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CU Coaching Search: Who’s Got Next?

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February 22nd 

The Karl Dorrell File

… From 1992 to 1993, Dorrell coached wide receivers at Colorado. In his first year with the Buffaloes, two of his receivers, Charles Johnson and Michael Westbrook, became just the fourth pair of receivers on the same team in NCAA history to each have over 1,000 receiving yards.

He then served as wide receivers coach at Arizona State in 1994 before returning to Colorado when they hired his former UCLA teammate, Rick Neuheisel, as their head coach. This time, he would serve as wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator from 1995 to 1998. When Neuheisel left Colorado for Washington, he brought four assistant coaches with him – including Dorrell, who served as the Huskies’ offensive coordinator and receivers coach in 1999 … 

From the Miami Dolphins … Karl Dorrell bio (does not include 2019 season) … Karl Dorrell enters the first season of his second stint with the Dolphins after being named wide receivers coach on Feb. 8, 2019. Dorrell previously served as the team’s wide receivers coach from 2008-10 and was the quarterbacks coach in 2011.

Dorrell spent the past four seasons (2015-18) with the N.Y. Jets as their wide receivers coach. During that span, the Jets had five different players record at least 50 receptions in an individual season.

… Dorrell joined the Dolphins following a five-year stint as head coach at UCLA. During his time heading up the Bruins’ program, the school went 35-27 and appeared in a bowl game all five seasons. In 2005, UCLA went 10-2, recorded a victory over Northwestern in the Sun Bowl and finished with a No. 13 national ranking in the USA Today Coaches poll, and No. 16 by the Associated Press. For the team’s performance that year, Dorrell was named the Pac-10 Conference co-Coach of the Year.

Before his time with the Bruins, Dorrell was wide receivers coach with the Denver Broncos from 2000-02.

… Prior to his stint with the Broncos, Dorrell was an assistant at the collegiate level for 12 seasons, including seven years as an offensive coordinator. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, UCLA, in 1998. Dorrell also held assistant coach positions at Central Florida (1989), Northern Arizona (1990-91), Colorado (1992-93; 1995-98), Arizona State (1994) and Washington (1999). In Dorrell’s 17 seasons as a head coach and an assistant coach at the collegiate level, the teams he coached put together 10 winning records and made 12 bowl appearances. He also worked with the Broncos’ staff during training camp in 1993 and 1999 as part of the NFL’s Minority Coaching Fellowship program.

Dorrell played five years as a receiver at UCLA (1982-86) and totaled 108 receptions for 1,517 yards (14.0 avg.) and nine touchdowns.

A San Diego native, he and his wife, Kim, have a son, Chandler, and a daughter, Lauren.

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ESPN & CBS Sports: Karl Dorrell to be hired as CU’s next head coach

… Related … “CU coaching search: Karl Dorrell emerges as top candidate after Dolphins promotion, per reports” … from CBS Sports

From ESPN … Miami Dolphins assistant head coach Karl Dorrell will become the new head coach at the University of Colorado, a source told ESPN, confirming multiple reports.

Dorrell, who coached the Dolphins’ receivers, will succeed Mel Tucker, who left the Buffaloes to become the head coach at Michigan State.

Dorrell served as head coach of UCLA from 2003-07, going 35-27 in his five years at the helm. Under his leadership, the Bruins advanced to a bowl game in each year. In 2005, he took UCLA to a 10-2 record and victory in the Sun Bowl over Northwestern.

The Bruins finished the season as the No. 12 team in the nation.

In 1992-93, Dorrell was Colorado’s wideouts coach. He left for a similar position at Arizona State for the 1994 season before being brought back as offensive play caller beginning in 1995.

Earlier this week, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, a star running back at Colorado from 1987-90, withdrew his name from consideration for the job, ESPN confirmed.

Darrin Chiaverini has been serving as Colorado’s interim head coach.

Dorrell, 56, returns to college after spending the last five seasons as receivers coach for the Jets (2015-2018) and Dolphins (2019).

The Dolphins gave Dorrell a promotion this week adding assistant head coach to his title, but Dorrell has been looking for an opportunity to return to being a head coach.

Dorrell quickly earned the respect of his Dolphins receivers last season and played a key role in DeVante Parker’s breakout 2019 season.

Parker, who finished in the top-5 among NFL players with 1,202 receiving yards last season, credited Dorrell for teaching him how to watch film better, learning subtleties of the position and trusting him to succeed.

It’s a return to Boulder for Dorrell, who was CU’s offensive coordinator and wide receiver coach from 1995-98 and the receiver coach from 1992-93.

… Read full story here …

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Rivals Report adds another name to the CU list of candidates 

… This one makes no sense to me. Like Eric Bieniemy, Greg Roman is likely eyeing an NFL head coaching position in the near future. He has no ties to Colorado, already makes $3 million/year, and last coached in college ten years ago … Don’t see it … 

From CUSportsNation.com …  Buffaloes AD Rick George effective this upcoming Monday is planning nonetheless to conduct a fresh searching wave to get more candidates in the field.

A source Friday identified to CUSportsNation that Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman is one such candidate whom George plans to reach out.

Roman, 47, has a coaching history that stretches back to 1995. All but three of his years as a coach (2008 at his alma mater, Holy Cross High School and 2019-10 at Stanford) have been spent at the NFL level.

Currently, Roman serves as offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Although the Ravens ended up collapsing with a bit of a thud in a 28-12 AFC Divisional Round at home, Roman oversaw one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, centered around QB Lamar Jackson.

In 2019, Baltimore scored the most points in the NFL and were second in yards per game. The Ravens, in part via Jackson’s on-the-ground contributions, possessed the league’s best rushing attack, averaging 5.5 YPC, also an NFL-best, along with 206 yards per game.

In designing the Ravens’ innovative offense and working so well with the 23-yard-old Jackson, Roman was named the Associated Press Assistant Coach of the Year for 2019.

… Continue reading story here …

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February 21st 

Report: USC and Oklahoma assistant coaches back in consideration

From The Athletic … Colorado is expanding its search for a new head football coach a week out after Mel Tucker’s departure, and may contact USC offensive coordinator Graham Harrell and Oklahoma defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, according to people familiar with the situation.

Both Grinch and Harrell have Pac-12 experience and have been on athletic directors’ radars for a while as future head coaches.

Grinch, a Mount Union graduate, first turned heads when he was Mike Leach’s defensive coordinator at Washington State. Grinch earned a rep for taking one of the worst defenses in the FBS and transforming it into an aggressive, turnover-producing problem for rival offenses. He was widely known around the Pac-12 as the most unpredictable play-caller in the league. He spent a year in his home-state Ohio on Urban Meyer’s staff as a co-defensive coordinator in Greg Schiano’s system before taking over the Sooners’ defense. Since coming to Norman, Grinch has turned a shaky group into a very formidable one.

The 34-year-old Harrell, who comes from Leach’s Air Raid tree, pumped some new life into the USC offense in 2019. The Texas native spent two years at Washington State before returning to the Pac-12 with USC. Harrell took an offense that ranked No. 63 in yards per play in 2018 and, despite losing its starting QB at the start of the season, helped it improve to No. 15 in his debut year.

… Continue reading story here (subscription required) …

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Troy Calhoun evasive (at best) with local press

From the Colorado Springs Gazette … Air Force coach Troy Calhoun took questions from media on Thursday following the team’s fourth spring practice. The Gazette’s Brent Briggeman and two local television reporters were present.

Gazette: Can you confirm that you have interviewed at Colorado?

Calhoun: I was at practice today, and we’re going to get the Air Force Falcons a little bit better. That was our aim today. That’s our sole goal.

Gazette: Was there truth to what you saw in the media?

Calhoun: I haven’t looked at the media. I haven’t watched the media. Not regrettably, maybe regrettably. I haven’t seen a thing. We’ve done nothing but meet, we’ve done nothing but practice. That’s what we’re going to do and that’s what we wanted to get done today, too.

Gazette: Did you not talk to your staff yesterday and tell them that had happened?

Calhoun: That what?

Gazette: That you had interviewed?

Calhoun: Did I?

Gazette: That’s what I’ve heard?

Calhoun: Well, write that then. If that’s what we did. If we told our staff that, then write that. If you think that’s accurate and that’s what you heard, write that. I wouldn’t say just a source, if that really is the truth, we told our staff, there’s freedom to write whatever we want to write.

I’m all about football. That’s what we’re doing. We’re all about Air Force football and what we did today.

Gazette: Is there an adverse effect on football…

Calhoun: Today. Here’s what we did today. What do you got in terms of what we did today?

… Continue reading story here …

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ESPN: Eric Bieniemy officially withdraws his name from consideration

From ESPN … Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Colorado head-coaching job, sources confirmed to ESPN.

Bieniemy’s decision, as first reported by 9News in Denver, follows that of Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, who also has dropped out of the search, sources told ESPN’s Chris Low on Thursday.

Bieniemy starred at running back for Colorado from 1987 to 1990 and finished his career as the school’s career rushing leader (3,940 yards). He had two assistant coaching stints with the Buffaloes following his NFL playing career.

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Coaching search re-set: List of candidates remains long

From the Daily Camera … With Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian apparently out of the running, focus remains on others, including Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and CU interim head coach Darrin Chiaverini. Former Arkansas and Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema could also in the running.

CU athletic director Rick George and associate athletic director Lance Carl are conducting the search and not providing information.

… Last month, Air Force announced that it was working on a contract extension with Calhoun through the 2025 season, but that deal is apparently not completed. Air Force is currently going through spring practices and Calhoun coached the Falcons on Thursday evening.

Brent Briggeman of the Colorado Springs Gazette tweeted that Calhoun was asked “many times” about the CU job after Thursday’s practice. “Calhoun deflected the questions; refusing to confirm, deny or acknowledge anything about the situation,” Briggeman wrote.

… The longer the search goes, the door could open for other candidates, such as former UCLA head coach Jim Mora. Fired with one game left in the 2017 season, Mora has been in broadcasting since, but has expressed interest in the job, according to sources. He also had interest in the job when Tucker was hired in December of 2018.

Mora spent part of his childhood living in Boulder when his father was an assistant coach at CU. A former head coach for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks, Mora went 46-30 in six seasons at UCLA, taking the Bruins to four bowl games.

… Continue reading story here …

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February 20th

247 Sports: Eric Bieniemy not out of the running for CU job

From 247 Sports … It seemed a little too late for Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to land a head coaching gig in the NFL after he was passed over in the latest cycle. However, he helped lead the Kansas City Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title in 50 years.

When Colorado’s Mel Tucker shockingly left his position as head coach for Michigan State, all eyes turned towards Bieniemy, who played for the University and was a 2nd round NFL Draft pick in 1991. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Bieniemy was unlikely to take the Colorado job, but there was an interesting development.

Bieniemy is still in the running for the job at his alma mater.

According to Mike Kils of 9News.com, Bieniemy remains among the top candidates for the Buffaloes, basically the opposite of the Fowler’s report which makes the Chiefs staff an intriguing option if Bieniemy were to leave.

At this point, it looks like a waiting game for Bieniemy. He can take the job at Colorado and lead a PAC-12 program or hang on with Kansas City and wait for jobs to open up for the 2021 NFL season, thus getting his NFL head coaching opportunity.

Just earlier this week, Colorado’s Athletic Director Rick George said there was no leading candidate for the position. However, it seems the desired option is Bieniemy.

Steve Sarkisian, Alabama’s offensive coordinator, was also linked to the job at Colorado, but he is reportedly staying under Nick Saban, making the spotlight on Bieniemy larger.

… Continue reading story here …

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My reaction to news that Sarkisian would rather stay as a coordinator at Alabama than be a head coach at CU …

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ESPN: Alabama outbids CU for Steve Sarkisian 

… Related … “Report: After interviewing with CU Buffs, Steve Sarkisian to stay at Alabama” … from the Daily Camera

From ESPN … Steve Sarkisian has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Colorado head-coaching job and instead plans to remain at Alabama as offensive coordinator, sources told ESPN.

Sarkisian, the former USC and Washington head coach, had emerged as Colorado’s top target after interviewing for the job on Wednesday, according to sources, but informed Alabama coach Nick Saban on Thursday that he intended to stay in Tuscaloosa and is expected to receive a raise that will make him one of the highest paid coordinators in college football.

Sarkisian, 45, returned to Alabama last season as offensive coordinator after serving as the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator in 2017-18. The Crimson Tide finished second nationally to national champion LSU in scoring offense in 2019 with an average of 47.2 points per game. Alabama and LSU were the only two teams in the country to finish in the top three nationally in both scoring offense and passing offense.

Sarkisian first worked under Saban in 2016 as an offensive analyst and called the offensive plays in the national championship game that season against Clemson after Saban parted ways with Lane Kiffin, who had taken the Florida Atlantic head job.

Colorado is looking for a replacement for Mel Tucker, who left for the Michigan State head coaching job last week after only one season at Colorado. Bret Bielema, the former Arkansas and Wisconsin head coach, has also interviewed with Colorado officials for the job and is a prime candidate along with Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun.

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Football Scoop: Sarkisian “a strong candidate” for the CU job

From Football Scoop … Steve Sarkisian is a strong candidate for the vacant head coaching position at Colorado alongside Bret Bielema and Troy Calhoun, sources told FootballScoop on Thursday.

An early favorite for the job, Sarkisian remains firmly in the running as sources indicate Colorado is nearing a hire, possibly as early as today.

Sarkisian is currently the offensive coordinator at Alabama, a job he’s held for one year after running the Atlanta Falcons’ offense for two years.

Colorado would represent a return to the Pac-12 for the California native and former USC quarterback. Sarkisian went 34-29 in five seasons at Washington and 12-6 in a season and a half at USC; he was fired mid-year in the 2015 season for appearing drunk on the job. Sarkisian later sued his alma mater for wrongful termination but that suit was unsuccessful.

