time, would make the SEC West as tough as the mighty SEC East and would bring respectablity to a program in dissaray. If Butchy says no? Look for Bo Pelini to get the first interview followed by Brent Venables. New AD almost hired Pelini before Wanndstedt was forced on him at Pitt. Pelini is believed to have a strong desire to stay in the SEC (sorry Neb).
Sleeper Pick: Dan Mullen

Baylor - I thought Guy was a decent hire here, shows what i know. Mike Singletary is the most common name being thrown out for this gig, but why? does he really love baylor that much? this job has Glen Mason's name written all over it. In my opinion the SMU job is a better job than Baylor and that will show with the hiring. You will hear the same names for both jobs,Terry Bowden and Gary Barnett.
Sleeper pick: Todd Graham

Georgia Tech - People are mentioning the popular coordinators Bo Pelini (as he is mentioned with almost all jobs), Will Muschamp, and Kevin Fisher (word is Fisher is the early favorite of the coordinator candidates). We have it on good standing that Tech A.D. Dan Radakovich covets Paul Johnson and his history in Georgia.
Sleeper pick: Houston Nutt. Nutt is fighting for his life at Arkansas and would like nothing more than to leave on his own where he could tell the Arkansas crazies that he is in Atlanta year round! Nutt would definitely do better than Gailey, and would be a nice addition to the ACC. He has long recruited Atlanta well.

Memphis - If Kevin Fisher doesn't get an offer from a major this may be his chance. I also am hearing that Charlie Strong may get the first interview. If Charlie gets the interview i think Charlie gets the job. You can also insert Baylor and SMU candidates here.
Sleeper Pick: Major Applewhite

Nebraska - This is a tough one. They turned down Bo Pelini once, will Bo return the favor this time? Turner Gill's relationship with Tom Osborne is real, but is his experience real enough. Look for Paul Johnson to get a heavy look, Neb would be a great place for him to run his triple option, is Tommy Frazier around? Sleeper Pick: Greg Schiano, turned down Miami but....

SMU - Steve Orsini has the most important decision SMU has faced in years. This hire will make or break his career. This guy is good, so i expect a good hire. Gary Barnett has already thrown his name in the hat, if that is the worst they get they are in good shape. Terry Bowden, Rick Neuheisal, Glen Mason. This job can make or break a career, i say make. Look for a steal with this hire. Sleeper Pick: Gus Malzahn

Texas A&M - Every coach that has ever won 10 games will be mentioned. I for one am not buying the Tommy T rumors. Rich Rodriguez makes sense as does Schiano. I have to admit, all of my aggie sources say Tubberville all of my aubirn sources say no way. I say we will see. Sleeper Pick: Bobby Petrino

UCLA - Chris Peterson, Steve Sarkisian, Norm Chow. This will be one of the more interesting hires, UCLA needs a splash but more than that they need a good coach. Peterson is the fav. Sleeper Pick: Mike Leach