College football offseason thread

[Vanilla Ice]

So you guys are telling me that Cutcliffe is completely out?

[TheVolCub08]

Well, if UT gets down to Option 8, as USC did, then no. But I can assure you he is not a Top 5 candidate.

[TheVolCub08]

Muschamp has turned down Tennessee, according to my 600-600 text message.

[dew1679666265]

Muschamp has turned down Tennessee, according to my 600-600 text message.

 

I was just reading that. If accurate, does that mean Calhoun? Or is the #2 candidate still in doubt?

[dew1679666265]

Not a denial, but interesting.

 

Calhoun said "no comment" when asked if he had been contacted by anyone representing Tennessee, but added, "There is nothing there."

[OleMissCub]

I bet it is Cut

[dew1679666265]

I bet it is Cut

 

Not exciting, but I'd be fine with that.

[RedFlash]

I bet it is Cut

 

Not exciting, but I'd be fine with that.

 

Considering that Desmond Howard consider USC hiring of Lane Kiffin as "hitting out of the ballpark", landing Cut would be considered a grand slam hire.

[Derwood]

it's going to be so interesting to see how USC's fans react to Kiffin. They've had 9 years of Pete Carroll and his Bill & Ted, hang loose attitude, and now they're going to have to deal with a controversy magnet who seems proficient at pissing people off

[shnsajax]

Muschamp has turned down Tennessee, according to my 600-600 text message.

 

I was just reading that. If accurate, does that mean Calhoun? Or is the #2 candidate still in doubt?

 

Late last night he said through a spokesman that he hasn't interviewed with anyone and that he has no intentions of interviewing with anyone and is very happy in Austin. I have also heard he got a nice raise when Brown got his back in December. The simple fact that it hasn't happened yet makes me think he won't take the job.

 

I agree with Dew that time should be strongly considered. Outside of someone like Leach or somehow Stoops, there is not a whole lot separating the other guys. Something needs to happen soon, before this weekend. Wouldn't be surprised to see it happen today.

[Banedon]

Mike Florio saying that UT should contact Lovie Smith.

 

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/01/14/lovie-would-be-wise-to-consider-escape-to-ut/

 

In 2008, the folks at the University of Tennessee reached out to Bears coach Lovie Smith to gauge his interest in becoming the head coach at the program where Smith worked in 1993 and 1994.

 

Smith declined.

 

Now, the UT job is open again -- and Smith will be occupying one of the hottest of the hot seats in Chicago when the 2010 season starts.

 

Frankly, it might be in everyone's best interests for Smith to pursue the opportunity, unless he has no interest in leading a college program. The Bears undoubtedly would have cleaned house at Halas Hall but for the buyout obligations to Smith and G.M. Jerry Angelo. With Smith's ability to stick around for 2011 riding on the performance of quarterback Jay Cutler and mounting uncertainty regarding a work stoppage after next season, heading to Knoxville makes plenty of sense, especially if his compensation from the Volunteers would be enhanced by a partial buyout from the Bears.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'm not sure it makes all that much sense for Lovie. College jobs are always going to be available for former NFL coaches, especially ones who have enjoyed some success. And as mediocre as his teams have been of late, they haven't been disastrously bad, and he has been to a Super Bowl. Also, how much are they going to pay him? He'd probably make more under his Bears contract the next two years than he would backing out of that deal and taking the UT job now, because they aren't going to buy him out anywhere near full price.

[Banedon]

I'm not sure it makes all that much sense for Lovie. College jobs are always going to be available for former NFL coaches, especially ones who have enjoyed some success. And as mediocre as his teams have been of late, they haven't been disastrously bad, and he has been to a Super Bowl. Also, how much are they going to pay him? He'd probably make more under his Bears contract the next two years than he would backing out of that deal and taking the UT job now, because they aren't going to buy him out anywhere near full price.

 

Yeah...it'd really depend on numbers, because it doesn't make any sense to leave if he doesn't get the same money combined from UT and the Bears as he would just from staying with the Bears.

 

I'd love to see it happen, of course.

[Tyrant]

I could see Lovie being a great recruiter and someone that kids love to play for.

 

He'd still be a crummy in-game coach, but that matters less in college.

