Coaching Update: Where Do Cincinnati, Temple, Houston, South Florida Go?
Four job are now open in the American. Three are off to other jobs while Tommy Tuberville of Cincinnati stepped down as the Bearcats head coach. Now the question becomes who do these four schools like for in their next head coach?
Cincinnati: After Tommy Tuberville "stepped down", the Bearcats have not had the easiest time trying to find a coach. Their front runner and former Western Kentucky coach Jeff Brohm has already accepted the Purdue job, which came as a shock to Bearcat Nation. A lot of coaches would prefer Cincy over Purdue. Then PJ Fleck, who was also high on Cincinnati's wish list is not even talking to Bearcat officials. According CBS, Fleck is only taking offers from Power 5 schools. So, where does Cincinnati go next? It looks like Charlie Strong is not going to be the head coach next year so it is tough name a front runner. I had to say it's probably Scott Satterfield and then Luke Fickell. The Columbus Dispatch reported the Fickell is pursing the UC job. If Fickell is in the conversation then that most likely means that Kerry Coombs in not longer in the mix. UC is now saying they haven't met with anyone from Ohio State, so it's anyone's best guess at this point. TOP THREE: Scott Satterfield, Luke Fickell, Charlie Strong
Houston: Cougars have been the longest team looking for a head coach after Tom Herman bolted for Texas. Most Coogs fans wanted Dana Holgerson, but just days later he signed an extension with West Virginia. There was even some conversation that Washington State head coach Mike Leach could come to Houston. At this point the head coaching search is down to 2-3 men. Honestly, I though Houston was going to try to get Lincoln Riley, but he was ruled out this morning. Les Miles is starting to gain traction with Houston fans lately, and their is still a chance that interim head coach Todd Orlando. Lane Kiffin is also an option, but I don't think Houston wants to go that route. This is the best job in the entire Group of 5. TOP THREE: Les Miles, Todd Orlando, Lane Kiffin
Temple: Matt Rhule continued the tradation of using Temple as a stepping stone. First it was Steve Addazio, then Al Golden, and now Rhule. The favorite at this moment is Penn State offensive Coordinator Joe Moorehead. He would not have to leave the state and he already had Pennsylvania roots before. A couple assistants at Temple could be taking over the program, but this race is still what to early to call. Give it a couple days before more canidates emerge at Temple. TOP THREE: Joe Moorehead, Ed Fooley, Lincoln Riley
South Florida: News broke early this morning (Wednesday) that head coach Willie Taggart had taken the Oregon job. Reports initially are pointing to Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin as the front runner. His dad was the defensive coordinator for Tampa Bay so he has some roots there. Another name thrown out there is Charlie Strong, but Strong has told sources that he would like to take the year off (mostly likely to get all the money Texas owes him.) Those are the favorites but this job just opened up Wednesday morning so more people could be in play. TOP THREE: Lane Kiffin, Greg Schiano, Charlie Strong.
