Posts Tagged ‘sonny dykes’

Tennessee: Sources tell us that Butch Jones has been offered the job. No decision expected tonight. 

South Florida: Multiple outlets are reporting and we are told but haven't verified that Chad Morris will interview with South Florida. Earlier in the day Steven Godfrey reported that Mike MacIntyre interviewed as well. We can confirm. 

Carthage College (D-III - WI): Defensive coordinator (interim head coach) Mike Yeager has been named head coach. 

Pearl River CC (MS): East Mississippi defensive coordinator William Jones will be the new head coach at Pearl River. 

San Diego Chargers: Kevin Acee with U-T San Diego is reporting that sources tell him that head coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith will be let go following the season. While we have no reason to doubt Acee, we do feel like we've heard this before and Norv has lived to coach another day. 

Idaho: Sources tell us that offensive coordinator Jason Gesser, defensive coordinator Mark Criner and running backs coach Wayne Moses have all been told they will not be retained. Tight ends coach Al Pupunu has been retained. We have also learned that Ronnie Lee (Indiana State) will be named defensive coordinator...and Mike Anderson as linebackers (previously reported). 

Texas: University President Bill Powers wrote today that "I'd like to state unequivocally that Coach Brown has my full support as well as the support of...DeLoss Dodds. Put succinctly, Mack Brown is and will remain the Longhorns' head football coach." 

Duke: Athletic director Kevin White has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Duke through June of 2019.

Sonny Dykes: Steve Berkowitz of USA Today reports that Sonny's buyout of his contract at Louisiana Tech is $500,000; but had they been scheduled for a bowl game and he left before that game the buyout would have been $800,000. 

Wisconsin: Barry Alvarez stated today that he doesn't feel it would be the right thing to do to consider Pitt head coach Paul Chryst about the opening given that he's only been at Pitt one season. 

The Coach Tracker App: Not often do we see something that will change lives for coaches across the country; but this app will do that. You need to see this...and you need this app. 

FIU: Joe Schad has reported that Butch Davis will not be the next head coach at FIU. 

Northeastern State (D-II - OK): Defensive line coach Greg Richmond has decided to step down to take a job working with underprivileged youth.

Saskatchewan Roughriders (Canada): The Roughriders have announced that linebackers coach Alex Smith, defensive line coach Mike Walker, and offensive line coach Kris Sweet have been let go.

Colorado: Sources tell us that Butch Jones to Colorado will not happen. After sleeping on the deal, both sides agreed to move on. As we cautioned last night, a deal isn't done until the ink is dry. 

Louisville: Brett McMurphy reports that Charlie Strong has a new agreement that runs through 2020 with Louisville. 

Arkansas State: Defensive coordinator John Thompson has been named the interim head coach.

Louisville: Charlie Strong has announced at a press conference this morning that he will remain at Louisville.

FirstDown PlayBook™ Dropback app:  Find Professional drop back pass game ideas in moments!  This is not a subscription!  For less than a penny a play you have access to the same plays being run on Saturdays and Sundays.  You can tag the plays, rename them to fit YOUR system.  Create playbooks that can be used forever.  Also, share the plays with your coaches and or players.  Great resource for passing game ideas at all levels.

Yesterday we destroyed the all-time viewership record for the site! Keep sending the Scoop, and thank you for helping us help coaches!

Houston Baptist: Rockwall High head coach Scott Smith will join the HBU staff as offensive coordinator we're told. 

Cal: Sources tell us that from his staff at LA Tech, at least the following coaches will join Sonny at Cal... Tony Franklin (OC), Pierre Ingram (RB) and Rob Likens (WR). Don't have any info on the others. Will update...

Wisconsin: Barry Alvarez plans to coach the team in the Rose Bowl. 

Auburn: Auburn 247 is reporting that Gus has let all of the nine assistants from Gene Chizik's staff go. 

Louisville: Pete Thamel of SI reports that Charlie Strong has turned down Tennessee and is working on a new contract with Louisville. 

