Harbaugh Heads To 49ers

((HT: KGO-TV San Francisco))

To the tune of 5 years and $25-million... it keeps him close to Andrew Luck. It keeps him close to Stanford. And it keeps him close to family...

Seems logical...

"I felt that way after landing (after the Orange Bowl); I talked to Jed, we were talking ball and I felt like I knew the direction I wanted to go, all along I was making my mind up, I think," Harbaugh said.

He's been a pro QB, but not a pro coach. But he destroyed everything in his path at Stanford and San Diego... 57-25 overall...

Here's coverage from our friends in San Francisco...

BREAKING: Luck Stays At Stanford

Let the questions begin...

And now does Jim Harbaugh stay at Stanford, too...??? Or does he go to a place well worth its weight in crap and wait for a second year in a row for Andrew Luck to be his quarterback...???

Luck says he will stay in school for another year instead of entering the NFL
draft. He was widely considered to be the Number 1 pick by Carolina if he chose to leave school early and declare for the NFL Draft. But he says he wants to remain at Stanford so he can graduate as scheduled next year.

He's leaving $55-million on the table and it remains to be seen if his stock will go anywhere but down and turn into Jake Locker and Matt Leinart...

"I am committed to earning my degree in architectural design from Stanford University and am on track to accomplish this at the completion of the spring quarter of 2012," Luck said in a statement.

Good luck with that...
Here's what we get for another season...
Maybe...
((HT: JayBartelsTV/ESPN))

Jim Harbaugh Has The World On A String

Who isn't envious of Jim Harbaugh. You have NFL teams throwing millions of dollars at you to coach their team. Your alma mater wants to move heaven and earth to bring you back and your current employer might sweeten the pot too.

The University of Michigan just canned a head coach that was doomed before the inked dried on the contract. Harbaurgh is the chosen "Michigan Man" to repair the train wreck yet he doesn't seem to want to accept the role.

Three NFL teams are ready to offer Harbaugh with checks with a lot of zeros on them and willing to do whatever to sweeten the offer.

Damn sucks to be Harbaugh.

Wednesday Harbaugh interviewed for six hours with newly appointed San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke and team owner Jed York about their head coaching vacancy.

Executives for the Miami Dolphins are having "exploratory talks" with Harbaugh but their is no head coach opening with the Dolphins.

Sources have told the Sun Sentinel that the Dolphins have put a decision on the coaching staff in a holding pattern.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-dolphins-contact-jim-harbaugh-010520110104,0,7758119.story

In others word if Harbaugh is interested in moving to South Florida Tony Sparano is a goner.

Maybe Sparano sees the writing on the wall. (Thanks Sun Sentinel.com)



Is John Elway infatuated with Jim Harbaugh? Elway is the decision maker now with the Denver Broncos and a Stanford alum. Bringing Harbaugh in might revive Broncomania in the Rockies.

All Harbaugh has to do is listen pitches and count the money.

Photo Courtesy: AP

Cowher or Harbaugh to Miami...Are you sure?

Bill Cowher-the coach

No. Heck, the carousel has thus far spawned more rumors and half-truths then actual changes. We aren't really sure who to believe because it seems everyone is either rushing to be the first to report something...or has an agenda.

That being said, we will report on a story in the Miami Herald this morning in part because they are usually a legit outlet and because they cover our favorite team--The Miami Dolphins.

The Herald quotes what they term "Multiple NFL Sources" that the Dolphins have reached out to hot candidate Jim Harbaugh and CBS NFL Analyst Bill Cowher. We reported on the Harbaugh contact yesterday, Cowher has already gone on record saying he'd be interested in Miami.

Read the report from this mornings Miami Herald RIGHT HERE

While we tend to believe this report is pretty accurate, we aren't real confident that Harbaugh would be seriously interested. It also doesn't speak too well to the job security of one Tony Sparano, who's not been a failure as a head coach, but hasn't been a huge success either.

As for Cowher. That is a more interesting thought. Supposedly the interest is mutual, however, Cowher wants complete control over most everything, the Dolphins, for their part aren't sure they want to give it to him.

Stay tuned sports fans, the Carousel keeps a spinnin'....

In the meantime, enjoy this behind the scenes look at Bill Cowher, TV Analyst as done by Larry Richert of KDKA-TV:

Jim Harbaugh Stones Both Q&A Sessions In Orange Bowl

This is what happens when you don't want to answer questions about your future...

