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First, the bad news. As we know, Kirby Smart has all-but-taken the job at Georgia. For many reasons, this is a blow to the Alabama program (though perhaps quite not as fatal as many would expect.)
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UPDATE:
Phil Savage says on XM/Sirius sources tell him Kirby Smart will stay on through bowl/playoff.
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) December 3, 2015
Phil Savage is Alabama's color guy on the play-by-play with Eli Gold. Safe to say that guy has some sources.
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UPDATE:
Reports: Memphis to hire Arizona State OC Mike Norvell as coach - CBSSports.com
Turning down multiple opportunities to advance his career as an offensive coordinator away from Arizona State and Todd Graham, with whom he has spent the past eight seasons, Norvell's patience obviously paid off as he will now lead a Memphis program that has steadily risen to prominence in the American Athletic Conference under the watchful eye of Justin Fuente.
A solid first-time HC job is off the board. RB Coach Burton Burns was mentioned for this, as well as the still-open career dead-ender at Tulane.
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UPDATE:
Report: Will Muschamp unlikely to return to Auburn | The State
Muschamp, 44, didn’t return a phone call from The State seeking comment. He’s scheduled to meet in person with Gamecocks athletics director Ray Tanner before the weekend, a source told The State. He was hired as the Tigers’ defensive coordinator last offseason after initially having contact with South Carolina officials about the same role with the Gamecocks.
What a trainwreck. Spurrier quits, the 'Cocks don't move on Kirby, Fuente, Herman, etc. and jump straight to a retread with no offensive acumen in a division that requires it? Oh, did I mention that South Carolina has practically zero returning talent next year? Boom will be out on his ass in three years. Book it.
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UPDATE:
Missouri Tigers name Barry Odom head coach
Missouri defensive coordinator Barry Odom has been named the program's new coach, the school announced Thursday night. Odom, who agreed to a five-year contract, replaces Gary Pinkel, whose retirement became effective after the Tigers' season-ending loss to Arkansas on Nov. 27. Odom, a Missouri graduate, was Missouri's defensive coordinator last season after returning from Memphis.
Excellent hire. Memphis wanted him badly and couldn't afford him. Players adore the MU alum; he is a terrific DL coach and DC. We don't know if he can run an SEC program, but, he will get a long honeymoon period to prove it.
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The good news? Two jobs connected to two other Alabama coordinators/assistants are now off the board with Miami's hiring of Mark Richt at Miami (Lane Kiffin, Mario Cristobal) and Maryland's hiring of former Florida/Michigan DC, D.J. Durkin (Lane Kiffin.)
So, here is some news, and we'll update this one as needed above, and have some coverage on Alabama's upcoming defensive coordinator search if/when that becomes relevant, as well as any staff vacancies that may arise if Coach Smart poaches the Tide staff.
From the Mothership:
The 2015 college football coaching rumors tracker, with news for 20 changing jobs and more - SBNation.com
Teams still in the market for head coaches
Memphis- North Texas
- Rutgers
South Carolina(?)Missouri- Syracuse
- Tulane
- ULM
- Virginia
Now, for some coverage:
Missouri to interview Utah State coach Matt Wells | Yardbarker.com
Missouri is in the market for a new head coach with Gary Pinkel retiring, and their attention is now on Matt Wells. PowerMizzou.com’s Gabe DeArmond reports that the Tigers are going to interview Wells, who has been the head coach at Utah State since the 2013 season. Wells took over from current Oregon State coach Gary Andersen at Utah State and went 9-5, 10-4, and now 6-6 this season.
A potential second chance as an SEC head coach for Will Muschamp would come with a familiar look on defense and a "new attitude" towards offense, according to multiple sources. Muschamp, currently the defensive coordinator at Auburn, has drawn interest from South Carolina and its athletics director, Ray Tanner. The Gamecocks are looking to replace Steve Spurrier, who resigned midseason. Muschamp's defensive staff would almost certainly include current Auburn defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson and linebackers coach Lance Thompson, with Robinson as defensive coordinator. Robinson worked on Muschamp's Florida staff and is also a candidate to join the staff of newly hired Maryland head coach D.J. Durkin, himself a former member of the UF defensive staff.
Mark Richt coming to Miami as head coach of his alma mater - SBNation.com
The former Hurricanes quarterback (he was a backup on a roster that included Jim Kelly) is an offensive-minded coach, having been Florida State's offensive coordinator before coming to Georgia. Richt has said that he wants to work hands-on with players, specifically quarterbacks, and Miami is returning quarterback Brad Kaaya next year. This is great news for Miami fans, many of whom wanted Richt
In case you missed it, Saban had some interesting comments recently when asked whether his success has led to increased pressure on his peers:
Chime in below with your thoughts, speculations, etc. We'll try and keep most coach-talk over here to prevent derailment of other threads. One thing is certain though, we're in for a long six weeks, folks.