Bo Pelini is now in the mix. According to a Miami Herald source, Nebraska gave Pellini permission to pursue the Miami job. Hocutt plans to speak to Pellini who has expressed some interest.
The Associated Press reports that Nebraska athletic director Tom Osburne did not grant permission for Pelini to speak with Miami nor did Pelini seek such permission.
Those of us at the OSG HQ feel Tuberville is the front runner. Tubs enjoys support from the football alumni plus he's been successful where ever he has coached.
Miami athletic director Kirby Hocutt is in New York City attending the National Football Foundation award ceremony, the College Football Hall of Fame inductions and find a new head coach for the Miami Hurricanes.
Jon Gruden has said no. It appears Dan Mullen can't be pried away from Starkville, MS and parlayed his status as a hot coaching commodity into a lucrative contract from Mississippi State.
It seems Stanford is renewing their commitment to Jim Harbaugh and all he has to do is put pen to paper to a new contract with the Cardinal. A couple of things about Harbaugh though, Michigan wants to reevaluate Rich Rodiriquez after their Gator Bowl game with Mississippi State. It's the ultimate "must-win" situation for Rich Rod. The Michigan job might open up and the deep pocketed Wolverine supporters might want Harbaugh back in Ann Arbor. Second is Stanford is playing in the Orange Bowl in Miami. Convenient for Hocutt to perhaps have a discussion about living full time in South Florida.
The odds of Miami hiring Harbaugh as the next Hurricane head coach are slim.
With Dan Mullen and Jim Harbaugh reportedly receiving new deals from the current employer who do the Hurricanes turn to now?
Connecticut head coach Randy Edsell might to be in Miami's cross hairs but according to a Connecticut spokesman won't be in the Big Apple but out of town recruiting.
Tommy Tuberville has said he hasn't been contacted by Miami. Tuberville told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal on Friday night,“I’m happy to be here. We just got this thing started. We want to keep it going. All the coaches like it here. I want to be here. So there’s no other thing to say.
“You can always say, ‘I’m not going’ or ‘I am going’ or ‘I’ll listen to them.’ There’s been no contact and that job’s been open, what, a week or so."
Another name that has been mentioned is Marc Trestman who is the head coach of the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. Under Trestman's watch the Alouettes have won back to back Grey Cups (For you with little CFL knowledge that Canada's Super Bowl). Before you laugh off Trestman keep in mind Trestman has recent college football experience and coached in the ACC. Trestman was offensive coordinator for NC State before heading north of the border.
No, we didn't say Jon Gruden. For a reason. Yes, we know that the "U" has a major "Thing" for the former NFL coach and now ESPN analyst. And yes, we know we've said that is the way they were leaning.
Sure, we know they had a meeting on Wednesday. Along with everyone else who had a source to confirm it, we did as well.
However. We don't think that Gruden's interest is as serious as the "U"'s is. He seems to be willing to listen, but our read is that they will have to floor him for it to happen.
You need to go back on our page a few stories--like to Tuesday, and read closely. We mentioned that there is a second option. Dan Mullen. Mullen has been very successful in his second season at Mississippi State. However, our OSG source tells us, the school seems to not think Mullen worthy....yet.
One other name we are told has been bandied about. Tommy Tuberville. Yes, former UM Assistant and current Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville. Our source tells us that many of the alumni--former player alumni, are pushing for him to be considered.
We honestly don't know who will end up with this job. Right now its the highest profile one out there. However, it isn't nearly the job today as it was 10-years ago. The school, we don't think, realizes that. We'll follow this story and continue to update it as the Coaching Carousel moves along.
Here's Tommy Tuberville arriving at his current job:
It would appear that there still is a match to be made here. Reports are starting to trickle out of the Miami area tonight that despite his denials, Jon Gruden is in line to be the next coach of the Hurricanes.
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel reporter Steve Groeten tweeted this tonight:
UM AD Kirby Hocutt and Jon Gruden meeting Wednesday to finalize details of a contract, according to a source close to situation.
He followed with this: A second source just confirmed the Hocutt-Gruden meeting.