Auburn: Sources tell us that Ellis Johnson has accepted the defensive coordinator job at Auburn. 

Cal: We have learned that Sonny Dykes will be named head coach at Cal. We're told to look for an announcement "within 24 hours". 

Colorado: The Denver Post is reporting that Butch Jones has accepted the Colorado job. We have not confirmed. Sources tell us Colorado broke out the big guns last night.  Update> Sources close to the situation tell us that the agreement is currently being finalized. Not done; but headed that way... 7pm Update> Both Colorado and Cincinnati have made it expressly clear that no deal has been executed at this time. 

Northwest Mississippi (CC): We have learned that head coach Ricky Woods has decided to step down after five seasons with the program.

John Carroll (D-III - OH): Tom Arth has been promoted to head coach. Arth previously served as the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Weber State (UT): Former offensive coordinator Matt Hammer has accepted the head coaching job at Weber HS (UT).

Boston College: Ryan Day will join Steve Addazio and serve as offensive coordinator. 

Hamline University (D-III - MN): Sources tell us that Bucknell (FCS) offensive line coach Chad Rogosheske will be named the new head coach at Hamline.

      D.J. Durkin - 2012 Special Teams Coordinator of the Year 

Auburn: Phillip Marshall is reporting that Ellis Johnson has been offered the defensive coordinator job at Auburn. Will update...

Kentucky: Sources tell us that Texas Tech offensive coordinator Neal Brown has been offered the same position at Kentucky; but plans to interview for a head coaching vacancy in the south later this week before making his decsion. 

McKendree (NAIA - IL): We have learned that CSU Pueblo (D-II) quarterbacks coach Mike Babcock will be named head coach at McKendree. 

The 4-2-5 Defense Study: X&O Labs has just released the largest, most in-depth study on the 4-2-5 defense ever conducted. This study took over six-months to compile the research data, conduct interviews with coaches like Bud Foster, DC at Virginia Tech, and watch hundreds-of-hours of game film from schools like Virginia Tech, TCU, James Madison and some of the top high school programs in the country. To see what new trends X&O Labs' researchers uncovered in this powerful study, click here!

Dordt College (NAIA - IA): Dordt is currently seeking a special teams coordinator. This is a full time position which includes instructional duties within the Health and Human Performance Department as well as the strength and conditioning coach for all sports. Applicants for this position must possess a Bachelor of Arts degree. A Master’s degree and teaching experience at the high school or college level is preferred. Employment is set to begin in the Spring of 2013. A review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates can send their resume and letter of interest to Susan Droog at hr@dordt.edu.

University of Mary (D-II - ND): The University of Mary is a member of the NCAA Division II institution and is part of a very competitive Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.The University of Mary Football Program is seeking an applicant for Graduate Assistant Offensive Football Coach (QB, RB, or WR). Responsibilities would include, but are not limited to coaching, recruiting by DII rules, scouting opponents, breaking down film, assisting and planning daily practice sessions, game preparation, assisting and organizing camps and clinics and assisting the Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator with other duties as assigned. This is a two year position that requires a bachelor’s degree, admission to the graduate program and preferred playing experience at a DI or DII level. Start date will be immediately. Compensation includes an annual stipend and graduate school tuition. Please send e-mail with a cover letter, resume, and three references to Offensive Coordinator Andy Koteinicki at aekotelnicki@umary.edu.

San Bernardino Valley (CC): We hear former New Mexico Highlands receiver coach Artie Allen has accepted the special teams coordinator / receiver coach position.

Carleton College (D-III - MN): Bob Pagel has had the interim tag lifted and been named head coach at Carleton College. 

Louisville: Brett McMurphy of ESPN reports that Louisville is working on an extension for Charlie Strong. McMurphy asserts that he had an offer from Tennessee. 

Arkansas: Bret Bielema's agreement at Arkansas is 6 years at $3.2 million per. Buyout (if they want to get rid of him) begins at $12.8 million and steps down to $3.2 million over time. If he wants to leave, he would owe them $3 million initially...stepping down to $500,000 in the last year. Arkansas is also effectively making the $1 million buyout payment to Wisconsin called for in Bielema's agreement with Wisconsin. 

