So, Now It's A Ponzi Scheme With Donnan

((HT: ESPN.com/Barr))

The HQ has reported previously about the impending bankruptcy of former Georgia head coach Jim Donnan...

Now we know that, apparently, he was involved in a Ponzi scheme when GLC Enterprises of Ohio was soliciting funds. Depending on who you believe, Donnan was either a recruiter of fellow college coaches who knew Donnan and not the goals of GLC, or suckers who padded Donnan's bank account...

From Barr:

According to court documents, investors sank nearly $82 million dollars into GLC Enterprises, but less than $12 million was spent on inventory and at least $13 million in investor money remains unaccounted for. With dwindling revenues, GLC eventually used money from new investors to pay old investors, which, according to the court documents, constituted a Ponzi scheme.

GLC is being restructured under new management. The current operators, who filed Thursday's lawsuit, declined to comment, as did their attorneys.

The Donnans and their family members made more than $14.5 million from GLC in the form of "approximately 293 transfers to James and Mary Donnan or their immediate family members," according to the court documents.

Donnan recruited coaches like Frank Beamer, Tommy Tuberville, Dennis Franchione, and Barry Switzer to be involved in the GLC venture over time.

Here's the lawsuit against the Donnan family...

Either way, this doesn't look good for Donnan the family... and while this may be a signature moment for the coach off the field, here's one of the signature moments of Donnan on the field- against Tennessee...
((HT: ESPN/SEC/youtube))

Tuberville Gets Extension And Salary Bump At Texas Tech

((HT: KCBD-TV Lubbock))

Thanks to the Texas Tech University themselves...

Texas Tech University has announced a one-year extension and increase in annual compensation for head football coach Tommy Tuberville. The new deal will keep Tuberville in Lubbock through the 2015 season.

"I am grateful to the university for believing in our vision for this football program and I am thrilled to be a Red Raider," said Tuberville. "My family and myself have been embraced warmly by this community and all of Red Raider Nation and I believe that unity was a major contributor in us winning eight games the first year along with a bowl championship. Texas Tech is a tremendous place and together we can achieve our goals of graduating student-athletes and winning football games."

The additional year will give Tuberville a five-year contract as he begins his second season this fall. Additionally, his annual compensation has been raised from $1.5 million to $2 million.

"Coach Tuberville has done a great job of representing Texas Tech and we believe he is the right person to lead our football program," said athletics director Gerald Myers. "We share the same goals of graduating student-athletes and running a program with integrity. He won eight games last season and is the first Tech coach to win a bowl game in his first year. Along with a strong first season and the record number of season ticket sales in 2010, we are very excited for the future."

All this for an 8-5 record and beating Northwestern in the TicketCity Bowl...

Here's Brandon Moore sitting at the adult table with Pete Christy at the Cotton Bowl for the 45-38 slugfest...

Texas Tech Accepts NCAA Sanctions

((HT: KCBD-TV Lubbock))

From Chris Cook at Texas Tech their own selves...

Texas Tech University's self-imposed sanctions following the institution's discovery of text messaging violations within the athletics program have been accepted by the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions. The text messaging to prospects occurred in the sports of football, softball, and men's golf from August 2007 – February 2009.

In addition to penalties already served, the NCAA placed the university on two years probation and instituted additional reporting procedures during that period. The probationary period is standard for any major violation. Most of the coaches involved are no longer on the staff. The self-imposed penalties related to restrictions on recruiting in the three sports and included scholarship reductions.

Alex Butler stands in front of a monitor to explain...


Coach Tuberville replied in a statement his own self... complete with a dig at his predecessor...

"The infractions that occurred with football here at Tech happened between 2007 and early 2009, before I arrived as head coach. Each of the coaches on this staff has a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations that pertain to the NCAA and the Big 12 Conference. All of us here at Texas Tech are committed to running a program with the highest integrity and one that all Red Raider fans will be proud of. With that being said, we are glad to have this behind us and are excited about our bowl win over Northwestern and the upcoming national signing period in February."

Well, there you go... one big happy family...

TWTW Bowling: Texas Tech Survives Late NW Rally In Ticket City Bowl

((HT: ESPNU/ESPN))

The HQ was intrigued by the idea of having two offenses that run up and down the field playing one another- even if was in a bowl game whose main sponsor is a ticket brokering agency.

