Have a question about the KU football coaching search? Then KU football beat writer Matt Tait is your guy. Matt will be answering reader questions starting at 2 p.m. on Thursday.

jay381

Question: This morning you added Fuente and I notice a few hours later he was not on either list. Was that because it was a different list or has he been eliminated in your evaluation of the changing landscape? He has succeeded in an area that did not have the greatest resources with TX and A&M in TX and OU raiding from the North. Their facilities (although renovated recently) are certainly not the largest. TCU certainly does not have a long history as one of the great football institutions. However they appear to get kids that want to play, can be coached and certainly have been successful. I have liked Fedora if we can get him from the start. However Fuente does have viable success at a team that plays competitive football, perhaps it was the Rose Bowl victory in the background of the video. I sure like him a lot more than some on your second list in the 12:39 update.

gunnar

Arkansas offensive coordinator Garrick McGee was named a finalist for the Broyles Award. He is linked to FAU opening. What are your thoughts regarding him as possible candidate if we go the assistant coach route and he is still available?

MmaceKU22

Whats the chances of Venables becoming the next KU football head coach?

swks_hawk

Why has Butch Davis not gotten much mention? I feel like he went from a grand slam hire before his North Carolina violations to just a home run hire now after violations as he doesn’t have any future penalties coming his way. He would bring instant credibility and he always seems to recruit tons of NFL level talent.

HawkChalk29

Matt, in my opinion AF coach Troy Calhoun should be a top candidate for the KU job. Our players could be a great fit for his offensive system and his defences have been good as well. They lost to OK last year by only 3 or 4you points. He has done a great job of recruiting talent to not only play football but all also to be officers in the USAF. Why is he so under rated and do you believe he could turn things around and be a good fit for the KU football program. I think there may be more to him than most fans believe. Thanks!

tahawk81

Why isn’t Fulmer getting more attention?

jayhawkfan45

I really think fitzgerald is our guy, look what he did at Northwestern with the crazy hard academics he had to deal with. The KU plane was in Chicago the other day, what do you think Matt?

HawkChalk29

Matt, in my opinion AF coach Troy Calhoun should be a top candidate for the KU job. Our players could be a great fit for his offensive system and his defences have been good as well. They lost to OK last year by only 3 or 4you points. He has done a great job of recruiting talent to not only play football but all also to be officers in the USAF. Why is he so under rated and do you believe he could turn things around and be a good fit for the KU football program. I think there may be more to him than most fans believe. Thanks!

rshern

Do you know how highly regarded the recruiting classes of Sonny Dykes have been the last two years?

jam1580

Has there been any interest in Houston Nutt (fired Ole Miss Head Coach)? I seem to remember KU having interest in him before the Gill failure, I mean hire.

HawkTronic

Any thoughts on Franchione? He was thought to be KU’s guy before Mangino was hired.

MmaceKU22

what are the chances of venables becoming the next head coach?

dfan88

Z go with someone he knows, believes in and trusts…Stoops or Leavitt?

austin5string

Hey Matt, everyone is freaking out (okay not EVERYone) about KU not getting Leach. Do we even know, with certainty, that there were ever even discussions with him and Zenger? It seems like a lot of the media hyped Leach up as the #1 target, but was this ever really confirmed?

jlcasey2

Have you heard about what type of compensation package KU is willing to put out there? Being a decent sized hole, I wonder what KU can offer.

jhawkrulz

Do we have to keep hitting refresh to actually see the “live chat”, I thought this would be similar to a game…real time?

CardHawkFan

I already submitted this earlier, but I guess I wasn’t thinking about it taking place live action as opposed to like the more tradition message board. Anyway, what is it about the KU job that scares big-name candidates away or why can’t the Jayhawks land the proverbial “home run” hire for football?

kcibanker

Do you have any idea who SZ might be using as his advisor in this search?

The_Real_Hawkman

I dont know if it got submitted last night my computer froze but what about Tommy Bowden?

CrushedDove

Fedora has to be the number 1 target at this point but beyond that there are several lesser knowns. What is the consensus on Mark Stoops?

ottomark

You indicated in your article this morning (early this morning) that you think KU is considering some candidates whose names haven’t yet surfaced. Are there any new names you’d care to surface…?

hawk_2011

Matt,

Is there anyone KU can get that has BCS school head coaching experience and and winning track record?

Thanks,

Aqmar

JayHok

Was Chuck Long that bad of a coordinator or did we simply need an actual dual threat QB last year? If the latter, is there a chance for the sake of continuity Long takes over as head coach for a year or so?

Tomasu2012

Meeshjjng

CarlSpackler

When would you guess that SZ will have his man locked up?

mjwgoku

Not that I’m a proponent of this thought but do you think there is any chance that Mark Mangino gets another shot?

aviebs51

What are the chances KU can lure sumlinaway from Houston? Any chance he stays at Houston another year in the hopes that a sub-par year for a&m in the SEC opens up that job?

Andy (Miami, FL)

Sayers44

The AD knew a month ago he was going to fire Gill…..Why wait until now to get on a plane to scour the country for a new coach.?

A new coach should have been intoduced the day after Gill was fired –just like Wash state handles it.

The new Coach should already be recruiting.

Agree?

Jaaaaaaay_hawk

obviously it depends on the coach we get…but about how much monies do you think the KU caoching position is worth? Do you know some salaries of other coaches in the Big 12 as a reference?

cosmic

do you get annoyed at all the half wits who throw out ideas like charlie weiss, and Jim Harbaugh

kupride4u

At what point should we start to panic and worry that none of the “hot” names out there are interested in KU? Is it possible we could actually end up with another mid-major type guy like Gill that would be a huge risk?

5to6

Matt – thanks for the great coverage and updates. Have you personally spoken with any potential candidates, and (without betraying their confidence) gotten any read on how our facilities, etc are perceived in terms of the attractiveness of this job?

Jhawknation82

In your opinion what is the biggest hurdle KU faces to garnering interest from what many would describe as legitimate candidates? It appears that we are perceived as the worst head coaching job position available.

Jackster

Matt:
I live in SEC country now and have watched Gus Malzahn’s stock rise quickly. Is he in the hunt? He would be my vote.

ardy682

Who are the front runner for the coaching job? Any names that have been mentioned officially?

CarlSpackler

We keep hearing that there may be a couple of candidates out there that are targets that will “WoW” KU fans. These names are supposedly on the down low. One reference stated, that both would rank above Leach in people’s eyes. Do you think there is any substance to this or is this just wishful thinking from over zealous fans and media types?

cosmic

if everyone was so hard up for leach, why no rumblings about terry bowden, he has proven himself at 4 places instead of one, and KU has to be a step up from North Alabama

jross1972

I sent a question last night about Gill’s buyout…

???

SWHawk

If you had to guess, what percentage would you assign to Dr. Zenger hiring an offensive oriented coach vs. one who is defensive oriented?

CardHawkFan

I already submitted this earlier, but I guess I wasn’t thinking about it taking place live action as opposed to like the more tradition message board. Anyway, what is it about the KU job that scares big-name candidates away or why can’t the Jayhawks land the proverbial “home run” hire for football?

minneahawk

Chip Kelly found/started his success in D-IAA for the most part. Do you know of anybody who could possibly fit that mold in D-IAA currently and come to KU and be successful?

johnjayhwk

On a year with limited scholarships to give and a good stable of young backs, why would we recruit a running back. The smart thing is to keep 2 or 3 guys, but we have to be smarter with our options. Any indications of where SZ is at?

smot

If Fedora is the choice and accepts the invitation, does Zenger allow him to wait until after the SO MISS bowl game to come to KU or does Fedora leave now?

KUALUMinKCK

What is your updated list of coaching candidates (could you put at number 1 your most likely candidate)?

DCRCJH

Any insight to how important it is to KU to keep Reggie Mitchell under?

MmaceKU22

What are the chances of Venables being the next KU football head coach?

Rigg

Matt…do you see Christensen being a major contender for the job? He’s won at just about the hardest job in the nation (Wyoming) and knows KC well, but I wonder if his Mizzou/Pinkel connections end his candidacy.

GemStateJHawk

Dirk Koetters name was on an early list. I haven’t seen it again. He was the coach that started the Boise State winning run. Any more mention of him?

jaychalk

Do you think that KU has enough young talent that if we get the right coach in the door that the Jayhawks can at least be competitive (meaning not losing half the games by 30+ points) next year? Or will we still be a year or two away from that with the right coach?

hirschtodd

How well do you feel in terms of having “a read” on the mind of Zenger?

gavinesq

Earlier today in your blog you said “we’re starting to discover that this may be a tough job to fill. There is plenty of interest out there, from all walks of life, but progressing from interest and to an actual interview can be a long road.”

Why do you think this will be a tough job to fill? Because prospective coaches don’t want to take on the rebuilding project? Because Zenger has really high standards.

Also, are you hearing about any coaches who are expressing actual interest in the job? Tuberville practically begged for the gig two years ago and now Gary Barnett (!) says he’d be interested. Do young, desirable/highly sought coaches ever actually say they want a given job or is it only long-in-the-tooth/past their prime coaches who do this?

billselfistheman

Matt, What are your thoughts on Sonny Dykes LA Tech Head Coach as a canditate for the Head Coach position at KU?

Krohnutz

Was about to ask the same as Mr. Parkway. With Mike Leach off the board for the same amount of cash we paid Gill, who is our front runner now?

JayhawkParadise

Aside from the all-important hiring of a new head coach, I’d like to think new coordinators will be just as (if not more) important.

Do you think KU has the firepower to hire away a combination of the current list to form a HC/OC/DC trio? If so, whom is most likely to be targeted?

kterry

Matt

Who would you say is the leading candidate at this point and of the candidates who has expressed the most interest in the job?

Thanks

VaJay

1. Who’s your favorite?
2. Who’s the best fit?
3. Who would surprise you the most from the list of candidates?

hawktalker5

Given are overall record seems to me we should worry about coordinators rather than the hc, so if this is all about contacts for some of the our main targets can you think of who they would bring aboard example you think stoops would bring his brother along I know its all hypothetical at this point but im personally more worried about more than just the HC

AsadZ

Matt, Have we lost any recruits due to firing of TG?

acsgreens

Matt,

Do you think that KU may have hurt themselves by only giving Turner 2 years. Will other coaches have a little doubt about job security here?

