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