🏈 SEC Coaching Search: Reports: Pruitt to Tennessee: Chad Morris to UArk

[alabamajack]

opcorn2: It has been kind of fun watching tennessee fall apart.

 

[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

Helicopter dad...

I'm not sure what to think about the Ole Ball Coach having a verfied and active twitter account before CNS...lol

 

[planomateo]

Dan Wetzel was at the Sandusky trial, he wrote a very thorough article on the topic when this was going down. His take is interesting.

 

[OldPlayer]

HOT BOARD 2.0 (11-19-17): Ole Miss searches for next head coach

Chase Parham & Neal McCready
Rivals.com

With the NCAA sanctions expected soon and the 2017 football season one game from completion, Ole Miss is searching to permanently replace Hugh Freeze, who resigned amid scandal back in July.

Ole Miss is one of three SEC programs -- along with Florida and Tennessee -- looking for a new head coach, but the list of league teams in transition could swell soon. These searches aren't performed in vacuums, so the overall landscape will factor into the ultimate decision.

We'll update this list of potential candidates as needed. For now, the list is in alphabetical order.

Associated Press
BLAKE ANDERSON - ARKANSAS STATE HEAD COACH

Article Continues Below
Why it makes sense: Anderson, 48, is wrapping up his fourth season as the head coach at Arkansas State after serving as the offensive coordinator at North Carolina. A former quarterback at Baylor and wide receiver at Sam Houston State, Anderson’s offenses have been quite effective wherever they’re implemented.

Why it doesn’t: Fairly or not, does Ole Miss want to dip into the Arkansas State pool again? Anderson is often compared to Hugh Freeze, and that will likely work against him.

Bottom line: A name to watch, but probably only if Ole Miss is the subject of multiple rejections.

AP
MIKE BOBO - COLORADO STATE HEAD COACH
Why it makes sense: The Colorado State coach has been mostly effective in his three seasons directing the Rams since replacing Jim McElwain. This season has been his best, and it’s come at a perfect time. The former Georgia quarterback and assistant is regarded as a strong recruiter and an excellent developer of quarterbacks.

Why it doesn’t: Can Ole Miss get him? Bobo will be a major target at Missouri if the Tigers move on from Barry Odom. He’s also a target at Tennessee if the Vols fire Butch Jones, as expected.

Bottom line: It’s funny; Ole Miss fans likely would be sort of ho-hum about Bobo, but he’d represent a major win for Bjork if he could land him for the Rebels.

Tom Campbell
JEFF BROHM - PURDUE HEAD COACH
Why it makes sense: The 46-year-old Brohm is in his first season at Purdue after three seasons at Western Kentucky, where he was 30-10 overall and 19-5 in Conference USA. The former Louisville quarterback played eight games in the NFL and had an impressive career as an assistant at Louisville, Florida Atlantic, Illinois and UAB. He’s a dynamic offensive mind and considered a fast-riser in coaching circles.

Why it doesn’t: Brohm is finishing his first season at Purdue, where he’s 4-5 after a win against Illinois. Would he leave so soon? Would he leave to take over another rebuild when he could likely wait for a surer thing? Might he wait out Bobby Petrino and take over at his alma mater?

Bottom line: The guess here is if he’s available, Ross Bjork has him at or near the top of his short list. But is he available? He appears to be a strong plan B candidate for Tennessee. His buyout is also prohibitive.

AP
NEAL BROWN - TROY HEAD COACH
Why it makes sense: Brown has had a successful run at Troy, though the Trojans likely haven’t been as consistent this season as Brown had hoped. The 37-year-old Kentuckian has offensive coordinator experience at Texas Tech and Kentucky and his “NASCAR spread” offense gets positive reviews.

Why it doesn’t: There’s not a lot of reasons to shoot this down. Most believe Brown is ready to take the next step in coaching, which would be to a Power-5 job. It might be fair to wonder if he has enough contacts to assemble a quality SEC-ready staff, but otherwise, he’s an impressive candidate. Multiple sources tell us Brown is very concerned about Ole Miss' administration.

Bottom line: Most feel he’s either on Ole Miss’ very short list — or he should be.

CJ online
MATT CAMPBELL - IOWA STATE HEAD COACH
Why it makes sense: The Iowa State coach has turned the Cyclones into America’s darling with upsets over Oklahoma and TCU this season. He’s just 37, he’s already won at Toledo and now Iowa State and his teams play oh-so-hard for him.