97jhawk

Shealy was obvious over his head, but do u think Chuck Long was an asset and will be retained? Maybe not as OC, but maybe QB coach?

hofnod

Any thoughts to Randy Shannon? Thought he got a raw deal in Miami with all of their goings-on.

gavinesq

Who, in your mind, would be a “home run hire” for the Jayhawks. Obviously, Fedora (obvious because you just said it). But who else. If we don’t get Fedora, or we getting a simple base hit and nothing more?

jayhwks1

What are your thoughts on Fitzgerald?

ViperBlue

I remember when we played in the Aloha Bowl and Glen Mason said he was not going to leave Kansas for another job after all. That was on Christmas day. How long could this search stretch out for?

dobberhawk

Are you hearing anything related to candidates, particularly top-tier ones, who may be scared off by the Big 12’s relative instability and KU’s long-term prospects? WSU & Pullman are a bit off the radar in terms of being a brand in any sport, as well as just being tough to (want to) get to, and I can’t help but think the conference’s compared strength could be a large factor in our getting a “name” coach. Thoughts?

Lungline

i heard a local radio guy make a comment that Kansas should not think about getting a big name, but I do think his thinking is SHORT sighted.

We have been waiting for a big name since Mason left or is this the real state of our football program that no big name will take it?

matlockhawk

What do you think it would take to hire an established name for the KU position? It seems as though, for some time now, that the coaches who step in and do well use Kansas as a stepping stone to greener pastures. What would the profile look like for the coach who would turn things around and stay?

CRAZY4KUSPORTS

Matt,
I personally feel Leach was not the right fit for KU. Our defense was horrible this season. Do you see AD Zenger looking for a more defensive minded coach. Also how important do you think it is for the next coach to come from a BCS conference instead of the MAC or Conference USA?

jacquevaughn

The more I learn about Sonny Dykes, the more I like him as a potential hire. His offense with a Randy Shannon type D could be salty for KU. Do you feel like most of these guys would try to bring their guys with them or will Dr. Z make a push for some big name coordinators?

Sybesma

What about the Bowed brothers?

FreddyD

I was curious given that no one outside of Jayhawk Nation thinks KU can be a good job, how Zenger being a “football guy” and having been a coach at the college level will play with prospective candidates and possibly help KU get someone that outsiders think is out KU’s league…

IdahoJHawk

Matt,
I live in Boise. I love watching Boise State and of course my Jayhawks. Living in an obviously crazy football town, tell me that KU is committed to football dominance and that they won’t go after my boy Chris Peterson.

Sybesma

Bowden brothers? Sorry, typing on my phone

tanntann01

Why won’t June Jones be a “top candidate” ?

gavinesq

Twitter is now heating up with a rumor that Mack Brown is going to retire. Will this affect KU’s search or are we in such different worlds that it won’t matter at all?

IdahoJHawk

P.S. Matt
Thank you for all you do and I can’t wait to see my first game in Allen Fieldhouse. I have seen my Hawks everywhere else and I envy you and Jesse for your awesome seats. Don’t take it for granted bro. Rock Chalk.

MmaceKU22

What are the chances of us getting Brent Vables, i’d love to see him coaching the jayhawks. What do you say?

AlexParker

How does the coaching pool out there view the future of the Big 12? Would that keep quality coaches away?

HawkfromHays

How realistic a possibility is Venables? Feel free to give a percentage…

plotku

What’s your gut feeling on how much our continued conference uncertainty is playing into coach’s coming here? I.E. will WVU join before 2012.. will the big 12 expand bact to 12 teams eventually, or were the TCU WVU moves just prolonging the inevitable.

The_Real_Hawkman

What are some pros and cons of Tommy Bowden?

kusportsdotcom

Do you think Zenger actually offered the job to Leach? Might KU have to settle on its 2nd or 3rd choice, because their top candidate turned down the job? Kansas seems like it may be a tough sell compared to some of the jobs available out there.

MDHawk

Any thoughts as to when SZ will let us in on where we’re at in the search? I understand they’re playing it close to the vest…are we going to know much before he makes the decision?

Funhawk

Do you think KU will offer the job to someone who brings baggage, a previous head coach who was disgracefully fired, or is KU more image conscious?

haasehawk

With Leach being picked up by WSU do you think that will speed up the coaching search? When’s a date to expect a new coach to be hired by?

ahpersecoachingexperience

What would you give to have a consistent top 20 football team at ku? Originally I thought my pinki finger, but now I think I would give my left arm.

bcounter

Hi Matt,

Just heard that Mack Brown is retiring after this Saturday’s game. How would that impact Fedora, KU, and/or A&M – if at all?

ljmhawk

looks like another horrible coach with no buzz coming to Lawrence.

rxdoc1973

Hey Matt,

I submitted my question before this started didn’t know if you guys had that one still? Thanks, RXDOC1973

Funhawk

Fifty years ago this week the Jayhawk football coach was hung in effigy in front of the campus library. Any love affair we’ve had with our football coach is short lived. Do you think some coaching candidates shy away from a football coaching job at KU, knowing our football history? Or, to put it another way, is the job considered career suicide?

TheYetiSpeaks

If KU misses out on a couple more “first choices” and ends up hiring another up and comer with no head coaching experience, do you think Zenger will have made a mistake rather than giving Gill a third year and/or making him replace his coordinators?

weaglehawk

I for one don’t mind that Doeren lost to Gill. Gene Chizik’s Iowa State team would have lost to Tuberville’s Auburn team, but guess what? Chizik is the perfect fit at Auburn and that is what Kansas is after. A perfect fit. So with that being said. Who is a good fit for Kansas?

Endo

Jack Del Rio?

manginorh00lz

What about Mark Helfrich?

Funhawk

Do you think the next KU head football coach will be a name we recognize? Or, will he be somebody like a “Roy Williams,” nobody we’re ever heard of. Roy worked out for us, for example, but its got to be rough breaking into the Big XII in football. A big name coach could perhaps draw in the recruits better. Our football hurdle has always been recruiting, in my opinion.

1983Hawk

Why isn’t Ken Niumatolo’s name mentioned as one of the up and coming young bucks. He’s a lot less of a reach in many ways than guys like Doeren or Calhoun?

Jayhawk57

We lost out on our first choice in Leach, and looking at the rest of the “list” we have all talked about to this point, there is one name that is not present that I think should be right behind Leach, expecially in comparison to the other choices, Glen Mason. Do you think he should be added to Zenger’s interview list? He is a one heck of a recruiter, runs a disciplined program on and off the field, gets the most out of his players, has a long winning history as a head coach and no doubt has proven to be a turn around specialist. He also demands accountability by all that surround him in all facets of coaching and being a student athlete. Mason is a proven winner, can turn programs around and will put a great product on the field. He did it here in the 90’s with sub standard facilities and if he had then what we have today in regards to facilities, most likely would still be our head coach. Does he deserve a shot to be back at the helm of Jayhawk Football?

kevz87

With the not so impressive 2 years at KU from Coach Gill, is it worth the risk of another mid major coach? If so, is it worth the risk of bringing in Dave Doeren who’s only got 1 season under his belt as a head coach?

bradh

Who would you hire if you were hiring a coach?

texashawk10

Which coach do you personally think is the best fit for KU football Matt?

brungyjhawk

Matt,

On a scale from 1-10, how likely is it that KU can gain some interst from Brent Venables?

Stephan123

Skip Holtz doing poorly at USF. Why would he be on your list of candidates earlier today?

CaliHawk33

Matt,

I thought schools were required to interview a certain number of coaches (including at least one minority coach)… I am questioning how WSU was able to hire Leach (reportedly the deal was reached Tuesday afternoon) the same day they fired Wulff. I understand that WSU had been talking with Leach for the past 2 weeks (ESPN reported they had been in discussions with Leach since mid-November). Is it just the NFL that requires teams to interview multiple coaches (a rule in place to increase the # of minority coaches)? I was under the impression that a certain number of potential candidates were needed prior to hiring (even if a program wants one from beginning to end).

Please let me know if I am confusing an NFL rule, but I thought that college programs were forced by the NCAA to do this considering the diminutive number of minority head coaches…

dannylandulf

Matt,

Since we didn’t get Leach, now most of our candidates are have bowl eligible teams that will keep them busy through December. What sort of timeline are we looking at for the search and eventual hire?

johnnyhrdwd

Matt, do you feel Bob Stoops would try to talk his brother or one of his assistants out of taking the KU job because of the way Mangino’s term ended?

CaliHawk33

Matt,

I thought schools were required to interview a number of coaches (and at least one minority interview prior to reaching w decision)… I am questioning how WSU was able to hire Leach (reportedly the deal was reached Tuesday afternoon) the same day they fired Wulff. I understand that WSU had been talking with Leach for the past 2 weeks (ESPN reported they had been in discussions since mid-November). Is it just the NFL that requires teams to interview multiple coaches (a rule in place to increase the # of minority coaches)? I was under the impression that a certain number of potential candidates were needed prior to hiring (even if a program wants one from beginning to end).

Please let me know if I am confusing an NFL rule, but I thought that college programs were forced by the NCAA to do this considering the diminutive number of minority coaches currently employed as head coaches.

Thanks, and keep up the quality work. I go to your updates to verify other reports prior to ESPN now (for the allignment mess and now the head coach carousel).

kgrad99

Matt-
Thanks for all the information. What are the odds of Zenger hiring someone he’s never worked with before? Are there any former NFL coaches as possible candidates (Jack Del Rio)?

hawk_2011

Two Questions:

1.The Turner Gill firing was a big statement by KU showing that mediocrity is not tolerated at KU. That was a very positive sign for many KU fans including myself. The question now turns to the is hiring a guy like Larry Fedora, Brent Venables or Mark Stoops really an upgrade over Turner Gill? And if so why? (Since Leach is off the board)

2. I think many KU fans are looking for a big time hire. By big time hire I think many fans that I have talked to would have the following:

A. BCS school head coaching experience
B. proven winning track record
C. Quality individual who graduates his student

Is there anyone out there that might fit into that category that KU can hire?