Here is a longer version of a Groeten story also adding that if for some reason an agreement can't be reached with Gruden, Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen will be the fallback plan.
We believe that there may be something to these reports. While we don't quite get the Gruden thing...and we still aren't 100% convinced that its true, the Mullen option seems legit. No, Miami isn't in the SEC (they're in the crappy football playing ACC), they are still Miami and with the right guy in front of the program can be a factor. Maybe Gruden feels this is a way to prove he's that guy.
We'll keep following this story and let you know if and when things are official.
Here's a look at Gruden...on David Letterman's show:
Will the glory days ever return to the "U" or is 7-5 seasons the norm? With the firing of Randy Shannon the Miami Hurricanes are at a crossroads and finds itself trying to find the right fit for a head coach.
The Jon Gruden to the "U" rumors have been flying but Chucky himself has said he is content with his ESPN gig. Gruden would be nothing but a short term fix for Miami and would serve as an audition for the next NFL job. It would be a great hire but not one that would serve the programs long term interests. Of course I could be wrong.
Miami Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt has a list and these names just might be on it.
Mark Richt - If Richt is going to move on from Georgia this seems to be the time to do it. The Bulldogs have been mediocre at best the last two seasons which hasn't endeared Richt to the fan base. Keep in mind Richt was Jim Kelly's back up as a player at Miami so he's a alum. Richt has had some discipline issues at Georgia recently which might work against him. Bottom line, I would be shocked if Richt bolted Athens for South Beach.
Mike Leach - I know Leach has a big mouth and is a nightmare for his bosses but he his offense just might work for the Hurricanes. Leach's Texas Tech defenses weren't that good but does the same kind of athlete attend Texas Tech compared to Miami? Don't get me wrong, Leach at best would be maybe a third or fourth option but he's a proven coach and would bring some much needed excitement from an apathetic fan base. Does the "U" want to carry his baggage?
Tommy Tuberville - His credentials are tremendous. A winner in the SEC at Auburn. A successful first season at Texas Tech with a 7-5 record. Tuberville spent seven years at the "U" as an assistant coach so he knows the ins and outs of the program. Could Tubs be pried away from Lubbock, Texas after just one season?
Dan Mullen - The guy can coach offense. I think Mullen would be a great hire for Miami. Young coach whose done a tremendous job at Mississippi State. Mullen should get a call.
Gus Malzahn - Hottest assistant coach out there. Kirby Hocutt should have Malzahn's number on his speed dial. A must call.
Brent Ventables - Another assistant coach on many athletic director's list. Lack of head coaching experience will hurt his chances but he's is a known commodity to Hocutt, they were teammates at Kansas State in the early 1990's.
Ryan Mallett threw for 306 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner to Knile Davis in the second overtime, as 13th-ranked Arkansas beat 22nd-ranked Mississippi State 38-31 in a game a lot of folks wanted "mutually assured destruction" as their favorite outcome.
The Bulldogs had a chance to tie the game in the second overtime, but Chris Relf was hit hard as he tried to complete a fourth-down pass.
Davis rushed for 191 yards and two scores as Arkansas (9-2, 5-2 Southeastern Conference) won its fifth straight. Vick Ballard rushed for 156 yards and three touchdowns for Mississippi State (7-4, 3-4).
Here's your highlights with a lot of color commentary...
"Due to MSU dealing with ongoing and time-consuming eligibility issues involving non-football matters in the winter and spring of 2010, the specific SEC request went unfulfilled. Some additional information was provided to the SEC during July of 2010. Once the NCAA enforcement staff became involved, Mississippi State University cooperated fully with its investigation. MSU is confident the SEC office has managed this process consistent with its established procedures and the university is committed to the conference's ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with SEC and NCAA rules."
So, they waited six months after all... nice work...
Matt Kelly of The Sporting News pulled this quote from Mullen's interview with Sirius College Sports ((we're guessing the Arute-Leach Show))...
"I'm a big fan of Cam Newton," Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen told Sirius Sports Radio. "I was very close to him and his family."
Same with Oswald and Kennedy, right...???
Kelly also found this exchange...
When asked on Sirius Radio if he was saddened by the onslaught Newton has endured, Mullen said, "Oh, yeah, it's a tough thing to deal with."