[shnsajax]

So Tuberville fired Ruffin McNeal who was one of a finalists for the Tech job and a long term coach at the university. He is probably the most loved coach they had, and a very popular figure with all of the players. I'm a little surprised by this, but it happens all of the time.

[dew1679666265]

I'm not sure it makes all that much sense for Lovie. College jobs are always going to be available for former NFL coaches, especially ones who have enjoyed some success. And as mediocre as his teams have been of late, they haven't been disastrously bad, and he has been to a Super Bowl. Also, how much are they going to pay him? He'd probably make more under his Bears contract the next two years than he would backing out of that deal and taking the UT job now, because they aren't going to buy him out anywhere near full price.

 

I'm not sure how much Lovie is getting with the Bears, but from what I've heard, Tennessee is willing to pay $3+ million to the new head coach.

 

Lovie would be interesting, but much like with Gruden or Cowher, I'd wonder about his adjustment to the college game (especially recruiting). He does seem to have the teaching mindset, though, that would be important in college.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'm not sure it makes all that much sense for Lovie. College jobs are always going to be available for former NFL coaches, especially ones who have enjoyed some success. And as mediocre as his teams have been of late, they haven't been disastrously bad, and he has been to a Super Bowl. Also, how much are they going to pay him? He'd probably make more under his Bears contract the next two years than he would backing out of that deal and taking the UT job now, because they aren't going to buy him out anywhere near full price.

 

I'm not sure how much Lovie is getting with the Bears, but from what I've heard, Tennessee is willing to pay $3+ million to the new head coach.

 

Lovie would be interesting, but much like with Gruden or Cowher, I'd wonder about his adjustment to the college game (especially recruiting). He does seem to have the teaching mindset, though, that would be important in college.

 

Everything I've read says they owe him $11m over 2 years. And in his mind, he might believe that a solid 2010 season could put him in-line for a contract extension in Chicago after the season, assuming they won't go into a 2011 season in the last year of a deal. So he's owed $11m with hopes for another $5+m added on for an extra year if 2010 is a success. I can't imagine the Bears paying much in a buyout if Lovie wants to leave. They made it clear they want to go into 2010 with him, so if he leaves, he's leaving that money on the table, or at least the vast majority of it. They might be happy to see him walk, but they would have to then send Jerry and Ted on another coach finding mission, which could wind up costing more this year and next (all the coaches signed through next season would be on the hot seat for being replaced with the theoretical new guy).

[Banedon]

I'm not sure it makes all that much sense for Lovie. College jobs are always going to be available for former NFL coaches, especially ones who have enjoyed some success. And as mediocre as his teams have been of late, they haven't been disastrously bad, and he has been to a Super Bowl. Also, how much are they going to pay him? He'd probably make more under his Bears contract the next two years than he would backing out of that deal and taking the UT job now, because they aren't going to buy him out anywhere near full price.

 

I'm not sure how much Lovie is getting with the Bears, but from what I've heard, Tennessee is willing to pay $3+ million to the new head coach.

 

Lovie would be interesting, but much like with Gruden or Cowher, I'd wonder about his adjustment to the college game (especially recruiting). He does seem to have the teaching mindset, though, that would be important in college.

 

Everything I've read says they owe him $11m over 2 years. And in his mind, he might believe that a solid 2010 season could put him in-line for a contract extension in Chicago after the season, assuming they won't go into a 2011 season in the last year of a deal. So he's owed $11m with hopes for another $5+m added on for an extra year if 2010 is a success. I can't imagine the Bears paying much in a buyout if Lovie wants to leave. They made it clear they want to go into 2010 with him, so if he leaves, he's leaving that money on the table, or at least the vast majority of it. They might be happy to see him walk, but they would have to then send Jerry and Ted on another coach finding mission, which could wind up costing more this year and next (all the coaches signed through next season would be on the hot seat for being replaced with the theoretical new guy).

 

yeah, it's $11m over 2 years, so 5.5 per...

 

If UT is willing to pay $4mil of that (per year), I think the Bears would jump at the chance to pay $3million over the next 2 years to buy him out and let the two salaries add up to his current contract with the Bears. Plus Lovie would have more job security...