TKHAWK

The name on the list I’m least familiar with, other than the name itself, is Mark Stoops. I know he’s defensive minded, but in an offense dominated B12, someone without head coaching experience and the firing of brother Mike at AU, can you make a case for Mark for me?

kuhwks

With the gem of the class (Leach) eliminated from the list, do you think the season ticket buyers and the boosters and their deep pockets hold on to their checkbooks until whomever the new coach is proves they can win Big XII games (especially KSU)? I had imagined money flying and tickets selling fast with a Leach hire, but with anyone else at that press conference, I’m having a hard time seeing the band wagon anything but 3/4 empty to start the season in 2012. How do you sell guy number X on the list to the fans and boosters? And, if it’s a wait and see attitude, how bad could that financially cripple the athletic department that is $50M+ in debt?

Frankenhawk

Matt, any chance Zenger takes a look at a major coordinator like Gus Malzhan, Kirby Smart, or Bud Foster? All will get chances at the helm of a BCS school some day and will most likely succeed, why not at KU?

meanstreak79

Matt,
Who is the top 3 coaches on your wish list?

dmoneyball

Matt has Manny Diaz from Texas been mentioned at all? He is supposedly a really bright and up and coming coach. He completely turned around Miss St.’s defense in one season and his Texas D is one of the best in the country.

mahkmood

I haven’t seen Mangino’s name mentioned… not even on a dark-horse list. Seems to me he has a better coaching resume than most of the potential candidates. Why no Mangino mention?

I feel like a lot of KU fans forgot that KU football is not exactly a dynasty (notice how the big names such as Leach choose less than stellar programs over KU), and as a result the fans got greedy following Mangino’s Orange Bowl win. The guy can flat-out coach, and was committed to building a KU football program – and did – before being forced out. I think KU fans need a strong reality check that being in the Big12 conference means a lot of 6-6, 7-5, 5-7 seasons, with hopefully 1 or 2, 12-1 seasons a decade. Mangino can provide that. I’m sorry to say it, but if I was Fedora, Sumlin, or any proven coach with an upward career path, I’d wait for a better job opening than KU… unless the payout was ridiculous. I think we’ll see that playout, Fedora and Sumlin will take better jobs. As much as a lot of people don’t want to hear it, Mangino is the right guy for KU.

Jayhawk57

Glen Mason seems like a candidate we should be considering? He knows how to win at KU, understands the recruiting landscape, demands accountability on and off the field and I would imagine we could get him for a good value? Proven commodity as a head coach compared to some of the coordinators on the list.

actorman

Hi Matt.

I actually have two questions (or more, depending on how you count my sub-parts):

1. What was the deal with Leach? He seemed like a natural fit at KU, especially with the chance to go against TT every year. Do you think the lawsuits scared KU off and they didn’t even try to get him?

2. There’s often talk of hiring an offensive-minded or a defensive-minded coach, as if the two are mutually exclusive and a team can’t excel in both areas. Is it so illogical to think that an offensive-minded coach (like Leach) could simply bring in a great defensive coordinator and the team could be just as strong on both sides of the ball, or does a program that’s as far down as KU is have to start by focusing on just one area?

actorman

Whoops, meant to say thanks at the end of my questions. And I know you’ve heard it a lot, but as someone who’s not local, I can’t tell you much I appreciate the thoroughness of your reporting on this situation, realignment and other issues. It’s so great to be able to find out all the latest information quickly, and you do such an excellent job of keeping us deprived Jayhawk alums informed. So thanks again.

Krohnutz

Other than Mangino and Leach, are there any coaches out there that are/were not currently employed that might be contemplating making that return? Are any of them worth taking a shot at?

flyingfinn

I know it’s not a huge piece of the equation, but has anyone talked to some of the big doners? I know if I was one I wouldn’t be happy about this taking “several days” to trim the list. And the list is losing all it’s sparkle. Have any of the people that donate large $ amounts expressed their disappointment in this process or is it playing out in the university’s bubble?

Lungline

I do not want to add Solich, but he could be enticed by the better looking college co-eds at KU and the beer.

HAWKAHOLIC_91

Is it just me or would jim Jim Jeavitt not be a terrible fit here? 1. He got fired from his last HC job. 2. He played QB at Missouri. 3. He coached at KSU. How would he be able to become a Kansas coach with that background?

The_Real_Hawkman

Have you seen the Mack Brown to retire rumor going on twitter?

emily_litella

Matt, I hope to golly they’re checking Craigslist. There’s some good deals sometimes.

kupride4u

How long do you think SZ knew that Gill was done at season’s end? If he had known for a while wouldn’t it have made sense to announce it a week or 2 earlier in hopes of getting a big name like Leach or someone else before some of the “better” jobs opened up.

georgeJhawk

While I’m a bit disappointed we couldn’t attract Leach here, I don’t think he would have been a long term solution to KU’s football woes. I could see him being successful and then leaving for a bigger job, leaving KU to begin the process all over again. Of the coaches you’ve identified as possible hires at KU, who do you believe has the best chance at being successful and a potential a long term hire. In other words, is KU anyone’s “dream job”?

actorman

How about Nolan Cromwell? Is he completely out of the question?

Toto_the_great

What are the chances of landing a coach that just got canned, such as Zook (KU ties) or Erickson? I would assume low to none, but those guys did have success in other places and have ties to Florida prospects.

JayDocMD

Any chance Zenger targets any previous or current NFL coaches/coordinators and if so who?

nuleafjhawk

Matt,

A day or two ago, someone mentioned Frank Solich’s name as a possibility.

I just wondered if there was any merit in that and what your thoughts were.

Thank you

kuwells

Solich is too old. Hummmm. Bill Snyder…

mpann1818

Why was there hesitation with Leach? We should have locked him up before letting Gill go.

jhawkjunkie

Hi Matt, will the bowl season have any impact on when a new coach will be hired? Stoops and Venables going bowling, and not sure what S. Miss bowl tie in is, do you think Zenger will want a new coach to start right away or will have a chance to coach his teams bowl game before coming to KU? Thanks.

Krohnutz

I find it hypocritical for Nebraska to blast KU for firing Gill and his one Big 12 win. They had no problem canning Solich, one of their own, for not winning to their “standard.”

jjjjjhok

I’m afraid the best available coach is Willie Fritz at Sam Houston State. SHS is 11-0 with truly sick stats. HIs Div. 2 resume is remarkable. He’s a KS native that played bball at Pit St. and has coached in TX and MO for 20 years.

He’ll get a lower D1 job this year and two years from now we’ll regret another “one that got away!”

The Ohio State U. found their stud coach, Jim Tressel at Youngstown State. Why can’t KU’s stud coach come from Sam Houston State?

mikendal

Now that Mike Leach is off the list for the potential KU football head coaching position, who, in your expert opinion, is next in line, or the front runner now?

Thanks, Matt!

HouTexHawk

Were Leach’s law suits with ESPN and to a lesser extent Texas Tech an obstacle to his being hired at KU or did Leach just believe he could win easier at Washington State? The Pac 12 is more of a Fox funded conference and KU has a big tier 3 contract with ESPN to show KU basketball.

kuwells

Thanks for answering the Solich question, Matt. But I asked some other way better questions! And I see you are ducking the percentage wheel issue too. Man, I think this q.a is rigged!

nwhawk

What about that plane that went to Chicago and back yesterday? We got the scoop on the previous Florida flight. Why not this one?

BadHaaseJayhawk

Matt,

At this point in a typical KU football fan life, what coach at this point in the search going to fill the stadium come the first game next year with hope and maybe a gleam of innocence in their eyes?

Krohnutz

We keep throwing out current college coaches, but are there any candidates coming from the pro ranks? This includes both fired head coaches as well as coordinators.

st20602

If we see a spread/air raid kind of offense ewith a new coach, do you think Jordan will be the qb for that offense?

st20602

If we see a spread/air raid kind of offense ewith a new coach, do you think Jordan will be the qb for that offense?

cosmic

really, my logical questions like Terry Bowden dont get answered, but a tim tebow question does? what a crock.. ok,,maybe this will get me posted… What about Lee Corso, he coached once, and he will probably be getting fired for dropping a bomb on national tv

bay93

Skip Holtz was mentioned as a candidate during our last go around, have you heard his name mentioned this time. Thanks

jayhawk2015

Is Pat Fitzgerald a serious candidate? Would love to have him, if you can win at Northwestern, you can win anywhere.

Displayhawk

What is Nolan Cromwell doing now, and would he be interested in coming back as head coach, or possibly as an assistant like Danny Manning is for the basketball team???

brutus53

New to this, and maybe I overlooked the answer, but are the coaches who are listed… Venables, Stoops, Fegora, Doeren, etc… interested in the job if offered? Doeren is one I like personally, but i trust Zenger completely.

nckujayhawk

How may potential candidates view the instability of the Big12 in relation to the KU opening? How does the uncertainty of KU’s place in a superconference effect the candidate’s views of the KU job?

1jhawk2

Hey Matt, Nice job covering this fiasco! What is your take on the following coaches:

Terry Bowden – brings a name and obvious success.

Dave Christiensen – not sure of this but has great offensive mind.

Stretches:
What about Josh McDaniels – OC at St. Louis. Young, NFL experience which may have taught him a few lessons.

Really a stretch:
James Franklin – not sure of his salary, I know he is basically in his home roots, but the guy is awesome. I’m a huge KU fan and had the opportunity to meet him at a coaching clinic while he was at KSU. Can’t believe the energy and enthusiasm the guy has.

Look forward to your thoughts and other postings.

