Two separate sources told me today that much of the football support staff was told today that they need to have their things cleared out of the IPF the day after the Egg Bowl.
Some took that as a sign that Ole Miss might already have an agreement with its next coach.
I guess that’s possible, though there’s absolutely nothing pointing in that direction at this point. It’s more likely, in my opinion, that Ole Miss’ administration simply wants to cut ties with this staff as cleanly and quickly as possible following the Egg Bowl. I get the sense from talking to different sources that there’s very little love lost.
On to the search, today seemed to bring a slightly different vibe on two different candidates. There seemed to be more buzz surrounding Mike Leach’s candidacy and a little less buzz surrounding Hugh Freeze’s.
Another name that seems to be picking up steam is USM coach Larry Fedora. The former Florida and Oklahoma State offensive coordinator is intrigued by the job, according to multiple sources, and it stands to reason Ole Miss could offer a major raise.
Finally, there continues to be a steady buzz around Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart. One source said he believed Smart would ultimately play Ole Miss for more money and wait for the Georgia job to open up, but several sources disagreed with that assessment, claiming that the 36-year-old Smart feels like he’s ready to be a head coach and is interested in the Ole Miss opening.
As you heard of Y! Radio today, Rich Rodriguez is interested in the job, and I think that interest is mutual. I just get an early gut feeling, however, that the NCAA issues at Michigan are an issue. They shouldn’t be. Every team I’ve ever covered has abused the 20-hour rule.
There are other names that fly around some. ULL coach Mark Hudspeth continues to be mentioned as a candidate. Today, Oklahoma assistant Jay Norvell was brought up by a source.
Miami’s Al Golden, once considered a shoo-in to be Penn State’s next coach, is believed to be scared of the situation in State College (who wouldn’t be?). There are some at Ole Miss who believe Golden is the guy the Rebels should pursue most diligently. I’m hearing from sources familiar with Golden that he’s willing to listen to anyone.
Finally, as we told you at one point last week, North Carolina is apparently really considering a major run at Boise State coach Chris Petersen. Can the Tar Heels get him? I don’t know. However, that possibility could throw a wrench in Gus Malzahn’s plans. Malzahn’s stock might have dropped a little this season, but he’s still a hot commodity. I know he has some support in several Ole Miss circles. I wouldn’t be remotely shocked if the Rebels inquired.
This post was edited on 11/15 8:23 PM by Chase Parham
Some took that as a sign that Ole Miss might already have an agreement with its next coach.
I guess that’s possible, though there’s absolutely nothing pointing in that direction at this point. It’s more likely, in my opinion, that Ole Miss’ administration simply wants to cut ties with this staff as cleanly and quickly as possible following the Egg Bowl. I get the sense from talking to different sources that there’s very little love lost.
On to the search, today seemed to bring a slightly different vibe on two different candidates. There seemed to be more buzz surrounding Mike Leach’s candidacy and a little less buzz surrounding Hugh Freeze’s.
Another name that seems to be picking up steam is USM coach Larry Fedora. The former Florida and Oklahoma State offensive coordinator is intrigued by the job, according to multiple sources, and it stands to reason Ole Miss could offer a major raise.
Finally, there continues to be a steady buzz around Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart. One source said he believed Smart would ultimately play Ole Miss for more money and wait for the Georgia job to open up, but several sources disagreed with that assessment, claiming that the 36-year-old Smart feels like he’s ready to be a head coach and is interested in the Ole Miss opening.
As you heard of Y! Radio today, Rich Rodriguez is interested in the job, and I think that interest is mutual. I just get an early gut feeling, however, that the NCAA issues at Michigan are an issue. They shouldn’t be. Every team I’ve ever covered has abused the 20-hour rule.
There are other names that fly around some. ULL coach Mark Hudspeth continues to be mentioned as a candidate. Today, Oklahoma assistant Jay Norvell was brought up by a source.
Miami’s Al Golden, once considered a shoo-in to be Penn State’s next coach, is believed to be scared of the situation in State College (who wouldn’t be?). There are some at Ole Miss who believe Golden is the guy the Rebels should pursue most diligently. I’m hearing from sources familiar with Golden that he’s willing to listen to anyone.
Finally, as we told you at one point last week, North Carolina is apparently really considering a major run at Boise State coach Chris Petersen. Can the Tar Heels get him? I don’t know. However, that possibility could throw a wrench in Gus Malzahn’s plans. Malzahn’s stock might have dropped a little this season, but he’s still a hot commodity. I know he has some support in several Ole Miss circles. I wouldn’t be remotely shocked if the Rebels inquired.
This post was edited on 11/15 8:23 PM by Chase Parham
