It's officially Carousel Season, and the activity has begun in earnest, as some hiring has already begun. Even though we have started the official season of firings and hiring, there seems to be a slow start to the firing portion of the business, but that doesn't mean that there isn't activity ongoing. Let's take a look at what's spinning on the Carousel this week!
UConn
One of the first jobs to open, this is taking a long time to lock down as far as who UConn intends on hiring. There are names popping up, and some serious consideration seems to be given to Michigan State DC Pat Narduzzi, Fordham Coach Joe Moorhead, Towson Coach Rob Ambrose, and Ball State Coach Pete Lembo.
My money remains on Towson's Ambrose, a former assistant with the Huskies under Randy Edsell, and a very successful coach who took Towson from the basement to near the top of the Colonial, a tough task in one of the best conferences in FCS football.
Pat Narduzzi is picking up the most steam otherwise, and may be a candidate for other jobs as well.
Wake Forest
Jim Grobe officially resigned this week, which was expected after a terrible 4-8 season. There aren't very many names attached to this job yet, but I would not be surprised if this job attracts the likes of now former USC interim coach Ed Orgeron.
Pete Lembo of Ball State could also be considered for this job, and don't forget about former assistant Brad Lambert, who is currently at start up program Charlotte. Another name to consider here is Clemson OC Chad Morris
Virginia
There has been no movement on Mike London yet, but it's largely thought that he will be removed very soon in some circles. There has been no mention of removal of assistants, no changes of any kind, and that is odd after the Cavs bottomed out at 2-10 this season.
Illinois
A late addition to our hot seat list was Tim Beckman. It was announced that Beckman will return in 2014. He will be on a short leash next fall, so if the Illini start cold, he could be an early casualty of the Dead Pool.
Nebraska
Bo Pelini will return in 2014, but not without likely staff changes taking place. A PR class would be a good thing for Pelini as well, because he will have to sell himself hard to a bitter fan base. The real reason Pelini returns is what would amount to a $7 million buyout.
Michigan
The administration has supported Brady Hoke, despite some late rumors to the contrary. Hoke will return with the staff intact, especially embattled OC Al Borges.
West Virginia
Dana Holgorson will return, not that I ever had any concept in my head that saw him leaving. Apparently Oliver Luck had to make a statement in regards to that fact. Not sure why.
Kansas
Charlie Weis has been on our hot seat list, but was never in real danger this season. Next season will be a different story, but KU showed some minor improvement this season.
Iowa State
I figured that Paul Rhoades could be gone, but he has thrown some assistants under the bus to save himself, and he gets one more season in 2014 to right the ship. Not expecting ISU to compete for a Big 12 title, but a mid tier finish is a must.
FAU
Eddie Gran will interview this week, as Luke Fickell has already interviewed for this job. If I were AD Patrick Chun, I'd stick with the hot hand here, and retain interim coach Brian Wright, who has done an amazing job.
Bethune-Cookman head coach Brian Jenkins is another name that has been tossed around with this job, and that would be an interesting choice. Jenkins has done an amazing job with the Wildcats of the MEAC.
Ed Orgeron was loosly tied to this job earlier this week, but many sources have declared that he did not apply.
UAB
Garrick McGee stays, but tossed some staff under the bus. It would appear that UAB will stick with McGee for one more season.
Eastern Michigan
There has been some minor movement on this job, but it appears that Colorado Mines Coach Jeff Wristen will interview for this job, and may be the best candidate for the position. Colorado Mines has been a very successful D2 program, and has been known for some major offensive fireworks under his watch.
In other MAC news, there has been no movement on Charlie Molnar at UMass as of yet.
Miami (Ohio)
Miami made a move today by hiring Notre Dame OC Chuck Martin, and Martin is now moving to put together a staff, which may include members of Notre Dame's staff. Martin has been a candidate for other MAC jobs in the past, and finally lands a gig that could be a major rebuilding job.
Florida
Will Muschamp stays at Florida next season thanks to what would have been an $8 million buyout. Muschamp has tossed OC Brent Pease under the bus, like this was his fault. Muschamp has a very friendly contract, so even if the Gators want to ditch him in 2014, it'll still be costly.
Mississippi State
With the MSU win over Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl, Dan Mullen will be retained. THis was a likely scenario, but had Mullen been canned, he would have been a serious candidate at UConn.
Washington
With Steve Sarkisian gone to USC, the job search began in earnest today. One major mistake that UW could make is to give the job to Marques Tuaiasosopo, who will coach the Huskies in their bowl game. He has no major experience to speak of, and they are using the Bowl as an audition. Bad idea.
Chris Petersen is being linked to this job, but I think we all know that this won't happen.
The Huskies should target Fresno State coach Tim DeRuyter as soon as the MWC title game is finished. Michigan State DC Pat Narduzzi would be an interesting look for the Huskies as well.
USC
With Steve Sarkisian now hired, one would think the drama in LA would be over with. Hardly. This hire has landed with a thud, and the Trojan faithful are hardly happy. Their ire is now turned on AD Pat Haden, who many, myself included, do not believe has acted in good faith. He screwed Ed Orgeron, making Coach O believe that he had a shred of a shot at the job in recent weeks he never had that shot), and now he has said that Sark was his number one target all along, this after calling on Chris Petersen amongst others as late as Sunday morning. He's fooled nobody, and nobody believes that story. If this doesn't work, we'll be right back in this boat in three short years.
More next week as the Carousel continues to turn!
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