Krohnutz

Any chance we can use their exit fees to hire Mizzou’s Gary Pinkel?

freudhawk

I’ve heard it mentioned that Zenger is looking for a coach with good discipline, strong Xs and Os, and experience in a winning program. Given his history as a coach, do you know if has any particular offensive or defensive philosophy or approach that he is likely looking for as well?

tanntann01

Matt, Do you think Jim Leavitt would be a good fit? I personally don’t see it working. He handles the media poorly and just seems more crazy than a Leach. I want June Jones and for Randy Shannon as D coordinator !

crimsonhawk

How do you think conference realignment and the instability in the Big 12 has/will affect the quality of candidates from which Kansas can draw interest?

brutus53

Maybe this has been answered and I missed it, but of the names mentioned – i.e., Fedora, Stoops, Venables, etc… would they really be interested in the job if offered?

crimsonhawk

I heard Phil Fulmer’s name mentioned as a possibility early on. He was quite successful at Tennessee. Do you know if he is on the radar, or interested in the KU job?

jay381

On your early update this morning you listed the OC of TCU Fuente. I saw by the noon update he was not mentioned. Is he under consideration.

1983Hawk

Matt –
If we are looking for a tough, young, hungry, tenacious, no-nonsense but humble candidate, how about Ken Niumatalolo? He’s only 46, and I suspect he’d have career and monetary ambitions that realistically cannot be accomplished if he stays at Navy and will necessitate a move to a BCS conference at some point in time. In many ways, he’s less of a reach than some of the other “young buck” names that keep popping up on everyone’s lists. Shouldn’t Dr. Z give him a call?

jayhawkninja

Why isn’t the head coach from Houston getting much consideration?

1983Hawk

Matt –
Shouldn’t Venables be asked point blank if he ever through debris at Rex Walters at a basketball game in 1993 (Kevin Keitzman has publicly outed him for this in the past) before he is given any kind of interview? A public confession and apology would be necessary before he ever thinks about getting a job here, let alone continuing to coach in this conference at all, as far as I am concerned.

Kansashawk

Given the kind of $ we’re talking about, what would keep Jim Leavitt from leaving SanFran now, vs in another 1-2 months?

The_Real_Hawkman

If somebody sees him in an airport they may think he is the Papa Johns CEO

Rkessler

The AD said he could sleep well in two weeks on channel 6 news. Do you think he will announce his coach at the Ohio State game. It was two weeks out when he made that comment. Thanks Matt!!

justinryman

jdoughboy, Thank you!!!!!

AtlJaybird

Some of the candidates are know for their offensive expertise while others are known for defense. Is there any indication Zenger is looking for one type of coach or another?

Jayhawks1209

Why isn’t Kirby Smart getting more of a look from SZ?

ralphus

Great job on the coverage, Matt. Keep up the great work.

Lots of scuttlebutt about Zenger having to go after a “splashy” name to energize the masses.

A) Do you think that’s a legitimate concern for him; and B) If he is aware of that, do you think that could potentially help OR hinder this search?

1jhawk2

I might as well ask about Gary Barnett as well. What are your thoughts on him? He doesn’t need a stepping stone and would be a viable coach for the next 10-15 years.

I want a younger coach, but I also want someone who will come in and turn our program in the right direction. Bottom line like every fan in the country, I want more W’s than L’s.

acsgreens

Matt,
Thanks for keeping us all up to speed here. This is a non-binding question but if you had your pick who would be the next head coach at KU?

justinryman

First, everyone thought that Mike Leach was the first choice of AD Zenger, but is there any proof of that?

Two, could it be that Zenger has his man, and that he is just waiting for this weekends games to be done with before he announces it? And if you had to guess, who might that be?

CardHawkFan

What is it about the KU job that just seems to scare people away or at least keep the Jayhawks from landing the proverbial “home run” hire?

ardy682

Who are the front runners for the coaching position?

jay381

I am currently living in TN and the last person you want is Phil Fulmer. Trust me You do not push out a long tenured coach with a winning record without reason.

WaveIt

Why would Zenger fire Gill (give him 6 mil to walk) if he didn’t have “his guy” ready and willing to come on? Why settle for another assistant when you could have kept Gill and waited til the right guy became available?

Hwkpride2010

Let’s see those percentages!!!!!

brutus53

First time here… maybe you’ve answered this but are coaches like Stoops, Venables, Doeren, Fedora, etc really interested IN this job?

AzHawk97

Does it really matter? Look at Kansas football historically and you see a pattern: struggle, build, win a couple easy non-con games, maybe sneak a couple of conference wins to go with those, that gets them to a minor bowl, and then every decade or so a dream season comes along. Give any coach long enough at KU and I believe this will continue to play out. Is KU ever going to be a consistent national power? I think we know the answer to that no matter who the head coach is or will be. It is fun to “believe,” and hope for better, but realistic expectations should prevail. Kansas football is not LSU, Alabama, USC, OU, etc., just like they are not Kansas basketball, nor ever will be.

pepper_bar

Has KU given any thought to simply eliminating its football program?

Lungline

Maybe I was on Maui mind, but Bob Davie was hired to coach New Mexico and I thought it was shocking we did not even think about talking to him.

seattlehawkfan

do you think Turner Gill would still be our coach if Lewperkin$ were still our AD ?

onlylookin2score

So Matt, do you know if Zenger is looking at any O or D Coordinators with recruiting prowess from the SEC?? Could you provide a short list of who you think would be a good fit within that criteron? And also, am I the only person on this planet who thought the last Confrence Mike Leach would coach in would be the Big XII? Saw it coming a mile away!

Thanks

cosmic

Terry Bowden

ogjhawk

I am amazed at what Glen Mason accomplished at KU. He had no facilities and limited funds for assistant coaches. Any chance he will get another chance?

Displayhawk

Any word on whether Chad Morris might be a candidate???

Lungline

What are the chances that Reesing might be a coach someday? Not saying now, but maybe someday.

ttoulouse

Matt,
How big is this hire for Zenger’s reputation as an AD?

•Ted

phi4life940

How much money can we realistically spend per year on a new coach?

Strikewso

Why hasn’t anyone mentioned Dennis Francione? He’s a Kansas guy and almost went to KU if Roy Williams hadn’t chosen Allen instead. He reportedly smoked the Arkansas interview but they ended up taking Pellini instead, but it was close. The guy is a pro!

HONEST1959

What is the chance that Nolan Cromwell could be a head coach at a BCS school? Do you think that he has what it takes to coach at Kansas?

bjejayhawk69

do you think coaches who Zenger has past with are a stronger possibility than others?

If familarity with Zenger isn’t important how important would Texas recruiting ties be?

justinryman

Matt what about Tim Beck, the now O coordinator at Nebraska?

He has ties to KU after spending time under Mangino as passing game coordinator and WR coach.

SuperJayTNT

The athletic director at Washington State was quoted as saying … and I’m going to have to paraphrase here because I don’t remember the exact quote, “We either have to go big or admit that we’re a doormat.” Given that our AD likes to do things behind the scenes without making public statements, do you feel Zenger is approaching our coaching search with the same attitude?

Kansashawk

Leavitt??

kustrong

Matt, I have three questions for you about five coaches you mentioned.

Mark Stoops
Larry Fedora
Brent Venables
Paul Chryst
Todd Monken

How will each coach impact recruiting, discipline, and how do you believe their personality will impact the team? Which one do you think would be the best fit for KU and why? Thank you for your great reporting and keeping us up on all things KU.

fetch9

Do you think it’s best for the school to hire an older more experienced guy to steady the ship for a few years, maybe post some 5-7 win years (hopefully) and then retire or should they be trying to hit a home run with somebody?

hawkdreams

Read Rick Neuheisel wants to coach right away do you think there would be interest on either or both sides for Rick at KU?

rshern

How highly regarded have the last two recruiting classes of Sonny Dykes been?

FreddyD

From people you’ve talked to, how much does Zenger being a “football guy” help pitch what many consider a below average job at Kansas?

KUALUMinKCK

Why not Houston Nutt?

mjhawkchalk

Who do you believe KU should hire?

kuwells

Hey, Matt – thanks for opening the floor! Where is the damned percentage wheel? Too much pressure for ya? I mean if you can handle the pressure of the realignment, this coaching thing should be a walk in the park!

But seriousy, it struck me watching the game last night that the information, and more specifically, the words that are coming from on high during the coaching search are eerily familiar to the words during the conference realignment. And by that, at least to me, it seemed like the fate of KU was in a free fall, and our destiny on where we would land relied on others actions. Well, here we are again, and this time it seems the same, but we are hunting for a coach. The questions you ask? Here they are (and I bet you can’t answer them if you cant get a percentage wheel going!):

Are we going to just sit back and watch and hope a coach lands in our lap? I know that the instant gratification society expects more, and myself, much less, but other than SZ is on the road and he’s got a consultant funded, that is about all we are getting. Isn’t there something else?

Is there any validity to the notion to the thought that we “knew we were going to fire Coach Gill at the end of the year and should have had a plan in place” school of thought? That a lot of what we are hearing is going on, well, it should have already happened?

Seriously, how is Mangino-gate and only two years with Gill impacting the coaching hunt? Newell talks to the D2 guy. What are his thoughts? Is he willing to coach KU (and I mean that, would he take the job with the 4 year circus here)?

Who was the second gunman behind the grassy knoll?

Thanks, Mr. Tait!

Rock Chalk!
Kent Wells

kuwells

Matt,

I just typed a bunch of words and questions and some pretty cleverly thought out stuff that I could never recreate. I clicked submit, and nada!

Seriously! I’d hate for all that to be lost. Did my questions make it through?

Thanks
Kent Wells
kent.r.wells@gmail.com

kchawk84

With the recent instability of the Big 12 and more noteably the negative perception of Kansas football on a national level, do you think that the Kansas football job is desireable for a big name coach? I worry that a big name coach would not want to move to a school that could possibly be playing in the MAC in a few years. I personally don’t think that will happen, but it still warrants a level of uncertainty.

pepper_bar

Gill only got two years to install his program at Kansas. Good coaches would expect more time and leeway for early struggles, given KU’s history. Shall we assume the next coach will demand and receive a 5-year guaranteed contract similar to what Gill got?

Strikewso

Matt, did you hear the story about Glenn Mason having an affair and one of his assisant’s jobs was to dive him to her house and sit in the car waiting for him to be done? Finally the assistant just drove and left him, and quit his coaching job obviously.

kuwells

Yo yo yo jesse. I know you’re reading these.

