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More on Applewhite: UPDATED

By Todd

[editor's note, by Todd]
I'm going to bump this to the top of the page since it's THE story of the day, and because I'm also going to be pretty busy the rest of the day and won't have a chance to check for updates on the situation. If you guys hear anything, post it in the comments or diaries. There also a couple of updated links at the bottom of this post.

He's on a plane to Austin to interview:

Major Applewhite spent Monday showing a high-profile recruit around the University of Alabama campus. That may not matter if the Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator leaves for his alma mater.

Applewhite plans to step on a plane this morning bound for Austin and the University of Texas, The Birmingham News has learned. During the trip, Applewhite, the popular former Longhorns quarterback, is expected to get an offer to replace running backs coach Ken Rucker.

And then there's also this gem from Bama commit Damian Square that is sure to make him an instant fan favorite before he ever sets foot on campus:

"Oh, wow. A little (upsetting)," said defensive tackle Damion Square of Houston. "I would've loved to have Applewhite. If he wants to win championships, and I know Applewhite does, then he'll stay. You don't win no championships at UT, man. You win championships at UA. But he's got to do what he's got to do."

Meanwhile, Burnt Orange Nation wants him for the positive effect he can have on the Texas staff:

What I keep coming back to, though, is that he's a young, fresh, eager offensive coach interviewing to step in and assist an offensive staff which - everyone agrees - has long been in need of an injection. Major Applewhite doesn't need to be a Football Coaching Genius to be useful to this staff. By definition, he - as a young, bright coach with a fresh perspective - is exactly what Texas Longhorn football fans have asked for to assist Greg Davis.

Update [2008-1-15 11:14:9 by Todd]:

A couple more links:

Ian Rapaport plays the part of psychoanalyst.

Star Jackson's high school coach says he is firmly committed to the Tide, with or without Applewhite.

Update [2008-1-15 12:16:55 by Todd]:

Don't look now folks, but war has been declared. Speaking as someone who earnestly feels the only good things about Texas are Willie Nelson and the Texas Tech Swim Team (I've been to your Hooters, and your Hooters girls are no trashier than ours!), I say we get Willie, the swimmers, all of our present recruits, and Applewhite out of Texas and then start bombing. Who's with me?


Sit tight, Willie, I'm coming to save you!

Update [2008-1-15 15:54:20 by Todd]:

It looks like we might not know anything (at least not officially) until Thursday:

But there will be no official announcement on who gets the job until at least Thursday. That’s the first day UT can make anything official. The job opening, which was created when Ken Rucker accepted another position within the department a week ago, wasn’t posted until last Wednesday. UT has to wait five business days before filling it, says UT athletic director DeLoss Dodds.

Other tidbits from the article:

* Brown typically doesn't bring in candidates for official interviews unless a job offer is forthcoming.

* Applewhite is the only candidate they have spoken to that has received an interview.

* A source "close to the situation" (which could be some random guy in Austin, for all we know) says that the position he is interviewing for is not one in which he will call the plays.

(h/t The Rap Sheet)

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