2025-2026 College Football Thread

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

Rumor is if Norm Chow leaves UCLA for USC then UCLA is going to target Mike Leach as the new offensive coordinator and install his air offense.

Chow leaving is nowhere near a done deal though. For one thing he doesn't get along with Lane Kiffin. He's going to want a huge salary and USC might not want to pay the money considering Lane's dad Monte is already the highest paid coordinator in college football. Chow is already making $690,000 a year and is due a $250,000 bonus on April 1 if he's still there, so he'll likely want at least $1 million a year.

True that Chow thing might not happen, based on the above.

My radio shows made some interesting points about him leaving while not a great thing to do it does seem that was his dream job and I don't think its quite as scummy as I once did.

[Steelmaker]

Originally Posted by supersix4

True that Chow thing might not happen, based on the above.

My radio shows made some interesting points about him leaving while not a great thing to do it does seem that was his dream job and I don't think its quite as scummy as I once did.

It's not. Again I don't understand why everyone is blaming Kiffin. This is his "golden wonka ticket." I mean would ANY of us pass up the opportunity to be at our dream job, even if that meant pissing off our current employer and co-workers? Hell no! This isn't a marriage. It's a business.

Like I've said before, a lot of this blame rests solely on Mike Hamilton for allowing Kiffin's contract to have such a low buy out clause. Even still, had his buy out been 3-4 million I'm not so sure that USC wouldn't have ponied up the dough anyway.

I DO think Orgeron is a scum bag for telling early enrollees not to attend their classes so as to be able to transfer to USC. Now that IS a dick move!

[fatediesel]

Tennessee's athletic director said any recruits who were on campus at 12:01 this morning are considered enrolled in school and would therefore have to sit out a year if they wanted to transfer. I don't know if any of the recruits that were rethinking their commitments were on campus at this time.

[Slec]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

Tennessee's athletic director said any recruits who were on campus at 12:01 this morning are considered enrolled in school and would therefore have to sit out a year if they wanted to transfer. I don't know if any of the recruits that were rethinking their commitments were on campus at this time.

Good for him... although I feel for the kids who committed based on Kiffin being there. This could get ugly fast...REALLY fast

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

Tennessee's athletic director said any recruits who were on campus at 12:01 this morning are considered enrolled in school and would therefore have to sit out a year if they wanted to transfer. I don't know if any of the recruits that were rethinking their commitments were on campus at this time.

lmao wouldn't that be all of them if they had school?

[rwl04]

Originally Posted by Slec

Good for him... although I feel for the kids who committed based on Kiffin being there. This could get ugly fast...REALLY fast

Why would that be good for him? These kids are making the biggest decisions of their lives and then their head coach and DC leave in the middle of the night. You force a 17-18 year old kid to be held hostage by a school or sit out a year to transfer.

What if you had a kid who played defense and was an early enrollee at UT. Would you be happy about your son not having his head coach or DC? I think not..

[Slec]

Originally Posted by rwl04

Why would that be good for him? These kids are making the biggest decisions of their lives and then their head coach and DC leave in the middle of the night. You force a 17-18 year old kid to be held hostage by a school or sit out a year to transfer.

What if you had a kid who played defense and was an early enrollee at UT. Would you be happy about your son not having his head coach or DC? I think not..

The kids enrolled at Tennessee for football and an education. Absolutely circumstances have changed, but that blame falls on Kiffin, not on the University or Athletic Department. If spring classes started today and those kids are on campus, they are enrolled whether they've been to a class or not (as they've received benefits of room and board, meals etc from the University already). So I say good for him, for telling the kids where they actually stand and not where Orgeron says they stand while he tries to get them.... then they have to lose a year while traveling cross country

[Chordata]

Originally Posted by Slec

The kids enrolled at Tennessee for football and an education. Absolutely circumstances have changed, but that blame falls on Kiffin, not on the University or Athletic Department. If spring classes started today and those kids are on campus, they are enrolled whether they've been to a class or not (as they've received benefits of room and board, meals etc from the University already). So I say good for him, for telling the kids where they actually stand and not where Orgeron says they stand while he tries to get them.... then they have to lose a year while traveling cross country

Exactly.

That's a risk you take when you commit to a school (emphasis on "school" as opposed to "coach"). Coaches come and go.

That said, I'm shocked any of the kids would want to play for Kiffin anyway. I hope they continue on with UT, have great careers, lose to UGA consistently, but then beat USC in some bowl game.

[Slec]

Originally Posted by O_V_N

Exactly.

That's a risk you take when you commit to a school (emphasis on "school" as opposed to "coach"). Coaches come and go.