Tennessee: Bruce Feldman just tweeted that Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy has been offered the head job at Tennessee. Update> Sources close to Gundy tell us they do not expect him to leave Oklahoma State. 

Idaho: Bryce Erickson (head coach at South Albany HS in Oregon) will be joining Paul Petrino's staff as well we're told.

FIU: In shocking news, we have learned that head coach Mario Cristobal has been let go. Under Cristobal, FIU went from 1 win in 2007 all the way up to 8 wins in 2011 and went to two bowl games. Unfortunately, this season they finished 3-9 and the administration decided to make a change. More to come...

Purdue: Purdue has officially named Darrell Hazell their head coach. 

SUNY Brockport (D-III - NY): Sources tell us the defensive coordinator Rashaan Jordan has resigned. 

Concordia (NAIA - Ann Arbor, MI): Lonnie Pries, head coach at Concordia - Chicago (D-III), will be named head coach and athletic director at Concordia - Ann Arbor. 

University of Alberta (Canada): Chris Morris has been named head coach at the University of Alberta. Morris spent the past four seasons with the Harry Ainlay Titans football program.

South Florida: Several outlets and sources are relaying that Western Kentucky head coach Willie Taggart met with South Florida officials yesterday in New York. 

Idaho: We have learned that former Idaho linebacker, and Washington grad assistant, Mike Anderson is joining the staff as the linebackers coach.

USA Today has put together a database where you can see how each coach voted in the coaches poll. Take a look.

Oakland Raiders: Head coach Dennis Allen will be away from the team for a few days to spend time with his father who is seriously ill. 

Northern Illinois: As we told you yesterday, offensive line coach Rod Carey has been named head coach. 

That's what sources told us this AM and again a few minutes ago RT @nburzych: @footballscoop Carey promoted as full time head coach?

— FootballScoop Staff (@footballscoop) December 1, 2012

Vanderbilt: We have confirmed with sources that James Franklin has agreed to remain at Vanderbilt with an extension.

3 of the best Strength & Conditioning coaches in the business...Finalists for 2012 S&C Coach of the Year

Louisiana Tech: Louisiana Tech's AD said tonight that Sonny Dykes does not have an offer at this time from Cal. 

Jacksonville State: Sources tell us that Hoover High head coach Josh Niblett is a very serious candidate for the Jacksonville State job as well. 

Butch Jones: Sources tell us Butch spent most of the day with Purdue and understands what they can offer. Also hear Cincinnati is making a significant offer to keep him. Will update...

TCU: Hearing further confirmation to what we told you weeks ago, Gary Patterson isn't looking to leave TCU. Wouldn't surprise us to see an announcement of an extension to stay at TCU looooong term. 

App State: We have learned that head coach Jerry Moore has been let go. We hear offensive coordinator Scott Satterfield will serve as interim head coach. Will update... Update> The University has announced that he will not return based on his own decision. Satterfield will serve as interim and the University has announced that a "national search" will being immediately. 

Idaho: We have learned that Paul Petrino has accepted the head coaching job. Petrino served as the offensive coordinator at Arkansas this past season. Here's what you need to know.

Virginia: The Cavaliers have announced that defensive coordinator Jim Reid, defensive line coach Jeff Hanson, and tight ends coach Shawn Moore have all been relieved of their duties. Also, safeties coach coach Anthony Poindexter will no longer handle the special teams coordinator duties, but will remain a part of the staff. A few days ago, Mike London announced that running backs coach Mike Faragalli had been let go as well.

South Florida: Skip Holtz has been let go. Here's what you need to know.

Jacksonville State (FCS - AL): Sources tell us Jacksonville State has interest in Stillman College (D-II - AL) head coach Teddy Keaton and Tennessee Chattanooga defensive coordinator Adam Fuller in addition to other candidates. 

Cal: ESPN reports that Cal AD Sandy Barbour will interview Kent State head coach Darrell Hazell today.

