Southwest Minnesota State University (D-II): Southwest Minnesota State is looking for an Offensive Graduate Assistant. Responsibilities include practice/game preparation, recruiting, summer camps, equipment, video and all other aspects of the football program. Qualifications include acceptance into graduate school (3.0 minimum GPA), enrolled in a minimum of six credits per semester, and meet the MnSCU vehicle driving qualifications. Compensation package includes $8,000 and tuition waiver. Review of candidates will begin in two weeks and continue until filled. Expected start date in early January. We will move fast on this opening. Send letter of interest, resume, and references to Cory Sauter - Head Football Coach, Southwest Minnesota State University, 1501 State Street, FH 317, Marshall, MN 56258 or e-mail to cory.sauter@smsu.eduNo phone calls please.
UNLV: Bobby Hauck has released both offensive coordinator Brent Myers and defensive coordinator J.D. Williams according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
South Florida: Willie Taggart's agreement is 5 years / $5.75 million ($1.15M / year). The pool for his assistants is $1.9 million.
West Virginia: Cornerbacks coach Daron Roberts will not return to the staff.
Tennessee: Cincinnati offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian and defensive coordinator John Jancek will join Butch Jones at Tennessee. Bajakian will serve as OC. Jancek might be DC; but is humble enough to not need the title and is willing to work as linebackers should Butch decide to bring another defensive coordinator in. We have also learned that Tennessee running backs coach Jay Graham will be retained. More to come...
Seton Hill (D-II - PA): Sources tell us Seton Hill will hold on-campus interviews with a small group of finalists this week.
Cincinnati: We have learned that Tommy Tuberville will be the next head coach at Cinicnnati. Tuberville resigned from Texas Tech minutes ago. Texas Tech has now confirmed. Cincinnati will hold a presser tonight. Here's the story.
Arkansas: Bret Bielema has retained Tim Horton. Sources also tell us defensive backs coach Bobby Allen expected to remain on staff in an off the field capacity (likely HS relations). More to come ....
Idaho: Sources tell us that Illinois offensive grad assistant Jon Carvin will be the new offensive line coach at Idaho.
Montana: Head coach Mick Delaney plans to use co-offensive coordinators for the 2013 season. Offensive line coach Scott Gragg and current special teams coordinator / tight ends coach Kefense Hynson will serve as co-offensive coordinators. Montana has one full-time position to fill.
For the first time ever, we have averaged over 100,000 daily visits to the site this week. Thank you!
UTEP: We have learned that Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Sean Kugler will be named the next head coach at UTEP. Here's a quick writeup on Kugler.
South Florida: ESPN is confirming WDAE's report that Western Kentucky head coach Willie Taggart will be the new head coach at South Florida. Update> We have confirmed. Further, sources tell us that defensive coordinator Lance Guidry will serve as interim head coach. Here's what you need to know.
Auburn: Ellis Johnson will make $800,000 per year as defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee will earn $350,000.
Notre Dame College (D-II - OH): Notre Dame College is seeking applications for the position of Defensive Coordinator. This is a full time 35K-40K benefited position. We require the candidate to have prior defensive coordinator experience. Responsible for the overall defense scheme/game plan, recruiting and assisting in all aspects of a competitive DII program. Email resume, cover letter with the names and phone numbers of 3 professional references to careers@ndc.edu. No phone calls please. Notre Dame College is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and is actively committed to diversity within its community. In pursuit of that, we actively encourage diversity among applicants for this position.
FIU: Bruce Feldman reported earlier today that James Coley and Dan Quinn are candidates at FIU.
Tennessee: Here is a link to Butch Jones' MOU. $2.9 million / year plus incentives. The pool for assistants is stated as "minimum of $3 million".
James Madison (FCS): Offensive coordinator / quarterbacks coach Jeff Durden and offensive line coach Chris Malone have been released from the staff.
NC State: Northern Illinois defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen will join Dave Doeren in same capacity (DL / recruiting coordinator).
West Virginia Wesleyan (D-II): Sources tell us University of Charleston defensive coordinator George Shehl will be the new head coach at West Virginia Wesleyan. In 2010 Shehl was the defensive grad assistant at Marshall.
App State (FCS - NC): Sources tell us offensive coordinator Scott Satterfield will "interview" this weekend for the head job...is considered the leader for the job by the coaches we hear from.
Auburn: Rhett Lashlee has now been announced as offensive coordinator. Lashlee served on Gus Malzahn's staff at Arkansas State last season in the same capacity.
Arkansas State: Sources tell us Gus Malzahn recommended to Chad Morris that he consider the job. Separate sources tell us it is unlikely Morris will seek the position.
Colorado: Sources tell us former NFL Coach of the Year with the New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel is interested in the job. If he's interested, Colorado should take a long look.
