Good evening West Texans and all you good, fine, friendly folks out there who wish you were . . .
Just When You Thought it was Safe to Go Back in the Water. . .
A few weeks ago we talked about how quiet things were on the coaching front and how this was the first time in years Mike Leach’s name wasn’t being touted on every blog, in every newspaper column as a possible candidate to go _________. For the first time in years Texas Tech fans could rest easy while they did their Christmas shopping. The Lead Pirate was locked up, no major jobs were open that would attract him and that could afford him. Silent Night.
With the stunning announcement a few hours ago that Florida coach Urban Meyer was stepping down following the Gator’s Sugar Bowl game for health reasons, all bets are off once again for the Pirate of The Plain.
First and foremost we wish Meyer the best, want him to be healthy and think he’s been great for college ball. He needs to get better and get back. He makes college football more interesting.
Of course the immediate reality now for Florida is that they need a new coach. Fast. Their defensive coordinator just took the head job at Louisville. Brian Kelly would have had a shot at this job but he’s jumped to South Bend and is trying to revive the Irish by wearing more green ties than previous coaches. Wade Phillips is safe in Dallas so he’s out. ( sorry, couldn’t resist )
Which brings us to the domino affect this the Florida opening will have. Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops has been there before and knows how to win in big-time environments. Would he go there? Don’t know, but we do know Florida would be smart to ask. Word is Stoops in frustrated with fans and media alike in Norman about them taking for granted ten-win seasons after this year’s injury riddled campaign. I think Stoops would be their top candidate.
After that, a school that went to Utah to get a head coach certainly wouldn’t be afraid to come to Texas Tech and look at Mike Leach. Leach and Meyer have been a part of the mutual admiration society for a while, each trading coaching ideas and visiting with the other about how and why they do what. Heck, Leach has even jumped into Gator Territory this year and stolen a few recruits like WR Shawn Corker. Is Leach their top target and does he fit the Urban Meyer C.E.O. -type. No. Would he be on their radar? You bet.
The most likely scenario involving Leach would be if Stoops left OU and the Sooner Nation came calling on Leach. It is no secret Leach loved his one year in Norman. Most folks also know that OU Legend Barry Switzer is one of Leach’s biggest fans. Is that enough to generate real interest in OU making a run at a fellow Big 12 South coach. We’ll see.
We don’t know much in these first few hours of post-Meyer Florida football world, but we do know that this is the type of domino that hadn’t fallen up til now on the college landscape involving Mike Leach. Now that is has I’d be shocked if IMG and his agents don’t make the most of it and get his name out there fast. You know it has been driving them nuts that they haven’t been able to deny much this year. Looks like 2010 may give them their wish, if not sooner.
So much for quiet.
Happy New Year to you.
Latest Comments