Granitestatah

Matt, Out of all of the supposed darkhorse canidates who would you handicap as having the best chance at landing the KU job? FWIW, My money is on Sonny Dykes.

jayhwks1

What is the possibility for maybe getting Charlie Weiss as our new football coach? He is a big name and has the credentials.

jhwkfan162515

What is the likelihood that Dr. Zenger will go after SMU coach June Jones as Gill’s successor?

dcw

Matt – while it may be rehashing the past, what really went down with the hiring of Gill? It has been accurately pointed out that he was never a coordinator etc prior to Buffalo and that he had one good season there. Did Perkins panic after not getting Harbaugh? Was he pressured into hiring him? The post-hiring analysis really calls into question why that went down in the first place…everyone was put in a position to underachieve IMHO. Thanks for any input.

jhawkrulz

I’ve heard Chad Morris, but know nothing about him. I guess he has ties to Texas and Oklahoma, but is coaching at Clemson?

jhawkrulz

Kyle Wittingham at the University of Utah was once a big name, don’t know if he is still a name to be reckoned with. I think one of his best years was shortly after Urban Meyer left and he may have gotten credit for actually winning with someone else’s players.

jhawkrulz

Are most of the pros out of the price range? Like Gruden, Cowher, and others, do they make 4-5MM as an NFL coach, so they would never take 2-3MM as a College Coach? I’d also guess most don’t recruit well.

Displayhawk

Any chance of bringing Don Fambrough out of retirement (so to speak) to coach for the third time???

jhawkrulz

Will the buyout of a coach with a contract prohibit us from going after a coach? For instance when we hired Gill we paid like $350k to buy him out of his contract. I’m assuming with some of the names being mentioned the buyout might be $2-3MM. Does that take some of the names off the table and if so, which ones potentially?

KGphoto

Why haven’t we seen Manny Diaz on even the longest and most unlikely lists of candidates? He seems to be a defensive wiz, and could probably be had for a more reasonable price.

rxjayhawk

Matt, do you think that the next coach will be given at least 3 years considering how Gill was fired after only 2?

cardinal61

Do you think that the AD would consider Luke Fickell of Ohio State? Luke has over 15 years experience at a big time program, had a 1-yr apprenticeship as a head coach under trying times, and could improve our defense.

KGphoto

With coach Barnett making his choice public, what could be standing in the way there? He seems to be the best fit, since he has both resurrected a losing BCS team, and played for Big 12 Championships.

coachmatt

Where would you put Butch Davis on your list of candidates? He did a great job at UNC and got fired for infractions that he claims he had no knowledge of…

RockChalk26

Does Zenger have a timeline in place for when he would like to hire a new coach?

jay381

After the first year or so what success at Old Miss? No Nutt

superhawk22

I see there are now rumblings about Pat Fitzgerald being a candidate. Would KU be a serious player to pull him away from his alma mater? Would KU be enough of an upgrade in pay and quality of facilities to pull him away?

KUMC81Hawk

If we have to settle for an OC or DC like Stoops or Venables, why not go get Randy Shannon? Started on a National Championship team, made the Dallas Cowboys roster.As DC at Miami his defenses were ranked 7th or better nationally 6 out of 7 years. He has HC experience witha winning record (28-22). He spent the last year traveling learning how the HC system works (Nov 16 ESPN article). Thanks Matt!

pepper_bar

I want the job, how can I apply?

soswalt4

How much do you think KU is willing to shell out on a new coach/year? Do you think they will offer the new coach a 2 or 3 year contract? No way he gets a 5 year contract, right?????

rrockchalk

I heard a little bit about Jim Tressel to Akron- do you think he could be convinced to come to Ku if sheahon Zenger pursued him? Kansas has got to be more attractive than akron because of our facilities and BCS conference affiliation right?

teejhawk00

Matt, Thanks again for the wonderful job that you do for us football starved fans at Kansas. It is also great to get the interaction with you via twitter. In regards to Fitzgerald from Northwestern, I used to work with members on the staff there and once his name became a part of discussions I immediately got on the phone with them. They seem to think that it will take the sale job of the century to get him to leave. He was extremely close to former Coach Randy Walker and is still close to his family members as well as family members of former player Rashidi Wheeler. Not to mention expectations at NU are similar to that at Kansas, plus he is near major recruiting grounds in Chicago and is a former player and alum. As I mentioned on twitter earlier, the facilities are in DIRE need of a facelift, and Fitzgerald is the lowest paid coach in the B1G, so speculation on their part is he is using whatever leverage he has to broker some new money allocated to football as well as soften the academic standards to allow more football athletes the ability to enter college. Just my 2 cents. I believe no matter who Dr. Z hires he is going to be a better Head Coach then what was previously in place. I also have questions regarding the S&C program. Would Dr. Z allow Coach Hudy to run the program or in that regard would she even be interested? How many S&C staffs in FBS have a female in charge of the department? Would this be considered an advantage/disadvantage with recruiting or do believe like me that her qualifications and product she has produced with the basketball team superceed all that. I also believe that the decision would be up to new head coach to hire/bring with him his own S&C staff. Thanks again for your work and dedication to reporting #kufball!

The_Real_Hawkman

BadHaaseJayhawk- We have won the same amout of BCS bowls in the last 5 years, and ours was agains a real team

bjdku

It seems we have bystanders in the Athletic Department. It felt that way during the Big 12 saga. I am not saying they didn’t work hard, but I am saying they let fate happen and lead from behind instead of having a parallel offensive strategy. Could be wrong. However, this coach search brings more of the appearance of reactionary moves instead of proactive moves. According to the Seattle Times, WSU was interviewing Leach weeks before letting go of their coach. They had it lined up before they fired their coach. They weren’t even sure they were going to fire their coach. Contrast that with Gill…it was obvious he had to go. Why wasn’t there someone lined up? Why risk losing recruits and doing more damage? So my question is did the Athletic Department wait until after Gill was gone to research and interview candidates?

matlockhawk

Awwww…..I submitted mine awhile ago. Longer, but good.

Funhawk

Gary Barnett expressed interest in the job opening. I would not mind Gary Barnett as KU coach. But, do you think KU would hire a native Missourian who played on the MU football team? That is, would this go over with the Jayhawk fan base?

escaped_labrat

when we finally get our new coach (hope it’s Leavitt) what are some big names out there that might be interested or a good fit at DC or OC? Do you think the next guy will get a drill sargent for a strenght and conditioning coordinator like we need?

jayhawk4life1

It seems that even though there are plenty of ‘good’ coaches out there, Leach was the only sexy choice that would generate immediate excitement among the fan base, do you see any other possible hires out there that could generate the same kind of response with the KU faithful?

gavinesq

Who is a “home run” for KU?

escaped_labrat

what are some of the good OC and DCs available that the new coach might land?

Kberth2011

A lot of people are angry about the Mike Leach loss, but was he even really on our list? I’d find it odd for us to hire a guy who is attacking one of the Big 12 schools, especially after all this conference realignment and the hope of creating conference unity.

JayHawkScott

Matt, thanks for all the great info!!!

What are the chances that any new coach coming in would be promised stadium upgrades?

milehighhawk

With Leach off the board, which coach would provide the biggest boost for the fanbase in terms of ticket sales, in your opinion?

Funhawk

Do you think KU will give the new coach only two years to field a competitve team in the Big XII? Do you think two years is long enough? If so, do you think a two year deadline scares off potential job candidates?

haasehawk

Matt,

With Leach now being picked up and Fedora at the top of some other schools lists do you still expect SZ to take as much time or will this speed up his process? And if it does do you think that will impact the coaching hire he makes? good or bad.

upinsmoke

Is there a guy out there who can turn around the program, plus be able to keep good coordinators here over the long term? The year the Jayhawks won the Orange Bowl we had a real good defense, and then the coordinator goes to Florida, therby signaling the downfall.

FreddyD

So what’s the criteria for getting a question answered? I asked a question twice, no answer, yet I notice some on here have had the opportunity to ask two questions…

jayhawk2015

Is there any question that Zenger talked to Fitzgerald yesterday? I mean the school plane flew to Chicago, dropped someone off, and came back later to pick them up. Your thoughts?

refugee

Is Sumlin a possibility? Where do you see him next year?

CardHawkFan

No shot at Bill Young at the helm?

namohcan_99

What are your thoughts of KU pulling Pat Fitzgerald from Northwestern? Is there anything we really could offer to get this guy? Do you think we have a shot at him? If not him, who is your guess on KU’s next head coach?

quovadis7

Hey Matt,

You guys are doing a GREAT job covering the FB coaching search.

I was wondering what you might think about the new head coach bringing in Nolan Cromwell as his Offensive Coordinator?

I thought that Nolan did an amazing job at quickly turning around the offense at Texas A&M a few years ago, when he was OC there. I was hoping when Turner Gill was hired that he would bring Nolan back to KU as his OC; I was sorely disappointed when Chuck Long got Gill’s nod for OC….

Anyway, I think that getting Nolan back on the hill with the new coaching staff would definitely build a lot excitement for the Jayhawk faithful wrt the new coaching regime.

What do you think???

Steve Boor
Plano, TX
1980 KU Alumnus

jtrav77

What are the odds that the new top prospect has a stranger hobby than pirate history?

pizzashuttle

Butch Davis turned around UNC. Is he too nuclear due to being fired for Zenger to consider him? Or maybe he’d be too controversial for BGL with her ties to UNC?

fox

Have you offered any suggestions to the AD in order to help you avoid needing to go through all this work again in 2 years? (Just kidding) Great work on this and everything you do. I always enjoy reading you, Newell, and Keegan. Your styles compliment each other well.

nashhawk

Not once in my lifetime (48 Years) has KU hired a proven winner as a coach. Will that change this time?

justinryman

No no no thank you!

slyhawk

1) Why would Mike Leach deem WSU a better spot than others now available?

2) Do you have one of those ceremonial Hari-Kari swords I could borrow and use on myself if we hire a washed-up has-been like Phil Fulmer, ex-Tennessee HC. PLEASE tell us he’s not a real candidate for the KU job!

pick6

Matt, why would KU be interested in Barnett? He left CU in shambles when he was fired. New coach needs to be a Venables, Fedora, maybe a Fitzgerald. Has to be vocal on the field with every aspect of the game. Defense needs to look like their are 13 men on the field! Smash mouth football! It can be done at KU.

pepper_bar

Is KUAC close to bankruptcy?