Tennessee: Butch Jones' agreement is reportedly 6 years / $18 million (CBS Sports).
Auburn: AuburnSports is reporting that Trooper Taylor will not be part of Gus Malzahn's staff.
Nicholls State (FCS - LA): Nicholls State needs a home game for the 2013 Season. Available date is Saturday, September 28th. If interested, please contact Associate Head Coach, Chuck Hepola at 985-448-4796 or via email at chuck.hepola@nicholls.edu
Jacksonville State (FCS): Running backs coach Jimmy Ogle has been named interim head coach during the search. A large number of coaches have registered their interest in this opening.
Chowan University (D-II - NC): Chowan University is looking to fill the following home-and-home: Saturday, September 21, 2013 and Saturday, September 19, 2015. We must be home in '13 and will travel in '15. Please contact Dennis Helsel, Director of Athletics, at (252) 398-6244 or by email at HelseD@Chowan.Edu
Wingate University (D-II - NC): Wingate is seeking applicants for the position of QB Coach/Pass Game Coordinator. Qualifications: Collegiate QB playing and coaching experience with strong preference for past coordinating experience. Desire to learn and implement current system. Salary: low $30's. Contact: reich@wingate.edu. No phone calls.
Cincinnati: Defensive line coach Steve Stripling will serve as the interim head coach for the bowl game.
Tennessee: Butch Jones will officially be announced as the new head coach today.
If you needed any more proof of how excited the Cincinnati fan base and players are about landing Tommy Tuberville, consider this video.
The players give him a standing ovation upon entering his first team meeting and his introduction to the fan base, which was on very short notice (and two hours after a basketball game), drew quite a loud and excited crowd.
Cincinnati has won the Big East Conference on multiple occasions and played in both the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl in recent years. But with half their Big East peers defected to the ACC, it was clear the Bearcats thought inking Tommy Tuberville as their next head coach as its ticket to the big time.
The Saturday evening press conference, held in the basketball team's Fifth Third Arena amid raucous cheers from the assembled fans, at times felt less like an introduction and more like a coronation.
"I'm proud to be a Bearcat," Tuberville shouted in his opening statement. "You can do a lot of things with emotion and energy, and we've got it here."
"I want to help this university go to the next level," Tuberville continued. "There have been a lot of great wins here, but there's always a next step. I want to help the Bearcat nation take the next step forward."
"We're excited where we are right now, but things are going to change," said Tuberville.
Cincinnati is getting a proven commodity in Tuberville, who carries a 130-77 record in 17 seasons as a head coach at Ole Miss, Auburn and Texas Tech. His resume is undeniable, an 14-0 season in 2004 and a 6-3 record against Top 5 teams.
Saturday's introduction didn't delve much into specifics. Tuberville did indicate he plans to bring some of assistants with him from his Texas Tech staff, but did not speak much about what scheme he plans to implement. "My philosophy is to get the best scheme for your players," he said.
Both Tuberville and Cincinnati athletic director Whit Babcock shared that the hiring happened quickly. Babcock indicated in his messages to Hocutt that if he could not lure Tuberville away in a one-day period, he would move on to his next candidate. Needless to say, he did not move on to his next candidate.
"I got my first phone call 10-12 hours ago," said Tuberville. "That's how quick things can change. This is not my first rodeo. In this business you don't have time to react. "
Babcock attempted to reach Texas Tech AD Kirby Hocutt twice but was unsuccessful, saying, "I'm a bit embarrassed not to talk to Kirby directly."
Tuberville did not take many questions on Saturday, and those he did were sandwiched around chants of "Tommy T!" from the Cincinnati students. After all, the red and black faithful arrived at Fifth Third Arena for a coronation.
We have learned that Tommy Tuberville has resigned from his post at Texas Tech to accept the head coaching job at Cincinnati.
Cincinnati athletic director Whit Babcock has been close with Tuberville since Babcock served as an assistant athletic director at Auburn while Tuberville was the Tigers' head coach. Whit moved decisively and in the best interests of his University and has landed a top-tier coach.
Tuberville brings a career 130-77 record in 17 years as a head coach at Ole Miss, Auburn and Texas Tech. Sources indicated to us that snagging Tuberville could be a key move in Cincinnati's push to join the ACC.
Sources have also indicated to us that former Louisville, Atlanta Falcons and Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino could join Tuberville's staff as the offensive coordinator if he does not obtain a head coaching job.
We will update with more details as they become available.
After locking up their fourth Big East title in five years, Butch Jones put all the job speculation on the back burner and just enjoyed being around his team in their post game celebration after beating UConn.
The video starts off with some good pre game footage from Coach Jones, and then about three quarters of the way through the clip, there's a brief moment of Jones dancing (skip to about the 3 minute mark to catch it). It's not as infamous as "The Gundy", but finding (or coming up with) a name for that move should be interesting.
