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