ND DCoord, Clark Lea, is set to be announced this week as the new Vanderbilt HC. Of course this comes at a bad time for the Irish. We need his full attention on the defense which I'm sure he will do and Saban has to deal with this almost every year, so I'm sure it will be OK. Speculation abounds as to who will take his place, hire outside or promote from inside? Will he take some key members of the Defensive staff with him to Vanderbilt. It of course complicates Nat'l Signing day this Wed as some players might have 2nd thoughts knowing that he's gone and it will be awhile before they know who will be their coach.
Hadn't really thought about Justin Fuente at Va.Tech but he got the thumbs up to return to Va.Tech in 2021. ____________ Fuente has gone 43-32 in five seasons as Virginia Tech coach, and Babcock noted the transition from legendary head coach Frank Beamer was more difficult than perhaps they anticipated. He also pointed out Fuente has 4-1 records against main rivals Virginia and North Carolina -- noting the way the team performed well in a 33-15 win over the Cavaliers last weekend.
Lea is a big loss. You cannot fault a coach for wanting to better himself but he could have been a marquee D-Coordinator making a ton of money at one of the top football powerhouses. Instead he will be the Head Coach of a team that is forever destined to be a bridesmaid in their own conference. But if that is what he wants.... He probably figures that i he can coach Vanderbilt to some consecutive 6-7 win seasons and possible win a mid-level bowl game over the next five years he may get a shot at a major program.
Reading about Lea and Vanderbilt, I am coming around to the idea that if Lea can do what Pat Fitzgerald has done at Northwestern he won't leave for a major program job. It's his Alma Mater, he grew up in Nashville, his parents live in Nashville, just seems like he might have a long career there if he can get them to being respectable.
Updated list. OUT Arizona: Kevin Sumlin Arkansas State: Blake Anderson Auburn: Gus Mahlzan Illinois: Lovie Smith Louisiana-Monroe: Matt Viator South Alabama: Steve Campbell South Carolina: Will Muschamp Southern Miss: Jay Hopson Utah State: Gary Andersen Vanderbilt: Derek Mason IN Arkansas State: Butch Jones (Alabama staffer) South Alabama: Kane Wommack (Indiana defensive coordinator) South Carolina: Shane Beamer (Oklahoma assistant head coach for offense, tight Ends and H-backs) Southern Miss: Will Hall (Tulane offensive coordinator) Utah State: Blake Anderson (Arkansas State head coach) Vanderbilt: Clark Lea (Notre Dame defensive coordinator)
I'm happy for Lea, the guy did a great job for ND. Who knows, once he's had some experience in the big chair, he might want something better than being decent in the SEC. Kelly is probably not that far from retirement.
Report on Tom Herman says he wants out of Texas, this was talked about on the Texas Boards...but there is nothing going on like negotiations for his resignation. He's just hanging out there...literally at the end of the rope. Report: Tom Herman Wants Out of Texas
Illinois hired Bret Bielema, former Wisc and Ark HC. He had a good record at Wisc and didn't do so well when he moved to Arkansas. Bit of a stretch it would seem to me. Esp since they are going to pay him 4 million dollars a year..he's been an NFL asst for the last 3 years. Seems like they are overpaying.
$4M? I wonder what his buyout is? Why would you pay that much for a guy that bombed out at his last HC job?
Won 40 games in 4 years at Wisconsin taking them to 3 Rose Bowls. That is not shabby. And perhaps more importantly, dated Erin Andrews when he was a bachelor head coach living in Madison and 100 lbs. lighter.
Really? Hard to imagine. It does seem like that since Barry Alvarez took over back in the late 80's all Wisconsin hires have done well, seems like he changed the culture and even as the AD has been critical in their success. I thought Bret was foolish to leave Madison for Arkansas, maybe returning to his Big 10 roots will revive both his and Illinois fortunes
Michigan /Harbaugh let Don Brown go, I wonder if this is the beginning of a staff makeover? What is the word Bob?
Boise State coach Byron Harsen is the new Auburn coach. He was someone Texas fans thought might be considered.
He has a very record at Boise State. He should have a good amount of talent at Auburn. Recruiting is probably going to be a challenge since he has no apparent ties to the region. Should be interesting.