If Sarkisian becomes the hire, it would represent the ultimate Circle of Saban. He would replace another former Saban aide in Mel Tucker, who left after Saban assisted his former employer, Michigan State, after another former Saban assistant, Mark Dantonio, retired on Feb. 4.

Sarkisian would become the third consecutive Alabama offensive coordinator to rebound into a head coaching position after firings elsewhere, following Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss via Florida Atlantic) and Mike Locksley (Maryland).

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February 19th

CBS Sports: Sarkisian may be favorite for CU job

From CBS Sports … Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian interviewed for the open Colorado coaching position on Wednesday and could be the front-runner for the job, a source told CBS Sports.

This comes two days after Buffaloes interim coach Darrin Chiaverini was interviewed for the full-time role. As of Wednesday, the pecking order to replace Mel Tucker is believed to be Sarkisian, Air Force coach Troy Calhoun and former Wisconsin and Arkansas coach Bret Bielema.

It has previously been reported that Calhoun and Bielema had interviewed at CU, which also reportedly had interest in Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

Sarkisian’s last head coaching role ended in 2015 as he was fired by USC following a leave of absence. Sarkisian, 45, has addressed his substance abuse battle (believed to be alcohol), telling CBS Sports during the 2019 College Football Playoff that he was not having any issues.

… Continue reading story here …

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Daily Camera: CU has interviewed seven candidates 

From the Daily Camera … George and the Buffs have some urgency in their search, as spring football is set to begin March 16, but they don’t have competition. CU has the only head coach vacancy in major college football or the NFL and the candidate pool has been strong.

George and associate athletic director Lance Carl are conducting the search and it’s likely nearing its end. George and Carl have been good about keeping information quiet, but BuffZone has learned through sources that CU is interviewing seven candidates this week, with most of those interviews completed.

Based on conversations with BuffZone sources, here is some information on potential candidates, including two that were obvious from the start:

The candidates:

  • Kansas City offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy
  • CU offensive coordinator Darrin Chiaverini
  • Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun
  • Former Wisconsin and Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema
  • Former UCLA head coach Jim Mora
  • Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian
  • Cal head coach Justin Wilcox

… Read full story here …

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Football Scoop: CU plans announce hire by Thursday

… With the tight hold the “Committee of Two” puts on CU coaching searches, I would take the story below with a grain of salt … 

From Football Scoop … Sources tell FootballScoop Colorado plans to hire their next head football coach in the next 36 hours.

Bret Bielema and Troy Calhoun are strong candidates for the position, sources tell FootballScoop.

Bielema, the former Wisconsin and Arkansas head coach, spent the past two seasons on the New England Patriots’ staff and had recently agreed to join the New York Giants’ staff as outside linebackers coach for new head coach Joe Judge. We were told Tuesday that many of the decision makers at CU were very impressed with Bielema and felt he could be the right man for the job, but a few others among the CU brass had lingering questions.

While Bielema has a proven track record as a head coach at the major college level — making three Rose Bowl trips is never a bad thing for a Pac-12 school — but he’s never worked west of Manhattan, Kan., and has next to zero experience recruiting out West.

Calhoun is much more of a known commodity in Colorado, having spent all but one year dating back to 2003 within two hours of Boulder. He was an assistant for the Denver Broncos from 2003-05 and then, after one year as the Houston Texans’ offensive coordinator, has served as Air Force’s head coach since 2007. He is 98-69 with the Falcons; the 2019 campaign was his best yet, going 11-2 and finishing No. 22 in the AP poll. That marked the first time since 1998 Air Force has finished in the year-end AP poll.

Over the past five years or so, Calhoun has often been asked to interview for Power 5 jobs; but for a multitude of different reasons hasn’t connected with the right one yet. With his deep connections to the state and to power brokers within it, perhaps this will be the one he gets.

… Continue reading story here …

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February 18th

Report: Eric Bieniemy “likely to pass” on CU opportunity

From CBS Sports … Eric Bieniemy may have had the opportunity to become a head coach by way of the Colorado Buffaloes, but it appears the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator will stick to his current post in an attempt to earn a promotion at the NFL level in 2021.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Tuesday there is currently “no major traction” between the school and Bieniemy, a Colorado alumnus and one of the most notable external candidates for the school’s opening, in regards to a job atop the Buffaloes’ staff. Colorado has made “overtures” to the 50-year-old Bieniemy, per Fowler, but the Chiefs assistant “knows going into next year he’s going to be a very attractive head coaching candidate … and this time, he walks (into interviews) with a Super Bowl ring.”

The Chiefs’ offensive coordinator under Andy Reid since 2018, quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ first year as a full-time starter, Bieniemy has conducted seven different head coaching interviews around the NFL over the last two years, Fowler added. He was widely considered one of the most qualified candidates to land a top job this offseason after helping guide Mahomes and the Chiefs’ explosive offense to a Super Bowl victory over the highly reputed San Francisco 49ers defense.

… Continue reading story here …

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February 17th

Rick George: “No offer has been made. There is no leader in the clubhouse”

From 9News … While multiple sources believe Eric Bieniemy is the University of Colorado’s primary target to fill their head football coaching vacancy, the man heading the search indicated the process is still in its early stages.

CU athletic director Rick George sent word Sunday to 9NEWS through sports information director David Plati that “no offer has been made. There is no leader in the clubhouse. We’re still in the process of reaching candidates.”

Several sources familiar with the search, though, believe Bieniemy is the man to beat.

Bieniemy is the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator and former CU Buffaloes star running back who has served two terms with his alma mater as an assistant – once as a running backs coach (2001-02) and once as Jon Embree’s offensive coordinator (2011-12).

… George, who has been recovering from back surgery performed on Monday, is expected to pick up the interview process with other candidates this week.

… After speaking with CU last week, Bieniemy and his family took a short vacation that had been planned long ago. He is expected back early this week.

… Continue reading story here …

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Football Scoop: Bret Bielema interviews; Cal coach Justin Wilcox name added to the list

From Football Scoop.com … Colorado is an interesting job that happened to come open at an even more interesting time. And it would be fair to substitute “interesting” for a number of other, harsher adjectives — tough, difficult, precarious.

The program has enjoyed all of one winning season since 2006, and while fellow newcomer Utah has thrived in the Pac-12, Colorado is still in search of footing on rocky terrain. And now its head coach just left for what is, on the surface, a peer institution that happened to double his salary — and, days before Mel Tucker dipped out under the cover of night, defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh had left for the same job at twice the price at Tennessee.

On top of all that, the school now has to run a search it hadn’t planned for — AD Rick George recently underwent a planned back surgery, as it happens — with no answers for its 24 signees that put pen to paper thinking they’d be playing for Tucker.

Needless to say, none of this is ideal.

That said, the admittedly tough timing does have its advantages.

Had Tucker left in the first week or so of December, Colorado would feel rushed to have a coach in place in advance of the first signing period on the third Wednesday in December. But, now that both signing periods have come and gone, the school can afford to take its time to find the right coach. That doesn’t mean the Colorado will let the search linger into March, but it does mean they don’t have to hire in place by lunchtime yesterday, as they might feel had this job come open two months prior.

All that written, Colorado will have options to find its third coach in as many years.

Sources have indicated that CU hoped to speak with (in no particular order) Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, former Wisconsin and Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema, Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain, Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, Arkansas State head coach Blake Anderson, Cal head coach Justin Wilcox, as well as current interim head coach Darrin Chiaverini.

… Continue reading story here …

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February 16th

Chris Fowler adds intrigue with Instagram post: “prominent guys” interested in CU position

From Chris Fowler’s Instragram post (below): “I have been asked to make some calls on behalf of some coaches I have known over the years and respect on behalf of the Colorado job,” Fowler said. “I resist doing that, reaching out, making calls, being proactive for coaching candidates. Really, it is none of my business, even with the alma mater. I think it is inappropriate given what I do for a living. Rick George at CU is conducting the search and is doing a fine job. He doesn’t need me to ring him up and recommend guys.

“The coaches who have reached out, I will not name them. I will not break that confidence. I am sure you understand that. But they are prominent guys. They are coaches that have been head coaches at high level programs and won games. They might not be head coaches now, but they want to get back in and they think Colorado is a good job because they think they can win there. And that should be reassuring to CU fans. The names are interesting. Rick George will look at a wide variety of names, with different backgrounds, and I think he’ll make a good choice.”

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February 15th

The Sporting News: CU should choose Bieniemy – but will he take the job?

From The Sporting News … Mel Tucker left Colorado after one season to become head coach at Michigan State on Wednesday, and the Buffaloes’ wish list for a replacement starts with one name.

Eric Bieniemy. Who else would it be?

Bieniemy was a four-year back for Colorado from 1987-90, rushing for 1,628 yards and 17 touchdowns and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting on Colorado’s 1990 national championship team. The mere mention of his name brings back memories of a heyday the Buffs haven’t experienced for a long time.

This program has had only five double-digit win seasons since Bieniemy graduated, including just two since 2000. The next coach will be the seventh hire since Bill McCartney retired after finishing 11-1 in 1994.

Bieniemy returned as a running backs coach in 2001-02 and as offensive coordinator in 2011-12. It would be a huge win for Colorado if he returned for a third time. Of course, this isn’t a simple open-and-shut-case of a coach coming home.

Bieniemy just won a Super Bowl as offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs. An assistant coach since 2013, he has also become the centerpiece of discussions surrounding the validity of the NFL’s Rooney Rule after not being hired for a head coaching job this offseason. Bieniemy appears close to taking that step, and at minimum has a secure job for the foreseeable future as the OC under Andy Reid.

That will be the value judgment for Bieniemy, and it’s not an easy decision. Do you leave potential longterm success in the NFL, where the playing field is more level? Or do you go back to your alma mater, where unrealistic expectations will soar the second you step foot on campus?

Ask Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh how that goes.

That’s why Colorado must do what it can to land Bieniemy while having a plan in place if he decides to stay in the NFL.

… Continue reading story here …

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February 13th

Jon Wilner: CU should reach out to Steve Sarkisian

From the San Jose Mercury News … Former CSU head coach Jim McElwain makes the most sense.

There’s merit in Darrin Chiaverini, too, but he feels a tad light in experience given weight of current affairs.

* Oh, and we have one more name — a proven recruiter with head coaching experience, enough motivation for two lifetimes and, we’d guess, a deep sense of loyalty.

Colorado should seriously consider Steve Sarkisian.

No, not that Steve Sarkisian; the other Steve Sarkisian …

Just kidding.

Yes, of course, that Steve Sarkisian, the one dismissed by USC in the middle of the 2015 season because his personal life was a mess.

Welp, Sarkisian has gotten himself straightened out: He’s clean, sober and so committed to the craft that he calls the plays for Nick Saban.

Sarkisian just finished the first year of his second stint as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, with two years in the NFL in between.

He’s a good coach, always has been; his tenures at Washington and USC were derailed by addiction.

He’s also a terrific recruiter with deep ties to Southern California and Seattle and connections across the South.

Sarkisian’s recruits were at the heart of Washington’s run to the playoff in 2016 under Chris Petersen.

During his two recruiting seasons at USC, the Trojans signed Adoree Jackson, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Sam Darnold.

In the 2019-20 cycle, Sarkisian was Alabama’s lead recruiter on Bryce Young, the five-star quarterback from Mater Dei who signed with the Crimson Tide.

Put Sarkisian in charge in Boulder, and the Buffaloes immediate enhance their presence in California and improve their chances to sign an elite quarterback in any given year.

And it stands to reason that Sarkisian would be highly motivated to prove himself and deeply loyal to Colorado for a second chance.

It’s a compelling narrative for the program, and we would guess, for recruits and their parents.

The risk, of course, is relapse: Sarkisian returns to the corner office and wilts under the pressure.

… Continue reading story here …

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Report: CU reaches out to Eric Bieniemy

From NBC Sports … It would have ranked as a huge surprise if the University of Colorado hadn’t contacted alum Eric Bieniemy about its vacant head coaching job.

But Buffaloes Athletic Director Rick George has reached out to the Chiefs offensive coordinator as expected, Mike Klis of 9News reports.

Colorado and Bieniemy have “preliminary mutual interest,” Klis adds.

The Buffaloes are seeking to replace Mel Tucker, who is leaving after only one season to go to Michigan State.

Interim coach Darrin Chiaverini will interview for the full-time job, Klis reports.

Bieniemy makes sense for Colorado, but Colorado might not make sense for Bieniemy. Bieniemy should be one of the leading NFL head coaching candidates in 2021.

Bieniemy is Colorado’s all-time leading rusher, with 3,940 yards. He spent two seasons as Colorado’s offensive coordinator under head coach Jon Embree in 2011 and 2012.

Bieniemy joined the Chiefs as a running backs coach in 2013 after Embree’s staff was dismiss

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Daily Camera list of candidates 

From the Daily Camera … For the second time in the last 15 months, Colorado athletic director Rick George is seeking a head football coach.

When he hired Mel Tucker on Dec. 5, 2018, he thought he had a coach with long-term aspirations to lead the Buffaloes. The former Georgia defensive coordinator was given his first shot at a full-time head coaching position and, despite finishing just 5-7 last season, had a successful first year.

Tucker’s tenure, it turns out, was short-lived, as he bolted CU for the head coaching job at Michigan State on Tuesday night.

So, now George is looking again.

“I’m going to be open-minded to candidates that are out there,” George said during a press conference Wednesday. “Certainly I want somebody that shares my passion for this university. If that’s somebody that’s been here before, that’s great; but I want somebody that shares that passion about Colorado that I do and knowing that we can win a  championship at all levels.

“I think we can do that at Colorado; we’ve done it before, and I think we’re in a much better position today than we were back then (in 2018).”

