Coaching Rumors and Speculation

Florida State Offensive Coordinator

Rumors continue surface across the internet that FSU is ready to put a package together to try and lure Jimbo Fisher away from LSU. The problem is a creative coordinator like Fisher may have a trouble working with Bobby Bowden, especially considering his continued public bitterness towards FSU fans and the media for the handling of his son, Jeff. Other candidates include former Florida and current Oklahoma State coordinator Larry Fedora, former Miami Hurricanes, and Miami Dolphins Quarterback coach Marc Trestman and believe it or not, dismissed Michigan State coach John L. Smith who is a good offensive coach but a terrible head man. Dirk Koetter, a logical choice for this job I am told is not a candidate currently, but once I suggested it my contact at FSU, said "oh that sounds like a good suggestion!." (So if they hire Koetter I plan to take the credit! :))

Florida International Head Coach

F.I.U. is down to four finalists for the Head Coaching position, three of which have direct ties to the University of Miami which make Donna Shalala, currently on an anti-FIU crusade none too happy. The finalists are Arkansas QB Coach Alex Wood, whose work with Mitch Mustain and Casey Dick has been questionable at best, former Canes OC Rob Chudzinski, currently an BFL assistant, Miami Defensive Coordinator Randy Shannon, and Miami OL coach Mario Cristobal. Georgia D Coordinator Willie Martinez has withdrawn from consideration.

Miami Head Coach

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit calls Miami one of the top 5 jobs in the country, but at this rate Miami is looking at a middle of the ladder coach at best. Steve Spurrier, and Greg Schiano have withdrawn from consideration in public statements. The current frontrunner for the job appears to Texas Tech Coach Mike Leach, however some concern exists at Miami about his inability to win big games and to run a credible offense. (In other words Leach's spread offense isn't appealing to Miami which has for years run a play action based pro style set.) Leach would jump at the job if offered having reached his potential in Lubbock and wanting a bigger gig, so Miami would not have to worry about a protracted search ending with a 4th or 5th choice. Randy Shannon, the current Defensive Coordinator and former UM player is also being strongly considered as is former Indiana Head Coach and current San Diego Chargers OC Cam Cameron. Also on the radar are Arizona Head Coach Mike Stoops, Tulsa Coach Steve Kragthorpe, Houston Coach Art Briles, TCU Head Coach Gary Patterson, and SF 49ers OC and former Washington Redskins Head Coach Norv Turner. If West Virginia does not give Head Coach Rich Rodriguez a big raise, he will emerge as the front runner for the job, but expect WVU to take care of that in the next week. (they would be fools not to.)

Non Florida Jobs

It is my opinion that no coach in their right mind would take the Alabama job. Maybe they will prove me wrong, but I believe Bama will end up with the worst new coach of all the open major program vacancies. Arizona State, which is a potential gold mine job is looking at Norm Chow and Mike Price among others, and I wouldn't be shocked if NC State kept their hex over Florida State going by taking a long look at FSU Assistant Kevin Steele who many feel is Bobby Bowden's heir apparent in Tallahassee. Look for Cincinnati to go after Larry Coker or Charlie Strong among others.