 

I don't think it happens, but I refuse to rule it out...lol

[snoodmonger]

dew... the unbelievable name that is being referred to on footballscoop is Bob Stoops. That's why it is being called unbelievable... because it is. Had two people say that in the past 15 minutes.

 

I still think it's Muschamp.

 

That's the only name I've heard that I like better than Leach. I put no stock whatsoever into those rumors, but the thought is rather awesome.

 

I'm interested in Calhoun, but not overly excited by the hire. He'd be very similar to Turner Gill, in that he's done a good job at the position he's in, but I'm not sure how that would translate to a program like UT.

 

 

As a KU fan, I can be happy about a Turner Gill type hire. Tennessee should be aiming much higher.

[dew1679666265]

dew... the unbelievable name that is being referred to on footballscoop is Bob Stoops. That's why it is being called unbelievable... because it is. Had two people say that in the past 15 minutes.

 

I still think it's Muschamp.

 

That's the only name I've heard that I like better than Leach. I put no stock whatsoever into those rumors, but the thought is rather awesome.

 

I'm interested in Calhoun, but not overly excited by the hire. He'd be very similar to Turner Gill, in that he's done a good job at the position he's in, but I'm not sure how that would translate to a program like UT.

 

 

As a KU fan, I can be happy about a Turner Gill type hire. Tennessee should be aiming much higher.

 

Generally I would hope we would be, but there's not a plethora of candidates in the middle of January. I'd still probably prefer Kippy Brown or Cutcliffe over Calhoun, though.

[dew1679666265]

I'm not sure it makes all that much sense for Lovie. College jobs are always going to be available for former NFL coaches, especially ones who have enjoyed some success. And as mediocre as his teams have been of late, they haven't been disastrously bad, and he has been to a Super Bowl. Also, how much are they going to pay him? He'd probably make more under his Bears contract the next two years than he would backing out of that deal and taking the UT job now, because they aren't going to buy him out anywhere near full price.

 

I'm not sure how much Lovie is getting with the Bears, but from what I've heard, Tennessee is willing to pay $3+ million to the new head coach.

 

Lovie would be interesting, but much like with Gruden or Cowher, I'd wonder about his adjustment to the college game (especially recruiting). He does seem to have the teaching mindset, though, that would be important in college.

 

Everything I've read says they owe him $11m over 2 years. And in his mind, he might believe that a solid 2010 season could put him in-line for a contract extension in Chicago after the season, assuming they won't go into a 2011 season in the last year of a deal. So he's owed $11m with hopes for another $5+m added on for an extra year if 2010 is a success. I can't imagine the Bears paying much in a buyout if Lovie wants to leave. They made it clear they want to go into 2010 with him, so if he leaves, he's leaving that money on the table, or at least the vast majority of it. They might be happy to see him walk, but they would have to then send Jerry and Ted on another coach finding mission, which could wind up costing more this year and next (all the coaches signed through next season would be on the hot seat for being replaced with the theoretical new guy).

 

yeah, it's $11m over 2 years, so 5.5 per...

 

If UT is willing to pay $4mil of that (per year), I think the Bears would jump at the chance to pay $3million over the next 2 years to buy him out and let the two salaries add up to his current contract with the Bears. Plus Lovie would have more job security...

 

I don't think it happens, but I refuse to rule it out...lol

 

Yeah, Lovie's about as realistic a target as Cowher or Gruden.

[NonProfitCow]

Norm Chow will not be going to USC.

[shnsajax]

Bob Stoops to Tenn is now a popular rumor on Orangebloods.com. All of these rumors seem to be going in full circle now.

[Guest]

Norm Chow will not be going to USC.

 

Yeah, he hadn't even been contacted by USC when Shelly Smith reported two days ago that he had agreed to a contract with USC.

 

Chow doesn't get along with Kiffin. Norm seems to be parlaying this into a contract extension, something the AD (stupidly) didn't want to do last fall due to the California budget crisis.

[Guest]

it's going to be so interesting to see how USC's fans react to Kiffin. They've had 9 years of Pete Carroll and his Bill & Ted, hang loose attitude, and now they're going to have to deal with a controversy magnet who seems proficient at pissing people off

 

To be honest, The Voice of Reason is the only Trojan fan I have seen who is actually happy with the hire. In fact, a few I know actually are even more upset/disappointed than when they found out Carroll was leaving.