Other names (in addition to the usual list of candidates, such as Eric Bieniemy, Darrin Chiaverini, and Graham Harrell) …

In-house

Jay Johnson, offensive coordinator: He’s never been a head coach, but does have a lot of experience as a coordinator, at Truman State, Southern Mississippi, Louisiana, Minnesota and last year at CU.

Tyson Summers, defensive coordinator: Recently completed his first season with the Buffs. He has also been a defensive coordinator at Colorado State and Central Florida. He posted a 5-13 record in one-and-a-half seasons as the head coach at Georgia Southern (2016-17), but could be better prepared for a second turn at the head job.

Experienced head coaches

Blake Anderson, Arkansas State head coach: His name came up during CU’s search in 2018, as well. He has gone 47-30 in six seasons at Arkansas State, taking the Red Wolves to six bowl games. He has been a long-time offensive coach, including stints as an offensive coordinator at Southern Miss and North Carolina. At North Carolina in 2012-13, he worked with current CU offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic.

Butch Jones, Alabama offensive  analyst: He was nearly hired as CU head coach in December of 2012, but picked Tennessee. He went 34-27 in five seasons with the Vols, getting fired during the 2017 season. He’s 84-54 in 11 seasons as a head coach (with Central Michigan, Cincinnati and Tennessee). He has spent the last two seasons as an analyst at Alabama. Like Tucker, he has no ties to the west and could potentially see CU as a stepping stone.

Derek Mason, Vanderbilt head coach: Coaching in maybe the toughest place to win in the SEC, Mason is 27-47 in six seasons with zero winning seasons, but two bowl appearances. He was mentioned as a candidate a year ago and could be looking to move. He’s on a bit of a hot seat at Vandy and his athletic director resigned this month.

Jim Mora, broadcaster: He hasn’t coached in two years, but went 46-30 in six seasons (2012-17) at UCLA, taking the Bruins to four bowl games and two 10-win seasons. He also went 31-33 in four seasons as an NFL head coach. A Los Angeles native who played defensive back at Washington, he’s got long-time ties to the West and the Pac-12 and could be a veteran presence to guide CU through a tough transition.

Coordinators

Tony Alford, Ohio State assistant head coach/running backs: A graduate of Colorado State, where he was an all-Western Athletic Conference performer, Alford was considered a candidate for the Rams’ head coach opening in December. He has spent the past five seasons at Ohio State. Prior to that, he was an assistant for six years at Notre Dame. He’s also worked at Louisville, Iowa State and Washington and has had a reputation as a top recruiter.

Andy Avalos, Oregon defensive coordinator: One of the top young defensive coordinators in the country, his Ducks ranked ninth nationally in points allowed last season. Prior to last season, he spent seven years as an assistant at Boise State, including three as defensive coordinator. Avalos was an all-conference linebacker at Boise State and got his start in college coaching at CU, as a graduate assistant from 2006-08.

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February 12th

ESPN – CU should go with Bieniemy or Calhoun

From ESPN … After a slow start, the 2019-20 college football coaching cycle seemingly won’t end. Colorado is the latest school in the market for a new coach.

Mel Tucker is off to Michigan State after only one year at CU, where he went 5-7, beat Washington and Nebraska, and signed a top-35 recruiting class. The program had momentum, and Tucker had publicly committed to staying, but Michigan State made an enhanced offer that Colorado couldn’t come close to matching.

Colorado’s financial issues are nothing new and are the primary reason the program has had only one winning season since 2005. Although the facilities were upgraded, Colorado must decide whether it can fully commit to staffing resources that most coaches crave to compete for championships. Colorado is a great place to live and work, and the program plays in a navigable division (Pac-12 South) and has some not-so-distant tradition, but there are recruiting and resource challenges in a state that doesn’t produce a ton of FBS players.

Athletic director Rick George must act quickly, as the timing of Tucker’s departure is less than ideal. Here are some candidates Colorado likely will consider to replace Tucker.

Other names (not already discussed below) … 

Arizona State co-defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis: This would be a surprising and splashy hire, and Lewis also brings some of the same strengths as Tucker (extensive NFL experience, defensive background). His recent move from special adviser to co-defensive coordinator at ASU shows his seriousness about coaching at the college level. Whether Lewis, at 61, wants to be a head coach again or leave close friend Herm Edwards at ASU is unclear, but Colorado would be wise to inquire. Lewis went 131-122-3 as Cincinnati Bengals coach from 2003 to 2018.

Mark Helfrich: The former Oregon coach and Colorado offensive coordinator needs a job after being let go by the Chicago Bears after two seasons. Helfrich’s employment situation might turn off CU, but he’s also available to step in. The 46-year-old knows Colorado and the Pac-12 and is just six years removed from coaching Oregon in the national championship game. He also spent time at Arizona State and Boise State, and he would have a good idea on how to recruit to Boulder.

Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo: Like Calhoun, Niumatalolo’s service academy/triple option ties have turned off some Power 5 schools, despite a sparkling record (98-60). Navy also went 11-2 in 2019, its second 11-win season in the past five under Niumatalolo. His approach would represent a big shift from Tucker, but Niumatalolo recruits nationally and has very strong ties to the Polynesian community, where Colorado has found good players over the years. The 54-year-old also could view Colorado as a potential last stop in his career.

North Dakota State coach Matt Entz: Entz has been part of the FCS dynasty since 2014 and led North Dakota State to a 16-0 record and a national championship in his first season as head coach. He has a strong defensive background and recently received interest from NFL teams. Bohl’s and Chris Klieman’s successes at Wyoming and Kansas State, respectively, should increase interest for the next North Dakota State coach.

Oklahoma defensive coordinator Alex Grinch: George targeted defensive-oriented coaches in Colorado’s last search and could seek out another in Grinch. He built his national reputation in the Pac-12 as Washington State’s defensive coordinator from 2015 to 2017. Grinch also worked in the region as Wyoming’s safeties coach from 2012 to 2014. He seems intent on staying at Oklahoma for another year but could be enticed by the right opportunity.

Missouri defensive coordinator Ryan Walters: Colorado hired an SEC defensive coordinator last time around and could look for a similar profile. Walters, 34, is much younger than Tucker, but he has direct ties to Colorado as a former Buffaloes safety and team captain who began his coaching career as a student assistant in 2009. He has been on staff at Missouri since 2014 and has become one of the nation’s top young defensive coordinators. Colorado would be smart to at least interview Walters, given his ties to the school.

The recommendation

Troy Calhoun or Eric Bieniemy

If Bieniemy is excited about coaching in college at his alma mater, he makes a lot of sense here. His stock seemingly can’t get much higher after winning a Super Bowl. But Colorado needs some assurances because it can’t afford to cycle through coaches in the next year or two. Calhoun might be the safer, more stable choice, as he has wanted a Power 5 opportunity for a long time. He knows the state and how to win at a program that lacks the resources of some of its competitors. Calhoun would have to sell Colorado on his recruiting approach.

… Continue reading story here …

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CBS Sports weighs in on coaching options

From CBS Sports … Colorado athletic director Rick George woke up Wednesday morning in a position no athletic director wants to be in mid-February: needing a new football coach. After Mark Dantonio abruptly retired and put Michigan State into an awkward spot with its football program, the Spartans hired Colorado coach Mel Tucker after initially being turned down by the coach, putting the Buffaloes in an even trickier spot.

So, where does Colorado go from here? Let’s take a look at some potential candidates …

Eric Bieniemy: Bieniemy is one of the hottest coaching candidates in the NFL as he just put together an offense that won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs. He’s also an alum who won a national title at Colorado and spent two seasons as the offensive coordinator in Boulder. Those two seasons in Boulder did not go as well as his playing days or his time with the Chiefs. But would Bieniemy want to give up a potential NFL head coaching job in the near future to take over his alma mater?

Troy Calhoun: The long-time Air Force coach has been mentioned for a lot of jobs over the years, and isn’t just an option coach. He’s familiar with the area and coming off an 11-2 season with the Falcons.

Bryan Harsin: Of coaches who currently have a job, Harsin is probably the biggest target Colorado could get. Still, Harsin has proven plenty of times that, like the coach who preceded him, he’s not itching to jump for any Power Five job. It’s hard to imagine Colorado is the kind of offer that would lure him from Boise State, particularly considering the timing of it all.

Graham Harrell: Harrell’s name has come up for plenty of jobs recently and is seen as a rising star among many in the profession. He’s currently the offensive coordinator at USC — an offense that’s known to put up points. He’s never been a head coach at any level, however, but he’s only 34 years old.

Butch Jones: Back in 2013, Butch Jones nearly became the coach at Colorado before taking the Tennessee job. Well, he’s no longer coaching at Tennessee, or as a head coach anywhere. He’s had his name come up in a few searches this offseason, and it will likely be floated in Boulder, too.

Jim Leavitt: Leavitt was a candidate for the Colorado job before the school hired Tucker, and he was a candidate for the Colorado State job this winter. He’s currently the defensive coordinator at Florida Atlantic. He was the DC at Colorado under Mike MacIntyre and was a Broyles Award finalist (given to top assistant coach) in 2016 after helping turn around the Colorado defense.

Derek Mason: Like Leavitt, Mason was a candidate for the gig last year before Tucker got the job. Mason stayed at Vanderbilt but just saw his athletic director resign, and he’s already on the hot seat in Nashville. Now might be the right time for him to jump if an opportunity arises, but is Mason the direction Colorado wants to go after a 3-9 season with the Commodores?

… Continue reading story here …

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247 Sports list of candidates … 

From BuffStampede.com … Colorado didn’t expect to be in this position a few weeks away from the start of spring practice, searching for a new head coach after Mel Tucker’s abrupt exit after one season. Tucker on Tuesday told a local radio station in Boulder that he was “laser focused” on Colorado’s rebuild, but appreciated the pursuit from Michigan State.

He changed his mind a few hours later and will soon be named the new head coach of the Spartans.

With the roles reversed, Colorado will now try and lure a coach away from his current post at a Power 5 program, many whom believe is a sleeping giant in the Pac-12.

Darrin Chiaverini – Colorado Assistant 

The favorite to get the job according to Sportsline oddsmakers, this former Colorado standout and NFL vet is entering his fifth year on staff with the Buffaloes and would be the easiest pick. A strong recruiter, Chiaverini was one of three coaches retained from the 2018 staff by Tucker last fall. Chiaverini served as co-offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator for his three seasons (2016-18) under previous head coach Mike MacIntyre and schematically, Colorado wouldn’t look much different under his watch if he got the job. He might not be an impact name nationally, but the locals love Chiaverini and he is respected throughout the program.

Graham Harrell – USC Assistant

If the Buffaloes go after Harrell, it’s going to cost them. Harrell signed a multi-year extension to stay at USC as the Trojans offensive coordinator in December, turning back several offers from other schools. Harrell was a hot commodity after turning around USC’s offense into a Top 5 passing attack after just one season. UNLV and UTSA reportedly targeted Harrell for head coaching jobs while the University of Texas went after the Texas native for its open OC position. He would undoubtedly be one of the splashier hires the Buffaloes could make — and costly as well.

Craig Bohl – Wyoming head coach 

Colorado wouldn’t have to look too far for a potential quality veteran hire in Bohl, who currently leads Wyoming. Bohl is 36–40 in six season with the Cowboys and previously won three national championships at North Dakota State. He is a two-time Eddie Robinson Award winner and played collegiately at Nebraska.

… Read full story here …

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Karl Dorrell Hired

238 Replies to “CU Coaching Search”

  1. Thank God it wasn’t B-lame. He should be content babysitting the Giant’s linebackers. He will probably move on to another lower level job in a year or 2 but ephopefully NOT with the Broncos.
    My only negative thought about Dorell is how much energy and enthusiasm he will bring after being in the game so long

    Reply

  2. I am thinking they weren’t ready for Chev to be a HC. So they found someone that could mentor him. Maybe last stop for Karl? He has experience. Won’t leave in next 3-5 years. Transfer the team to Chev when ready?

    Reply

  3. Initial thoughts on Darrell:
    1. His record as an offensive coordinator is pretty impressive. CU and Washington has good years when he was serving as OC.
    2. He can absolutely coach wide receivers. The list of his receivers that have huge success in college and the NFL is impressive.
    3. He has a winning record at UCLA.
    4. He went to a bowl every year as a head coach at UCLA.
    5. As a head coach his teams seem to be a bit inconsistent.
    6. He hasn’t been an HC, OC Or in the college game in 13 years.
    7. His recruiting at UCLA was very poor. https://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla_recruiting/2018/9/22/17890324/the-recruiting-history-of-ucla-football-since-2000

    So to sum up. Real good OC, decent head coach, horrible recruiter, great receiver coach.

    Frankly, if we go to a bowl the next 5 years I will take it. They better keep Chev though to recruit.

    Reply

  4. Hmm wonder what his staff will look like?

    Cabral?

    Ye ol Buff.

    Note: Course you all know Dorrell was Chevs coach and mentor right?

    Buffs

    Reply

    1. And in his first go-round as a Buffs coach, he coached Charles Johnson and Michael Westbrook under Coach Mac so it is not as if his CU roots don’t run deep.

      Reply

    1. Is that a joke. I can’t imagine a worse hire. What about his tenure at UCLA was more impressive than Bielema. Be specific. I’d rather they hire a high school coach. Or Neuheisel.

      Reply

      1. You ain’t from Badger land so you don’t know crap about Bielema. Two faced fake. And his wife is worse.

        Cluelessness never dies. It just morphs.

        Buffs

        Reply

      2. Listen kevin, you sound like the earache. You brought it up. Show us the difference. Provide the data or sit down

        Sheesh

        Reply

        1. Rose bowls?

          Still happier with Dorrell than Bielema, just pointing out the obvious.

          How bout you get specific about why you don’t like Bielema or his wife. His wife? Wow.