Why it doesn’t: Campbell’s buyout is more than $9 million. All of his ties are in the Midwest. He’s been mentioned as a candidate at Nebraska, Tennessee and elsewhere.

Bottom line: It’s almost impossible to foresee a scenario where Campbell ends up in Oxford this calendar year. Multiple people also say he likely wouldn't be a fit at Southern schools.

Ken Martin/The Wolfpacker
DAVE DOEREN - NORTH CAROLINA STATE HEAD COACH
Why it makes sense: The North Carolina State head coach has done a nice job in Raleigh and is win over hapless North Carolina from 8-4. The 46-year-old was 23-4 in two seasons at North Illinois. He took over a moribund NC State program and is 32-30 in five seasons with the Wolfpack.

Why it doesn’t make sense: While Doeren has four season with NCSU of at least seven wins, he's never won nine in a year, and he failed to capitalize in 2017, as some expected the Wolfpack to be a national contender. It would not be an exciting hire.

Bottom line: Doeren doesn't make a monumental salary in Raleigh, and industry insiders believe he has maximized what he can do with the Wolfpack and would make some sense in Oxford.

UCFSports.com
SCOTT FROST - UCF HEAD COACH
Why he makes sense: Frost has an extensive resume of success, both as an assistant at Power-5 programs and now as the head coach at UCF. He’s coached on both sides of the football, has a strong list of contacts in the coaching business and is regarded as an outstanding organizer who runs a tight ship.

Why he doesn’t make sense: Frost is a hot commodity. Florida might want him. Tennessee might kick those tires. Nebraska, his alma mater, wants him badly.

Bottom line: Frost isn’t a realistic option for Ole Miss. Frost is either going to be the head coach at Nebraska or Florida next season.

USAToday Sports Image
DANA HOLGORSEN - WEST VIRGINIA HEAD COACH
Why it makes sense: Holgorsen, while it was years ago, did at least coach in Mississippi at Mississippi College, and the 46-year-old is a dynamic offensive coach, who has been an offensive coordinator at Houston, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. He's finishing up his seventh season at West Virginia, and the Mountaineers are 53-35 overall and 32-28 in conference play under Holgorsen. WVU won 10 games in 2011 and 2016.

Why it doesn’t make sense: Holgorsen has dealt with numerous off-the-field issues and has had at least six alcohol-related incidents, and he was kicked out of a casino in 2011. On the heels of Freeze's scandal, we're not sure Bjork would want to go there.

Bottom line: He is an established, successful, high-level coach, and sources indicate Holgorsen has put out feelers.

USA Today Sports
MIKE LEACH - WASHINGTON STATE HEAD COACH
Why he makes sense: Well, he’s exciting. Leach has won at Texas Tech and Washington State. He was a successful offensive coordinator at Kentucky. He’d get attention; that’s for certain.

Why he doesn’t make sense: There’s a widespread belief that Leach’s offensive scheme wouldn’t work against elite SEC defenses. Sure, skeptics say, it’d be fun to watch, but teams with speed at linebacker and safety would eat it alive. Plus, Leach can be a headache of sorts for administrators.

Bottom line: Sources indicate Ole Miss has at least vetted him, but there's nothing to indicate this is anything but a longshot.

Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
CHAD MORRIS - SMU HEAD COACH
Why he makes sense: Morris, a former offensive coordinator at Clemson who helped build Dabo Swinney’s foundation, has successfully turned around the SMU program, though the Mustangs have a challenging November in front of them. He’s considered a dynamic offensive mind and a capable recruiter.

Why he doesn’t make sense: There are a lot of similarities between Morris and Freeze, and fairly or not, that likely hurts his candidacy. His ties to Sean Tuohy, frankly, would present a perception problem for Ole Miss administrators.

Bottom line: He’s a legitimate candidate, probably, but he’s likely down the list a bit. He could emerge as a plan B candidate at Texas A&M and/or Arkansas if changes are made.

AP
MIKE NORVELL - MEMPHIS HEAD COACH
Why he makes sense: Norvell has been impressive at Memphis, and as of this writing, he has the Tigers in the top 25. Players love him, and he’s been a sound recruiter in the Mid-South. He’s affordable and appears poised to jump to the Power-5 level.

Why he doesn’t make sense: There’s just one question on Norvell, but it’s real: Is Norvell a great coach in the making or is he just maintaining what Justin Fuente built at Memphis before bolting to Virginia Tech?