You completely blow off the post-game interview opportunities presented to you and your school after an Orange Bowl win...

Example A...
((HT: ESPN/Youtube-Sportsgeeks))


And Example B...
((HT: ESPN/Youtube))


If that ain't cringe-worthy television, the HQ don't know what is...

We do give Michelle Tafoya props-and-a-half for yanking Andrew Luck out of his post-game scrum on the field ((not shown)). As the rights-holder, she had that privilege and executed it brilliantly...

You go, girlfriend...

Carousel Update: Harbaugh to Miami? Marvin stays in Cincinnati??

((ht: adam schefter-ESPN//jason lacanfora-NFL.com))

The carousel keeps spinning and could be taking a strange turn. Reports are surfacing on two fronts this morning.

One: The chief domino in where the coaches will fall into line, Jim Harbaugh may actually end up with the Miami Dolphins. Stunned? Yeah, so were we.

According to NFL.com's Jason LaCanfora on Twitter: "Dolphins have had contact with Jim Harbaugh, who was in Florida last week for Orange Bowl. Continue to hear this could happen"


This could be interesting but. Apparently, Harbaugh will not decide until he hears what Stanford QB Andrew Luck decides to do. Luck, generally considered the best NFL ready QB in College Football, is an underclassman. He's eligible to go pro, but there is no consensus one way or the other as to whether he will.

Stay tuned.

As for Marvin Lewis, it appears he's staying in Cincinnati. Again, somewhat surprised, but we had a thought it might happen.

Per Adam Schefter on Twitter: "Bengals expect HC Marvin Lewis now will remain in Cincinnati. The two sides expect to resolve any issues within the next 24 hours"


Seriously, we were in the minority that thought Lewis would stick around with the caveat being what the Brown family wanted to do with his requests/demands. We, quite frankly are amazed that they may give in, though realistically, the team would have a hard time finding a coach better than Lewis. The Bengals, we think, realize who they are and can get better, but only if the organization makes some changes.

Again, the Carousel, continues to spin:

TWTW Bowling: Cardinal Prettier Than Chicago Maroon In Orange Bowl

Stanford's Andrew Luck, the Heisman Trophy runner-up, threw for 287 yards and four TD's to lead Stanford past Virginia Tech 40-12 in the Orange Bowl.

The Cardinal (now 12-1) should end the season ranked in the top 5 for the first time since the school's unbeaten 1940 team finished Number 2 in the country. Four years ago, they were 1-11 and hired Harbaugh as coach.

Virginia Tech (now 11-3), playing in a bowl game for the 18th consecutive year, fell to 1-27 against top-5 teams...

Yeesh...

This was about the only thing to go well for Tech in the game- an amazing scramble creation by Tyrod Taylor for the touchdown...
((HT: ESPN/Youtube))



Here's more highlights of Stanford's rout of Virginia Tech (Thanks Youtube.com)



Travis Wells of WDBJ-TV in Roanoke, Virginia filed this report from Sun Life Stadium. (Thanks WDBJ-TV)

 

Let the speculation begin now as to when Luck goes- where Harbaugh goes. Since, after all, John Elway was on the Stanford sideline.

Commence speculating...

Photo Courtesy: Streeter Lecka / Getty Images

Your Black Monday primer or The Coaching Carousel Hits full speed- Frazier In, Del Rio And Kubiak Safe

Jim Harbaugh/courtesy: football-refs.com

There is a lot to keep an eye on today and this week with today traditionally being a big day for coaching hires and fires in both the NFL and the NCAA.

Here are your story lines:

The big domino in all this is Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh. Where he ends up will determine what happens with quite a few others. Harbaugh is coaching Stanford in the Orange Bowl Monday night.

His name has already been attached to the Michigan job, should they fire Rich Rodriguez, but reports are surfacing that he's not interested.

The Big Lead says it won't happen RIGHT HERE

Quite honestly, Rodriguez hasn't been fired yet after the Wolverines collapse late this season and into their bowl game. Athletic Director Dave Brandon says that he'll make a decision on Rich Rod's fate, by sometime this week.

The Detroit News speculates about what is next RIGHT HERE. Note in this story that the fall back plan may include San Diego State head coach Brady Hoke, who could actually be the best choice here.