The game, surely enough, went about 3-and-a-half hours and totalled 83 points.

And true to form, Texas Tech and the Throwing Tubervilles got a big lead and let Northwestern back into the game only to have just enough points to survive at the end, 45-38...

Here's your quick recap, thanks to the four-lettered folks...

Monday Carousel: Tressel Upstairs...? Gundy Hiring A Pirate...? Willis Heading To UF, Assault Investigated At Willis Home

((HT: WOOF Radio, Dothan))

Chicagonow.com is reporting that The Sweater will be moving upstairs to an AD-like position after his bowl game. Current AD Gene Smith, through his Twitter account, responded thusly:

"Merry Xmas everyone!! Go back to drinking your eggnog!! Rumors not true.."

The Chicago Sports Tab is quoting "two sources that are very close to recruiting at prominent universities."

The HQ understands how "locked in" those folks are...

Our friends at 10TV in Columbus claim that Tressel has met with the team and is "staying." What exactly "staying" means is to be determined...

The Tulsa World has their hands full with the idea that Oke State head coach Mike Gundy is looking into the idea of hiring Mike Leach as his new OC- replacing Dana Holgorsen.

DATELINE MAIZE AND BLUE: The main reason Rich-Rod isn't lobbying publicly for his job is that he already knows he's toast. That lends itself to the idea of Jim Harbaugh or Les Miles heading to Ann Arbor- especially, if Harbaugh jumps to the NFL. The only reason the Michigan Athletic Department hasn't pulled the trigger is that the buyout is cut in half after New Year's Day.

Texas Tech DC James Willis has reportedly left Lubbock and Coach Tub's staff and is in talks with Coach Boom to get a gig on the Gator staff- not necessarily a coordinator gig. He was only around for a year.

Don Williams of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal says that Tuberville will not discuss the vacancy until after today's practice in Dallas as the Red Raiders prepare for their game with Northwestern.

"I wish James the best of luck, but it is important for (the) football team to keep pressing forward,” Tuberville said in the statement. “We have a great defensive staff here that will carry the load along with my assistance as we prepare for Northwestern.”

Lubbock PM UPDATE: According to Fox TV in Lubbock, suburban Lubbock police were called to a home in the town of Wolfforth to answer a domestic violence call early on December 22nd.

The home is currently owned by ECU DC Brian Mitchell and, allegedly, the residence of Willis. Wolfforth police are investigating and have not made an arrest.

Take all of these stories with the appropriate grains of salt you enjoy...
More when we know more...

Candidates For Miami Job, Tuberville In The Mix

Tommy Tuberville/Courtesy: Zimbio.com

[HT: Miami Herald]

University of Miami athletic director Kirby Hocutt has discussed the vacant Miami job with three candidates this week while in New York.

Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen was approached but with the developments with Urban Meyer's resignation that is a long shot.

The others were Connecticut's Randy Edsall and Tommy Tuberville of Texas Tech. Not unexpected.

Read the story from the Miami Herald RIGHT HERE

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.

The process continues.

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.

Your Miami Coaching Update: Dan Mullen anyone?

Dan Mullen/Courtesy: al.com

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:

 

New Look Texas Holds Off New Look Red Raiders

((HT: KVUE-TV Austin))

Everyone came into this game ((actually, take that back... some)) thinking that there was going to be an upset in Lubbock between Texas and Texas Tech. Some of the HQ have no idea where that particular thought got traction, but there we all were staring at each other over Longhorns-Red Raiders...

Garrett Gilbert was too inexperienced it was said...
They lost Sergio Kindle on defense... everything has to be different now...
Here's Texas Tech's chance to show Mack Brown the gap is closing with Coach Tub in charge...

Nah...

Texas kept Texas Tech off the field offensively, with a 20-plus play drive in the third and fourth quarter- good enough for the 24-14 win. Gilbert had 227 yards passing, and Texas held Taylor Potts under 200 yards in the air...

That will not win Tech football games in bunches...

Mike Barnes has the highlights through a lovely voiceover...

What Did Tubs Know And When...???

Did he have some inside skinny on the Texas Tech job before Mike Leach was officially a goner...?

From KCBD-TV in Lubbock...