That said, I'm shocked any of the kids would want to play for Kiffin anyway. I hope they continue on with UT, have great careers, lose to UGA consistently, but then beat USC in some bowl game.

absolutely... I was just explaining why I was happy with the Tennessee AD telling the kids where they stand. Some of the talk on my alma maters message boards (how scary are those places, by the way! ) is around depth charts, arriving talent, schemes, and other criteria. It's not to say a coach doesn't influence those things, he does, but 5 stars become flash in the pans, and nobody's can become NFL players. There is no sure fire way to the next level, especially if you're an incoming frosh.

So what's next for Kiffin, Dallas Cowboys in about 2-3 years? I can see the press conference now "It's the Dallas Cowboys, how can you turn that opportunity down"

[fatediesel]

Originally Posted by Slec

So what's next for Kiffin, Dallas Cowboys in about 2-3 years? I can see the press conference now "It's the Dallas Cowboys, how can you turn that opportunity down"

I think more likely is he gets fired for a complete lack of institutional control and NCAA violations, and is unable to get another job.

Just curious, has any coach ever gotten more jobs without actually doing anything. In 2005 he takes over as the USC offensive coordinator for the defending national champions, and the team stays good, losing in the title game his first year. In 2006 they lose 2 games, including a 13-9 loss to UCLA in the final game, a game which would have put them in the national title game with a win. After that season he leaves to go to the Raiders, goes 5-15 over a season and a half, and is fired with cause (grievance still pending). Then he gets the Tennessee job, where he doesn't do anything special, 7-6, with a good recruiting class and a bowl loss. Then he gets hired by USC, one of the top five jobs in college football.

[fatediesel]

Duke coach (and former Tennessee offensive coordinator) David Cutcliffe has taken himself out of consideration for the Tennessee job, preferring to stay at Duke. On ESPN this morning one of their college football analysts (I think it was Joe Schad) said all signs pointed to Cutcliffe as the new coach, but apparently that isn't happening.

[Moviefan1203]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

Duke coach (and former Tennessee offensive coordinator) David Cutcliffe has taken himself out of consideration for the Tennessee job, preferring to stay at Duke. On ESPN this morning one of their college football analysts (I think it was Joe Schad) said all signs pointed to Cutcliffe as the new coach, but apparently that isn't happening.

Does no one want this job? Up until I saw that on ESPN today, I thought if nothing else Cutcliffe would be an easy to get filler coach for a year or two. I guess he doesn't want to deal with this mess two and a half weeks before signing day either. Kiffin really gave the Vols a good pounding with this one.

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

Just curious, has any coach ever gotten more jobs without actually doing anything. In 2005 he takes over as the USC offensive coordinator for the defending national champions, and the team stays good, losing in the title game his first year. In 2006 they lose 2 games, including a 13-9 loss to UCLA in the final game, a game which would have put them in the national title game with a win. After that season he leaves to go to the Raiders, goes 5-15 over a season and a half, and is fired with cause (grievance still pending). Then he gets the Tennessee job, where he doesn't do anything special, 7-6, with a good recruiting class and a bowl loss. Then he gets hired by USC, one of the top five jobs in college football.

I dunno, I was actually impressed with the direction he was taking the raiders, and also TN. They outplayed Florida and Bama in his first season, so I'd have to figure he was only 1-3 seasons away from beating them and maybe being a top program.

I agree while his numbers aren't great lets be real about the situations he was in the Raiders and a 5-7 Tennessee team that was and still is not very good. And that Raiders team Shell totally jacked up was a 2-14 team lol

I don't care for the way he handles himself, but I've been impressed with the direction he seems to take a team before he up and leaves lol.

Originally Posted by Moviefan1203

Does no one want this job? Up until I saw that on ESPN today, I thought if nothing else Cutcliffe would be an easy to get filler coach for a year or two. I guess he doesn't want to deal with this mess two and a half weeks before signing day either. Kiffin really gave the Vols a good pounding with this one.

I'm waiting for the return of 5-7 Phillip Fulmer

[Steelmaker]

Originally Posted by Moviefan1203

Does no one want this job? Up until I saw that on ESPN today, I thought if nothing else Cutcliffe would be an easy to get filler coach for a year or two. I guess he doesn't want to deal with this mess two and a half weeks before signing day either. Kiffin really gave the Vols a good pounding with this one.

Word around the campfire is the main reason Cutcliffe turned it down was over a staffing dispute. Apparently Hamilton wants to keep the remainder of what Kiffin regime is left at Tennessee intact and Cutcliffe wanted to "clean house" and bring in all new guys. If true I have to side with Hamilton on that one.

[Chordata]

Not huge news for anyone else, but after being turned down by several coaches (including former UGA safety Kirby Smart), UGA finally got a new DC today in Todd Grantham - current D-line coach for the Dallas Cowboys.

I'm pretty excited about it. His track record is impressive.

[Moviefan1203]

Source - http://dennis-dodd.blogs.cbssports.c...70202/19585182



Indications are that Derek Dooley will be named the next coach at Tennessee.