In the ever evolving world of conference realignments, there is no doubt that media markets play a large role. Cincinnati had been in talks with the ACC about potentially moving from the Big East, and definitely would have brought a substantial market with them, but in the end their budget restrictions forced the conference to instead take rival Louisville.
In a one on one interview recently, Bill Koch of Cincinnati.com sat down with Bearcat athletic director Whit Babcock to gather his thoughts on the realignment situation and what it might possibly mean for head coach Butch Jones.
"I think we’ve got great coaches but our budget is one of the lowest ones at the BCS level and we have a good bit of debt from Varsity Village, so I think we’re challenged a lot from a budget standpoint. I think we need to make improvements to Nippert" Babcock explained, fully understanding the role that facilities and budget play such a big decision for a conference.
"Another thing I’ve learned about conference realignment is there’s about 10 percent that you can control and the other 90 percent is in the hands of other people. We want to compete at the highest level possible. That stance won’t change."
Babcock goes on to explain that their average BCS finish over the past five years is 16th. That's higher than all but one school in the ACC (Virginia Tech), and better than all Big East schools. So that has to count for something in Babcock's eyes. Everyone wants a bigger budget and better facilities, but Cincinnati has a pretty rich history, has been impressive over the handful of seasons, and has definitely made a name for themselves in the national spotlight. That's offering quite a bit to a new conference.
Another area that Babcock addressed was his faith on whether their conference realignment picture would increase the chances that Butch Jones would listen to other schools with a head coaching vacancy.
"I don’t know." Babcock explained. "I know he’s really popular in the coaching ranks. In one way I take it as a compliment that everybody’s interested in him. I think he’s a key part to our brand and I’d sure like to stop this revolving door of coaches leaving. He showed some good loyalty last year and so far this year he has. We’ll see how that goes."
He added that no other school has contacted him about Jones, but also noted "that etiquette is not always extended as much as it used to".
Yesterday, we had heard that Jones plans to meet with Purdue officials following Saturday's game, but that it the situation is by no means a done deal. Stay tuned to The Scoop page for more.
After back to back losses to quality Toledo and Louisville squads, Cincinnati got back on track this past weekend with a win over Syracuse (35-24).
It seems that Cinci always does a great job of chronicling all of their behind the scenes stuff, and this past weekend the cameras were in the locker room to capture the pre and post game locker room environment, as well as a few words from head coach Butch Jones and his assistants at the half.
Another well done video here from the Bearcat staff that recruits, fans, and coaches can all enjoy.
Plenty of coaches across the nation did outstanding jobs in preparing their teams to play, but the group below shined above the rest to win our Coaches of the Week for Week 10 of the college football season.
Head Coach of the Week - Mark Hudspeth, Louisiana - Lafayette: Hudspeth's team became the first squad outside the Big 12 and SEC to defeat ULM with a 40-24 win on Saturday, snapping a two-game losing streak to their intrastate rivals. The 24 points was a season-low for the Warhawks, while the Ragin' Cajuns became the first Sun Belt team to drop 40 points on ULM in regulation since 2009. Quarterback Terrance Broadway was an efficient 23-of-32 for 373 yards and four touchdowns with one interception, while Hudsepth's team controlled the line of scrimmage by out-rushing ULM 234-74. The win moved ULL one victory away from a second straight bowl berth and just one game back of first place in the Sun Belt.
Offensive Staff of the Week - LSU: Credit must be given to Oregon for putting up school records (and USC opponent records) with 62 points and 730 yards, but this week we recognize the work of Greg Studrawa and LSU's offensive coaches. The Tigers offense outperformed even the loftiest expectations against college football's top total, scoring, passing and pass efficiency defense. Quarterback Zach Mettenberger played his best game as a collegian, connecting on 24-of-35 passes for 298 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. Running back Jeremy Hill became just the fifth opponent in Nick Saban's tenure at Alabama to run for 100 yards against the Crimson Tide (29 carries, 107 yards, one touchdown). The Tigers moved the ball consistently on Alabama by refusing to leave the field. They were successful on 10-of-20 third downs and ran 85 plays, which adds up to 39:15 time of possession, allowing the Tigers to penetrate for two touchdowns and three field goal attempts.
The last team to put up 435 or more yards of offense against Alabama? That would be LSU -- in 2007.
Defensive Staff of the Week - UCLA: One week after slicing and dicing the USC defense to the tune of 588 yards and 39 points, the Arizona offense compiled just 257 yards and 10 points in a 66-10 shellacking by UCLA. The Bruins held the Pac-12's leading passer Matt Scott to a season-low 124 yards on 15-of-25 attempts. Defensive coordinator Lou Spanos' unit limited Arizona to 3-of-14 on third down, a season-worst 18 first downs, recovered three fumbles and forced seven punts. It did not surrender a touchdown until midway through the third quarter with the Bruins nursing a 42-point lead. The UCLA coaching staff decided to wear war paint on the sidelines and if Saturday's results are any indication, Bruins football just got itself a new tradition.
