Lot of anger over NCAA's suspension of Florida DT

Sharrif Floyd

((ht: orlandosentinel.com))

The reaction to the NCAA suspending Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd for two games has been interesting to say the least.

Floyd has been ruled ineligible for the two games and ordered to pay $2700 to a charity of his choosing after disclosing to his coaches that he accepted $2500 from a board member of the Student Athlete Mentoring Foundation in Delaware.

The NCAA, in a press release said Floyd admitted using the money for living expenses, transportation and other life expenses. At no time did they say Florida gave him any impermissible benefits.

Read the initial story from the Orlando Sentinel RIGHT HERE

For those unfamiliar with Floyd's story (including us), he was raised in Philadelphia without his parents. He spent most of his life living with his grandmother, high school coach, guidance counselor or whomever could help him.

Heck, his high school coaches and guidance counselor held a bake sale to raise money for Floyd to travel to San Antonio for a High School all-star game.

The Sentinel also talked to people in Floyd's life about his character, read it RIGHT HERE

The whole situation royally pissed of Florida coach Will Muschamp, and we have to say, even without knowing Sharrif Floyd, we agree.

Said Muschamp: "The NCAA stated that he (Floyd) received preferential treatment; there is nothing preferential about his life."


"He grew up with only his great grandmother and still sends her Pell Grant money so she can pay her bills. How many kids do you know that would do that? I know one--Sharrif Floyd."


"I want to make it clear that this issue is not about sports agents, Florida boosters or his recruitment to Florida or anywhere else. The issue is about his survival and the only reason the NCAA, the SEC and the University of Florida were aware of these issues is because he brought them to our attention last February. He came forward because he is honest and because of his integrity."


"The toughest day that I have had as a head football coach at Florida was the day I had to tell Sharrif that he could not play in our game against FAU. I took away part of his family."


The NCAA's response was that some of the benefits he did receive were improper, that the penalty could have been four games, but due to mitigating circumstances, they reduced it to two.

More detail on this debate from gatorsports.com RIGHT HERE

Ok. We get why the NCAA felt the need to step in but by their own definition, they said there were "Mitigating Circumstances". And arguably, to be consistent in what they do, you could make a case for the game suspension.

But.

We have two big problems, much like everyone else, with all this. One, do they really think the kid is going to be able to manufacture $2700 in the next few days? He by all accounts barely has enough money to stay in school. It's not like he has any expense money, athletes aren't allowed to.

Two, everyone involved, including the NCAA don't debate that the benefits caused him to choose or go to Florida. What should it matter? Yeah, we get that every case is different and again we go back to the NCAA verbiage stating they knew that. How exactly do they think Floyd could've been able to get to the schools interested in him? How could he possibly afford to pay his own way to anything?

We think this is an over-enforcement of a rule that isn't totally wrong. But really, can't we all read the case and determine whether or not a penalty is needed. Come on, do they really think Sharrif Floyd is going to find $2700 when he doesn't have the money to buy sheets to put on his bed?

SEC Media Days: The only thing that could trump the NFL in the south

SEC Media Days 2008/Courtesy: Me

Arguably, whatever portion of the Sports Media world isn't in Atlanta today, is in Birmingham, Alabama.

Why you ask? Because it is the Daytona 500 of the SEC season, the kickoff to all that is southern in football, it's SEC Media Days.

For those who don't know, Media Days brings together oh, say, about 1000 members of the SEC media to pepper, cajole and tweak SEC football coaches and players for three days about the upcoming football season.

To say the event is somewhat chaotic would be being polite to the word chaotic. The reason: Those 1000 media types are in a ballroom area, roughly the size of a good sized Chili's restaurant. And yes, there are media people falling all-over each other to get the "Money" shot....coaches and players "Walking".

So you ask, how do you know so much about this event? Well, that would be because I covered it for several years. And you'll have to take my word for it that I'm probably underselling the chaos.

Anyway, day 1 featured one of our favorite coaches to quote, the ever quotable "Ol' Ball Coach", Steve Spurrier.

Here's what he said about his quarterback Stephen Garcia, who though suspended, is expected to run his team this year. "I guess we just don't want to kick him out for stupidity."--Nice

From Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino: "It's good to be here in Birmingham again for Media Days. I always wonder when I say that how to keep a straight face."--What's with the humor dude?


Al.com qutoes Mississppi State running back Vick Ballard after being asked about the day being the most talking he's ever done. "Yes, it is. My jaws are tired."