A person intimately involved in the search told CBSSports.com Dooley was "a great hire," Friday afternoon although no formal announcement had been made. At least three other outlets had reported that Dooley was expected to be Tennessee's choice. Knoxville radio station WNML first reported that Dooley was the choice at about noon ET.

Govolsextra.com reported that Tennessee AD Mike Hamilton would interview current assistant Kippy Brown at 1 p.m. ET.

Dooley apparently did not tell his Louisiana Tech staff of his departure but reportedly cancelled player meetings to travel from Ruston, La. to Knoxville. The son of legendary Georgia coach Vince Dooley has a 17-20 in three seasons as head coach at Louisiana Tech.

As recently as Thursday night, Tennessee officials met with Utah coach Kyle Whittingham in Salt Lake City according to the Salt Lake City Tribune. Whittingham turned down a job offer according to the newspaper. Earlier this week, CBSSports.com reported that Tennessee had offered Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp $3 million per season. Duke coach David Cutcliffe said Friday he was staying at the school.

Dooley is a former walk-on receiver at Virginia who earned a scholarship in his second season. He went to earn his law degree from Georgia in 1994. He practiced law for two years in Atlanta before getting into coaching.

His coaching career started with Georgia in 1996 as a grad assistant under Jim Donnan. From there he went to SMU to three years before joining LSU in 2000. That’s where his career took off. Dooley coached tight ends, running backs, special teams and was the recruiting coordinator under Nicks Saban from 2000-2004

Dooley then followed Saban to the Miami Dolphins. In 2007, he was hired by Louisiana Tech. Dooley seemingly comes highly recommended by Nick Saban and Muschamp. All three were on the staff together at LSU.

Muschamp reportedly recommended Dooley to Tennessee after he was pursued by Vols AD Mike Hamilton. Dooley had recommended by Muschamp and Kirby Smart to Saban at LSU. Smart is now the Alabama defensive coordinator under Saban.

As LSU’s recruiting coordinator, Dooley helped LSU land the No. 1-ranked recruiting classes in 2001 and 2003.

Dooley is expected to inherit the majority of Lane Kiffin's former staff. It was Cutcliffe's unwillingness to do so that kept the Duke coach and former Tennessee assistant from progressing further in talks with Hamilton.

The leftover members of Kiffin's are still recruiting, according to one of those coaches. Coach or no coach, Tennessee is expected to have a group of recruits in this weekend for official visits.

[fatediesel]

Originally Posted by Steelmaker

Word around the campfire is the main reason Cutcliffe turned it down was over a staffing dispute. Apparently Hamilton wants to keep the remainder of what Kiffin regime is left at Tennessee intact and Cutcliffe wanted to "clean house" and bring in all new guys. If true I have to side with Hamilton on that one.

I actually take Cutcliffe's side if that was the reason for the dispute. I don't know many coaches that would want to come into a program and not have the ability to hire his own staff. You want guys you know and trust, not guys you are forced to take. I read that Tuberville was going to turn down Texas Tech because they wanted him to keep the staff but they backed down and let him bring in his own staff.

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

I actually take Cutcliffe's side if that was the reason for the dispute. I don't know many coaches that would want to come into a program and not have the ability to hire his own staff. You want guys you know and trust, not guys you are forced to take. I read that Tuberville was going to turn down Texas Tech because they wanted him to keep the staff but they backed down and let him bring in his own staff.

Yeah really and then if they lose because of conflicts in scheme/coaching style whose on the hot seat, it certainly wouldn't be the coordinators. Also if they are that frugal about money then he probably won't make much.

[fatediesel]

Originally Posted by O_V_N

Not huge news for anyone else, but after being turned down by several coaches (including former UGA safety Kirby Smart), UGA finally got a new DC today in Todd Grantham - current D-line coach for the Dallas Cowboys.

I'm pretty excited about it. His track record is impressive.

You can't blame Kirby Smart for turning down his alma mater. Another good year at Alabama and he'll probably be the hottest candidate for a head coaching job so there was nothing to gain by going to Georgia. Honestly it isn't out of the question that if Georgia has a bad year next season Richt could be out and Smart could replace him.

[Chordata]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

You can't blame Kirby Smart for turning down his alma mater. Another good year at Alabama and he'll probably be the hottest candidate for a head coaching job so there was nothing to gain by going to Georgia. Honestly it isn't out of the question that if Georgia has a bad year next season Richt could be out and Smart could replace him.

I never said I blamed him - I just wanted him badly. I think it worked out for the best, though. I am intrigued by Grantham.

And, yes, it is out of the question that Richt would be fired for one bad year. It won't happen. He'd get another year to straighten it out. If that didn't work, then there'd be a change.

I personally wouldn't mind him staying there forever, even if UGA has a few 1-win seasons. He's a classy person (the Florida moshpit celebration notwithstanding). I'd rather have him than a hundred Meyers, Sabans, Spurriers, Leaches, etc.