          Go Buffs

          Reply

        2. I’ve provided the data. It’s obvious. Jim Mora was 46-30 at UCLA with two ten win seasons. Another superior resume. I just can’t figure this one out. Them I read that Bieniemy and Dorrell have same agent. What a coincidence. It’s a bad hire. Nobody saw it coming because nobody could conceive why you’d do it. I don’t know what you have with Bielema and don’t care. I’ve never met him. But this is indefensible. Rationally at least. Unless they paid him a mil.

          Reply

          1. How would you compare? Just a question. When Mora was at UCLA was when USC was in trouble & not the same program it has been in the past, can we agree on that much? Compared to when Dorrell was at UCLA, Mora had one more 10 win season but what was his record the year he was fired? I didn’t look it up, but it wasn’t that good and he had some great talent.

            What shape was USC’s program in at the time compared to when “with the Pete Carroll dynasty at Southern California. During Dorrell’s five years at UCLA, USC went 57-6 with two national titles and four Rose Bowl appearances.”

            So what I’m saying is 15 years later and a whole lot wiser v. a couple of years ago & what has really changed for Mora? Which would stay longer? AND which one would work best with Chev… possibly creating a great coach in waiting situation?

            So, there is about 6 questions for you to reply to with your thoughts, no statements from me.

  8. I am ok with this choice.. In fact happy with this based on the other also ran junk sellers passed up.

    He will do fine. Real fine. In fact I like it and hope it is true.

    Wonder what his staff will look like? He has connections. He has a varied experience.

    And:
    Coaching in the power 5…………….
    Coachless mickeymac went 25-38 ( 12-33) in his 5 years (not counting the year he got fired)
    Karl Dorrell went 35 and 27 (24 and 18) in his 5 years

    This is a hell of an upgrade from the group of 5 guy that got fired.

    Buffs.

    Note: MT is outta here………….And so his the beet tiller.
    Buffs win, Buffs win

    Reply

    1. UCLA was not a dumpster fire when Karl got there. Comparing them to SJSU and CU is not the same.

      Am I happy with this hire? Not really.

      But, I said on day 1, I expected to be underwhelmed by the hire and would support whoever it was with guarded optimism.

      Would have preferred eb or sark but they didn’t want the job. Mora was not a friend of Lance. So here we go.

      Go Buffs

      Reply

      1. Eric,
        Enough already with the “friend of Lance” crap.
        Was Mel Tucker a “friend of Lance”?
        Do you think Lance would risk his job – his career – just to hire his buddy? Would Rick George?
        As VK would say: Show your work …

        Reply

        1. Stu, Lance was a ya with rick in 1996. Who was the we coach?

          Beyond that, we know some of the same people.

          In my belief, Mel was lance’s bus to drive. So was Karl.

          Go Buffs

          Reply

          2. As to rick? As of today, I will not be surprised if he moves on before the Larry Scott gig opens up.

            My opinion only. But that is how I see it after this last process.

            Go Buffs

        2. I have no idea if they are friends. But why then? It’s not the resume. Honestly trying to figure it out. Bieniemy’s agent? Seems thin. Do why? What’s your explanation?

          Reply

          1. Because nobody else wanted the job. At least nobody rick AND Lance wanted to give the job. Lance has daily interaction with head coach, rick? Lots of other fish to fry.

            I too hoped for more. Especially after seeing the estimated $3.9/yr he will get.

            But? I am sure he is prepared to be a way better head coach now than when he was at UCLA. I feel mora would have been better than when he was there too though.

            But I am sure Lance liked his “working relationship” with Karl more.

            People wonder why coaches bring in the guys they know when they start a new gig. Pretty common in any/all hiring.

            This may work out. If not? New pres may be reloading his athletic dept before too long.

            Go Buffs

    2. Exactly, better than jones, mora, or other retreads that would have no loyalty. Dorrell didn’t come up early, but I like him better then the others. Maybe not much different of a record than mora, but better results from less, mora should have won more with what he had.

      Reply

  9. This seems like Lance carl’s hire, to me.

    Hope it works.

    I guess this is how it goes when no one with any recent success wants the job.

    I can see him recruiting well. If he wins? He ain’t goin anywhere. If he doesn’t? Enter Chev, probably.

    Hopefully he has learned a lot since his days at UCLA. Whom we are beating now.

    Go Buffs

    Reply

    1. Really? CU is 2-7 against UCLA since joining the PAC-12 and a dominant 2-2 the last 4 years while UCLA hasn’t exactly been a powerhouse. If you call that winning I hate to see what you call losing. Same goes for the guy who says Willie Taggart and Jim “the savior” Leavitt had a “great year” at Oregon when they went 7-5 . CU fans really are beaten down mentally.

      Reply

      1. 96, I was talking about the basketball game. We were up when I posted that. I then took a work call, and by the time that ended, dorrell’s hire was official and we gave away the basketball game. Super great.

        Go Buffs.

        Reply

          1. No worries man. At least you kept your blast back to facts, not personal attacks.

            However, I now feel we lost to UCLA twice today. Sigh.

            It just might work. I gotta hope. It seems that is all we have.

            Go Buffs!

  13. If RG really is going to conduct a “fresh searching wave” that is good news. Might be bad news for Chev but also for B-lame and his fellow residents of the unemployment line.
    Didnt watch a Ravens game last year and don’t know if Roman is a good coach or not…but I do know Lamar Jackson. Sounds like It wasn’t much thought on the coach’s part to just turn him loose. Can anyone Comment on Jackson and the Raven’s passing game?

    Reply

      1. In what way was Karl Dorrell’s tenure at UCLA more impressive than Bielema’s two Rose Bowl run at Wisconsin and 3 winning seasons in the SEC at Arkansas? Be specific. Might as well hired Neuheisel. This is a joke.

        Reply

    1. Denver media destroyed Vance. The Bronco’s 2019 season showed that Vance was not the problem. But the damage was done. Too bad because I think you are right.

      Reply

  16. Sure hope “the Athletic” isn’t shining us on. Once again, however, why would either of these guys leave USC or Oklahoma? So far everyone else thinks being a coordinator at a successful school (Umm I guess USC maybe not successful but high profile) is better than a head coach at CU.
    Maybe Harrell is getting a jump on the Helton firing and his bad recruiting class? but wasn’t he being courted by the NFL?
    Cant think of any reason Grinch would want to leave OU.
    Get your foot in the HC door and then go bigger. Hopefully either one has a little more commitment character than big talkin Mel.
    Which brings me back to Chev who we have to believe would resist a school in infraction trouble for 30 more pieces of silver.
    Any one hear anything about Ryan Walters? RG didnt consider him? or vice versa?

    Reply

  17. Alright. If it ain’t someone with prior hc experience, and it doesn’t seem to be mora – until it is – I like grinch.

    Phenomenal recruiter. His wife hated Pullman, allegedly, but how could she hate boulder?

    Can rick sell him on the move? Can Lance?

    He certainly would bolt after some success, unless he got all bob stoops on us. For the right guy, boulder can suck you in.

    Man. Glad I ain’t rick George right now. Have I said that?

    Go Buffs

    Reply

  19. Now Jim Leavitt. Still lives here. If they were considering those other real retreads, a drunk, a fat beetch and the other dickweed why no Leavitt?

    Okay he pissed RG off. Hell he pissed a lot of us off.
    If he woulda stayed the Mighty Buffs would have done better in the championship game and the bowl after 2016
    And 2017 would have been another bowl
    And the Gardner would have been hired by MSS
    And Jim would have been HC

    All For a fist full of dollars.

    Dang nab RG at least give him an interview.

    Buffs

    Reply

      1. Na Mr Green Genes woulda jumped right on outta here. As always he would have taken all the credit and packed up Cody and move on.

        Go Buffs.

        Reply

    2. Maybe it is lc not rg? Maybe rick lets lc do his thing? It is a managerial style, as you know. And lc way more involved in daily football ops than rg.

      Either way, pretty frustrating that they cannot seem to sell/get buy in from any of their top targets. Last time, or now. Not a great look.

      Go rick, go. Get it right.

      Go Buffs.

      Reply

  20. For some reason I feel fine with Calhoun (perhaps w Chev on the staff to help with recruiting). I’d also be good with the OU/WSU DC. Then again I might just be defeated.

    Reply

  21. OK, with the expansion of the process that means that the three other candidates we have been talking about for the past week are out:
    Chev – Not enough experience yet. Probably our fall back position but with the rate we are loosing assistants I think Chev would have to have a written plan on who he could attract to be his assistant coaches and I think that would be really difficult.
    Bielema – Someone somewhere does not like this guy. There is a general feeling on this board but I say again no one can point me at the exact reason why they don’t like him so…..
    Calhoun – 1st off we should not do to Airforce what was done to us. If you want to hire Calhoun wait until next season is over. But on a different note. Recruiting and coaching academy kids is massively different than recruiting to a power 5 school. Could Calhoun adapt, maybe, but again a big risk.

    So where does that leave us. If we are unwilling for some reason to go with Beilema then we have to expand the coaching search and where do we go now? You have to go after the best coordinators you can. If you can find one with head coaching experience it is better but not necessary. You probably need to avoid the big name schools in the Big 10 and the SEC at this point as they will likely just raise their coaches salary and you get another Sark. So who is the best ACC, Big 10 or PAC12 defensive coordinator?

    All of them will likely have issues. Pick the one that fits you best, or GO WITH SOMEONE WHOS FAMILY LIVES IN BOULDER!

    Leavitt. enough said. stop being stubborn. Just ask him and make the deal happen.

    Reply

    1. think of it this way. If Calhoun can persuade a kid whose whole world is football to come to the AFA it has to be easier for a PAC 12 school. I hesitate to say CU right now while recruiting a coach is a huge problem.

      Reply

      1. So the athlete at an academy in general is less athletic, more intelligent, more diligent, more disciplined. This is all a result of where they go to school, it has nothing to do with the coach, coaching style, or recruiting. Coaches that are successful at an academy are the coaches that can take the qualities and amplify them. The coach themself doesn’t have to do a damn thing to coach this up, he gets it as table stakes. These same traits do not exist in a standard program. And trust me take a highly discliplined, highly intelligent, slightly less athletic kid from an academy and then put them in a regular college and you will not get the same results. So yes he could recruit those same athletes to CU but those athletes cannot compete consistently and I bet you Calhoun will get real tired dealing with kids being kids instead of being cadets.

        Reply

        1. 100%. My question about service academies – and I half jokingly maybe less advocated Jeff Monken – is how many go there for football, or to serve and play football? I think the latter.

          But? Monken turned around army, so somewhat intriguing. But last year, not so much.

          Just frustrating that so few see what CU can be.

          Go get em rick.

          Go Buffs

          Reply

    2. Why the love affair with Leavitt? Left CU for Oregon, fired, not done shit since. He’s a really good choice, are you kidding me

      Reply

      1. Yo Darin,
        Leavitt was not fired at Oregon. He wanted the head coaching job after Willie taggart left. It went to Mario Cristobol instead. Leavitt still stayed for another year and left for family reasons.

        Reply

        2. Mutually agreeing to part ways, not truly leaving on his own accord, pretty much fired and where is he now? Exactly, not a good hire

          Reply

          1. He is working for Willie Taggart, the same guy who hired him at Oregon and who after a great season at Oregon went to Florida and then flamed out there becuase he needed Leavitt to win. Watch that program with Leavitt now. It will do well.

        3. Marky Mark. Some are blinded by the truth…………….Some still believe the garden man was coach of the year because of himself.

          Nah

          Buffs

          Reply

      2. His overall record: 95-57 while taking a d2 to d1 program
        Defeated ranked opponents: 9
        CU defense ranking before Leavitt: 119
        CU defense ranking after 2 years of Leavitt: 20
        Oregon defense before Leavitt: 126
        Oregon defense after 2 years of Leavitt: 49
        Yes, he took a double in his pay to go to Oregon. And be a dc there against us. I think we need to be realistic. We are not going to pay what the sec or big 10 is willing to o any coach we hire unless he absolutely loves this place and no other is going to leave if they have success in 2-3 years or shorter if they are as stupid as MSU. (Tucker is not worth that and mark my words MSU is going to regret their decision in a year or two). So we need to structure our contracts so that a coach will stay at least 2 years. Hopefully by kitchen the PAC 12 will get its head out of its ass and close the gap a bit. So yes, Leavitt left to get paid, and yes he will likely leave again if he gets paid, but he will come here now, has a proven track record, knows us, has recruited for us, and we can structure the contract to keep him here for a few years even if he is successful.

        Reply

  22. Yo Stuart,
    Just wondering what your take on the following might be?

    Maybe it’s time to let Rick George take over the Pac-12 Networks. He’s phenomenal at getting people to write big checks. Look at what he did with the Champions Center. He’s certainly gotta be better than Larry Scott by a LONG WAYS.

    So far, however, his ability to negotiate the other way (where CU is paying the money) does not seem to be his strong point.

    Looking back, didn’t MotherTucker take the CU job site unseen without ever having been to Boulder to tour the current facilities? George should have never trusted someone who did that.

    And I can’t believe that he thought Sark the Shark was a real candidate. Or that if he DID come here that he would have been here for the long haul. He would have been a one and done.

    I don’t know. Maybe I’m just frustrated. Guys on the coaching staff, with the exception of maybe Chiaverini and Hagan, probably are ALL out looking for new jobs. The uncertainty that is permeating the program right now might be hard to overcome unless Carl and George get a move on. Even those that are still “candidates” are probably wondering what the hold up is.

    It seems like Folsom Field is burning, and all I can here is a violin wailing from behind the construction at the Imig Music building.

    Mark / boulderdevil

    Reply

  23. No B-lame RG
    No Mora RG
    No McElwain RG…..dont give Fort fun any ammo please
    Now that EB has finally ended his unrealistic hesitation its Chev’s turn
    If you are not going with Chev I just pray you have a few non has been contacts
    (people that havent been fired like MM’s second crew) going who want it kept quiet until an agreement is solidified.