The popular call: Harbaugh is going to the NFL, quite possibly with the 49ers, with the Broncos and former Stanford alum John Elway, making a case as well.

Other Coaching News:

We talked this weekend about the Vikings keeping Leslie Frazier and NFL.com's Michael Lombardi reporting the Jason Garrett will get interim removed from his head coaching title. There's much more.

Marvin Lewis/Courtesy: uglyfours.com

Will Marvin Lewis stay in Cincinnati? Doubtful. There have already been published reports that Marvin may be the one walking away from this marriage. He's let it be known he'd stay...but only on his terms. And quite honestly, his terms aren't unreasonable...except for the fact that he's in Cincinnati.

Marvin's contract expired yesterday. And we know he is meeting with team president/owner/alleged G.M Mike Brown today. We don't expect Brown to capitulate since he believes he's smarter than pretty much everyone else.

The local spin from WCPO Sports Director John Popovich RIGHT HERE

Yahoo Sports speculates Marvin could end up with the job at Pitt RIGHT HERE

Jeff Fisher/Courtesy: girlofwords.com

ESPN's Adam Schefter tweets "Niners target remains Stanford HC Jim Harbaugh. But team is also preparing to speak with Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis"


Another big name coach, Jeff Fisher. Fisher's Titans struggled mightily at the end of the season and didn't look totally interested in, well, much of anything the last few games. Combine that with the highly publicized battles between Fisher and owner Bud Adams' pet project, one Vince Young and you've got the possibility of the leagues longest tenured coach being unemployed this week.

The teams executive committee and Fisher are, according to reports, scheduled to meet later this week and decide what to do.

So says the National Football Post RIGHT HERE

The Tennessean's David Climer wraps up the tumultuous Titan season...RIGHT HERE

And there's more.....

The Browns have parted ways with Eric Mangini leading to all kinds of speculation. From Team President Mike Holmgren taking the job, to perennial coaching job favorite Jon Gruden.

However, the name that keeps popping up....believe it or not, fired Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox.

From NFL.com's Jason LaCanfora via Twitter: "From what I've gathered on the Browns situation, I see John Fox landing there as head coach with Mike McCoy as offensive coordinator"


It does make some sense, Fox and Holmgren have known each other for years and Fox did have early success in Carolina. However, the Panthers have struggled mightily the past couple of years and though nobody directly pointed the finger at Fox, some blame has to go his way for losing his team.

As for McCoy, he is/was the Offensive Coordinator in Denver, but the Broncos don't currently have a Head Coach, and there is no guarantee that he'd get to keep his job, so it makes sense since Fox is a defensive guy and McCoy has gotten some props for what he's done in Denver.

Other nuggets:


NFL teams looking for coaches: The Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, The Cleveland Browns. Expect the Miami Dolphins and possibly the Jacksonville Jaguars to join that list along with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Possible Coaching names to watch: Mike Zimmer, D-Coordinator in Cincinnati, Atlanta Falcons O-Coordinator Mike Mularkey, possibly Bill Cowher and probably Jon Gruden...since he's attached to every job.

College Coaching Carousel: It all depends on what Harbaugh does. If he goes NFL, then Brady Hoke will be in play. Also, expect someone to take a run at Chris Peterson in Boise and Gary Patterson of TCU. Neither of them will leave. Mike Leach's name will continue to pop-up for jobs as well. And we are hearing that Mangini has already been attached to the opening at UConn since Randy Edsall left to go to Maryland.

All in all, it will be a busy next few weeks, as always, check in here at the Online Sports Guys for the latest in all of this.

Here is the most appropriate video clip we could find, from the movie Logan's Run, welcome to Carousel:



PM UPDATE: Leslie Frazier had the "interim" tag taken off his title in Minnesota...

Jack Del Rio is safe in Jacksonville... even though the team is 4-11 in December
and January under Del Rio the last three years.

Del Rio is the first coach since the NFL merger in 1970 to lead the same team for eight years without capturing a division title.

Gary Kubiak remains head coach in Houston, but they'll need a new DC as Frank Bush is out. Houston also fired secondary coach David Gibbs, LB coach Johnny Holland and assistant LB coach Robert Saleh.