An hour later, when asked about Newton on the SEC weekly teleconference, Mullen said, "We deal with players on our program that are on our team. Nothing else."
Think this goes to bed, now...???
And how do you think the Miss State and Florida games against Auburn game will go down on the Plains next season...???
Here's Joe Schad's attempt at a late update on the four-letter's flagship news and information program late Tuesday night...
For those of you that don't want to watch the whole thing, the gist of the back-and-forth with SVP is: Two sources who recruit for Mississippi State said that both Cecil and Cam Newton, admitted in separate phone conversations that they would play wherever they could get paid the most for their services.
Mississippi State compliance officials relayed the alleged conversations to the SEC in January, according to two other Schad sources.
From Schad:
After Newton committed to Auburn, another source said an emotional Cam Newton phoned another recruiter to express regret that he wouldn't be going to Mississippi State, stating that his father Cecil had chosen Auburn for him because "the money was too much."
In other posts here at OSG, we have relayed the notion that Florida head coach Urban Meyer has denied being the leak of anything resembling an academic record from Newton's time at the University of Florida.
Sources close to OSG have conveyed that it is a violation of federal law to have those kinds of academic records and/or questions about same exposed to the public. Newton, it is said by some, was up on some sort of academic cheating charges at UF and was set to appear in front of a student-faculty review. He then withdrew from school and transferred to Blinn ((TX)) Junior College.
You know the rest...
Since Newton never did appear, the topic should be irrelevant and/or moot. Meyer may very well deny he was the leak, but it could very well lead to former individuals associated with Meyer who are at other jobs at present- and could still have very close ties to Gainesville.
Make your own conclusion there...
Our same sources relay that since those involved with the academic council on the Florida campus admitted that since the Newton issue never came up and the case never came before them- that can only mean one thing. Someone close to the athletic department, with direct knowledge of the allegation, would have to have been the person who sent material where they deemed fit.
Again, draw your own conclusion as to the "who"... the number of individuals there are very scant in number. And it's a safe bet the same individuals, or associates of those individuals, were the same ones that may have allowed the Newton situation to get out of control at the University of Florida- allowing Newton the opportunity to get in trouble more than once within the same class instead of ceasing the alleged behavior after one report of an academic violation.
TMZ's Sports wing is reporting that the FBI now wants to speak directly with John Bond to determine the answer to the following inquiry:
"We are interested in whether young men are being shopped to colleges."
You'll have to excuse them. The HQ thinks they're just catching up to the realities of college athletics...
Two journalistic issues before we go: Chris Low of the four-letter credits a recent Cecil Newton quote addressing the situation to a visit to the Paul Finebaum Radio Network... problem- it never happened...
It was a two or three-day old sound bite from the beginning of the fray...
The committee could have levied sanctions against Newton that included suspension and expulsion from the university.
“He knew that he was facing a bad outcome,” the source said.
But, once again, the HQ re-emphasizes the committee never saw it. So, technically, it never happened. It's an un-story...
As is 130-percent of all of this to date... although we do like the show of Solidarity by women's hoops coach Nell Fortner ((photo, thanks al.com)) during her media day.
"I think he has represented this university well,'' Fortner said. "At Auburn, this is our athletic family. It's our family, and it's time to step up and it's time for everybody else to start stepping up and say, 'Hey, man... I think this story, it has no legs, and it's just ridiculous that is has gone on this far. So that's my opinion, and I'm just ready to step up and say enough's enough."
Either this is one of the largest frauds perpetuated in recent memory that EVERYONE in Auburn is in on, or point your collective noses toward Starkville for your answers until further notice...
The more this story plays out, the more it just doesn't sound or feel right. The allegation...that Auburn Quarterback Cam Newton had someone shopping him around to SEC schools; the puzzle pieces don't fit.
We don't discount reports that alleged player recruiter Kenny Rogers (no, not the gambler) made a call to his old friend at Mississippi State, John Bond and that Newton came up. However, Rogers vehemently denies it.
