Where we stand going into the last regular weekend of football
- Virginia Tech: Yahoo Sports reports the school has zeroed in on Memphis head coach Justin Fuente. The coach was open and honest that he looks at opportunities, but said its premature to say anything will or wont happen. This is a situation that could be resolved as early as next week.
- South Carolina: Yahoo Sports reported Wednesday that Herman was the schools top choice, but he withdrew his name after third-party talks. Fox Sports followed that by reporting that Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart is the front-runner.
- Illinois: Interim athletic director Paul Kowalczyk said Wednesday that a decision will be made Sunday on interim head coach Bill Cubits future, but the Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday that the school is considering a two-year deal for Cubit as it also looks for a new AD and chancellor. The Illini need to beat Northwestern to reach a bowl game. 670 The Score reported that there is considerable turmoil at the school. Colorado athletic director Rick George publicly stated that hes not leaving for UI. One name to keep an eye on for the AD job is Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley, who was Illinois mens tennis coach from 1992-2005.
- USC: What is considered the best open job right now also has the quietest coaching search. Reports indicate Pat Haden has been hoping interim head coach Clay Helton can win the job. Hes 4-2 after a loss at Oregon last week and plays UCLA this week. Its hard to find many natural fits for the job right now.
- Maryland: The school has said it wants a high-powered offense, though Yahoo Sports reports Michigan defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin has interviewed. Fox Sports Bruce Feldman notes that Maryland has reached out to a lot of big names, but many had no interest. Bowling Green head coach Dino Babers is another name to watch.
- Miami (FL): There have been no reports of a leading candidate, but former Miami players appear to favor Alabama offensive line coach Mario Cristobal and former UM and UNC head coach Butch Davis. Reports indicate Davis is a fallback candidate. Charlie Strong says hes not leaving Texas, despite rumors. In an interesting illustration of Miamis financial situation, the school scheduled a home-and-home series with Appalachian State this week.
- Missouri: The first name that popped up was Houston head coach Tom Herman, given he was hired by current Missouri AD Mack Rhoades. But reports indicate Herman is waiting for a top-level job. This search appears to be wide open, though Rhoads has known since October that Gary Pinkel would step down. Former players favor current defensive coordinator Barry Odom, who could be a candidate at Memphis if that job opens.
- Syracuse: The Syracuse job opened Sunday, and there havent been any public comments since then. Syracuse.com reports athletic director Mark Coyle has reached out to football commits. LSU defensive line coach Ed Orgeron expressed interest in the job, but hasnt been contacted. Given Coyles ties out west, Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost and Notre Dame offensive coordinator (and former Boise State OC) Mike Sanford have previous experience or interactions with Coyle.
- UCF: The school hired Danny White as athletic director last week, and he immediately got started on the coaching search. The Orlando Sentinel reports the school wants a long-term commitment. The papers adds that Nevada head coach Brian Polian is a possible candidate, and UNC defensive coordinator Gene Chizik and Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp have expressed interest. Florida defensive coordinator Geoff Collins is another name to watch.
- Iowa State: Athletic director Jamie Pollard says he has three keys he'll use above all else in selling the program to candidates. CBS Sports reports that Georgia Southern head coach Willie Fritz has expressed interest in the job. Is a unique style the way to go for the a program with inherent disadvantages?
- Hawaii: ESPN reported this week that June Jones is the leading candidate for the job, while Tulsa co-defensive coordinator / safeties coach Brian Norwood and Nevada offensive coordinator / quarterbacks coach Nick Rolovich are also in the mix. Jones is obviously a former UH head coach and has lived in the island since resigning as SMU head coach last year.
- Louisiana-Monroe: President Nick Bruno says the school is willing to be a stepping-stone job. Former head coach Todd Berry was the lowest-paid coach in the FBS. Some potential names include Houston offensive coordinator Major Applewhite, Colorado State running backs coach Bryan Applewhite, Auburn offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee and former Tulane head coach Chris Scelfo.
- North Texas: The school said it wants an offensive coach, but the Denton Record-Chronicle reports Oklahoma offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley, Baylor offensive coordinator Kendal Briles and Texas wide receivers coach Jay Norvell are NOT candidates for the job. The paper adds that remaining potential candidates include TCU co-offensive coordinators Doug Meacham and Sonnie Cumbie and Houston offensive coordinator Major Applewhite.
- LSU: Its hard to imagine Les Miles returning, given the leaks to media and lack of public support from the school. This awkward week continued when fans broke down in tears asking Miles questions at his radio show. The school doesnt look good with the way it has handled this. The first name for the potential opening would be Jimbo Fisher, but Fisher has a lot at Florida State right now. LSU is a great job, but what should the expectations be?
- Tulane: Head coach Curtis Johnson is expected to be dismissed following Fridays game against Tulane, and an athletic director could be hired as early as next week. NBC New Orleans reports former Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is expected to be in the mix.
- Tom Herman: A name brought up for every job, could Herman stay at Houston? The school has offered a raise to $3 million, which is more than many Power 5 jobs. Yahoo Sports reports its a growing possibility that Herman remains at Houston and waits for the perfect opportunity.
- Chip Kelly: Kelly seems to have everything hed want in Philly, as far as roster control, but the Eagles are 4-6, and Adam Schefter said this week, The momentum and signs seem to be piling up against a Chip return to Philadelphia. I think both sides are sick of each other. Then again, the Eagles are just a game out of first place in the NFC East. Even if Kelly did leave Philadelphia, would he be open to a return to college, or would he want to stay in the NFL? Hes 24-18 as an NFL coach. His potential availability could affect a lot of decision-makers.
- Cal: Following reports that Sonny Dykes has been upset with administration, the school announced it had begun talks with Dykes about an extension