Finalists for FCS Coordinator of the Year have been released. Deserving Coaches!

The "update" to the FootballScoop iPhone App is now available. Update is free for those that have previously purchased the app. On iPads we recommend using Safari to view the site.

Before taking the podium at yesterday's presser, where he was officially announced as Cal's new football coach, Sonny Dykes arrived on campus and took the obligitory tour and introduced himself to the team.

Here's a quick look at what his first day on campus looked like. You can read more on his introductory press conference here, where he addressed more than just football at Berkeley.

Sonny Dykes is in for a world of difference in moving from Ruston, La., to Berkeley. While working as the offensive coordinator at Arizona from 2007-09, Dykes starting setting his eyes on moving to Berkeley one day. When that one day arrived, Dykes said it kept him up at nights. 

Dykes continually referenced two themes throughout his introductory press conference: finding players and coaches that will fit the culture at Cal, and creating a healthy marriage of academics and athletics. 

"I believe there's a direct correlation between having academic success and athletic success," said Dykes. "We will have the highest expectations on the field and in the classroom. This is what Cal demands from its student-athletes."

Dykes circled back to the word fit multiple times, hoping to find players and coaches that will mesh with a culture unique to many places across college football.

"I'm a big believe in fit," he said. "Certain people fit certain places, and our duty is to find student-athletes that fit the culture at Cal."

Dykes detailed his vision for what Cal's offense will look like, saying his ideal quarterback will be a mobile guy that can run the ball 8-to-10 times a game. 

"Our brand of football is fun. We're going to move the ball and score points," Dykes said. He also noted that, unlike Texas Tech, his offense focuses just as much on moving the ball on the ground as it does through the air. His 2012 Bulldogs team famously threw for more than 350 yards a game, but also an average of 43 times for 227 yards a game.

Hoping to have his staff finalized within the next 10-to-14 days, Dykes stated that his most important task will be finding a defensive coordinator. 

"I have four or five names in mind that I want to interview," Dykes explained. "One week you may play Stanford, one week you may play Oregon. We have to be prepared to play both styles."

Among the first questions Dykes fielded from the assembled press was about the defense he left behind at Louisiana Tech, which finished the 2012 season ranked last in the country in total defense. 

"Obviously I know it's something that needs to be addressed," Dykes said, citing that his 2011 team led the WAC in scoring defense, rushing defense and pass efficiency defense. 

Cal athletic director Sandy Barbour declined to elaborate when asked about Dykes' contract or on a potential salary pool for assistant coaches, only saying that, "Sonny and I are working together to provide the resources to bring the best college football staff to Berkeley."

If the rest of his tenure as the Bears head coach mirrors his press conference, Dykes' time as Cal's head coach will focus on much more than just football. 

"There's a dedication to excellence in everything that Cal touches," Dykes said. "This is a very special institution and I'm blessed to be a part of it."

Here are the coaches whose work jumped out to us as the best across college football for Week 13.

Head Coaches of the Week - Brian Kelly, Notre Dame and Urban Meyer, Ohio State: Thirteen weeks ago, 124 FBS teams were unbeaten and now only two are left standing. Each coach led his team to an emotional win and each team showed the mark of a true winner, growing more focused with every step closer it got to the finish line. Meyer's Buckeyes started the day by playing an inspired defensive effort to choke out Michigan, not allowing the Wolverines to cross midfield in the second half. Kelly's Fighting Irish went on the road and played like the better team for all 60 minutes against USC. Notre Dame's offense threw for 217 yards, ran for 222 yards and never turned the ball over. The defense limited USC to a lone field goal in the second half, and its exclamation point, of the game and the season, came in a goal line stand with two minutes left. 