And this quote from Florida quarterback John Brantley on coach Will Muschamp who has associations with Georgia, LSU, Auburn, Alabama coach Nick Saban. "We don't really speak about those stories too  much. We just try to think about when he was growing up in Gainesville, and we'll leave it at that."


And Muschamp was asked this, "How does it feel being a Georgia guy coaching at the University of Florida? I'm a Florida guy."


In lieu of digging up someone's TV report, enjoy a music accompaniment:

Janoris Jenkins Dismissed From Gators

UF junior CB Janoris Jenkins has been dismissed from the football team, three days after his second drug-related arrest in three months.

Florida coach Will Muschamp announced on his Twitter account that the decision was made after speaking with Jenkins on Tuesday morning. A team spokesman later confirmed Muschamp's decision.

"After meeting with Janoris Jenkins today, we both felt it was in his best interest to move ahead to the next stage of his career," Muschamp said. "We appreciate Janoris' contributions to the University of Florida during his time here and wish him the best of luck."

Jenkins' dismissal came three days after he was arrested early Saturday morning with a marijuana cigar ((the HQ didn't know such a thing existed)) and charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession. He was charged with the same thing back in later January, and was also arrested in 2009 for fleeing a fight...

Otherwise known as "affray..."
One of our favorite charges...

Here's what the Gators will be missing, and what some other school is picking up in either I-AA or another D1 school after this year...
((HT: ESPN/SEC/youtube))

Charlie Weis goes to Florida...Not as odd as you'd think

Charlie Weis

It's official now. Charlie Weis, now former offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs and former Notre Dame head coach is now the offensive coordinator for Will Muschamp at the University of Florida.

The story, which started leaking out late last week, is in some ways very odd. Not so much that Weis will go to UF, but rather that he'd leave the Chiefs. It was disclosed that he'd wait until the Chiefs are beaten in the playoffs before he leaves for Gainesville.

Read more from the Palm Beach Post RIGHT HERE

And the official version from Gatorzone.com (UF Athletics) RIGHT HERE

While there are a few questions here, we can't fault Weis who has a son down in Gainesville. It's somewhat of a step-down for him, but a chance to be closer to family is understood.

The bigger question is can anyone be work with Chiefs coach Todd Haley. Haley has now gone through 2 offensive coordinators in two seasons having fired Chan Gailey two weeks before the start of the 2009 season. Haley is a smart offensive guy, we just are beginning to wonder how "Offensive" he is appearing to be.

Already there is speculation that former Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels will take over Weis' role. While not discounting the dust-up Haley and McDaniels had after a Kansas City win earlier in the season, the two know each other as they worked together in New England and are disciples of the Bill Belichick coaching tree.

Check out video of Weis getting his knee blown out while the coach at Notre Dame:



PM UPDATE: Florida also hired Seattle Seahawks defensive line coach Dan Quinn as DC and D-line coach. Quinn spent the past 10 years in the NFL and has seven years of college experience.

Frank Verducci was added as O-Line coach and running game coordinator ((The HQ thinks that the two are fairly linked in the first place, right...?)). Verducci coached at Notre Dame in 2009 after eight seasons with four NFL teams.

George Wynn will be director of football operations in Boomtown. He spent the past six seasons as assistant AD for football operations at Texas.

Sunday Carousel: Weis And Garrett Make An Odd Couple

Only because they're in the same story...

Charlie Weis looks like he's going to take the OC job in Boomtown after all.
Nothing like being an overbearing, Type-A personality that will be paired with another Type-A personality for a coaching staff.

Will Muschamp will be the enthusiastic one in Gainesville, and the question now becomes: Who gets to recruit...??? And how do they recruit as a unit...???

Pat Dooley of the Gainesville Sun has the details about Weis and Aubrey Hill joining the staff.

Now, to the NFL... and it looks like Jason Garrett, winner of 4 of the 7 games he's coached as the interim leader in Dallas, may get that "interim" label pulled after all.

But David Moore of the Dallas Morning News has things still in flux and indecision.

But if you check in to Michael David Smith at PFT, it's a done deal since the Cowboys brought in Ray Sherman to satisfy the Rooney Rule.

OTHER STUFF: Looks like Tom Cable is in question for a return to Oakland, Gary Kubiak is returning to Houston and the Texans, and Marvin Lewis can stay in Cincinnati if his staff changes- which Lewis may balk at...

More when we know more...

Muschamp To Florida, No Longer a Coach-In-Waiting, Meyer Left For Health Reasons

Former Texas DC Will Muschamp, who once lived in Gainesville, Florida as a kid, says taking over the Florida program is a "dream come true."