LSHawk

Matt, I’ver heard very little about Brent Venables as a possible canidate and NOTHING about Bobby Jack Wright. Are either serious canidates for the job??

rckansas

What level of temperment would you want at KU has our Football Coach?

Brickwall1

Why was our AD in Hawaii with the basketball team last week instead of getting started on a coaching search?

bretsmith

Why do you think a coach like Dennis Franchione isn’t getting more run? This could be a destination job for him. I believe his son is a coach at a Texas juco which would enhance his own connections from A&M and he built what is TCU.

I get the Bama issues but maybe he’s just not built for the SEC.

1jhawk2

Any truth to the rumor about Leavitt emerging as a candidate? Since somewhere it was mentioned he is off the list, I stopped wishing for him. If he is willing and able he is my 2nd option behind Leach. After Leavitt, I would go with Gary Barnett, Dave Christiensen, James Franklin (won’t happen), Terry Bowden, Larry Fedora.

Displayhawk

Chad Morris sounds like a pretty good candidate. What is his background and would he come to Kansas???

rxdoc1973

Matt,

I guess my biggest concerns going forward have to do with recruiting and the 3 members of the staff remaining. Will the new coach be asked to keep those 3 on the staff? My concern is that if they don’t stay will the current recruits bolt? I know all three of those guys are great recruiters too and well liked by the players, recruits and fan base. So keeping them would keep some familar faces around and also keep our public face in recruiting consistent. Do you feel going forward that the new head man will want to keep those big 3? They do have great recruiting abilities and have landed us some top notch guys last season and hopefully going forward. Sorry long question but I think you get my main point.

Thanks,
RXDOC1973

bayareajhawk

Is June Jones a viable candidate? He seems to be somewhat similar to Mike Leach in that he has an offensive system that puts up gaudy passing numbers but he rubs some people the wrong way. What are the chances KU takes a look at him?

1_Jaydoc_1

Do we still get the Gridiron? Any chance for a basketball version? Call it The Phog.

gavinesq

Earlier today you said “we’re starting to discover that this may be a tough job to fill. There is plenty of interest out there, from all walks of life, but progressing from interest and to an actual interview can be a long road.”

Why is it a tough job to fill? Tough because Zenger’s standards are very high (in which case, cool.)? Or tough because the better candidates don’t want to take on the rebuilding or some other aspect about KU?

banjax451

What is a fair expectation for Kansas fans to have as far as results in football? All season, my wife (FSU alum) has “consoled me” over various Kansas debacles with “you’re a basketball school,” but I have consistently maintained that this is not a valid excuse. Have Kansas football fans become unrealistic in their expectations for the football program when every one of us (deep down) would trade a Final Four for a bowl game without question?

Personally, I feel that we should expect no less than 4 wins every season from the Jayhawks and bowl games (6-7 wins) 2 out of every 3, with the occaisional 8-10 win season once in a blue moon. But is that unrealistic? Is 50% bowl games too low? Is 75% too high?

d_prowess

Matt, what is your confidence level that AD Zenger will find/hire someone that over 50% of the fans would be happy about? Or, with Leach out of the picture, is there any coach that would make over 50% of the fans happy?

gripp42

With the declining ticket sells have an impact on hiring a known name over a coach that only insiders would know?

benjman25

hey matt, thanks for your terrific coverage of the search. i was a bit surprised to see you mention pat fitzgerald in your blog update this morning – didn’t think he was even in the running, but it’s an intriguing option with some seeming similarities between northwestern and KU. do you think he would be a good fit as a jayhawk, and what would it take to lure him to lawrence (besides $$$)?

gripp42

Will another flop on a hire kill the program?

ednoyes

Has Nolan Cromwell been contacted? He was at Texas AM after the NFL.

Jaaaaaaay_hawk

Matt, given the contract we cut will Gill for this past hire….do you think the next coach will be expecting some sorta similar guaranteed monies deal? Or is it possible we don’t have to break the bank or give a long term commitment to someone for them to come to KU? Just how “bad” was that Gill deal?

champdave

If Zenger struggles to get any of the hot commodity-type candidates (i.e. the Fedoras), does he start to think about sort of punting on a long-term hire by taking an older coach like Barnett who could probably do a solid job, but won’t be around for years and years?

khelm9

Matt, JK on the Slant is saying that there is interest coming from Houston Nutt. Can you please do everything in your power to let Dr. Zenger know that most of us would jump off a cliiff if he did that to us??

Moderator

Hey, this is Jesse Newell, KUSports.com online editor. We’ve got KU football beat writer Matt Tait here to answer your questions about the KU football coaching search. Matt, are you ready for this?

Matt Tait

Hearing the sounds of the Monday Night Football song right now…

Matt Tait

So, yes.

Moderator

All right, here we go …

jayhawk4life1

Since Zenger keeps everything close to the vest, in your honest opinion, do you think we made a play at Leach and missed, or do you think we even tried to pursue him?

Matt Tait

Good question. I don’t think KU full-court pressed him by any means. I think he was definitely a target, but I’m not sure they even got into the stages of negotiating… That’s why I don’t think it’s fair to say KU swung and missed. WSU simply beat them to the punch.

Brock

Given that KU’s defense was the worst defense in BCS football, who would be a good coach who could concentrate on resurrecting the defense – considering that there doesn’t appear to be much talent on the roster?

Matt Tait

There are a lot of defensive minded coaches out there who could be interested in this job. Dave Doeren at Northern Illinois was Wisconsin’s DC for years, Mark Stoops and Brent Venables are current DCs and several others are out there who are defensive minded.

That said, I don’t think KU will limit its options based on looking for a coach who emphasizes defense.

In addition, I think there is a decent amount of talent on KU’s existing defense and the hope for KU is that a new staff will be able to bring that to the surface…

Moderator

Sorry guys. Haven’t done a chat in a while, and I seem to be pushing all the wrong buttons. If your screen has been janky with questions popping up and going away, it’s my fault. Moving on …

stupidmichael

KU paid a relatively unproven coach $2 million a year. Is this precedent going to hurt KU’s chances of hiring an arguably more proven coach like a Larry Fedora? Will KU be able to pay enough money to warrant enough interest? And do you think that may have been a major issue with Mike Leach?

Matt Tait

Absolutely. The salaries are all relative. Fedora’s making around $700,000 at Southern Miss. Double that to $1.5 million and he’s loving life.

I think KU can and will afford to pay anywhere between the $1 million and $2.5 million range. All depends on the coach, the fit and that person’s current salary…

As for Leach, I think KU would’ve paid him in the $2.5 million range with no problem. Can’t see anyone else that KU might hire reaching that figure…

RCJhawks

Is there a way Kansas can keep Reggie Mitchell on staff? It seems to me that one thing Coach Gill’s staff did well was recruit. Which potential coach out there would be best from a recruiting standpoint?

Matt Tait

There’s been a lot of talk about keeping Mitchell in Lawrence to work with the new staff. I know Reggie’s interested in staying and I know KU would love that. Anyone would. The man’s a master recruiter.

As for the coaches out there who would be best for KU’s recruiting interests, that’s tough to say, but you gotta think the “right guy” will have ties to Texas since that state is so important to KU’s recruiting. There were 38 Texans on last year’s roster and I’m guessing there’s room for that number to grow…

ttoulouse

Matt,
Do you think there is any change that Mangino is on the list of candidates?

•Ted

Matt Tait

I don’t. Mangino’s a great coach and he’ll be on a lot of lists, but KU’s won’t be one of them… I do expect him to explore the idea of getting back into coaching this offseason, though, with Memphis looking like a possible destination.

1_Jaydoc_1

Do you think Dr. Zenger’s approach of “keep it quiet until it’s done” is the best way to handle important matters like the coaching search, like KU’s place in conference realignment.

Fromt the outsider it usually just looks like he isn’t doing much, although we all know he is (I think???).

Matt Tait

Personally, I do. I think it’s been proven plenty of times that if you blab, you run the risk of looking like a fool at some point — cough, cough, Missouri —

The other reason keeping quiet seems to be a good approach is the danger that leaks can create. Remember what allegedly went down in Manhattan with Gary Patterson and K-State? If all of that’s true, Patterson might be KSU’s coach if the people had stayed quiet. Not that they’re crying, they’re clearly in good hands with Snyder.

I get the frustration with all the silence. I really do. But I think it’s something KU fans should be proud of and have trust in. The man knows what he’s doing…

The_Real_Hawkman

Jezze Jesse get it together HAHA JK

Matt Tait

I’m hearing rumors that we’re exploring the idea of canning Newell for his performance today… Also hearing that we’ve got an up-and-coming hot shot internet guru lined up to take his place.

That’s all I can say…

Moderator

Nice.

rockchalkchampionship

This may be common knowledge, but I can’t find it anywhere. What coaches are still on staff? Just Mitchell? Mitchell and Beaty? Thanks!

Matt Tait

All of the assistants who worked under Gill are still employed by KU and many of them are still working on the Jayhawks’ behalf.

Reggie Mitchell has been named the interim head coach and he, WR coach David Beaty and D-Line coach Buddy Wyatt are actively recruiting for KU still…

There’s no telling what will happen to all of these guys when the new staff arrives, but, it’s pretty common for the new coach to at least interview guys interested in sticking around. I think we’ll see that here, though I’d be surprised if more than 2 or 3 guys stuck around.

MrWardParkway

Call your shot Tait. Darkhorse- Tim Beckman for me.

Matt Tait

Darkhorse? Sonny Dykes, head coach Louisiana Tech. He’s Mike Leach light in a lot of ways, without all the crazy. He’s not on KU’s A-List but he’s a heck of a coach and will do well wherever he lands…

mjhawkchalk

What’s the difference between Turner Gill and a mid major coach like Larry Fedora? Gill had a tougher job at Buffalo than Fedora does at Southern Miss. Why does Fedora deserve a shot?