Bottom line: He’s almost certainly a very legitimate candidate and one to follow closely over the next few weeks. He would also be a candidate at Arkansas and potentially is a candidate at Tennessee. At least one source says Florida has him on a short list -- if Chip Kelly turns the job down.

AP
JEREMY PRUITT - ALABAMA DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Why he makes sense: The Alabama defensive coordinator has had successful stints in Tuscaloosa, Athens and Tallahassee. He’s renowned as a strong defensive mind and he’s a hard-nosed, no-nonsense guy ensconced in the Nick Saban coaching tree. He’s rumored to have the makings of a coaching staff ready to go as well.

Why he doesn’t make sense: Pruitt has no head coaching experience at the college level, has a reputation for being abrasive and there are rumblings of off-the-field issues.

Bottom line: He’s been a hot name among fans in Oxford, but the sense here is he’s not a strong candidate until they have exhausted potential candidates with head coaching experience.

USA Today Sports Images
GREG SCHIANO - OHIO STATE DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Why it makes sense: The Ohio State defensive coordinator was 68-67 in 11 seasons at Rutgers, including an 11-2 in 2006. He was 11-21 in two seasons in Tampa Bay. He’s known as a strong recruiter in Florida and the Pennsylvania area.

Why it doesn’t make sense: Schiano has no real southern ties to speak of, and while he’s a hard-nosed coach, some question whether his personality would play at a place like Ole Miss.

Bottom line: Look for Schiano to get a head coaching gig this offseason, but Ole Miss isn’t a likely landing spot.

Russ Wood/RTB
CHARLIE STRONG - USF HEAD COACH
Why it makes sense: Strong, 57, is an Arkansas native with extensive recruiting ties all over the South. He’s been an assistant at Ole Miss, Florida and South Carolina. He was 37-15 as the head coach at Louisville, including a Sugar Bowl win. However, he was 16-21 at Texas before he was fired last season. He’s rebounded with a solid season at USF.

Why it doesn’t make sense: Strong failed at Texas, and it’s fair to wonder if he’s had time to learn those lessons. Otherwise, he checks every box.

Bottom line: Strong has told industry insiders he wants the job (assuming he can’t get the Florida gig), and he wants the Arkansas job if it opens up as well. He’s one to keep an eye on. Sources indicate Ole Miss has vetted Strong. One source said, "Ole Miss is concerned Strong can't be the face of a program right now."

Nate Clouse
KEVIN SUMLIN - TEXAS A&M HEAD COACH
Why it makes sense: Sumlin, a 53-year-old Brewton, Ala., native, was 35-17 at Houston and is 49-25 at Texas A&M. However, Aggie boosters are pushing for change, wanting to land a big name (Chip Kelly, Jimbo Fisher, Chris Petersen, for example) to push the program to an elite level. Sumlin, a former Purdue linebacker, has an extensive background as an offensive coordinator at multiple programs, including Oklahoma.

Why it doesn’t make sense: Sumlin gets $10 million from Texas A&M within 60 days of being fired, so he can afford to be choosy. He is rumored to be looking to go west and perhaps has his eyes on jobs such as Arizona State and UCLA.

Bottom line: This isn’t likely at all, but he’s an elite recruiter with head coaching experience, so ruling him completely out would be foolish. There are those who believe Bjork would prefer not to hire a retread.

USA Today
WILLIE TAGGART - OREGON HEAD COACH
Why it makes sense: Taggart, 41, has a relationship with Bjork from their days at Western Kentucky and is most comfortable coaching in the South. He's a Bradenton, Florida, native, who played for Jack Harbaugh at Western Kentucky and turned around the South Florida program. He was also the head coach at WKU. He's an elite recruiter with tremendous Southern ties and is a dynamic personality. Frankly, why it makes sense could go on for paragraphs.

Why it doesn’t make sense: He reportedly has a $3 million buyout. There's no question he would leave to take the Florida or Florida State jobs, but there are plenty of questions about whether he'd leave Eugene after one year to go anywhere else.

Bottom line: If he wants the job, the search is over. That appears to be a long shot for now, but it's worth adding to the list. The situation could also change if his athletics director, Rob Mullens, bolted for another school.

BRETT VENABLES - CLEMSON DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Why he makes sense: The Clemson defensive coordinator is considered a future star in coaching circles. He’s had successful stints at Kansas State and Oklahoma and was the Broyles Award winner and the Rivals.com Recruiter of the Year in 2016.