Wonder what Georgia fans think of that call...???

Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley says in a statement that Muschamp is the "only person we met with and the only person we offered the job to."

Tim Tebow tweeted the following last night...

"Welcome to the Gator family Coach Muschamp! You'll soon find out why it's great to be a Florida Gator! God bless and Go Gators!!!"

Here's how our friends at KVUE-TV broke the news...
Matt Mitchell sits at the adult table...


So, does this mean they'll call him "Swamp Muss" now...???

1130 UPDATE: Urban Meyer, apparently, left for health reasons- although he says he didn't...

According to the Gainesville Sun and attached anonymous sources, Meyer has a recurring burning sensation in his chest that doctors told him last week would raise cardiovascular risk factors if he continued to coach.

Meyer said he wanted to spend more time with his family.

The person with knowledge of Meyer's health said the coach can resolve his chest pain with "constant monitoring," which he already has started doing.

Muschamp Mad And Goes Off On Reporter

Texas defensive coordinator and head coach in waiting Will Muschamp has a stare that will peel paint off the wall and is as intense as it gets.

Following Texas' loss to Baylor Saturday and reporter asked the wrong question and a mad Muschamp went off.

No video embed who doesn't please us at the OSG HQ so click on the link to see. (Thanks KEYE-TV Austin, Texas)

http://weareaustin.com/sports-story/?nxd_id=100446

Will Muschamp to Tennessee...Uh...No!

You can, we think cross one name off of the University of Tennessee's coaching wish list. Texas Defensive Coordinator and Coach in Waiting Will Muschamp has gone on record saying that he is "Happy at Texas and plans to be here for a long time".

Check out the story from the Dallas Morning News RIGHT HERE

Now...the list of arbitrary names thrown out by people within the media begins to climb.

According to profootballtalk.com, Lovie Smith of the Bears, who was interviewed for the job at Tennessee in 2008, should be thinking about revisiting that, speculating that Smith's hold on the job in Chicago is tenuous this year...at best.

Another name that has surfaced as being a "Serious" candidate. Troy Calhoun,

the coach at the Air Force. Calhoun has had quite a bit of success in Colorado Springs. He was asked about it and brusquely answered "I'm the coach at the Air Force Academy and that is it".

Read more from GoVolsExtra.com RIGHT HERE

Check out more from gazette.com in Colorado Springs RIGHT HERE

((Troy Calhoun photo//Courtesy:Getty Images))

According to the Sporting News, Jon Gruden was approached about the job but declined. Other names on the so-called short list; David Cutcliffe the Coach at Duke, Kevin Sumlin of Houston and several people have speculated that the Great Pumpkin, Phil Fulmer is on the list.

**Afternoon note***-Chris Low of the 4-letter (ESPN) says, Cutcliffe is now the focus along with Calhoun and an intersting name...Derek Dooley. READ HERE

Stay tuned because this part of the carousel should get more interesting quickly as Tennessee AD Mike Hamilton has publicly stated a desire to get this done with no later than Sunday.

Mack Brown Will Not Freestyle Until 2016

((HT: KXAN-TV))

At least according to his new deal with the University of Texas...

He will receive $3 million in 2009, plus a one-time $2 million service payment on Feb. 1, 2010. The new contract, however, raises his salary to $5 million starting next season.

"Mack is the best college football coach in America and this action recognizes him for that," said Men's Athletics Director DeLoss Dodds. "He brought new life to our program and he's done it with great integrity and class. He is who we want at Texas for as long as he is willing to serve as our head coach. This will also ensure a smooth transition when Mack decides to hand over the reins to Will Muschamp."

Whenever that is... and be rest assured that Muschamp will continue to be regarded for his lieutenant-like loyalty until the day Mack decides to hang up his whistle...

Those of us at OSG HQ view this as cementing everything in place. Whether or not it will work better at Texas than every place else they tried this "coach-in-waiting" crap is beyond us...

Here's coverage from our friends at KXAN-TV in Austin...

Could The Head Ball Coach Be Heading To Auburn

WSFA-TV in Montgomery, Alabama is reporting that Auburn may... may offer its head coaching job to Steve Spurrier. WSFA is citing sources within the coaching profession saying their is strong indications that the head ball coach is Auburn's top choice.

Spurrier is saying that his coaching future is at South Carolina. Are we seeing some posturing? Our question is why? Why would Spurrier go to Auburn? Maybe the challenge of putting down a coach in the state of Alabama that has a even bigger ego. That would be Nick Saban.