Matt Tait

Good question. Fedora’s rise in the coaching ranks has been outstanding. From great Texas high school coach to Big 12 coordinator to head coach at a mid-major…

Gill didn’t take those steps. He was never a high school coach or a coordinator and, in many ways, was in over his head at the BCS level right away.

Fedora has paid his dues, has been a grinder and is ready for the next step. There’s a reason he’s a hot candidate at Ole Miss and Texas A&M, as well as other places.

I have no doubt he’ll do well whenever he makes the transition. The guys’s a hard-nosed coach, who knows offense, emphasizes discipline and isn’t afraid to let his coaches coach.

At this point, he’d be a home run hire for KU… Not sure it’ll happen, though.

Moderator

This chat, by the way, is powered by Cheez-Its (or at least those on Matt’s desk).

holdenkc

Do you think that BGL was instrumental in us not going fully after Leach?

Matt Tait

Nope. I’ve been told by multiple sources that there’s no truth to that and that she had nothing to do with Leach not coming to Kansas.

She’ll have some input here, as well she should, but thus far she’s been letting Zenger run the show and it looks like that will continue…

kucr8ton

I wasn’t clear from your blog earlier today, how did you arrive at the 2 lists you created? Is one a wish list and one a probable list? Which list do you think our next coach will come from?

Matt Tait

Yeah, it’s a little unclear. I’m mostly just analyzing where we’re at with those two lists….

I do believe that all of those guys on both lists are under consideration in some form or another and I could see it being any one of them.

The first list simply consisted of names that I thought KU fans would be OK with if one of those guys was named the new coach.

The second list consists of guys who might take some selling to the fan base but could still be good hires.

It’s not a good and bad, as some have suggested. It’s more an evaluation of the popular names still in the mix and the lesser known names also still in the mix.

As I’ve said, I still think there’s a name or two not on either list that could emerge as a strong candidate.

For those who missed it, here were the lists:

Popular:
Mark Stoops
Larry Fedora
Brent Venables
June Jones
Skip Holtz

Less Popular:
Dave Doeren
Dave Christensen
Sonny Dykes
Dana Dimel
Troy Calhoun

jross1972

Where did the money come from for Turner Gill’s buyout, and are boosters interested in helping to pay for a new coach’s hire?

Matt Tait

Zenger said the money came from a redistribution of revenue streams. Specifically, that meant increased dollars from the new FOX television contracts…

He said last Sunday that the dollars from the new TV deal would go to whatever KU’s top priority was, and, obviously, the coaching transition is now top priority.

As for the boosters role in this, I can’t speak for any of them, but Zenger did say KU would tighten its belt and fund-raise to support the new staff…

Krohnutz

We had an updated percent on conference alignment. Any chance we can get an “Updated A-List Candidate Percent?” I, for one, would enjoy it.

Matt Tait

I’m not gonna lie… I absolutely LOVE that everyone loves the percentage wheel concept so much. I love it, too.

And, as I’ve said, I’ll unleash one for the coaching search when the time is right. It’s not right now.

I’m having a hard time identifying even the top group of candidates let alone being able to pin down a favorite and put out odds for this guy or that guy…

I won’t forget about it, though. Have patience. The wheel will live on!!!

That said, the longer this goes, the more I think Dave Doeren’s name rises on the percentage wheel.

Stay tuned…

pepper_bar

Two words: Mike Ditka.

Matt Tait

Daaaaa Bears!!!
None of us are that lucky…

doolindalton

I am hearing Andrea Hudy is doing an awesome job in redirecting the football conditioning program. She is obviously Bill Self’s “secret weapon” in the basketball program. Any chance she gets the nod to direct both the basketball and football programs as the “strength and conditioning” coordinator?

Matt Tait

She is doing a great job and things are changing in the football complex by the day. She’s a very demanding and very talented person and KU is lucky to have her as they make this transition.

That said, I don’t think there’s any way she’ll continue doing both when the new staff is hired. The new coach will likely bring in his own guy, and, quite frankly, I’m not sure she’s that interested in taking on the kind of an overwhelming task that handling both sports would be. Talk about no free time.

She’s one of the best in the business, though… As you all know.

champdave

Matt,

You keep saying that Zenger isn’t worried about winning the opening press conference. Shouldn’t that mean the fact that Dave Doeren lost to Turner Gill won’t be much of a factor? It just seems like a guy with a proven record of recruiting well at KU and a great defensive mind should be pretty high on the list, especially with Leach and possibly Fedora out of reach.

Matt Tait

Very well said. I’m as guilty as anyone of saying that Doeren’s loss to Gill will hurt him, but the more I look at it, I’m not sure it would.

Maybe initially, but NIU went on to have a great season (9-3, 7-1) and, with this being his first year at NIU, the loss to KU came in just his second game as a head coach.

If KU ends up with Doeren, I think they’d be in good hands. I don’t know that it’ll get to that, though. All about timing.

But you’re right, we’ve made a little too much about that loss to Gill, as damning as it may seem.

VaJay

First, thank you for keeping the Jayhawk faithful aware of what’s happening out (even if it’s just what you think is happening). The more info the better.

Do you believe there’s much of a chance of the search dragging beyond a couple of weeks due to reluctancy among some of the coaches to talk until their season is over (including bowl games) ?

Matt Tait

Thanks a lot, VaJay… Glad to help.

As for your question, it wouldn’t surprise me if it stretched out a little bit, but I don’t think that’s the goal. I still look for something to be wrapped up next week, with the possibility being there of introducing the new head coach to the KU faithful at halftime of the KU-Ohio State men’s basketball game.

And, no… It won’t be Jim Tressel.

BadHaaseJayhawk

Matt,

If yourself, Keegan, and Newell all got into a fight who would come out the clear winner?

Matt Tait

In the interest of not hurting anyone’s feelings, my lawyer and my mother have advised me against answering this question.

I think you know the answer, though.

To quote Will Ferrell, “I drive a Dodge Stratus. I work out. I can do 15 push-ups. People at work are scared of me!!!”

CardHawkFan

How about a Top 5 list of what makes the KU Football job worth taking and a Top 5 list of what makes coaches shy away from it…taking this one?

Matt Tait

I like it! But let’s go Top 3…

Pros:
1. Great facilities
2. Great salary
3. Big 12 Conference/BCS job

Cons:
1. Nightmare schedule every year
2. There’s a lot of work to be done after these last two seasons
3. Big 12 instability

Tomasu2012

Matt,

How do you think these interview processes unfold with Zenger and the potential candidates? Obviously, previous coaching accolades are of utmost importance, so I am curious as to how important you believe the interviews actually are? Thanks for all the coverage.

Matt Tait

I think the face-to-face interview is ENORMOUS… I mean HUGE.

Zenger’s the kind of guy who wants to know as much about the man as he does about the man’s credentials.

All else being equal, it wouldn’t surprise me if he picked the coach he had the best vibe with… again, with all else being equal.

He’s a smart guy and a veteran of coaching searches. He won’t let one aspect — be it resume, personality, references, what have you — carry too much weight. He’s looking for the total package and the right fit for KU.

kuwells

Frank Solich? Only the winningest coach in Nebraska football history in his first 5 years. More than Devaney and Dr. Tom. Fired after 9-3 (but 7-7 the year before). Does good stuff at Miami (9-4 this year) and is extended through 2013. 67 years old. Thoughts? Another Nebraskan at the KU helm?

Matt Tait

Haven’t heard a whole lot about Solich and I think his age might be the reason why. Not that 67 is old, but coming to KU and turning this thing around is going to take someone with great energy who’s willing to grind every single day.

Mangino was that guy in the beginning and eventually the job started to wear even him down.

Look for it to be a younger guy, even if Solich’s resume is impressive…

Lungline

Are you surprised with the how sensitive Nebraska fans and how personal they took to KU firing Turner? Omaha paper especially.

Matt Tait

I kind of was. I did a couple of radio shows up there after the firing and they really wanted to blast KU for the move.

I understand where they’re coming from, but if they had been covering every game, play, minute of the Turner Gill era at KU like some of us have, they’d understand where KU was coming from.

Had to happen. Period.

jhawkbacker

Matt, do you feel there may be any interest in Randy Shannon? He seemed to have some talented teams at UofM but appeared to have been fired a little too soon I thought.

Matt Tait

I’m in agreement… Thought Shannon got a raw deal at The U. I don’t know if he’s a big-time candidate for any head coaching jobs out there right now, but I have heard rumblings of people interested in bringing him on as a coordinator.

The guy’s a good coach and a solid football guy.

nnelson

Any truth to the rumor that Tim Tebow is interested in the job?

Matt Tait

He’s busy…. WINNING FOOTBALL GAMES!!!!
In Tebow We Trust!

HawkTronic

Can you (and do you) track Dr. Z’s plane as it travels the country?

Matt Tait

Because he’s not using the University jet, he’s untraceable (is that a movie?)…

He may be spotted at airports across America, but I’m not sure how many people outside of Lawrence, Manhattan and the Illinois State area would recognize him in a crowd right now.

That’s a good thing for Operation: Stealth…

Jayhook

Matt

Big fan of your articles and play by play updates of our great coaching search. My question to you is: has KU considered Jim Leavitt (USF Coach) who was caught up in Manginogate a few years back. He has strong KSU ties back to Shehon and coached a near D2 school into a top 5 D1 powerhouse. You might have already addressed this, but I would assume he would be a good candidate. Let me know your thoughts and keep up the great work.

Matt Tait

He would be a solid candidate, possibly even the favorite, but I’m hearing that it’s a long shot at this point….

For one, he’s tied up with the 49ers, who are 9-2 and probably will be playing for a couple more months. Second, the way things went down with him at South Florida is still a bad deal in many people’s eyes. Could be enough to stay away.

If this thing really drags out, though, don’t be surprised if he becomes a factor.

I wouldn’t put him on my percentage wheel, though…

jdoughboy

Matt, I was wondering if you had heard Terry Bowden’s name come up at all. I’m not for sure of any ties with the AD, but he’s back coaching at Northern Alabama and seems to have a great record, and would seem to be trying to work his way back to D1.