Special Teams Unit of the Week - San Diego State: Special teams keyed a historic win for San DIego State on Saturday night, 21-19 over Boise State. In defeating Boise State 21-19 on Saturday night, the Aztecs earned the program's first win over an AP top 20 team away from home. Colin Lockett opened the game with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. That play stood as San Diego State's only offense until Dwayne Garrett blocked a punt in Broncos territory and returned it to the 8-yard line. Two plays later, San Diego State had its second touchdown of the day and a lead it would not relinquish.
Call of the Week - Butch Jones and Mike Bajakian, Cincinnati: A few weeks ago in this space we promised that any time a coach goes for two and the win late in a game would receive automatic Call of the Week honors, so respect must be given to Gary Patterson and TCU for doing just that in their 39-38 win in double overtime at West Virginia. But this award goes to head coach Butch Jones and Mike Bajakian for doing what no staff has done - calling a jump pass in the middle of the field. Jump passes entered national consciousness with Tim Tebow at Florida in 2006, and we've even seen some running backs execute the play in recent years but the play had exclusively been used as a goal line tactic until Saturday. Trailing Syracuse 10-7 and facing a 4th and 2, Cincinnati opened the second quarter with a simple hand off to tailback George Winn. As Winn approached the line of scrimmage he sprung in the air and found Travis Kelce all alone behind the defense for a 37-yard touchdown. Cincinnati would go on to defeat Syracuse, 35-24.
Though these teams have played only three league games between them, Cincinnati and Louisville will battle for a share of first place in the Big East tonight. Cincinnati (5-1, 1-0 Big East) comes in smarting after a 29-23 loss at Toledo while Louisville (7-0, 2-0 Big East) is one of 10 undefeated teams left in FBS and ranked No. 16 in the BCS Standings.
Charlie Strong's team has masterfully executed a season-long tightrope walk to remain unscathed with four of their last five wins still in doubt until the final horn sounded. The Cardinals have struggled to play above their competition all season, allowing North Carolina to fight back from a 39-14 fourth quarter deficit before a 39-34 decision, holding off 1-7 Florida International in a 28-21 win, needing a 15 unanswered points to defeat winless Southern Miss 21-17 and requiring late touchdown pass and a red zone interception to last-place South Florida, 27-25. Louisville should give its best effort tonight but it's only a matter of time before a coinflip game doesn't bounce their way.
Cincinnati has won with defense this season, ranking in the top 20 nationally in scoring defense at 16.8 points allowed per game. Butch Jones' team has played its best defense in the red zone, where they rank 12th in the country and have allowed only six touchdowns in 17 trips. On the year the Bearcats, led by co-coordinators Steve Stripling and John Jancek, have played effective bend-but-don't-break defense by holding opponents to as many field goals (10) as touchdowns. Compare that to Louisville, which has given up 21 touchdowns and two field goals this season.
The success, or lack thereof, of Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and Cincinnati signal caller Munchie Legaux will likely decide the game. Bridgewater leads the Big East in passing efficiency (165.21) while averaging 9.01 yards per attempt to go with 11 touchdowns against three picks. Legaux matched his season high with two interceptions in last week's loss. The first was returned 75 yards for a touchdown, and the second ended any hopes Cincinnati had of a last-gasp comeback.
Nevada at Air Force (8 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network)
With the way these teams run the ball, this game may be over in time for those in attendance to catch a late dinner and movie.Going strictly by each team's season averages, the Falcons and Wolf Pack will combine for 112 rushes for just under 625 total yards. Neither team is particularly adept at stopping the run; Nevada (4.37 yards per rush allowed) is slightly better at stopping the run than Air Force's 5.36 yards per rush allowed.
Nevada's biggest advantage comes from its offensive balance. Chris Ault's team throws the ball for nearly 270 yards per game with 16 touchdowns against just four picks while picking up 8.25 yards per attempt. Troy Calhoun's team makes almost no effort to throw the ball, but often find success when they do. With just 74 passes this season (only two more than Army for the fewest in FBS), the Falcons are one of three teams averaging a first down with every pass, trailing just NCAA-leading Baylor and fellow triple option devotee Georgia Tech at 10.49 yards per pass. Air Force has also thrown for six scores, five of which have come from 35 yards or further.
One key mistake could decide this game as both teams will struggle to get the opposing offense off the field. Air Force leads the country by converting nearly 57 percent of its third downs, while Nevada ranks ninth at nearly 53 percent. Conversely, both squads rank in the bottom 20 nationally in third down defense.
Like its counterpart, this game also has implications on the conference title chase. Each squad stands at 3-1 in Mountain West in a group of four teams chasing first-place Boise State.