As for Auburn, OSG Sources with knowledge of their internal investigation tell us "Auburn is not involved in any of this". "We have know reason to believe that there is any problem with Cam and his eligibility"
For some background on the the high standing the Newton family is held, read this story from AJC.com RIGHT HERE
The other strange twist here, Urban Meyer's name is being brought up as the "Source" for the original ESPN.com story. Allegedly, it came from a rumored conversation between Bond, Miss. St. Head Coach and Meyer disciple Dan Mullen and Meyer. Supposedly, Bond and Mullen made Meyer aware of the Rogers offer and told him they reported it to the SEC. Meyer...allegedly was furious and supposedly said he'd make sure the illegal recruiting got out in the media.
We don't buy that. We can't however rule it out. Why would Meyer do that? The only reason that makes any sense is if Florida got somehow to the SEC Championship game and faced Auburn that he wouldn't want to face Newton, but that doesn't make sense either...does it?
Here is some more background from AL.com RIGHT HERE
No, here is what we think happened. Rogers...for whatever reason made the call. We have no reason to believe that Bond is making that up. Rogers, we believe is a part of the sorted underbelly of college recruiting that we've discussed so frequently. He'll get his.
We think the victim in all of this is Newton. Could we be wrong? Sure. Would it be possible that he shopped himself to schools? Yeah. Do we think it happened this time? No. In fact. As of right now, no rules, at all...have been broken. There is no indication....anywhere that Mississippi State did anything wrong. There is no indication....anywhere....that Auburn did anything wrong. And there is no indication...anywhere that Cam Newton...or anyone in his family did anything wrong.
Here is some sound with Newton after Auburn's homecoming game against Chattanooga.....Again...much thanks to Al.com/The Birmingham News:
The biggest turn Friday in the Cam Newton-did-he-or-didn't-he case is that his current school is said to not had any contact with "agent"/middle man/broker Kenny Rogers as Cameron Newton was trying to decide where he was going after his championship year at Blinn ((TX)) Community College.
One of those "sources" close to the administration claims the school hasn't heard from Rogers at all.
That same person told the Associated Press that Auburn has not received an official letter of inquiry and that Newton's eligibility has not come into question at all.
Mark Schlabach discusses with David Lloyd...
The HQ would like to point out a few things we've noticed...
1) Why would the Newtons, presumably, take a $20,000 paycut and the portion of their take, to have the "hometown discount" from Starkville if Rogers got Newton to go there...???
2) Wouldn't you want your full percentage of the till if you were really greedy and were looking for a payday to direct your kid to go where he was being directed to go by his handler/middle man/"agent...???"
3) Hasn't all this stuff been known since December...??? Why come forward now...???
4) Dan Mullen, by all accounts, thought he had Newton dead to rights. When he was on the PFRN, he avoided the topic altogther saying, in effect, there's a lot more to it and that "it would all come out in the book."
Whatever in the blue hell that means...
Well, we may now know what that means...
5) In the first edition of the four-letter's highlight show, they waited at least 12 minutes to reference the story.
Shouldn't it have been the lead...??? Why wait on it...???
The biggest question is: "Who axe is grinding now...???"
John Bond, one of the focal points of the story was interviewed today on WCNN radio in Atlanta:
Here is an interview conducted this afternoon with the fan site auburnundercover.com:
Nothing like crapping on Auburn's perfect season to date...
The three writers for the four-letter authored a piece saying that former MSU QB John Bond had been told, by someone claiming to represent the Newton Family, that Cam Newton could be going to Starkville if the price was right...
Namely, six figures worth of price...
Kenny Rogers, a former teammate of Bond's at MSU, runs something "Elite Football Preparation" and Rogers' job is currently listed as an "agent." Rogers told Bond that some schools had agreed to a $200K pricetag for Newton's services, but MSU could have him for only $180K.
Gee, thanks... nice hometown discount...
All this would be beyond bad for the Plains...
Cecil Newton denied any shenanigans to Forde, Low, and Schlabach... "If Rogers tried to solicit money from Mississippi State, he did it on his own, without our knowledge," Cecil Newton said.
Rogers is also under investigation by the NFLPA for not acting on the up-and-up.