OSG sources tell us that the Spurrier offer is a reach but it's Auburn and nothing would be a surprise.

We do know that TCU head coach Gary Patterson was interviewed Thursday. The 7th candidate to do so.

Jay Jacobs, whose next to perform on Auburn's version of America's Coaching Idol.

UPDATE:

Fox 10 in Mobile - Pensacola reported late last night that Will Muschamp will "likely" be announced as the new head football coach at Auburn. Muschamp has denied that report and told the Atlanta Journal Constitution: “I have not talked to Auburn about this job and I have no interest in the job,” said Muschamp. “I really don’t know what else to say. I’m going to stay at Texas until they fire me.” There you go.

There's no way Muschamp is taking the Auburn gig. He and Jay Jacobs did not part ways on the best of terms.

Photo Courtesy: Getty Images

Will Muschamp Is Off The Market

For the past few years whenever a head coach position opens in college football, Will Muschamp's name is on everyones list. He's young, somewhat psycho on the sidelines and his players will run through a wall for him. If he didn't have strong Georgia Bulldog roots he might have been the head coach at Georgia Tech rather than Paul Johnson. (Georgia Tech made a great hire anyway.)

Right now Muschamp is employed by the University of Texas and now will remain so for the foreseeable future. Texas athletic director Deloss Dodds announced that Muschamp has been designated head coach in waiting by the Longhorns and is expected to take over as head coach of the Horns once Mack Brown retires.

Dodds says he wants Brown to stay a long time but wanted to avoid the "trauma" of a coaching search when Brown calls it quits. Mack Brown, you are on the clock.

By accepting this proposal, Muschamp will receive a hefty pay raise going from $425,000 to $900,000 in January and remain a very highly paid defensive coordinator for the time being.

Sorry Tennessee, Clemson, Washington, Kansas State and Syracuse (Do you really think Muschamp would go to the 'Cuse), Muschamp is officially off the market.

Texas knows it has a hot commodity and will pay any price ($$$$$) to keep Muschamp in burnt orange.

Will Muschamp, the eyes of Texas are upon you.

Photo Courtesy: Brian Bahr/Getty Images
Coverage from KXAN-TV is below...

Clemson Interviewing Coaching Candidates

Clemson is in the process to find a new head football coach. Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster is interviewing with Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips Friday.

Phillips flew to Detroit and interviewed former Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin. He has also interviewed Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables.

Interviews with Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and Vanderbilt Head Coach Bobby Johnson seem to be in the works. I wouldn't be surprised there will be a conversation between Phillips and outgoing Tennessee head coach Phil Fulmer.

Foster has been the only one to public state his interest in the Clemson head coaching position.

Don't forget that Dabo Swinney is auditioning for this job and is winning the hearts and minds of Tigertown. In a recent survey by greenvilleonline.com out of Greenville, South Carolina, Swinney was the popular choice getting 37% of the vote over Bill Cowher with 23%. Bobby Johnson received 13% while Will Muschamp got 10%.

Who Will Phil - In At Tennessee

There is big time pressure on Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton on this hire. So let’s help the man out, here’s some names to consider to become the Vols next head football coach:

Butch Davis: High profile name that’s a great coach and recruiter which is a combo you must possess to have success at Tennessee. On the flip side, why would he leave unfinished business at North Carolina to start over at UT?

Lane Kiffin: Sources have told OSG that Tennessee covets the former Oakland Raiders coach. I’m not sure if it’s Hamilton or if the infatuation lies within the deep pocketed boosters. Kiffin is an offensive coach who can recruit and is high profile. He will come at a high cost financially but money doesn’t seem to be an issue at Tennessee. I’m not sure Kiffin would be a good hire for the Vols. It’s one thing to recruit South Central LA, it’s another to recruit the South.

Jon Gruden: Yeah right.

Mike Gundy: Would be a good fit but Boone Pickens will take care of this Oklahoma State alum if you know what I mean. Gundy isn’t going anywhere.

Will Muschamp: Is there any list Muschamp won’t be on? He’s the hot young assistant that could go anywhere (Clemson, Washington, Tennessee) just got to come up with the moolah. Forget the fact he’s never been a head coach, Muschamp has been a defensive coordinator in the SEC and has ties with high school coaches all over the south. The only negative is that at Tennessee, they love offense and Muschamp is a defensive guy.

Mike Leach: Has a great offensive mind and players love to play for him. Leach has a different shall we say quirky personality which might rub Vol fans the wrong way.

Chris Petersen: He’s great at Boise but Tennessee might be over his head.