Offensive Staff of the Week - Florida: The Florida offense has been far from effective for much of this season but the Gators came up big when it mattered the most on Saturday in defeating Florida State, 37-26. The Seminoles brought in college football's best run defense and Florida ran for 244 yards, its third-best performance of the season. Florida State brought in the nation's best total defense and Florida accumulated 398 yards, more than it gained against Bowling Green, Missouri, Louisiana - Lafayette and Jacksonville State. Brent Pease's group scored 37 points, three times what Florida State normally allows. Florida State led the nation in third down defense, allowing opponents to compete 25 percent of their opportunities. Florida converted over half of its third downs (8-of-15). Florida State allowed the fewest first downs in college football. Florida gained 21, one more than Florida State. 

Defensive Staff of the Week - Kent State: No defense filled the box score quite like Jon Heacock's Golden Flashes in topping Ohio 28-6 on Friday. Kent State returned a fumble and interception for touchdowns in building a 21-0 first-quarter lead. The Golden Flashes created a total of four fumbles on the day, sacked Bobcats quarterback Tyler Tettleton eight times and forced Ohio to punt nine times. Kent State held an Ohio offense that has run for 210 yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry to just 107 yards and 2.1 yards per carry. Ohio's 339 yards were its third-fewest of 2012 and, most importantly, its six point output was its worst of the season. 

Special Teams Unit of the Week - Notre Dame: On a night when Notre Dame moved the ball everywhere except the red zone, sophomore kicker Kyle Brindza came up huge for the Fighting Irish. He hit 5-of-6 field goals, including a career long 52-yarder, the second longest field goal in school history, just before the half to give Notre Dame a 16-10 lead at the break. Ben Turk boomed three punts for a net average of 44.3 yards, and the Irish coverage units neutralized the explosive Marqise Lee and Robert Woods in the return game. George Atkinson III also returned a kickoff 39 yards, setting up Brindza's fifth field goal to put the Irish up by two scores, 22-13, with 5:58 to play. 

Call of the Week - Mark Tommerdahl and Sonny Dykes, Louisiana Tech: The Bulldogs didn't win the game, but they do win our Call of the Week with a beautiful fake field goal call of Saturday night's game with San Jose State. Trailing 17-6 in the second quarter, Louisiana Tech lined up for a 33-yard field goal when holder David Gru grabbed the snap and ran left, directly at the oncoming edge rusher. Gru then  shoveled it forward to Malon Lee (who had lined up as the right wing), who raced in for a 15-yard touchdown. A bit of a read option type look, nice design.  

This past winter, Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Dykes got that phone call that every coach dreads. That call after midnight that can never be good.

That call was to let coach Dykes know that a Bulldog running back, Tyrone Duplessis, was heading to the hospital and was unresponsive. Duplessis later died at the hospital from what was found to be a massive heart attack.

"That's one of the hardest things that I have ever had to deal with personally. You get that phone call at 4 o'clock in the morning...and you know, as a head coach, it's never a good phone call." Dykes explains Yahoo's clip.

As the video shows, the Bulldogs have dedicated the season to their fallen teammate and his family, and are off to an 8-1 start (3-0 in the WAC), and end the season at Texas State, followed by two big match ups with Utah State at home and San Jose State on the road.

Head Coach of the Week - Bill Snyder, Kansas State: What else can be said about the man that has twice led Kansas State into national prominence? How about this:

Bill Snyder fact: in the 96 years of K-State FB he didn't coach, 3 wins/season. 21 years he has coached (incl this one), avg 8 wins/season.

— Carter Blackburn (@carterespn) October 21, 2012

RunnerUpFansOfTheDay: #KansasState. The large number of Cat fans who went to Morgantown chanted "Bill-Snyder" after easy win over #WVU

— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) October 21, 2012

 In leading Kansas State to its third road victory over a ranked team this season, Kansas State cemented itself as a true contender for the school's first national championship after a 55-14 demolition of West Virginia. 'Cats quarterback Collin Klein accounted for seven touchdowns against just two incompletions, while the Kansas State defense forced WVU quarterback Geno Smith into his first interception in 273 attempts, and then picked him off again six throws later. Snyder's team held West Virginia to season-lows of 243 yards of total offense and 3.9 yards per play. In fact, each team ran 62 plays but Kansas State accounted for nearly twice as many yards and held the ball for almost seven minutes longer than West Virginia.