SSgt J Domann
Okinawa Japan

Matt Tait

First of all, thanks for your service to our country. I get pretty caught up in all this sports stuff, but it’s men and women like you who are out there doing what’s really important. Thanks again!

As for Bowden… I’ve heard his name kicked around a little bit and nobody can really explain why he’s not a hotter candidate. As you mentioned, he has a great resume and comes from a heck of a coaching family. He could be one of those “name guys” that I can’t put my finger on. But right now I’m not hearing enough to put him firmly on any lists.

He could be a player here, though. No doubt.

Mr_A

(quoting the appropriate reply) Nobody cares about your sucky Dodge Stratus, Tait!

Matt Tait

Fair enough. Did I mention it has one of those Christmas tree air fresheners?

RCJhawks

Do you have a sense for the mood of the players following HCTG firing?

Matt Tait

Good question. Talked to quite a few of them in the days that followed and they were definitely emotional. Coach Gill was good to them and treated them with respect all the time. They’ll miss that and they’ll miss him.

They do want to win games, though, and I think they’re open to a change even if they’re a little sad to see Gill go.

fetch9

Last go around Phil Fulmer had a lot of interest in the KU job but never seemed to get a fair shake. Is there any interest from him this time and do you think he would be a serious candidate?

Matt Tait

I’ve been trying to get ahold of him to hear it from the horse’s mouth. I would think he would be interested and I think KU would be interested in him. The guy had great success at Tennessee and is a proven head coach.

The one thing holding him back is that grind aspect we talked about earlier. Yeah, he’s a proven winner at a place like Tennessee, where people line up for miles to play football for you… but can he come to a program like Kansas and do all that it takes to build the program and then sustain it?

The answer to that could be why we’re not hearing much about him right now.

2twenty5

Do you think that the local media over-hyped the possibility of Leach being the leading candidate? It seems like now that he went to Wash St, the KU fan base has a Leach hangover and will be unenthusiastic for anyone hired whose name they don’t know.

Matt Tait

The hangover’s a very real thing (and a phenomenal movie) but I do think Leach was a realistic target. His ties to Zenger were rock solid and the link to the Big 12 just made sense.

It’s a bummer for KU fans (and media members) that the pirate didn’t come to Lawrence, but it wasn’t because he laughed at the idea. I’m pretty sure he was very interested in Kansas but saw WSU as a better fit for what he was looking for.

Hopefully people can move on from that and embrace the guy KU ends up getting, no matter who he is.

hawkdreams

I’ve read many comments saying “this guy would be good except he’s 62” or whatever age. How old is too old in the KU search?

Matt Tait

Solid question. I don’t know that there’s an exact answer to that, but, as I’ve mentioned, younger is probably better because of the demands that putting this program back on the right track will bring…

Too young? 30s
Too old? 60s
Ideal age? 40-45ish

That’s just my read, though. Nobody official told me any of that.

Bleufer

Matt, I’m tired of the booth. The Big 10 is boring. Think Dr Z will come see me?

G Mason

Matt Tait

Depends on what you’re having for dinner… Make it light and healthy and I think you’ll have a good shot.

Seriously, though, KU could do worse than Mason and there’s talk that he’s interested, but I don’t think he’ll be a part of Plan A. Plan B? Perhaps.

CardHawkFan

Okay, enough already. Not getting any work done because of this Q & A! What are the odds that any of the canned NFL coaches looking for a job would take a look at KU? Also, what are the chances The Big Z has a stipulation that his next hire has to want the last names back on the jerseys?

Matt Tait

Haha! I think the names will be back next year no matter who the coach is. What a bad idea that was.

As for the NFL guys… I just don’t see it. I could be wrong, but I’m not sure any of those guys are good fits for Kansas and what Zenger is looking for.

jtrav77

When Gill came in, he moved guys around quite a bit who were successful before the moves (see: TO and KT). Do you see the next coach moving them back or you do think those were good moves on Gill’s part?

Matt Tait

I think Opurum’s set on defense. He’s worked hard to become a solid defender and deserves to play his senior year at the position that he’s busted his butt to play for the past two seasons.

I also think Terry’s set at safety.

You may see some movement but I doubt much of it will include any of KU’s starters. We’ll see.

HawkfromHays

Not a question, but just wanted to say this is awesome. There aren’t many other fan-bases who get the kind of access and coverage that KU fans do. Great work on this and realignment, awesome stuff.

Matt Tait

Nice of you to say. Thanks for the kind words and for helping create the best place to read and deliver KU sports news! We owe a lot to all of you!!!

ttoulouse

Matt,
Do you think firing Gill after only 2 seasons will make potential candidates think twice about being interested?

•Ted

Matt Tait

I don’t. Under normal circumstances, it probably would, but these weren’t normal circumstances. First of all, Gill was overmatched and not prepared. Second, the change in leadership changes the landscape and makes what went down a unique situation that anyone out there could understand.

Guys will want assurances from Zenger that he’s not going to have a short leash for them, and they’ll get that. They’ll also get a contract that’s fair to both sides unlike the one that Gill was given, which put KU in a horrible position.

ProtownHawk

This might be off of the wall. But, with the recent firing of Jack Del Rio from Jacksonville. What are your thoughts about Del Rio being a possible candidate for KU? Afterall, he has Kansas ties (since he earned a degree from U. of Kansas).

In addition, based on the fact that Reggie Mitchell, David Beatty and Buddy Wyatt are still on the KU Football Staff. Is this Sheahon Zengers way of keeping continuity and allowing these assistants to be retained by the new incoming head coach? So, that the current roster and recruits see that their recruiting coaches are still going to be at KU (once the new HC is announced)?

Matt Tait

I know about the ties for Del Rio, but I don’t see him as being what KU is looking for.

As for the coaching staff, I addressed it a little earlier and think that 2 or 3 of Gill’s assistants could definitely catch on with the new staff.

Mitchell and Beaty are solid candidates to be those guys and that will only help recruiting, there’s no doubt about it.

kuwells

Poor Taiter, how much longer is he gonna be abused? Is he getting overtime?

Moderator

I’ll take this one. Ten more minutes, folks. And don’t feel too bad for him. I saw him break out the Mike and Ikes a while ago.

kueric

A few names I’ve thought of but no one seems to consider are coaches from the BEast who may be worried about their conference losing an AQ bid (or if that goes away, any real chance of being in the top 12/16 or whatever a new system might require). Guys like Butch Jones, Charlie Strong, Skip Holtz.
They would be in a more secure conferee and they’d make approximately a half a million dollars more per year.

And then I’ll also say there hasn’t seem to have been any mention of Manny Diaz either which seems strange.

Matt Tait

The Big East thing is a very real deal. Some of those guys are looking and some of them could be great fits for Kansas. Holtz was a candidate last time around.

It’s hard to say how much will come of that because looking is different than interviewing and getting actively involved, but it’s a good read. Who’d have thought six months ago that the Big 12 could be the place coaches come for security. Crazy!

You’re right… not a lot of talk about Diaz. Not sure why other than the inexperience factor. The guy’s a crazy good defense coordinator, though, as long as he has the horses to run with.

swishymcjayhawk

JayhawkSlant is reporting that Houston Nutt may be interested in the job. What’s the likelihood that Zenger grants him an interview?

Matt Tait

I’d say 50-50 right now… He’s a name guy who could be intriguing based on the success and longevity he enjoyed at Ole Miss.

But there’s something about hiring a guy who was just fired that seems strange to me.

Moderator

Lightning round. Fifteen words or less.

dmoneyball

You don’t seem to confident about fedora anymore. Why? Ole miss is supposedly looking to hire kirby smart and A&M is keeping Sherman.

Matt Tait

Fedora to KU could happen. Still think he’s a candidate at Ole Miss & he may want to wait 1 more year for A&M to open…

BadHaaseJayhawk

Matt,

What is a good comeback for us Jayhawk diehards that live in other Big 12 college towns when taunted about our football?? (especially here in Norman, Ok)

Matt Tait

Hmmmm… I’ll think on that one and try to come up with something. Basketball’s the obvious answer but it’s so unoriginal…

bretsmith

If you were a betting man, right now your money would be on…..

Matt Tait

My money (which I don’t have much of) would be on Dave Doeren. And I wouldn’t bet a lot.

I think there’s a real good chance that it’ll be a bigger name and a better resume, but with all this talk about the right fit, Doeren’s name keeps popping into my head.

Matt Tait

Don’t hold me to that, though… YIKES!!!

Moderator

Sigh. Forget 15 words or less … A few more.

tman1991

Matt — Whats for dinner? Oh and this is great stuff!

Matt Tait

I’ll be on the radio with Brian Hanni from 4:45 to 6:00 and he tells me he’s feeding me… I think 23rd Street Brewery. Sounds good to me. Glad you’ve enjoyed it. We’ll find time to do another one for sure. It’s been awesome!

MtOread88

Hate to ask this, but what are the chances that we simply take the ‘interim’ tag off of Mitchell and make him the new full time coach?

Matt Tait

Zero. Reggie’s a great coach, a great recruiter and a valuable member of any staff, but he’s not being considered for the head coaching job.

KU fans should definitely hope he stays in town, though…

justinryman

Matt do you think the LJW would buy you Dragon Dictation for these?

That way you won’t get Cheeze its on the keyboard or the sticky fingers from Mike n ikes????

Matt Tait

I’m guessing no… They do provide soap, water and paper towels, though!!!

OakvilleJHawk

Not a question, just a comment , but I don’t always agree with what you say but I always appreciate the effort you put in to say it.

This is why you are indeed,

“Tait The Great”

tman1991

Tait for pres!

Moderator

Couldn’t hold back all the Tait love any longer.

Matt Tait

Much appreciated. I’d think something was wrong with you if you agreed with everything I said… But I’m glad you enjoy the work and appreciate you and everyone else contributing to our discussions!!!

Moderator

That’ll wrap up today’s chat. Thanks to everyone for stopping by.

Matt Tait

Thanks to Jesse for sifting through thousands of terrific questions and thanks to all of you for stopping by. We’ll do another one soon and I’ll continue updating the blog often. Thanks again. Back to the phones now!

Stay tuned…