The HQ, through its Auburn understandings, was told that Cecil Newton convinced his son to go to another school other than MSU since- if Cam was to put the whole Florida mess behind him- he would have to disassociate himself with everything Florida.
That included Bulldogs Head Coach Dan Mullen who was obviously an assistant under Urban Meyer when all the bad ju-ju was front and center in Gainesville.
More when we know more...
1940 UPDATE: Pete Thamel of the New York Times, via his Twitter feed, confirms that the NCAA is investigating the recruiting of Cam Newton
2125 UPDATE: Charles Goldberg of al.com relays that Cecil Newton has retained an attorney for the coming storm... "I am not sure who all is behind it. It will eventually come out."
Goldberg caught up with Head Coach Gene Chizik... "Unfortunately, I can't comment on it. But here's what I can and I will this say very loud and very clear: Cameron Newton is eligible at Auburn University, period. End of story."
Here's WBRC-TV/Fox 6's Rick Dubberly with Paul Finebaum... F-baum was standing in their newsroom...
Tuesday PM UPDATE: Bell passed earlier on Tuesday...
"This is a tragedy for Nick’s family, our football program, our community and everyone who had the privilege to meet and be around Nick Bell,” said MSU coach Dan Mullen in a statement released by the school. “Nick was a son and a brother to our football family and I know he will continue to look over us from heaven. Nick lived his life like a champion and will always be remembered in our hearts that way. During this impossible time, we pray for Nick’s family and all those he has touched.”
The team was informed at a meeting early Tuesday afternoon. Funeral arrangements have not been announced by the family at this time, but the MSU athletic department will establish a memorial fund for the Bell family through the Bulldog Club. More details will be available online at www.MStateAthletics.com.
Below is the OSG original story...
Nick Bell/Courtesy: mississippi state athletics
We really hate to hear about a story like this.
Nick Bell, a sophomore defensive end for the Mississippi State Bulldogs is battling cancer. Bell, had a cancerous mass removed from his brain back at the beginning of October. It was a form of skin cancer. That cancer doctors think was related to a lesion removed two years ago.
Bell's coach, Dan Mullen canceled appearances today and is with him and his family in Birmingham at the University of Alabama-Birmingham's hospital. Bell had emergency surgery this morning and is in intensive care.
Bell, had played in four games this season for the Bulldogs
More on today's events from the Jackson Clarion-Ledger RIGHT HERE
Al.com is also discussing this story, the link, RIGHT HERE
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bell family and those at Mississippi State.
The latest in the Cameron Newton "Did he or didn't he" saga is now leading to this...
According to FOSG Chuck Oliver, via his Twitter account, the NCAA has encouraged Auburn University to sit Newton for the south's oldest rivalry- kickoff set for 3:30 eastern time on CBS.
From Yahoo!Sports: NCAA has made Auburn aware of potential eligibility issue. Now Auburn decides whether to risk playing him. Their risk.
Newton travelled to Montgomery to the team's away hotel with the rest of the squad last night. The team, traditionally, stays away from campus for home games.
Prevailing and conventional wisdom is leading to a shenanigan involving Cecil Newton and his involvement with Mississippi State boosters and/or personnel. The knowledge that Cameron newton may have had of his father's alleged activities is unknown at present.
Urban Meyer is mystified/Courtesy: Matt Stamey/Gainesville Sun
We've made no secret that we aren't fans of the University of Florida. For some of us, it goes back to a childhood of growing up in that part of the world.
So, with that being said, there has been a smile on our faces as the once mighty Gators have fallen on hard times. Three straight losses...three different ways, have shown cracks in the once mighty Gator veneer.
The latest loss, a 10-7 defeat at the hands of Mississippi State. The coach at Miss. State, Dan Mullen, formerly Gator offensive coordinator.
Read the newspaper recap from the Gainesville Sun RIGHT HERE
Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel is looking for scapegoats RIGHT HERE
We think that Urban Meyer may be understating when he says "We aren't very good right now". They aren't. But the expectation level from the fanbase down there is so crazily obscene that anything less than 11-1 is considered a monumental failure. It shouldn't be.