    Reply

  24. So discouraged with the coaching candidates left. Looks like the dark ages of CU football will continue. We will be looking for another coach in 2-3 years I guess might as well let Chev try at least it will be a cheaper option so we can save money to get a quality coach in a few years.

    Reply

  25. Apparently we had an offer out to Dave Logan and he was all set to come to Boulder. Then Cherry Creek High School stepped in and doubled our offer for him and his assistants. Thanks Pac 12 for keeping us competitive from the revenue share!

    Reply

  27. Well crap, Adam Schefter said Bieniemy officially out. Kind of figured and don’t blame him. Not sure who I want now.

    Reply

  29. I never liked Sark and I am glad he is staying at Bama. Frankly as a head. Coach he couldn’t do what Peterson did at Washington so why would we take a risk. I still wish they wo.uld take Leavitt. I have no idea why they would even consider Sark or Bielema who abandoned head coaching jobs and have Sark with major potential problems and won’t even consider Leavitt. Who had a proven track record, loves Boulder, and has worked here recently. COME ON! Chev is a HUGE risk as a head coach. He was not all that good as an OC and you expect him to make some huge jump as a head coach! Why? Bleeding black and gold is not enough. Being a great recruiter is not enough. Wake up administration! If you refuse to interview Leavitt then just go with Bielema. Everyone that hates him just hates him in general, no one can even offer a real reason….. but if we go with Chev then we are just rolling the dice like we did with Embry. I will still show up to the games and hang out on the board with hope in my heart but man we really cannot afford another risk like that. You should have just kept Mac around.

    Reply

    1. My guess is Leavitt, not really a fan of being politically correct, told Mickey he was out to lunch while he was here….which I give him credit for. Problem is he might have ruffled RG’s feathers as well. No doubt in my mind Leavitt could get this program winning in a hurry but I wonder if RG considers him a loose cannon.
      Or Leavitt may have other plans and simply does not want the job.

      Reply

    2. I think Leavitt HC with Chiav OC + recruiting would be best. Keep Summers as DC if he is willing to work within Leavitt’s system.

      Reply

  30. Stuart, Rick George has made it clear that he wants a coach “as committed to CU as he is.” While I completely understand his recent frustration and passion going forward, how in the world does he truly identify such passion in a candidate over time? Other than Chiv, there’s not a single coach out there that could convince me that he would stay put once a Power 2 school, Clemson or the Nike Duck$ come calling once this new coach even gets to 5 wins again. Seriously, who can we really trust?

    Reply

    1. I’m all for capitalism but until there is parody in coaches salaries this nonsense will continue. The nfl model of shared revenue may not be perfect but it gives teams a chance to compete on a level playing field . Really that’s all we want and may the best team win.

      Reply

  31. I effing hate the SEC and Big 10. They have waaaay too much money, and are screwing up college football. Sorry had to vent.

    Reply

  32. Look guys this is all a dog and pony show before we hire Chiaverini. We all know it. Search committee just needs to show they did their diligence and evaluated other options yada yada before making the obvious, no-brainer move. We hang on and see how he does and if it implodes we will have way more HC options next year.

    Reply

    1. Uh, if that were the case, they wouldn’t actually have written offers going to people, who then decline. Oh well.

      But, I came here not to reply to your post – until I saw it – but to say, Hey Chris! Those prominent guys you were talking about who were interested in this job? Where are they? Come on, Fowler. Maybe it’s time to pick up that bat phone after all?

      Go Buffs.

      Reply

      1. I don’t see proof of a written offer. AFIACT these are mostly just agents leaking info to juice their clients salary. Straight up dog and pony. Bluntly Sark would be dumb to take CU and we don’t need a guy like that for our image. He waits one year, wins a championship with Saban (50/50 chance there and we all know it) and then is asking for $5.5 just like Tuck just ran off with.

        Reply

      2. I told you Sark wasnt coming because of the money…the offers means nothing…..moot. EB may be pulling the same scam. I dont blame him or Sark if their plan is to stay where they are. Unlike big talkin Mel.
        What really gives me the Murray depression is that RG may buckle now and give it to Beil…lame…a.
        If it aint Chev I will take Calhoun waaaayy before B-lame

        Reply

    2. We’re quickly approaching the Yolo (aka the ‘f**k it we’ll do it live “) stage of the coaching search.

      Go chev. Here’s your chance. Keep summer’s as DC. Woo.

      Reply

    1. Man, it appears it’s the job nobody wants. Such a drag.

      Well? There’s one guy we know wants it. Chev. At this point, I’m pretty near that bandwagon. If he succeeds? Probably coach for life.

      If he doesn’t? Well, who has? WTF. Give the dude a shot. Raise the salary pool and work like hell to not get turned down by everyone you offer those jobs (so start by keeping the ones you got, they seem ok to me).

      Wow. Definitely glad I’m not Rick. Have I said that?

      Go Buffs.

      PS- maybe they’ll pull the Bieniemy rabbit out of their hats, but I doubt it, at this point.

      Reply

      1. Yo Eric,
        Sarky was never really interested in the job. It’s easier to work for Saban. No pressure at all except from the boss. You don’t have to work hard to recruit to Alabama. Saban is a legend. Much harder to rebuild a program. Still can’t believe CU got played so badly. I’ll bet that Sark probably offered someone a couple Grand to write that he was interested. He knew he’d finagle a raise from Alabama. Not a bad investment for a couple days work.

        Reply

        1. Not convinced that’s the facts. We’ll never really know what Sark was thinking. We do know a contract was offered, and he declined. And, if he was simply playing Rick and Lance? What’s that tell us?

          I’m starting to wonder if there are personalities in the AD’s office who play less well with others than some people may guess.

          This is bordering on a fiasco of MSU proportions, if it rolls into next week w/ no new guy. They’re probably down to candidates 4-6 now. But, unlike MSU, CU cannot simply quarter off the basement vault to get someone, anyone, in there.

          Unless they pull a Bieniemy or Sark back out of their hats.

          Go Buffs.

          Reply

          1. Am I the only sane person to see that Sark would’ve used us?! Shit people, I’ve lived in pac 12 territory too long, he used UW to get to USC. But CU would’ve been his final stop? Get real! Sark is a low class character. I was intrigued but remembered the stories of the 18 packs of coors light he had my his desk. Rehab or not this guy doesn’t have the character quality we need or want

          2. Darin, you have an interesting point. I too have lived in pac 12 country basically my whole life. One thing that did give me pause the other night about sark, I remembered a trip I was on a few years ago before he bolted to sc. one of the guys on the trip with us was a uw alum, and ceo of a division of a large Seattle based company and a significant booster. He was not a fan of sark.

            Nevertheless, my thoughts today were, people evolve. Dude is a great recruiter. A good offensive mind, and he has won. So of the list of candidates we’ve seen? High on my list after eb.

            Sometimes misses end up working out with serendipity though. Hoping that is the case here.

            Go Buffs

  34. Conspiracy Theory: is it just me or is Nick Saban trying to personally destroy the Buffaloes (his last 2 moves**) – maybe this his new tactic going dark ops – try to destroy teams that may compete on or off the field against his team down the road? Just take them out now since he has so much power.

    Reply

    1. Ha, I was thinking the same thing. Never had anything against him, happy to see success for a fellow Michigan boy. But right now I want to throw a pasty at his head.

      Reply

  35. Hand it to Chev and let him run with it! A Buff through and through, more money than he’d ever need, and continuity. Coach B would get his act together, then ride off to another big program because he can coach and win. Don’t need his D mindedness in the PAC12. Calhoun has really never had to recruit, the GOV does it for him. Great coach just the same, no disrespect for what he has done with the Zooms. #CUlture needs CHEV’S enthusiasm and passion

    Reply

    1. I agree. My only thought though re: Coach Chev is that if CU was going to promote him they’d not have engaged in this week-plus search. Just one man’s opinion.

      That being said, I agree with you 100% about Chev. I much prefer him to either Bielema or Calhoun. He is neither timid nor weak.

      Reply

  36. I prefer Bielema over Sarkesian. Looking through the records for both I really don’t see why people would prefer Sark. He has barely won wherever he has been. Bielema has dominating years at Wisconsin. Calhoun is to be lauded for his work at Airforce but their is miles and miles of difference between the kids that go there and the recruiting of those that play in a power 5 conference. I also think it is a dick move to take a head coach from a program at this point. Take Bienemy if he will take the job today. Otherwise, offer the job to Beilema or Sarkesian (I prefer Beilema).

    Reply

    1. At Washington, Sarkesian took over after an Embree like 0-12 dumpster fire left by Tyrone Willingham (who was 11-37 at Washington) and went 5-7 the next year, then three straight bowls afterward. Beilema took over at Wisconsin from Barry Alvarez who had gone 120-71-4 and took them to 11 bowl games (most of them New Year’s Bowls) in 13 years.

      Granted, Beilema took over a mess at Arkansas (not as bad as Willingham left, however) but only went 29-34. Sark left Washington with a winning record.
      You may want to rethink using coaching records solely when comparing these two.

      Reply

    2. Sark = very good offensive mind. Very enthusiastic, and great recruiter.

      But, the only people who seem super sour on Bielema are the guys from the mid-west (further midwest than CO). I good buddy and alumn from MN hates the man. We know VK who’s apparently from somewhere like Wisky doesn’t like him either. His bailing on Wisconsin to pursue SEC dreams seems to be the biggest knock.

      But to me? Since all the top guys seems to be saying “thanks but no thanks” and I think that happened last year – maybe it is time to go w/ Chev, and up the assistant salary pool too.

      Holy crap. My kingdom for a coach? I guess not everyone sees the opportunities at CU as we do. Hashtagsad (it’s funnier when you type it out, said the aging guy).

      Go Buffs.

      Reply

    3. I agree RobO taking an already employed head coach would make us just as bad as Michigan St for poaching at this point in time.

      Reply

      1. More rumors and innuendo. Allegedly an offer on the table to Sark that he is reviewing.

        You know? He could fall in love w/ clean living in Boulder.

        Go Buffs.

        Reply

  38. Until CU can cut loose the purse strings for Head Coaches, and especially Asst’ Coaches, expect this carousel to continue. PERIOD.

    ALL THIS HORSE $#IT and speculation is just jaw wiggling. It doesn’t do a damn thing about solving the problem. Until CU can get support from the higher echelons of funding, expect nothing but mediocre results off Folsom Field.

    You know it…… I know it….and we don’t even have to be half-way smart. So where is the disconnect ?

    Ralphie V is cryin’ in her pen.

    Reply

  39. Regardless to who RG hires, I would like to see him require (in contract), that Chev be retained and made Assist-HC-in-waiting. Add a high buyout for the first 2 years, “we just got burned, you want the job, agree to 6 mil Y1, 4 mil Y2, etc.” Then if the next guy leaves in 3 years or so, CHev should be ready; he may be ready today, whose to say?

    At 42 he’s been around the game for long enough to have learned from many different coaches, but being in a position like Lake @ UW or Ryan @OSU would be a win in the future, while giving someone like Sark a chance to come in and prove they are ready to make a come back; knowing RG has a plan in place for when they leave. Sark could be good if he is clean and contract could be written to address potential issues.

    It would then just be Chev’s luck that that the guy RG hires turns out to be successful and stays a while… but bleeding black & gold, I bet Chev would be OK working for a winning coach on the Buffs staff, even if it meant waiting a couple more years for his shot.

    Reply

    1. Totally agree with Marcus. My fear of hiring Sark is that we are walking in to Tucker 2.0. Sark will be here one year, perhaps have success and off he goes. I’m not even sure a large buyout would help these days. SEC and Big 10 schools have so much money that buyout may not ever be a deterent for them. I also completely agree about Chev. The agreement must state that Chev is retained as OC and HC in waiting. We simply can not lost this guy. He is too valuable to the team and on the recruiting trail. He is going to be key in keeping the current recruits from entering the transfer portal.

      Reply

      1. Yes, Sark or someone else might leave… or as of this afternoon isn’t even coming, some of the options don’t seem all that great. But a $6 mil buyout w/ Chev in waiting means it won’t sting as bad, that could buy some great OC/DC coaches.

        Reply

  40. To Stuart,
    9News is reporting that Eric Bieniemy is STILL a strong candidate. I’ll take that over all the “could be’s, might be’s, likely to’s” being bandied about by folks who are not journalists by trade.

    I’m holding out my hope for my favorite Buff ever in Scooter (EB). But if not him, I want someone with Colorado Buffs connections.

    Mark / boulderdevil

    Reply

    1. Don’t see it.
      Listen to the Tucker podcast with Bieniemy. He talked about the “dream” of being an NFL head coach, at the “pinnacle of the profession”.
      Why would EB take a step back, and give up on the NFL job he is likely to get next December?
      Wouldn’t be opposed to EB, but I just don’t see it happening …

      Reply

      1. Yeah, but when EB was talking with Tucker the CU job wasn’t available…
        That said, there’s also the money. Most NFL offensive coordinators make in the range of $1 Million a year. The highest paid is Josh McDaniel for the Patriots at $4 Million/yr. McDaniel’s pay is the highest “by far” and more in line with a first time NFL head coach.

        Bieniemy could certainly be earning that type of money at Colorado. Plus, there are only 32 NFL teams and Scooter has already interviewed with seven of them without a head coach job offer.

        The Colorado job could very well show the football world that Bieniemy is ready to be the man in charge. Also remember that when EB was coaching in college that he was considered one of the best recruiters in the country. Taking the Colorado job would not mean EB is giving up on his dream to be a head coach in the NFL. It’s just another chance to show what he can do and add another important piece to his resume.

        Look at Pete Carroll. The guy moved from college to the NFL and back several times. Doing so did not take away from him being considered one of the best coaches in the business.