Offensive Staff of the Week - Louisiana Tech: Plenty of other offenses faced stiffer competition on Saturday, but Louisiana Tech's offense was so productive that we couldn't ignore the Bulldogs in good consience. In garnering 56 points and 582 yards in the first half, Louisiana Tech produced in two quarters what many teams consider a good two weeks. The Bulldogs set a school record with 70 points, a total that Sonny Dykes' team reached with 19 minutes still to play. Offensive coordinator Tony Franklin's group became the first FBS team to top 400 yards on the ground and through the air this season. In 95 snaps, Louisiana Tech gained 839 yards (a school record and the most by an FBS team this season) while achieving 8.8 yards per play and 39 first downs. Louisiana Tech has topped 40 games in every game this season and been held under 50 just once through seven games. Louisiana Tech sports information director Patrick Walsh summed up the night perfectly in our Tweet of the Day: 

Next year's media guide will not have an offensive record book, just the 2012 season stats listed twice.

— Patrick Walsh (@LATechPWalsh) October 21, 2012

Defensive Staff of the Week - Oregon: In the Thursday night spotlight at Arizona State, Chip Kelly's team demonstrated to the nation it was much more than a fast offense and flashy uniforms. Nick Aliotti's unit surrendered a Sun Devils touchdown on their first play and did not allow another point until the game was well out of reach. Arizona State's next 12 possessions produced a total of 221 yards with seven punts, two interceptions, a turnover on downs and missed field goal mixed in. The Sun Devils' 14 offensive points were a season low and their 408 yards were their second-fewest to date. In all, Oregon intecepted four passes, collected five sacks and held Arizona State scoreless in three red zone trips. After Thursday's performance, Oregon leads the country in red zone defense with only 15 scores allowed in 29 trips. 

Special Teams Unit of the Week - TCU: Despite a disappointing ending for Gary Patterson's team in triple-overtime loss to Texas Tech, special teams coordinator Gary Sharp's unit played winning football on Saturday. Frogs kicker Jaden Oberkrom nailed all six of his field goal tries and converted 5-of-5 extra points. Wide receiver Skye Dawson was a difference maker for TCU in the return game as he brought back five punts for a total of 61 yards, including a 22-yard return to the Texas Tech 31 that ultimately gave TCU a 17-7 lead. Ethan Perry booted three punts for a net average of 45 yards, two of which pinned the Red Raiders inside the 20. Equally important for Sharp's unit, TCU nullified Texas Tech's return game by not allowing a punt return on the day and limiting Texas Tech to a sum of two kickoff returns that totaled just 15 and 11 yards. 

Call of the Week - Todd Berry (ULM) and Rocky Long (San Diego State): For any head coaches that may be reading this, a sure-fire way to win our Call of the Week is to successfully go for two and the win in overtime. Todd Berry and Rocky Long share our award this week because both head coaches did just that on Saturday night.

First, Berry's team fought back from a 28-7 deficit to force overtime against Western Kentucky. After WKU scored to open overtime, ULM quarterback Kolton Browning ran in from three yards out to bring the Warhawks within one and then hit Rashon Ceasar in the end zone for the game-winning conversion. It was the second such win this season for Berry's team as ULM famously toppled then-No. 8 Arkansas in similar fashion on Sept. 8. 

Rocky Long's team also rode a wave of momentum into overtime after the Aztecs fough back from a 31-21 hole with 10 points in the game's final 3:45 to force an extra frame. San Diego State quarterback Adam Dingwell went a perfect 3-for-3 in overtime as hit a pass for four yards on first down, then a 21-yard touchdown strike that set up his game-winning two-point conversion to Rob Andrews. 

Both wins are crucial for each head coach. ULM became the first team not named LSU or Alabama to defeat Western Kentucky in the Hilltoppers' last 15 games, allowing Berry's squad to stand alone in first place in the Sun Belt. Long's team has now won three straight Mountain West games to pull into a four-way tie for second place in the MWC. Both teams need one more victory to achieve bowl eligibility.