College football soup: the coaching search edition
November 7, 2006


Tide's going out
Sources tell me things are heating up at Alabama.
There's talk Mike Shula will be forced to shake up his staff, with the offensive coordinator, special teams coach and offensive line coach possibly being changed. But, again, there could be an entire new coaching lineup in T-town if Bama tanks in season-ending games with LSU and Auburn.


No way Tuberville's going to The U
Tommy Tuberville to Miami? Forget it, a very reliable source tells me. Two more pending resignations


The father-son thing at Miami might end
Talk continues to swirl about Florida State's Bobby Bowden being forced to make staff changes. It's well documented that he won't have his hand forced. One source tells me not to be shocked if offensive coordinator/son Jeff offers his dad a break by agreeing to be reassigned.

As for coaching candidates at Iowa State, a source told me the school would be smart to look at some qualified minority candidates. Here are the names I'm hearing. Nebraska offensive coordinator Jay Norvell; Arizona Cardinals running backs coach Kirby Wilson; Cincinnati Bengals tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes. Each has ties to the state of Iowa and a bright coaching future.

I'm also told by sources that others who would be very interested in the Iowa State gig are Auburn offensive coordinator Al Borges, Western Michigan coach Bill Cubit, Cal offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar and Pitt defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads.

If Iowa State does makes a change, it's vital the school tabs a coach who runs a system that gives it a chance to win with lesser talent. Think of what Mike Leach's system has meant at Texas Tech. The Cyclones can't consistently recruit the same caliber of players as their Big 12 brethren, which means they have to do something unique scheme-wise. Remember that if a coaching search does ensue.

A nail in Franchione's coffin
A source told me Texas A&M's Dennis Franchione isn't out of the woods. He failed his first test of a big November, losing at home to Oklahoma. Let's just say it would be advisable to win out over Nebraska at home and at Texas. If Fran doesn't, a source tells me the winds of change could blow in College Station. A source told me a good fit to take over is former Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman, who's the current assistant head coach/offense of the Houston Texans. Sherman hasn't coached in college since leaving A&M following a two-year stint in 1995-96 as the offensive line coach. He also coached the line in College Station from 1989-93.

MSU is Mariucci's job to take
I just heard from a reliable source that Michigan State is set to offer its job to Steve Mariucci, just when it seemed that talk was dead. Now, it's another matter if he takes the job. Mariucci long has been connected to MSU, given his relationship with hoops coach Tom Izzo and the fact he's a native son. But Mariucci just doesn't seem like a good fit for the college game. And especially at a place like Michigan State, which needs a butt-kicking disciplinarian.

Davis may hold out for greener pastures than UNC
The North Carolina job remains on Butch Davis' plate. A source told me he was in Chapel Hill visiting on Tuesday, and Davis also is contacting coaches about joining his staff. But he could say "no thanks" and wait for a more attractive college gig like, say, Alabama or Texas A&M to open. Davis is a win-now coach, meaning he'd prefer to take over a program he can turn around quickly. That sure doesn't sound like North Carolina. But Miami fills that bill. And a source told me Davis would like to be involved if the Miami job opens, but I was told Davis likely burned too many bridges in Coral Gables with the way he left after the 2000 season. I also asked my sources: What if the Dallas Cowboys job opens? Is Davis viable? I was told he possibly could be, but only as a tier-two candidate.

Grobe's very happy at Wake, thanks
Is there a better coach in the nation than Wake Forest's Jim Grobe? I think not. But a source tells me he hasn't been contacted by any schools this fall. And the source went on to tell that Grobe wouldn't leave Wake for a similar job. In fact, I'm told, Grobe is very happy at Wake and only would consider leaving if the offer was a "slam dunk."

Carroll's got it good in LA
Any talk of USC's Pete Carroll taking over the Arizona Cardinals may be far-fetched. Sources tell me it likely would take $5 million per season and total control of the football operations. And that's ain't happening in Arizona. At least not for Carroll, whose past NFL failings may be too much to overcome, anyway. Besides, he has a great thing going in LA.

Koetter on the cutting block?
No doubt, Arizona State Dirk Koetter's collar is tightening. Getting hammered at Oregon State isn't a good thing for a coach who never has taken the Sun Devils to the next level. I'm told it's vital he beats Arizona in the season finale. But, will that even be enough?

Something's rotten at Stanford
Sources tell me Stanford is getting antsy with Walt Harris. The guy is staring at an 0-12 record and has won one home game in his nearly two years on The Farm. Add to the fact the Cardinal is playing in a new stadium that isn't full, and Harris could be facing an uncomfortable season-ending evaluation that could result in him losing his job.

Career resurrection?
A source told me earlier this week that former Detroit Lions coach Marty Mornhinweg would be willing to coach in college, as long as it was at a legit BCS program. He's currently the Philadelphia Eagles assistant head coach/offensive coordinator.

Golden nugget in Montana
Remember the name: Bobby Houck. He's the head coach at Montana, and he's dang good. A source told me that Houck has had a couple of teams inquire about his services this fall. That's nothing new, as I'm told the rising young coach has had four to five suitors each of the past two seasons. But my source tells me Houck isn't gonna jump for just any ol' Division I-A job. It's gotta be a good gig. No doubt, I get the vibe that it's not if, but when, Houck leaves Montana.

Bad boy, good coach
As more jobs open, don't forget about Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach Rick Neuheisel. His name came up while I was talking with a source over the weekend. Yeah, Slick Rick has some baggage, but he's a big, splashy name who can flat-out coach. A struggling program desperate for appeal no doubt has to consider Neuheisel. He grew up in the Phoenix area, knows the Pac-10 and Arizona State could be in the market for a coach … hey, I'm just thinking out loud here.

Don't be shocked if Colorado State coach Sonny Lubick resigns. Oh, and a source tells me Army's Bobby Ross may step down at the end of the year.