Leach's attorneys have subpoenaed documents from Frenship Independent School District. They are seeking any correspondence between F.I.S.D. and Texas Tech University and/or Tommy Tuberville. Leach's legal team is chasing after the idea of exactly when conversations may have occurred about enrolling members of the Tuberville family in the school district.

Judge Bill Sowder scheduled a hearing into this matter for March 26th.

When Tuberville was interviewed by 790TheZone radio in Atlanta back on March 1, Coach Tubs intimated Leach was looking for a way out of Lubbock before the Adam James incident ever took place.

Was he told something by the Tech administration during their initial overtures to keep him interested, or make sure he'd stay interested...?

More Friday, we think...
Boy, this is gonna be one cool court case...

Thanks Ruffin McNeill, You're Fired...

A little Coaching Carousel tidbit this morning courtesy of Texas Tech, Tommy Tuberville and the middle of nowhere.

The guy who was Tech's interim coach for their bowl game, Ruffin McNeill was let go this morning along with 5 other assistants from the now departed Mike Leach regime.

The story from the Dallas Morning News RIGHT HERE.

((Ruffin McNeill needs a job//Courtesy: Rivals.com))

McNeill was the only person other than Tuberville who was interviewed for the then vacant head coaching job and was the popular choice amongst the players to be Leach's replacement. No word on his future though hopefully the way he handled things in Lubbock amongst the craziness at the end of the year will speak well for his prospects.

According to Tech athletic director Gerald Myers and several others, the Red Raiders are attempting to hire Alabama's Associate Head Coach/Linebackers Coach James Willis. Expect that announcement sometime in the next few days.

TT Has OC For TT

And he's only one letter off in the process...

Texas Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville went young... really young... for his Offensive Coordinator... and he hijacked the guy off Larry Blakeney's staff at Troy University...

KCBD-TV's Pete Christy handles the introductions...

The Defensive Coordinator gig should be filled very soon... so, once again, it'll be very interesting to see who the position coaches are...

The HQ is of the sneaking mindset that Tuberville will surround Neal Brown with "a lot of experienced coaches that he can learn from" at the same time he's coordinating this spread offense...

For those of you who have forgotten how much of an impact Brown had on his QB, Levi Brown, in the GMAC Bowl: 31-for-56 for 386 yards...
Cary Chow has your highlight wrap-package type-thing...
((HT: Fox10 Mobile))


UPDATE: James Willis is also heading to Lubbock from the University of Alabama. He coached running backs for Tuberville- which should fit in nicely at TT.

Tubs Arrive In Lubbock For Work, 3PM Presser Sunday

((HT: KCBD-TV Lubbock))

For a reported five years and ((somewhere between)) $7.5 and $10-million bucks, Tommy Tuberville is the new head coach at Texas Tech replacing Mike Leach and Ruffin McNeill.

Tech AD Gerald Myers told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal that Tuberville told him he would keep the Red Raiders' offense in place for a program that hasn't had a losing season since 1992. Tuberville, according to the interview Dana Jacobson had below with Ivan Maisel, had been learning the spread in his off year as an analyst at the four-letter...

((HT: ESPN))


Tuberville told the Avalanche-Journal he would change some things defensively, drawing on success he had at Auburn.

Here's Pete Christy from KCBD-TV with the breakdown locally...


The biggest question the HQ has is about the coaching staff. If Tuberville keeps most of the offensive guys in place, the Red Raiders may not have a hiccup in success in the Big 12 South.

But... and this is a big "BUT..."

Auburn sources close to OSG claim that if the so-called "Mississippi Mafia" are brought in to coach in red and black- that presents a large issue.

This is the band of coaches were part of Tuberville's staff ((the position coaches)) at Ole Miss that were imported to Auburn- Offensive line coach Hugh Nall, running backs coach Eddie Gran, defensive tackles coach Don Dunn, defensive ends coach Terry Price, wide receivers coach Greg Knox and assistant to the head coach Andy Lutz. You can add to that list WR Coach/OC Steve Ensminger...

It is the WDE belief that players were given conflicting instructions from coordinators and position coaches late in the Tuberville tenure. AD Jay Jacobs asked Tuberville to relieve some of the position coaches of their duties and he refused.

If these coaches are let back in underneath a Tuberville administration in Lubbock, the same power struggle issues may occur and the spread offense will be the least of the university's issues.