Bum Phillips showed up at Texans practice last week and chatted with owner Bob McNair. People are now thinking that Wade Phillips may be the new DC.

More when we know more...

The Search Continues In Miami.

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.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-miami-hurricanes-football-coach-up20101206,0,7081130.story

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."

http://www.redraiders.com/2010/12/03/tuberville-addresses-miami-speculation/

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.

For Kirby Hocutt, the search continues.

TWTW: Kiffykins Loses Another One On Last Second FG

((HT: ESPN on ABC/Youtube))

Okay, so you score with 72 seconds left, and you think you have it made...

As someone on Saturdays says: Not so fast my friend...

Stanford's Andrew Luck set up Nate Whitaker's game-winning 30-yard field goal, giving the Cardinal a 37-35 victory and giving USC its second straight last-second defeat.

The HQ can't help but chuckle...

The loss dropped USC's record to 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the Pacific 10 Conference.

"We're at the lowest of the lows," USC quarterback Matt Barkley said, "and it's very tough because we were at the highest of the highs just two weeks ago."

It marked the first time since 2000 that Stanford defeated the Trojans at Stanford Stadium. And it marks the first time since 2001 that USC has lost two games in a row.

"We are so close to being good," Coach Lane Kiffin said, "but we are not there yet."

Mike Patrick had the pleasure of calling this one...


The HQ especially likes the Death Glare From Lane at, about the :30 mark...

TWTW: Oregon Puts The Hammer Down On Stanford

((HT: KVAL-TV Eugene))

Darron Thomas threw for 238 yards and three TD's to lead Oregon to a 52-31 victory over 9th-ranked Stanford.

The Ducks, now 5-0, fell behind 21-3 in the first quarter, but forced two turnovers in the second half to flip the script in the Ducks favor. LaMichael James ran for 257 yards and three touchdowns.

It was Oregon's 13th straight win at Autzen Stadium and 10th consecutive Pac-10 win.
The Cardinal, dropping to 4-1, have not won a game while ranked in the top 10 since 1970.

Saturday's game was the first time Oregon and Stanford have faced each other as ranked teams. The Cardinal have not started a season 5-0 since 1951, when they won the then-Pacific Coast Conference and a shot at the Rose Bowl.

Nick Krupke was indoors after the game was over...

TWTW: Kelly's Heroes Far From It, Stanford Blows Out Irish...

Okay... question for you...

How many of you bought into what Brian Kelly was selling this year at Notre Dame...?

The HQ was thinking, maybe, an 8-win team just because of the really crappy schedule.

But Stanford was not one of those crappy teams, there fore, the win would not be coming for the Irish. The 16th-ranked Cardinal improved to 4-0 while the Irish drop to 1-3. It's the 11th straight loss against a ranked team for Notre Dame and the 7th loss in eight games overall for the Irish.

Tell you something...???

Kelly, for this to work in South Bend, has to be able to flush out the guys from the Weis Administration and get his players in. But the next thought will be whether or not the rank-and-file will have enough patience to make that happen...

The same questions that are happening in Ann Arbor right now...

Good news: Dayne Crist was 25-of-44 for 304 yards with a TD, a pick, and a fumble.
Bad news: The Irish rushed for just 44 yards on 23 carries.

Next up for Notre Dame is a roadtrip to BC...

Here's Angelo DiCarlo with your wrap-up, thanks to our friends from WNDU-TV in South Bend... He's in front of a monitor...

The Circus Has Begun In Gainesville, Fla.

Sporting News radio is reporting Sunday morning that Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh will be interviewed by Florida for their head coaching job. Harbaugh just signed a new deal with Stanford for what that is worth. Harbaugh won at Stanford, just think what he might do at a place like Florida.

Here's a coach Jeremy Foley should interview, Kevin Sumlin. Look at what he did at the University of Houston. That is a near impossible place to win consistently and he has done that. Sumlin's offenses have been some of the best in the country plus he would be a hell of a recruiter for the Gators. Heck they might be able to get some players from Texas.

Photo Courtesy: AP

AFTERNOON DELIGHT: Mark Schlabach from the four-letter maintains that Corch Meyers may be getting cold feet before his 4PM EDT press conference.

Meyer would now coach in the Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati, as previously announced, and then OC Steve Adazzio will take over the Gators and will coach until Meyer is ready to return...

More, obviously, after 4PM EDT...