        Of course, the speculation about EB is rampant in every direction. Some outlets are reporting that he has removed himself from consideration, while other outlets say just the opposite.

        Financially, I would advise him to take the CU job. His stock is not going to get any higher than it is now. And the NFL still has a hard time hiring men of color as head coaches. And don’t forget Vance Joseph. He got the Broncos head coaching job and was out fairly quickly.
        Now, he’s back to being a coordinator with the accordant pay.

        I’m not sure if Scooter wants the job or not. Colorado did not treat him very well the last time he was here. But that was before Rick George came back…

        We will see.

        Reply

  41. Enjoyed reading the speculative reports indicating that we could be getting down to the wire on a new head football coach. From the grain of salt report I sure hope it’s not Bielema. The good and decent Calhoun is the perfect coach…for Air Force. Which brings me to the CBS report and Sarkisian. Given CBS’ long standing ties to the SEC I’m not dismissive of the source rumor. If the report bears out I’m hopeful that Sark has indeed exorcised his demons. I know that Wilner also threw Sarkisian’s name out there early, speculating that the coach would be redeemed and loyal to CU—that I’m a bit less convinced of. Whomever lands it seems as if we’re rolling the dice.

    Reply

  42. Love the rumor upon rumor.

    “Ricky don’t lose that number” Get it right man, get it right. Put em in a hat (all except bellyliama’s) and draw one. Go Buffs

    FHCMT ::
    We hear you’re leaving, that’s okay
    I thought our little wild time had just begun
    I guess you kind of scared yourself, you turn and run
    But you showed us yur ol dark heart and it’s no longer fun

    Buffs have survived”
    A FLIM FLAM MAN
    SOME UNPREPARED BUFFS
    A GARDNER WITH NO TOOLS
    AND A GYPSY FROM ANOTHER PLACE.

    …….

    At first I was afraid, I was petrified
    Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side
    But then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong
    And I grew strong
    And I learned how to get along
    Do you think I’d crumble
    Did you think I’d lay down and die?
    Oh no, not I, I will survive

    Buffarama

    Reply

  43. Well? I guess Stenstrom won’t be CU’s QB this year. Unless he gets no love from the portal. Or, whoever the new guys is talks him into staying.

    And then there were two.

    Go Buffs

    Reply

  44. Stenstrom is leaving. The clouds darken. Does he know Calhoun or that days of yonder corn clone Bielema is the next coach? Maybe it is time for some of VK’s shrooms or hit the scotch

    Reply

    1. Hey maybe the new coach looks to the portal for a transfer QB? QB experience is one of our current weekest links. Take the returning starters on offense and add a good experienced QB and hopefully get a DC who can keep the momentum going on defense and I’d start to feel pretty good about this season.

      Not sure how I am able to have optimistic thoughts about the Buffs right now, but it’s got to be better than wallowing. At least we know it won’t be Steve Adazzio…

      Reply

  45. Sarkisian aint commin either. He isnt anywhere near as far up the ladder as EB but he is far enough to know his future and paycheck is just fine where he is at without taking a risk at what is rapidly becoming perceived if not a coach’s graveyard a quick easy chance to get back in the game like Bielema.
    Please Please Please NO Bielema
    And how much does the AF pay Calhoun? I get the feeling he will jump at it for the bucks as well. With all the residual bile down at AF over the hippy stuff 4 decades ago that still lives in their craw would he even have a finger stick of blood for the black and gold? On top of that….Nooooo option attack. You know Chev will be gone if Calhoun takes the bait….and everyone else if Bielema arrives.
    If not Chev, Walters, Avalos anyone but Bieeima
    (Quoting VK) “Mein Gott” I hope the coaching position here isnt going to be handed to the desperate

    Reply

    1. You may be right on that one, man. I have said for years, CU is where coaches come to kill their careers. Only guy whose it didn’t lately was Mac. And, I guess the jury’s still out on that. But, I’m betting he gets another HC gig at some point.

      So, yer sayin’ Chev is the default? I actually probably prefer Walters to Chev. I do like Avalos, as well.

      Man, glad I’m not in Rick’s shoes.

      Go Buffs.

      Reply

      1. So you’ve said that for years? Really

        And Gardner George is on an upswing after he failed at CU? Okay. DC at Ole Miss. Fired after one year. Now DC of Memphis. Now that is an upward spiral.

        Tucker, the weed, is on an upward trend. See how long he lasts.

        Buffs.

        Note: The Gardeners next HC job will be in the same Conference as HWSRN.

        Note 2: Oh Wait maybe bone will give him another shot.

        Reply

  46. Yo Stuart,
    We all know how tightly Rick George runs his searches, so I’m guessing that some of these “reports” are just guesses on the parts of these writers.

    I hope so, anyways. Some of the prognostications are so bad as to be laughable. McElwain? Jones? Bielema? Sarkesian? Please.

    If RG goes any of those ways, Colorado might as well announce that they are giving up trying.

    But he better get quick about it. The longer he waits the easier it is for players to decide to go elsewhere.

    Reply

    1. The players aren’t going anywhere, at least not until May.
      Even if they want to transfer, they will want/need to do so in good standing, which means finishing out the semester.
      They can say now that they want to transfer, and can even sit out spring practices, but nothing will be official until May.

      Reply

      1. The recruits who are not on campus this semester can get out of their commitment. The ones who are here have to stay until May but the ones who are not here can change their mind.

        Reply

        1. Mark, your right, but remember, most schools have just filled their program to 85 on scholarship, so they don’t have room for them, or I’d be more worried about that happening. Right now I’m hoping the right coaching hire will curb that from happening this summer.

          Reply

    2. I’m not so sure that Bielema would be a bad hire. He can win, his fight with Wisconsin was over his coaches salaries, and Arkansas has been terrible since he was let go. Sark, that’s a huge question. Wilcox would be my choice or Chiav, but please no McElwain or Mora. And I know Mora has professed his love with Boulder numerous times over the years as his dream job.

      Reply

    3. Who would you like to see get the gig, Mark? You all in on Chev?

      I probably go Sark, Mora, then… Chev. McElwain could be interesting, but I am not sure he’s a real candidate. And, I probably go Chev over him, just as a gut level read anyway.

      And, I could be wrong on Chev. Maybe just having a great salesman/recruiter is exactly what CU needs? Maybe he’s more ready to run a program than I think? He’d certainly stick around. I just figure Mora and Sark are also great recruiters, have deeper contacts, and more experience running a program, and winning than Chev. I also think each of those guys keeps him around. But, we’ll see how it shakes out.

      Go Buffs.

      Reply

      1. And, my top choice would still be Bienemy. I just don’t see him looking to coach kids vs. professionals. And, he’s coaching some really good professionals right now. Alongside a great mentor, in Andy Reid.

        Go Buffs

        Reply

      2. Yo Eric,
        Scooter first, then I would take Chiaverini with a dream of Leavitt as DC with Chev. I would also take Jim Leavitt his head coach with Chev as OC, but I don’t think they would do that. I’m just afraid that whoever the new coach is if it’s not somebody currently with the buffs will clean house and all those recruits will have nobody to hang their hats on.

        Reply

        1. Right on.

          It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out. I just hope they’re not whiffing on too many dudes.

          But, sometimes those things that seem like misses lead to serendipity! Chev could just be that guy.

          Go Buffs

          Reply

    4. Mark, I like the idea of bring in a proven winning head coach. Bielema won consistently at Wisconsin and took a perennial bottom dweller to 3 bowl games. Sark has personal issues but he was a winner where he coached sample with McElwain. Frankly, I think we would be taking too much risk bringing in someone’s up and coming coordinator or going with Chev. Bienemy is a bit of a risk but the hire would be so splashy it would actually be better for us than if Tucker stayed. I am still rooting for Leavitt, but I know he is off the table. After that Bielema seems like a good coach. Have Chev be OC (giving him another shot and a promotion). Keep our DC. No one has been able to provide any real facts about this hatred for Bielema to me and I haven’t found anything on the internet that would spark such a visceral reaction. I watched Mora destroy UCLA so I can understand dismissing him. Sark’s personal issues are tough to overcome and may be a detriment to recruiting same with McElwain. But I do be
      Ie e people learn from mistakes and can grow. What are people aware of about Bielema that I am not finding? He won big at Wisconsin, got paid big to turn around Arkansas and only produced mild success. Frankly we could do with some mild success around here. I did find one knock on him and that was recruiting. I am hoping Chev could fill that gap for him.

      Reply

  48. The last decade plus has me broken. I’m at the point of just wanting to find a coach that loves CU, that wants to stay there, and will have us routinely going 7-5 and bowling yearly.

    Reply

  50. I understand all the Chev love. I still think EB is probably the splashiest hire CU can get (unless they pull the impossible and get Venables). And, with EB Chev stays on that staff. I’m just not sure EB wants to coach kids again, vs. professionals.

    That aside, if it is Chev? I’ll support the guy like I’ll support whoever it happens to be (even that Bret guy, although he’s pretty low on my list of preferred candidates).

    Since people like the Dabo/Chev parallels, one glaring difference may be coaching mentors: Dabo coached w/ Gene Stallings and Tommy Bowden. Those guys won a lot. Chev came up through some less successful guys.

    Does that make a big difference? Who knows? And, maybe as HC he’s chief recruiter. We know he’s very, very good at that piece. Gotta have players who can win games, regardless of who’s calling plays, etc.

    Allegedly EB is back from vacation and may have clarity on his leanings as early as tomorrow.

    As the coaching carousel turns.

    Get it right, Rick.

    Go Buffs.

    Reply

    1. as the comments turn
      Chev can bring in your Jimmies and Joes but he is low on your list. One of these days, maybe after a few doses of VK’s shrooms, we might see some consistency from you?
      Dont put your money on EB. He is making too much already and on the train for a pant load more.

      Reply

      1. EP, I believe I’m pretty consistent. I may not be extreme to one side or another but I believe I’m consistent.

        To me, Chev’s got loyalty, and recruiting. That’s largely what got Embree the gig (and coming in for pennies on the dollar) and we know how that worked. For Chev, it can be argued his position group has under performed at times. As did his offense. Was that him? Mac? We don’t know. But, even last year, post-Mac, he had what, one, maybe two guys meet or exceed expectations, out of 7?

        Regardless, in my eyes, I think we can do better for a head coach, comparing resumes, at least. But, it’s hard to project how things go. That’s the rub and that’s why I’m glad it’s Rick’s gig to sort out, not mine. Well one of many reasons.

        Weren’t you also one of the guys who railed against prior coaches and/or assistants for on the job training? Isn’t that exactly what Chev would be doing? I mean, even as a favored son, that’s a tough spot.

        Again, not saying it can’t work. It could work fabulously. But, I’d put the odds of that happening lower than say some of the “retreads” like Mora or Sark.

        It’s sort of like the odds of a guy you might call a “gamer” not practicing hard, and then turning it on a la Allen Iverson on the court or field. Those guys are few and far between. Even Kobe said “I was a guy with incredible talent, but practiced like I had none.”

        Giving Chev the nod would be an incredible leap of faith, in my opinion, given that he’s worked for two head coaches who got fired for not winning consistently enough, and one who bolted for a better gig with the jury still very much out on how good he was (or not). What has he done, other than bleed Black and Gold, and… recruit well?

        As to Bienemy, I think a guy like that – who’s admittedly learned a lot working w/ Andy the last 7yrs – is a guy who comes in with instant credibility to his players. He just coached Mahomes to a playoff appearance and then a super bowl win in his short career. In a pretty exciting offense. Now, to be sure, a lot of that was on Mahomes, and the players around him, not Reid, nor EB. But it still carries weight to the players and future recruits at CU. He’s got a decade more experience coaching – meaning a decade deeper contacts – than Chev.

        And, one of the things I read recently was a quote from EB saying “one of the things I’ve learned w/ my 7yrs w/ Andy is how important it is to have everyone on the same page. Even the janitor.” I don’t think he had that insight during his last time at CU. That’s huge.

        Will he really be interested? That’s where I think the rubber meets the road. Like you, I’m not convinced he will be. But, we’ll see. If he is, I believe he’s RG and LC’s first choice. But, I also think they missed on their first choice/s last time, and very well could this time. That’s sometimes how it goes when trying to hire good people.

        We’ll see how it plays out. And if it’s Chev? So be it. I will hope to hell that he exceeds my expectations. In fact, I’ll pretty much have that same hope for whoever the next guy is. I just think some will have greater odds at doing so than others.

        Go Buffs.

        Reply

        1. You are tying yourself up in knots again eric.
          Let EB go. He aint comin and never was. And Chev aint EB and EB wasnt the HC when he was here. Chev hasnt been the HC and it wasn’t Chev’s fault when people weren’t on the same page ……and when Chev is in charge I have complete faith in him to get everyone on the same page.
          Some people dont get trained on the job. In fact most of the coordinators that have been here haven’t really learned anything with their on the job training. It wouldnt be that hard for Chev to find some at least as good as those including Mel’s. CU football was starting to look like Einsteins theory of insanity, which in my mind is exactly what this dismal list of retreads will bring….and if they dont and win a few they probably will equal Mel’s record for getting out of town.
          You know what? Bleeding Black and Gold and bringing in the recruits is good enough for me right now. Leap of faith? Fortune favors the bold.
          Iverson and Bryant? Sheesh. I hope you didnt dislocate your shoulder with that reach. Go ahead and write me another novel cause I know you aren’t happy without the last word. See if you can dig up some Gretzky or LeBron this time…..or maybe even some Yogi.

          Reply

          1. I want a little more than a favored son. Sark and mora both great recruiters. Much deeper experience than Chev. With more winning.

            Chev may get the gig. We will see soon enough. Hopefully.

            The more this drags, the more it feels like they are sliding further down their list.