As much as we weren't "Fans" of the Tebow, it's obvious how much they miss him. It's also obvious how much he carried them the past 4 years. For whatever reason, the Gators have not made the adjustments to the personnel that they have. The team was built without a power runner, that hurts them. Defenses have figured out the "Zone Read" and it is obvious that the offense doesn't fit the Quarterback. But they don't have the offense to fit John Brantley.
They have a week off to stew over what happened and come up with a better plan. The question is....are they capable of pulling it off?
Here is some Urban Meyer post game from Gatorvision.tv:
Here is some Q and A with John Brantley, also from Gatorvision.tv:
We would add some Mississippi State post game here, but nobody in Mississippi State has posted any on the internet...anywhere.
Those of us at OSG HQ have determined, to no one's surprise, that Arkansas and Mississippi State are the most improved teams in the SEC this season.
You've seen what Ryan Mallette can do when given an offense not like Michigan's. ANd with Dan Mullen teaching athletes in Starkville, you've seen the results again.
This includes a win over a drain-circling Ole Miss team in this year's Egg Bowl.
FOSG Heather Cook has your highlights from the world of Conference USA and the previously mentioned Ole Miss-Miss State game...
Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive has issued a public reprimand to Mississippi State University head football coach Dan Mullen for his public comments concerning officiating Sunday.
"Coach Mullen has violated the Southeastern Conference Code of Ethics," Slive said. "SEC Bylaw 10.5.4 clearly states that coaches, players and support personnel shall refrain from all public criticism of officials.”
Mullen said the replay official who worked the Bulldogs' 29-19 loss to Florida should be disciplined for not overturning an interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter by Gators linebacker Dustin Doe, who might have fumbled before reaching the goal line.
The replay official listed for the game in Starkville on Saturday night was Dan Dembinski.
Those of us at OSG HQ are now taking bets as to the next SEC coach who is going to get written up... Vandy's Bobby Johnson is not at the top of our list...
Mississippi State running back Anthony Dixon was arrested during the weekend.
An arrest report from the Starkville Police Department says Dixon was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after officers found him intoxicated late Saturday night with two empty champagne bottles on the floorboard of his car.
Mississippi State spokesman Joe Galbraith says coach Dan Mullen is still trying to gather facts before deciding on disciplinary action and won't comment yet.
The 21-year-old from Terry was recently named preseason second-team All-Southeastern Conference and is the Bulldogs' best returning offensive player.
He rushed for 869 yards and seven touchdowns to bring his career totals to 2,603 yards and a Mississippi State record 30 touchdowns.
WCBI-TV Sports Anchor Tim Kelchner had this VO on the story over the weekend- complete with the embedded commercial beforehand that we neither condone nor endorse...
Mullen and Dixon officially commented Monday through the normal Sports Information channels...
Mullen: "Obviously I'm extremely disappointed in Anthony Dixon's selfish decisions on Saturday night that led to his arrest. This is a topic that we've discussed with our team several times; and we expect each of our student-athletes to not put themselves in this position. We'll continue to work with law enforcement while educating our players about these matters. Anthony's discipline will be appropriate and will be handled inside the football program."
Senior running back Anthony Dixon: "I sincerely apologize to not only my coaches and teammates, but also to all of the Mississippi State fans that I've let down by my poor decisions. I will accept whatever punishment Coach Mullen decides and hope I can move forward and prepare to help this team."
And if it one thing Miss State needs, it's offense...
Apparently, it came down to Mullen ((pictured, thanks gainesvillesun.com/Rob C. Witzel)) and Oklahoma's Kevin Wilson. But Mullen's familiarity with the Southeastern Conference was the tipper. It is unclear whether or not Mullen will stay with the University of Florida through its preparations for the BCS Title Game.
Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun reports that the replacement for Mullen could be wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales. he currently game plans the gator offense.
Kyle Veazey of the Jackson Clarion-Ledger reports that a flight from Gainesville, Florida is scheduled to land in Starkville within the hour ((3:54 EDT)) according to flightaware.com. There is a basketball game scheduled tonight for the Humphrey Coliseum at 7:00 EDT .
The Bulldogs play Charlotte. Connect the dots as you see fit... Carry on...