Why he doesn’t make sense: There’s going to be a power play at Kansas State soon, and Venables will be a part of it. Most expect he’ll win and be the next head coach of the Wildcats.

Bottom line: He’d make a lot of sense, but the ties to Kansas State are impossible to ignore. Venables probably wouldn’t risk that on a rebuild in Oxford.

BirdsUp.com
FRANK WILSON - UTSA HEAD COACH
Why it makes sense: Wilson, a former Ole Miss assistant under then-coach Ed Orgeron, has a wealth of SEC experience at Ole Miss, Tennessee and LSU and he’s been lauded for doing a strong job in two seasons as the head coach at Texas-San Antonio. Wilson turns 44 on Nov. 5 and would likely be a very strong recruiter at Ole Miss. In addition, hiring an African-American coach would go a long way toward negating a couple of years’ worth of negative press.

Why it doesn’t: Wilson has just two years of head coaching experience. He was 6-7 last season. He’s never been a coordinator. Does he have the contacts necessary to assemble an SEC-ready staff? Could he handle all of the extra duties and media responsibilities? Those would be unknowns.

Bottom line: Wilson appears to be a potential fall-back candidate and people question whether he's ready for a job at this level.

RebelGrove.com - HOT BOARD 2.0 (11-19-17): Ole Miss searches for next head coach

Answer: None of the above. Ole Miss has taken the interim tag off of Luke who guided them to a 6-6 season. IMO, the upcoming NCAA ruling kept the interested parties list very short.

 

[ColoradoTide]

I'd like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the fans and administration of the University of Tennessee. After that, ahem, "performance" by Alabama in the ersatz "iron bowl" I was in the depths of depression and despair. But, thanks largely to your efforts, not only has that game been wiped quickly from the headlines, but I have something to actively laugh about heartily. Well done Volunqueers, at least you're good for something!

 

[JoshB]

Only thing worse than hiring Greg Schiano as your head coach is hiring him, then after your entire fan base, alumni, boosters, etc. collectively freak the fuck out and you backtrack and pull out of the deal owing 20 mil to a guy that has never and will never coach the team. Got damn how in the hell has Tennessee fallen this far? Shoot it in the head and call it a day.

 

[rick4bama]

Hey!! some of you guys are coachers by the way you talk on here. Why not put your paperwork into some of these schools that need coachers !!:over:

 

[TerryP]

 

[TerryP]

The way the national media is preaching--yes, preaching--to the Tennessee fan base bothers me. There's a lot about their position I don't agree with, but here's just one example.

Countless times we've heard the media members commenting on fans Tweeting and commenting on social media about their dislike for a coach--future, current, and past. Those comments are always delivered in a disparaging tone and always contain something along the lines of "hiding behind a keyboard."

Translation: Fans don't have any qualms about voicing their displeasure with coaches and their performances/talent.

BUT...

Now, these same fans are jumping behind the Penn State story as reason to dislike the hire?

I'm seeing a lot of "circular logic" here.

 

[TerryP]

Anyway ... this doesn't sit right.







Notice this tweet from earlier:

 

[TerryP]

 

[RTB X Bot]

 

[RTB X Bot]

 

[TUSKtimes]

3 major coaching bust in a row, following a very anemic Fulmer flameout that got them to Kiffin. I personally was just amused when I heard of it, and if they have to pay Schiano off it get's funnier, but that AD should have vetted this out in a hurry and realized no, just no.

 

[TerryP]

but that AD should have vetted this out in a hurry and realized no, just no.

Somewhere this morning (I think it was an article linked on Twitter) I saw a quote that said, "Sources around the Athletic Director say he vetted Schiano back to his days at Rutgers and no farther."

 

[planomateo]

Somewhere this morning (I think it was an article linked on Twitter) I saw a quote that said, "Sources around the Athletic Director say he vetted Schiano back to his days at Rutgers and no farther."

That was a fake Jimmy Hyams twitter account. So easy to get caught up in the news and not check the source. Yesterday was a weird day...

 

[18Champs]

 

[TerryP]

@RandyMcIlvoy
Sports Director at KPRC-TV (NBC) @kprc2
PBP voice @SouthlandSports @uiltexas
Editor at Large @VYPEHouston

Houston

 

[Bamabww]

My Aggie friends are keeping their fingers crossed.

 

[18Champs]