            Go Buffs

    1. as long as we are making ourselves feel better with fantasy…
      what about Challenging Urban Meyer with nostalgia to recreate his magic he had at Utah? He could then poach Harrell as OC and Leavitt as DC and lead the Buffs to their second NC thrashing Saban 45 to 17.
      VK’s shrooms are the best quality

      Reply

  53. So… I can’t help but think that the retainment of this year’s recruits is paramount. I hope that RG is personally contacting them so that they feel as cared for and valued as possible.
    PS: leaving town without facing the team is inexcusable and will haunt *ucker forever.

    Reply

  54. I, like many of you, am still upset with Coach _ucker for putting the CU Football program in such a state of uncertainty. Who will be the next HC, which asst. coaches will leave……which recruits will renege on their commitment to CU??
    I hope RG and LC take a serious look at either Darrin C. Or Eric B. I just listened to the Mel _ucker podcast with EB. I was blown away by Eric’s thoughts about coaching and relationships with not just fellow coaches and the players but also the relationships with everyone in the building including support staff and custodial personnel. He states he picked up this trait from Coach Reid. When everybody in the Building are on the same page, everything runs a little smoother and everyone has equal respect for each other.
    EB has been coaching at a high level for about 20 years. I feel he could easily fill any holes left in our asst coaching pool with high quality individuals. He would also bring instant credibility to our young players!!
    Coach Chev, on the other hand is a proven recruiter which is the life blood of any program. He would have the foundation of a decent asst coaching staff if he could hold onto the current coaches. He has been an asst head coach for three different HC’s and has played for several others. I would hope that he has picked up the positive traits from all these HCs that will one day make him an outstanding HC.
    In the next month, we will all have some clarity about the state of CU Football. Meanwhile, I hope RG places a $10,000,0000 buyout clause for our next head coach!!!! Actually, I hope that move won’t be necessary because our next coach will bleed black and gold like all of us!!
    GO BUFFS!!

    Reply

  55. I would be sorely disappointed if CU hired Bret Bielema, and that sore area would turn Red and the other word rhymes with Mass. I have read over the years about Bielema and while there might be some pro and con, Con rules out in most of the articles.

    Over and over through the years I have observed in the Corporate World more times then not that when a prized position came open and the powers to be went outside rather then within that after a couple of years the outside “Hot Shot” was just another employee and many times was not near as capable as many of the old time employees that had been passed over for this “Hire of The Century.”

    I don’t know Darren Chevarini I hope that RG & LC aren’t just rating Chev on negative aspects that every one might have when known by people close to the subject, but also on the positive elements that Chev has. It is so easy to dwell on the negatives which usually doesn’t usually happen to an outsider applying for a position. In other words weigh the positives on Chev quite heavily that you know then what you don’t know about the unknown person.

    Also I saw in our local paper and maybe it has been reported in Boulder already, but Mel Tucker was also given a free membership in a posh Country Club in Lansing, 2 cars to drive, $100000K Insurance policy and 25 free hours on a private jet just for family time. This is all in excess of his $5plus Mil. salary.

    Reply

    1. I think Chiaverini bleeds black and gold. I think he has some interesting ideas on offense, I think he can really develop wide receiver talent, and I think he is a fantastic recruiter. But he has never run a program. The only time e he ever called plays he was outmatched. He does not have a deep coaching tree. This is a huge risk if we go with him. Going with a coach like Sark, Leavitt, or Bielema means going with a proven winner at the college power 5 level. All of them have deep coaching contacts to help build out programs. Having hired people before I believe it is all about trust. Can you trust this person to do the job you have hired them for. I just started looking into Bielema and Other than the fact that he took a job in the SEC for big money and could not win championships there I didn’t see anything that caught my eye as a risk for the job we want him to do. To be honest if he came in here and only had a loosing season 1 out of 4 years we would probably be ecstatic. I think his upside is probably even better than that. If we structure the contract right we could make it too expensive for another team to steal him, or if they do they basically allow us to hire an elite coach using their money…..

      What have you seen that concerned you?

      Reply

      1. Chev’s play calling had to be highly influenced by Micky. Gotta remember Micky was a defensive based coach and he had a kid on the team who was on offense. Its hard to believe a guy who began coaching in the air raid was calling some of those boneheaded plays. Chev will be the best influence we have on this last class staying. I dont think he is as deficient in “contacts” as you think. He is engaging and the goof ol boy (typo not intended but kept) system is one think in the coaching ranks that gives me a serious rash. As bad as our record has been CU is still attractive for some up and coming “youngsters.”
        As far as Bielema goes its been a while since I remember much but it sticks out in my head that the guy is a complainer. He always had more negative comments than positive ones. I do remember him saying the hurry up offense should be outlawed indicating to me that as a defensive coach he couldn’t think fast enough to keep up with it. Bielema is a football fossil with a grumpy attitude something we dont need in Boulder

        Reply

        1. I think you are reaching there a bit on Mac calling plays for Chiav. I think that was his offense. Basically get the ball to your players in space….. And since he felt he only had one player get the ball to Viska in space…. Frankly, that is air raid offensive philosophy. I much prefer Tucker and Johnson’s grind out a ground game behind a big offensive line. Throw to keep your opponent off balance and to keep the defense honest.Both have issues though so there is no wrong or right in my mind but I do think Chiav was calling the plays and really struggled. Especially when Viska went down.

          I need to listen to the pod cast with EB. I saw a comment about how he talks about his philosophy and that it was really good. Other than EB I am still rotting for Leavitt though it sounds like he has not gotten any traction.

          On the Bielema thing, I think people should consider the source of the negative comments. Arkansas was a second tier SEC program that paid Tier 1 money to a coach and expected that coach to come in and win championships (sound familiar huh?) I suspect they soured on him when they found out he was just a good solid coach. Frankly, I will take a good solid coach that can deliver 8 wins a year consistently. Let’s do that for a decade and then look to hire Chiav as the head coach.

          Reply

    2. Yo AZ,

      I am shocked, shocked I tell you that “Brett the Frett” is even being interviewed. Dickweed above all Dickweeds.

      Correctomundo about inside vs outside hires. Been on both ends of that. Tough decision to make as it goes both directions. Skill and luck.

      I Just gotta stick with the “Dabo Experiment”
      Too many similarities.
      Dabo didn’t have no coaching tree.
      He got the big coordinators to buy in so to speak.

      Go Buffs

      Note: That frigging groundhog is a “lying dog-faced pony soldier!”

      Reply

  56. Just read the page on Bielema. I think that could be a very good coach. We need to pay him 3.5 at least and we need to make the buyout like 9 million. But given that I think he could continue our defensive resurgence.

    Reply

    1. Yo,

      If you have never been a fan of Wisconsin, you will have no clue as to the hatred of BB and for good reason.

      Fat ass loser and his wife is worse.

      Not a fitter here. No way.

      Buffs

      Reply

      1. He is not a loser if all you look at is the record. So what specifically is driving your disdain becuase I am not finding much other than he left Wisconsin for Arkansas and only did an ok job there.

        Reply

  57. Every time a new cast off name enters the picture my stomach churns. Now its Bielema who I think the game has passed him by. The last I heard from him he was whining about the hurry up offenses. Bielema joins the worst cast offs mentioned before like McElwain and Jones. I cant believe RG is giving this blockhead an interview. It appears Chev is out of the picture with these losers crowding in.

    Reply

    1. ep, I agree. One of the reasons that Bielema left Wisconsin was that he didn’t think that they were paying his asst. coaches enough. I admire any HC that wants to well for is assistants but from what I have heard he used that just as an excuse (did we hear that MT probably used that same excuse?).

      He never did that well against PSU, OSU in the Big 10 and his record at Arkansas doesn’t knock you over. I read an article in SI a few years ago that really was pretty toxic re, Bret.

      It seems to be the spin that Chev has not had enough coaching experience yet to be a HC. McCartney had only coached for one coach in college before coming to CU, 8 years. Chev spent time in the NFL and started coaching the college level in 2007. I wasn’t too excited about his play calling the one year under Mike Mac but one has to question how much MacII influenced the whole scheme of things. Is Chev too close to the players to be their HC? I don’t know, but it is time for CU to fish or cut bait and go with someone that knows how to recruit……..CHEV, and has the Buffs as their number one priority, and forget about the Embree, Bienemy fiasco. The program right now is in a pretty good position player wise compared when Mac I came in, when Embree, came in, and when MacII arrived.

      If it doesn’t work out with Chev you and your buddies can just go to Mexico more months and have fun with the Cartel’s down there.

      Reply

    2. Or could it be “these losers” are just names to show to the CU administration that you vetted real candidates before hiring Chev?

      Reply

  60. Anyone notice Mogan Scalley, the DC for Utah. Maybe a bump up in our defense, and a way to get an edge on Utah? Its rumored hes Whitinghams replacement in 5 years….

    Second, maybe George and other pac 12 ADs unite and agree on a minimum payout to play any Pac 12 team. Start at 4 million a game, or more. Then get the G5 teams to join the standard payout. The money rich teams will need someone to beat up, might as well take a chunk of their TV/conference money, or power 5 rich will only play power 5 rich. Who would NU put on their preseason games as sacrificial lambs, Alabama? If it was us again, we’d get 4 million of their fat big 10 money, and a “W”…..

    Reply

  62. Had no idea of the success Ryan Walters has had since leaving….not saying he should be HC or anything…but good on him!!

    Reply

  63. I am tired of the AD who ever it is at the time to stop looking outside of the program for that Big Name to attract attention. They come and go with bigger salary offers. This time it needs to be from within someone who loves the CU Buffs . Has grown up with the Buffs most of his adult life. He knows how it works in Boulder the life style , the Beauty of Boulder and the CU Buffs Campus. My choice is our Interm Head Coach DARRIN CHIAVERINI. He is Colorado Buffaloes Football he knows what it takes to Recruit here and he has the teams support. Come on AD George instead of looking for that home run coach that will leave later. Promote DARRIN CHIAVERINI PERMANENTLY.

    Reply

    2. My worry about Chiaverini is his inability to bring in high quality assistant coaches. How deep is his coaching tree? Who would OC/DC for him. I do not think he has enough contacts and relationships to build a staff yet. If he could keep our current coaches that would not be horrible though.

      Reply

  66. I think CU would benefit from a close look at Clemson’s success. There are several similarities and some significant dissimilarities between the schools, but Swinney’s success could be emulated at CU. Finding an OC (Elliot) and DC (Venables) to support a WR coach elevated to HC is a big part. Loyalty in the face of big $$$ is a rare but key attribute to find.

    Chev could be our “Dabo,” but he’ll need some heavy hitters to back him up.

    Reply

    1. I like the concept. I don’t know exact timing, but I think venables was paid $1mil/yr circa 2012. I believe he now makes $2mill. As a coordinator.

      We need the South Park parking garage to pay that kinda jack.

      Go Buffs

      Reply

  67. Unlike others I’m favorable to Eric B. I realize there was the unfortunate history under Bohn, but a Superbowl winning OC who had a powerful offense? I say yes please.

    Reply

  68. I’m going to steal Stuarts random thoughts thing here
    I think I mentioned before I thought Brumbaugh saw Mel’s defection coming a day or 2 before it actually happened when he left. I wonder if any of the other coaches saw a few cracks in Mel’s BS?
    Now we have RG saying he respects Mel’s decision when inside if he isn’t burning up I would be shocked.
    My point is the coaching “fraternity” appears to be tighter than any cult in history. Tighter than the refs, the mob and the inner circle of the Vatican. Not only do they have the power demand insane contracts but the power to keep anyone in any other position of power, including ADs, in organized football from calling them out. And unless there are six or eight smoking guns like a chimney the NCAA wont go near them.
    And boy they do take care of their own. Even the drug addicts like Sarkisian are allowed shelter especially if they have a modicum of ability. Its nice Sarkisian is on the wagon. Being on the wagon is probably a lot easier at Alabama where the success momentum is bigger than anyone else in the country with the possible exception of Clemson. But would he fall off the wagon again dealing with the stress of trying resuscitate a program like the Buffs?
    Of course its money and the fans, me included, provide it but where is it going to end? Will college football together with the NFL become as wealthy and as essential in our lives as the juggernauts like oil companies that keep us mobile or even the pharma that helps keep us healthy and alive? or will it fade with saturation and the dead end for most teams that are deprived of the money that the top less than 10% rake in?
    any psychology degrees out there that want to weigh in?

    Reply

    2. I watched maybe five seconds. When the dude introducing him started with “great character, head coaching experience and a track record of winning” I stopped. I figured character? Not so much. Head coaching experience? Ok. A year. Track record of winning? 5-7. Other friends said it looked terrible. Your thoughts? I can guess but actually curious to hear you elaborate. We may actually agree here. Or about as close as we may ever.

      Go Buffs

      Reply

      1. The vibe I got off of Tucker in the press conference was that maybe he thought he may have F-ed up leaving Colorado. Maybe it is wishful thinking.

        When I am looking at resumes when I am hiring, anyone who has not stayed at a job for more than 2 years at any one job, goes immediately to the bottom. Tucker sure moved around a lot, and I think a lot of it was voluntary, so perhaps he should have been at the bottom of the pile.

        Reply

  71. Maybe a good idea to keep Darren at interim for at least the short term, and into the season. Recruits in this class are somewhat hamstrung since most teams in the college football world have already allocated their scholarships. Who knows? The interim tag could be removed based on what they do this season. IMHO, Rick shouldn’t hire a guy just to hire a guy.

    Reply

    1. 100%

      Your opinion seems to be that the opposing coordinators have no idea what’s coming at them based on game situations. I think 98% of the time, they do.

      The supposed “chess match” matters a little more when the caliber of players are more evenly aligned.