Tim Brewster: If he can revive what was a dreadful Minnesota program from the dead like Brewster has this season, he deserves more than just a courtesy look. Brewster has recruiting skills and has had some success in the South. May not be the big name hire but Brewster is a winner and might be a good fit.

David Cutcliffe: "I'm at Duke, staying at Duke," There you have it.

Tommy Tuberville: What a way to say $@&^ you to Auburn fans, boosters, etc. than to go to Tennessee after all, Tuberville hasn’t coached in the SEC East yet. Tuberville has too much class to do that.

Turner Gill: Buffalo is nice in December

Todd Graham: Stay in Tulsa

There you go, talk amongst yourselves.

Candidates For Clemson Head Coaching Job

Clemson Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips has a decision to make, who will be the Tigers next head football coach. Phillips has hired 2 head football coaches in his A.D. career, both at Oklahoma State. His first was Les Miles who didn't do a bad job with the Cowboys but not anywhere near the success he's had at LSU. Actually, Dirk Koetter was the first choice but turned it down, then Phillips went to his plan B, Les Miles. The other was current head football coach Mike Gundy whose doing a great job now in Stillwater.

Here are some names that Clemson might consider:

Will Muschamp – Texas Defensive Coordinator: Muschamp might be a good fit. He is definitely charismatic and has been a hot coaching commodity of late. Tommy Bowden wanted to hire Muschamp as his defensive coordinator 3-plus years ago but he turned down the opportunity. Maybe the head coaching job would be more to his liking.

Gary Patterson – TCU Head Coach: I’ve heard that Patterson is thought of highly by Clemson Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips and Patterson would be interested in coming to Clemson. He’s had a great deal of success at TCU. If your looking for a front runner Patterson might be it.

Bobby Johnson – Vanderbilt Head Coach: Played at Clemson and the success Johnson is having at Vanderbilt ups his stock. But is Johnson a good fit for a school like Clemson?

Dabo Swinney – Clemson Assistant Head Coach: This is a legit audition for Swinney. If he can have a positive impact in Clemson’s remaining 6 games then the Tigers may already have their man.

Bill Cowher – Former Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach: He’s out there, not coaching. Clemson is a great college job. Cowher might be swayed to get back on the sidelines.

Bronco Mendenhall – BYU Head Coach: He’s probably content in Provo but Mendenhall’s success at BYU if definitely worth putting out a feeler.

Mike Leach – Texas Tech Head Coach: A long shot and has Leach maxed out what he can do at Texas Tech? If the Tigers are going for offense then I’m sure Leach is on the list.

Jim Grobe – Wake Forest Head Coach: Why? It would be a lateral move but it would be a great hire if he is interested.

Another Dirty Dozen!

Shakedown Saturday

So we are getting closer to the real BCS Standings coming out. USC/Ohio State answered a few questions, this week will answer a lot more. So here we go:

1. Southern Cal (Is there any question right now, they may be better than the KC Chefs or Detroit Lions today)

2. Oklahoma (Pretty good and a soft schedule. Something tells me this won't stick)

3. Georgia (Nothing has convinced me they aren't this good. Don't read anything into the South Carolina game, trust me)

4. Missouri (Very good on Offense, again, a soft schedule, let's see how they do against a power team)

5. Florida (There are a few holes here, the Tebow will not win the title for you by himself, tough one this week at Tennessee)

6. LSU (Again a tough one this week at Auburn, its tough for anyone to win on the Plains, but this is the first shakedown weekend of the year)

7. Texas (Will Muschamp made them into a good defense, can they sustain it for a full season?)

8. Auburn (Winning 3-2 doesn't get you many style points, but you won. This will be a much truer test)

9. Texas Tech (Again, lets see what happens as the competition level increases, I have my doubts)

10. BYU (Until they lose, they are back and throwing it all over the place)

11. Alabama (Big, tough and physical, their test will be next week)

12. Wisconsin (I don't buy this team, they choke every year, I guess someone from the 10 has to represent)

This list will probably look a lot different next week, which isn't a bad thing.

The Bottom of the Bunch

5. UAB (These guys were dangerous not too long ago, whither poor Neil Calloway (the coach), he may not be around much longer)

4. FIU (Perpetual cellar dwellars. Not much has changed, and don't look for it to any time soon)

3. Washington (Poor Ty Willingham, another soul, not to long for the D-I coaching ranks)

2. San Diego State (At least it is a pretty place to play)

1. Syracuse (This will not change until Greg Williams is gone. Did they really think Lane Kiffin would come to the 'cuse?)