The inter-personal relationships between coaches got so bad on the practice field that fist fights, practically, broke out during drill sessions.

The HQ takes you back to the firing of OC Tony Franklin in 2008 and the day he realized he was an outsider to al.com's Evan Woodbery:

Franklin said he should have recognized that Tuberville's loyalty to his assistants would trump his commitment to the new offense.

"I'm a history teacher and a history student," Franklin said. "When you look at the history of this place, coordinators come in, coordinators leave and those guys stay."

Gerald Myers may get that sooner than he ever thought he would with Mike Leach in charge... If coordinators are kept in place and can hire their own position coaches, it may not be a circus after all.

Double "T" Talks About Double "T"- Briles Out...Maybe...

Tommy Tuberville was on WHBQ Radio in Memphis, Tennessee this morning talking about the BCS and about his interview Tuesday at Texas Tech. You can hear it by clicking here.

THURSDAY EARLY UPDATE: Pete Christy at KCBD-TV in Lubbock is saying that Baylor head coach Art Briles is out of the running for the TT job.

Briles has a $4-million buyout, and as those of us at the HQ have surmised repeatedly, the Red Raiders administration is looking to be a little more economical with the hire they make.

This leaves Tuberville, Tommy Bowden, Kevin Sumlin, and Ruffin McNeill on the clock...

Christy's point from behind a desk is in direct conflict with Brooks who has sources telling him that TT has raised the buyout money to bring the alum back to coach in Lubbock...

Double "T" Inteviews At Double "T"

Tommy Tuberville finally got to plead his case to be the new head football coach at Texas Tech. Tuberville flew to Lubbock, Texas Tuesday and spent the day touring Texas Tech's facilities and going through a formal interview process before flying home around 5:00pm central time.

Texas Tech athletic director Gerald Myers said the interview went well and that Tuberville has a good record. Myers also indicated that the process continues and Texas Tech is not ready to make a decision yet.

According to some sources there are rumors that Tuberville's interview went so well that he will be offered the Texas Tech job at the end of the week. If that's the case Tuberville is talking yet, he wasn't available to the Lubbock media afterwards.

Before Tuberville entertains the Red Raider masses with a "guns up" gesture Texas Tech would like to talk to Baylor head coach Art Briles who released a statement last Friday saying he is committed to the Bears. Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin is in the mix and now OSG Sports has learned that former Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden is on the short list.

After working the phones it is still the opinion of OSG Sports that Ruffin McNeill will get the Texas Tech gig with the fact the Red Raider players and former players are backing him and winning the Alamo Bowl was a big plus too. It has also been reported that McNeill aced his interview with Myers and Texas Tech president Guy Bailey Monday.

The process continues in Lubbock.

Tuberville Interested in Texas Tech Job

A year of living the good life seems to have recharged the batteries of former Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville who is ready to get back in.

Today on ESPN 103.3 in Dallas, Tuberville was a guest on Galloway & Co. and expressed interest in the vacant Texas Tech head coaching position.

"I would be very interested." Tuberville said on the show. "I have family there. I have a lot of ties there. I've recruited Dallas and Houston and I think it would be a pretty good fit. Mike [Leach] did a good job and I think I could make the situation even better."

In 1994 Tuberville was defensive coordinator at Texas A&M so he has experience in the Lone Star state.

Tuberville still lives in Auburn, Alabama and told FOSG Tony Barnhart of CBS Sports.com, "It feels like time to get back in. I'm still young and I feel good. We'll see if anything happens."

Tuberville is 55 years old and has a career coaching record of 110-64

Tuberville is one of the classiest coaches those of us in the OSG HQ have dealt with. If the Texas Tech administration wants a big name with plenty of gas in the tank Tuberville would be a good hire. Tuberville won big time at Auburn which is not as easy as you might think. With that experience Tuberville could be very successful out in the Big 12's lonely West Texas outpost. If Tuberville is that interested then calling his agent should be at or near the top of Texas Tech's list once the search begins.

Photo Courtesy: AP

Franklin Throws Tuberville Under the Bus

Fired Auburn offensive coordinator Tony Franklin let his old boss have it yesterday, talking with Chuck and Chernoff on Atlanta's Sports Radio 680 the Fan.

