The latest coaching news at Tennessee, Arkansas, Oregon and more
— -- There are waves to the coaching carousel. Just when the waters calm for a moment, another arrives to throw college football off balance.
After a truly wild Friday, and some official announcements during the weekend and into Monday, the end to the first wave of the 2017-18 cycle is here. Only three Power 5 jobs remain unfilled -- Oregon, Tennessee and Arkansas -- although all three programs could cause some ripples with their hires. Tennessee essentially reset its search, as former coach Phillip Fulmer is now calling the shots.?
As another wave approaches, here's the latest we're hearing around the coaching carousel.
What will Oregon with Willie Taggart going to Florida State?
Oregon certainly didn't expect to be in this position for the second consecutive year. With Taggart departing, the school could look internally, and I'm told co-offensive coordinator Mario Cristobal, the former Florida International coach, would have the best chance to be promoted, not defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt. Former Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin certainly seems like a good option, as he could continue Oregon's recruiting success in Texas and on the West Coast.
I would expect Oregon to look at Cal's Justin Wilcox, a former Ducks defensive back who is from Eugene. But Wilcox is just getting started in Berkeley and might hesitate to leave after just one season, especially to another Pac-12 North school. Boise State coach Bryan Harsin, who is 41-12 with the Broncos, is another good option.
Fresno State coach Jeff Tedford also could enter the radar after engineering an incredible turnaround this season with the Bulldogs. Tedford served as Oregon's offensive coordinator from 1998 to 2001, revived Cal's program as head coach and remains popular with Nike chair Phil Knight. He also could do wonders with Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert.
What are Phillip Fulmer's next steps with Tennessee's search?
Fulmer, who took over as athletic director Friday and reset the search, is in New York on Tuesday for Peyton Manning's induction into college football's Hall of Fame. He has been in touch with several candidates, including some who had discussions with former athletic director John Currie before he was removed late last week. SMU coach Chad Morris is among those who talked with Currie but remains on Tennessee's radar with Fulmer calling the shots.
Two new names that emerged Monday are Georgia defensive coordinator Mel Tucker and former Arkansas coach Bret Bielema. Tucker has been in the mix for several college and NFL head-coaching positions in recent years, and did an excellent job upgrading Georgia's defense during its playoff run. Arkansas fired Bielema primarily because of his struggles in SEC play (11-29), but Bielema brings 12 years of Power 5 head-coaching experience, a 97-58 career record and the personality that could resonate well on Rocky Top.
Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele is still an option for Tennessee, which needs to wrap up its process soon.
With Gus Malzahn off the table, where does Arkansas look next?
Much like Texas A&M with Jimbo Fisher, Arkansas had its big-money boosters prepared to make a major offer to a top-tier coach. But Auburn couldn't let Gus Malzahn walk, especially to a division foe, and rightfully ponied up.
Arkansas won't land Malzahn, but it could hire a coach with ties to the Auburn boss. SMU coach Chad Morris and Memphis coach Mike Norvell both worked with Malzahn on Todd Graham's star-studded Tulsa staff in 2010. Morris' 14-22 career record at SMU is a concern, but he would bring a dynamic offense and incredible connections to the Texas high school scene. There seems to be momentum building for Morris.
Norvell is a less likely option, from what I heard Monday, although he makes sense for Arkansas. The 36-year-old is 18-7 at Memphis, which came a play or two away from an AAC title and a New Year's Six bowl berth on Saturday, and he played college ball at Central Arkansas (his wife is from the state). But Norvell's candidacy for several SEC jobs this cycle hasn't progressed as expected.
Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables also is a candidate for the Arkansas job. Although Venables hasn't coached in the SEC, his ACC and Big 12 experience and roots in Kansas and Oklahoma should help him with the Hogs. Venables is in no rush to leave Clemson but has been more active in this cycle.
The school now has an athletic director in Hunter Yurachek, who comes over from Houston, so expect a coaching decision soon.
Coaching odds and ends
The Louisiana job, which came open Sunday when the school fired Mark Hudspeth after seven seasons, will generate significant interest from strong candidates. Houston offensive coordinator Brian Johnson could be near the top of the list. Auburn offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey is a good option both here and at South Alabama ....
Sam Houston State coach K.C. Keeler remains a primary candidate for UTEP's coaching vacancy. Keeler is 41-11 with FCS playoff appearances in each of his four years at Sam Houston State. South Florida offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert also has been on UTEP's radar ....
LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada could find a new landing spot soon, according to sources. Canada wants to be a head coach and is trying to get involved for some of the Group of 5 openings.
