December 27, 2004 By Glenn Guilbeau Gannett News Service BATON ROUGE — Two or three interviews of potential new LSU football coaches are planned for this week with athletic director Skip Bertman, according to Stewart Slack, chairman of the LSU board of supervisors. "Skip Bertman wanted to be prepared in the event that Nick (Saban) made the decision to go to Miami, and so in the last three or four days he's lined up some things," Slack said Sunday night. LSU officials are not yet revealing any names of interviewees, but among the possible candidates are former Cleveland Browns coach Butch Davis, Bobby Petrino of Louisville, Iowa's Kirk Ferentz, California's Jeff Tedford, Auburn's Tommy Tuberville, Texas Tech's Mike Leach, Boise State's Dan Hawkins, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress and LSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher. "I think the fans would be surprised at how much work has been done already," said Bertman, who described his working list as "long" and with "huge" names. Saban announced he was leaving LSU on Saturday to coach the Miami Dolphins of the NFL. LSU began preliminary work for his possible departure days after his first interview with the Dolphins on Dec. 14 and has hired a search firm to assist them. Bertman has also talked to Saban and Saban's agent, Jimmy Sexton, about potential candidates. Saban, the No. 1 paid college coach in the country, had six years remaining on an $18 million, seven-year contract. "I have to tell you, I think it's the No. 1 coaching job in college football," Slack said. "I think most other people would certainly put it in the top five. And I give Nick a ton of credit for that. Here's a guy that made this one of the most desirable positions in college football." Bertman said he'd prefer to have a coach hired by Jan. 2, and at the latest by Jan. 12, which is about three weeks before the Feb. 6 national signing day. "Obviously, the sooner the better," Slack said. "I personally don't want to go so long that it hurts recruiting."
I would of enjoyed that article awhole lot more if i wouldnt of seen tubervilles name on that list....oh well he's a long shot...I am praying.
Two or three, eh? Well, Jimbo's one, I think it's safe to say. Tubby being in New Orleans later this week should make for easy access as well. Iowa fans and staff will be watching Kirk every time he ducks out of a room...LOL. I've heard conflicting reports about the ability to interview NFL assistants. My understanding is that rule only applies to other NFL teams (i.e., "tampering"), not to non-NFL organizations. I mean, how in the heck did ND hire Charlie Weiss? In all seriousness, those interviews must be NFL assistants. Easier to get them in now than a college head coach hard up against a bowl date over the next 7 days.
OK, interviews already lined up and no word from AD's about Bertman contacting them for permission. Would lead one to believe that one would have to be Butch since he can interview whenever, wherever he wants. Who else you think? Art Shell? :grin:
I don't know, but the more I see it, the more I like the name Dan Hawkins. This guy's done some big things at Boise State.
From another forum: Poster is credible and says the names come from someone with direct knowledge of these names - but says these are only the names he knows and that others are surely being looked at, he just doesn't have direct knowledge of them at present time. Names are in no particular order btw. He also says the decision is likely to be handled by SKip and TAF only, without O'keefe or BOS involvement.
No flame GMan, but Dirk Koetter before him @ Boise did some big things as well and was a can't miss guy. His ASU teams leave a lot to be desired, and that is in the Pac 10. I just think he is too risky of a hire. But he is a different man so maybe I should not lump the two together.
Throw out Leach, Tubby and to an extent, Hawkins. I have no desire to watch LSU throw the ball 60 times a game, thereby neutralizing our defense because they're on the field so quickly. So, Leach, "Thanks but no thanks". Boise St. is similar to that of TT.....don't want Hawkins Tubby? "Smoke 'em if you got 'em"?!?!?! :angryfire HELL NO!