Hear the archived audio HERE.

Here's the breakdown of what Franklin said about Tommy Tuberville:
1. The religious stuff was not sincere. They threw themselves into it so deeply that it seemed fake.
2. When Tuberville fired Franklin, the head coach said they were quite good friends. Franklin says that is SO not true. They barely hung out.
3. Franklin says that even though Tuberville is a good coach, he did NOT help coach the team during the week. Then on Saturdays, when Tuberville actually tried to help coach the Tigers, he said things any John Q. Public fan in the stands would say...

Listen to the audio and judge for yourself...

Tony Franklin Doesn't Have To Worry About Crap...

((HT: Montgomery Advertiser/Josh Moon))

This past weekend, Josh Moon penned an opus the size of Tolstoy's "War and Peace" as he caught up with former Auburn, and current Middle Tennessee State, Offensive Coordinator Tony Franklin...

We figure we'd just lay out some of the highlights...

"I've been here a few months now and I don't think I've been recognized once," said Franklin, who was hired as the Blue Raiders' offensive coordinator in February. "I can go out and have a beer somewhere and not worry about winding up on the Internet the next day.

"I don't have to worry about all the crap you face in the SEC with its ridiculous, nit-picky rules and regulations on everything you do. I'm a guy who likes to walk down the street and not have to worry all the time about people watching me,

waiting on me to screw up. I have that here."

Franklin, who said he almost broke off his first interview with Tuberville just 10 minutes in, had deep doubts that his style of his coaching, along with his personality, would work on The Plains.
He was right on both counts.

But what he never expected was to find an athletic department and football program so riddled with turmoil.

"It was the most unusual place I've ever been," Franklin said of the Auburn program. "No one liked anybody else. There was this deep distrust of everybody. The coaches didn't trust the administration, the administration didn't trust each other or the coaches. It was very strange and very unnerving. You would walk down the halls and there would be tension you could just feel.

"No one would speak to you or even look at you. The coaches were all paranoid and didn't trust anyone in the administration. They all felt like the administration was out to get them and they stressed out over everything that happened. "

Franklin said the level discord within the athletic department had resulted in the football coaches closing ranks. Tuberville and his core group of assistants kept to themselves and shut everyone else out, mainly because they weren't sure whom they could trust.

"When you are involved in a job where there's so much tension and so much distrust, it changes people," Franklin said. "It changes their personalities, it changes the way they treat you. And it was obvious that the environment there had changed everyone."

Go on over to the article... it's a must-read and has a whole lot of insight into the last year of the Tuberville Administration...

Tuberville's Resignation Letter

Major props to the Opelika-Auburn News in obtaining Tommy Tuberville's letter of resignation. You can give it a look right here.

Tuberville Out At Auburn- Team Meeting Held

In the age of instant gratification, the coaching carousel continues...

Apparently an 85-40 record for the Auburn faithful isn't enough to keep your job. But having a 5-7 record and losing to Alabama 36-nothing the other day is good enough to have you fired.

Tommy Tuberville is out at Auburn...

According to OSG sources, negotiations between Tuberville and the University broke down yesterday. Tuberville was asked to fire all the assistants on staff. The then-head coach found that to be an "unfavorable" option.

Tuberville has had a team meeting notifying them of the situation ((pictured, thanks al.com)). According to Charles Goldberg of the Birmingham News, the meeting was an emotional one. Neither players nor the University will address the situation publicly as of yet.

Before making this move however the University wanted a successor in place.
That, obviously, has not happened yet.

The next steps in motion, once again according to OSG sources, were to do the appropriate courting of Texas Longhorns Head Coach-in-waiting Will Muschamp and Texas Tech Head Coach Mike Leach. Muschamp has already informed Auburn that he is currently committed to the University of Texas. Leach's representatives have stated that they are amenable to discussing the opening on the Plains.

al.com is also reporting that initial contact has been made with Arkansas Head Coach Robert Petrino, Esq.

Is it just us here at OSG HQ or does this Bobby Lowder's paw-prints all over it...???

UPDATE: Goldberg also reports that the Tuberville buyout is pro-rated through the length of the deal. First ideas had the number at $6-million. But since that was at the beginning of the calendar year, the actual figure is $5.1-million. That will be paid in two installments- one in 30 days, and the other within a year's time.