      I actually found an interesting analysis A dude did on “talent level” analysis on uwdawgpound the other day. I will grab it and share. Dude himself says you can still draw a different conclusion, but an interesting read nonetheless. And he crouched a crapload of stats in the process.

      Go Buffs

      Reply

        1. Ep, I never said they were deficient. I Just felt LSU had more professional players than Alabama or anyone else this year. And that helped them beat everyone else this year.

          It appears I was right on the pro player side. They may have had nearly twice as many as their nearest competitor. Not an entirely straight line to more wins, but certainly the most direct route.

          Go Buffs

          Reply

          1. But, that is actually warming my thinking to Chev getting the nod. I have a lot of concerns about other parts of his resume and style and experience, but dude can recruit. And that is where it begins and ends.

            If he could surround himself with people to bolster his weaknesses, could be good.

            But, there may be more well packaged and prepared options too.

            I am not as opposed to on the job training as vk used to be, however, so if Chev gets the gig? I will be as supportive and guardedly optimistic about him as anyone else.

            Going to be interesting to watch unfold. Glad I am not rick. Does he even make a mill? Rough gig man.

            Go Buffs

  73. So now we have Wilner picking our coach? He would be better off spending his time starting a go fund me page for Helton’s buyout. Sorry Jon or is it John? or Jeanne? or Jonet? When you actually make it past the Cal/Nevada border and quit trolling maybe we will talk again.
    The Buffs are already plagued by sports journalists hit jobs. I dont care how good Sarksian’s epiphany has been and if he is at Alabama he is already making more money than RG can pay him.
    Thats another reason I’m not surprised eric is sponsoring him. I’ll bet he is drooling at those possible bank accounts.
    and oh yeah…McElwain…another cast off. Wouldn’t little brother laugh at that

    Reply

  74. I could get on the Sark bandwagon pretty easily. Seems to have cleaned up his issues w/ substances. Dude is fiery. Definitely can recruit. Knows offense. And, has played in some pretty big boy leagues/teams (ie: knows you need some big AND fast linemen, not just fast, smaller guys).

    Go Rick. Get the right guy, whoever it is.

    Go Buffs.

    Reply

  75. I had some further thoughts on Tuckers departure being a personal mistake. Let’s be really honest here. While we were all enthralled by Tuckers performance but in reality he took a pretty talented team and only got them to 5-7. 4 of his players got invited to the combine. I am pretty sure our 2016 team did not have that many invites…. here at CU the 5-7 season and the great recruiting class, the development on the defense seemed to really show progress and we were all enthused. He is now moving into a position where he is paid as one of the top 20 coaches in the country. He will be expected to compete for championships right now….. No building period…… He will be expected to beat Ohio State on a regular basis. The best coordinators Tucker could bring in where a bunch of people that were working with him as “analysts” at Georgia. His OC couldn’t take a 4 year qb and a first round talent wide receiver and consistently score points…… I think he is going to crash hard. And when you are making that sort of money a 8-4 season is unacceptable. It would have been praised here, but not for that sort of money. And when he looses this job he will be seen as a guy who is a classless mercenary. A guy who when given his shot after a long career abandoned the school who gave him that shot in the worst possible way. No one will ever touch him as a head coach again. because they will be afraid that after any modicrum of success he will jump. Macintyre may have struggled here but he will get another shot at head coaching because he showed loyalty (and frankly I think he will deserve it if he takes an honest look at what held him up and learns from it). Tucker is going to fail, and when he does it is going to be bad. I also think it is going to be real bad on the recruiting trail. He needs to compete for 5 start players making that sort of money and every 5 star player is going to here in his ear that Tucker is classless and may be gone. I also think that Chiav might be the reason the class was so good. backed up by Tucker of course but driven by him. This is not really a productive post but I feel better having made it. Go Buffs. Get Leavitt. I know he is a bit crazy but it is the sport of crazy we need. Go look at his record as a head coach and his defenses that he established after a year or two. Leavitt could make an immediate impact. Structure the contract so that he will have to stay at least 2 years.

    Reply

    1. Agree Rob. I think Tucker needed 3+ years at CU to make a reputation. Then see what happens. Mich St is not the pinnacle of Big10 football, not even state of Michigan football — and I don’t see that changing no matter how much crazy money they throw at the program. Maybe it’s a mental defense mechanism but that is what I keep telling myself.
      I don’t know what to make of the coach options. Whatever happens, the thought of implementing yet another new system onto these young athletes is depressing.

      Reply

    2. If we can afford him, go get Urban Meyer!! EB brings back horrid memories of the Jon Embree debacle. If not Urban Meyer, stay in house with Chev, less overall disruption this close to spring ball and keep our recruiting class together!

      Reply

    3. Agree with your original premise. All we ever got from Tucker was lip service. What truly matters tangibly, objectively, and measurably is 5-7…no more, no less. Maybe he took this deal because he himself isn’t really sure whether or not he’s a good HC. After all, somebody throws down guaranteed millions for lip service…yahoo! Right?

      Reply

  76. Geeez….what a bleak list of candidates. Not feeling much better over that.
    Questions:
    Summers and Johnson aren’t going with big talkin Mel? If it was their decision I will give them credit for that and dont mind if they hang around for now but if we are going in house for the HC job let Chev have it.
    The Navy and AF guys? really? after what LSU just did to the rest of the country? I dont care if we have problems next year getting a QB up to speed….dont want no 99% running.
    And why does anyone with 2 functioning synapses want has beens like Helfrich and Jones? and Mora too?….puleeze
    Does EB feel he has something to prove by coming back here? I highly doubt it.
    For me, if no other names pop up, it boils down to 2. Entz and Leavitt. I would prefer Harrell over those 2 but he aint coming anywhere near here and RG probably doesnt like Leavitt and doresnt want to pay for him.
    So Matt Entz…..come on down!

    Reply

    1. Egad….before we make our move too soon certain things need to be outlined before we hire Entz or anyone else.
      !. Is his previous success due mostly to one of his coordinators?
      2. Absolutely no kids or any other relatives of the coach on the team.
      3. RG approves the coordinators…probably already does. Dont want no basket full of half bakes the gardner brought with him.
      4. Has to wear manly head gear.
      5. Doesnt get homesick for his “roots” where he can get twice the pay. I think we are safe with North Dakota….unless of course Entz gets culture shock moving to Boulder from there.

      Reply

    2. You won’t like this one either, but I think Jeff Monken could be interesting. Bring back the option, baby! I’m only about half serious. Maybe three quarters. Dude can coach.

      But, in my eyes, scheme is secondary to personnel. LSU did what they did b/c they’ve got a #1-ish draft pick QB, and beasts of athletes all around him. On both sides of the ball. In one of those playoff games I saw their D-lineman chase down and catch a QB (may have even been a running back on a sweep, I don’t recall). So, that’s 300-ish lbs w/ maybe 4.8 speed? That’ll win ya some games. That goes for all the top teams right now. They have pros playing in college.

      We probably have to start paying players and feeding them PEDs to get back to that level. But, hopefully the next coach can help in one way or another.

      Gonna be interesting to watch it play out. It’s a tough time to find a guy right now. In my mind, EB’s probably the best option – if he wants the gig. Obviously coaching college kids is a lot different than professionals. But, if it’s the players that matter most – and I believe it is – as one buddy pointed out, I doubt a single recruit would bail on Mahomes’ coach. And, he could sell the hell out of that going forward, too.

      Beyond that, I’m expecting to be underwhelmed by the hire, but? Will support whoever gets the nod w/ my usual cautious optimism anyway. Because they’re my Buffs, dammit.

      Get it right, Rick. Please.

      Go Buffs

      Reply

      1. LSU’s scheme was in place while they knew Burrow was still a 53% passer. And somehow Clemson and Alabama had inferior athletes?
        Sorry Eric you’re out to lunch on this one
        The fact is LSU passed everyone to death in a run first best conference is all I need to know about how the Buffs should go forward. Naturally the passing will have to be restricted somewhat if our new QB isnt fully up to a pass first attack. Lytle and company will be rookies running an option and AF and Navy have had time to refine it. the point is an option will only take you so far and no one running the option is going to get close to an NC…which even at the Buff’s modest level right now should be the plan for the future.

        Reply

        1. EP, I was curious to see if my gut about talent level at LSU was right or not relative to others. You mentioned Clemson and Bama specifically. I grabbed this from 24/7:

          This year, LSU offers up 20 players who are not only draft eligible, but also have a chance to be picked up either during the NFL Draft or immediately after as an undrafted free agent.

          The number is made even more impressive by the Tigers having 16 players from that group invited to the 2020 NFL Combine, which is the most by any team in college football.

          The link is here: https://247sports.com/college/lsu/LongFormArticle/LSU-Tigers-football-mock-NFL-draft-players-2020-Joe-Burrow-Grant-Delpit-Kristian-Fulton-first-round-143724381/

          SI has this to say about ‘Bama: Saban noted that only one player, Tua Tagovailoa, landed a top-15 grade from the draft advisory board and the other evaluations Alabama received from NFL teams…. and continues w/ this: That’s 11 players, with at least seven who could get first-round consideration as the draft process progresses. Here’s the link: https://www.si.com/college/alabama/bamacentral/just-a-minute-how-many-first-round-picks-could-alabama-have-in-the-2020-nfl-draft

          Clemson: They list 11 at this spot: https://rubbingtherock.com/2020/02/05/clemson-football-breaking-2020-nfl-draft-class/

          I’m no mathematician, but I believe 16 and 20 (combine invites and projected draftees, respectively) beats 11, no?

          I stand by my point. Playas gotta make plays.

          Go Buffs

          Reply

          1. thats what happens when you kick everyone else’s azz. And they did that by throwing the ball. The invite thing doesnt prove squat. All of a sudden the Alabama and Clemson 4 and 5 star rosters are that deficient? Lets take a vote on that. Tell ya what mr research. Go back and get the star level for all those school starters, the class rankings and I’ll bet the LSU guys were just like Burrow. they were maybe a little better than average players who were developed by the coaches and their schemes….just like Burrow who went from 53% to freak.
            You are a world of reversal eric. One one hand you might go catatonic if you accidentally say something bad a about a coach and the next minute its all the jimmies and Joes…no coach needed.

          2. Oh. So only the top teams get guys to the nfl because of their wins?

            Dude. NFL scouts take plenty of d2 guys, and lower level d1 teams who lose. A lot.

            Coaching plays a role. Players play a larger role.

            Go Buffs

          3. Here’s the piece I found interesting, I know it will not change your mind. We just need that one guy. One of like five who have won national championships in football in the last 20 years, and the Buffs will be rolling, just like the glory days, but, until we get them, we need better recruiting. Not better play calling, surprise plays, or new schemes.

            Enjoy the read, or don’t.

            https://www.uwdawgpound.com/2020/2/5/21125700/the-importance-of-recruiting

            Go Buffs

  77. Does anyone here think that MT just didn’t like living in Boulder? Perhaps his day to day just was not what he thought it would be. I have to agree at that pay grade you should just suck it up, but maybe he was thinking East Lansing was a better fit? I don’t know, at this point after almost 20 years of horror, i am starting to feel like we just throw in the towel and steer our efforts to the soccer team.

    Reply

  78. EB is not a college coach. He wants the NFL. Would he take a detour? Maybe but I think it would be a huge mistake.

    Buffs

    Reply

  79. Maybe the spirits that roam the Flatirons will see to it that Ol Mel has the same level of success at MSU that Butch Jones had at Tennessee. The spirits did de-rail Slick Rick at U-DUB. Scorn the Buffs, the spirits will get you.

    Reply

  80. This has nothing to do with doubling salary so everyone STOP!!!!! He used us as a stepping stone and was leaving. The confirmed reports are that George was countering an offer and they never listened, so STOP!!! This guy is classless, wake up. I’m moving on. But still feel terrible for the team, commits and the school. We were duped plain and simple by a lying, piece of trash

    Reply

  82. If Chev isn’t ready for HC yet, we need to keep him happy. He will be a HC in the not too distant future, and we need his recruiting skills. Be careful about hiring someone in over his head whom he doesn’t respect.

    Bieniemy is a pro coach, not college. He failed open at CU.

    We need MT Ver 2.0! Revved for substantial addition of integrity, honesty, and loyalty. His nationwide approach to recruiting needs to continue. Maybe since Leavitt has been to Florida he can be effective at recruiting in the southeast. Not a clean resume, though.

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  83. Bring back Jim Leavitt! The dude still lives here because he never wanted to leave. Leaving the school to be the 6th highest paid coordinator in the nation is a totally different deal than Mel Tucker. Tucker is a jerk. Leavitt will come back in a NY minute. I’m not alone. If Leavitt came back, I would not even be sad Mel -ucker left.

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    1. Unless I’m mistaken, Mel Tucker just left Boulder in order to double his salary.
      After the 2016 season, Jim Leavitt left Boulder in order to double his salary. If Leavitt “never wanted to leave”, he, um, never would have left.
      Lather, rinse, repeat …

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      1. No Mason and certainly no jive Jones, Harrell and Bieniemy wont come. Calhoun would be in a completely different environment. Are you sure it isnt Harsin’s OC? Would rather see Chev get a shot before Bohl. I’m open to Leavitt because it looks like CU is going to have to start paying the double salary thing to get someone at the level needed who might stay a full (gasp) 2 years

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    2. I am also on the Leavitt bandwagon…… Here are my thoughts:
      1. He is immediately available.
      2. Chev could be OC and stays recruiting coordinator and assistant head coach.
      3. Proven success at turning our defense around, turning Oregon’s defense around (which cratered 2 years after he left (just like CU’s did).
      4. Proven success as a head coach in a good conference.
      5. Likes Boulder
      6. Has deep coaching contacts and could fill out a staff.

      Now the negative. Leavitt has proven that he will jump for another job. This can be mitigated. One make sure the contract has a big, big buy out clause. Jim will take it in order to get a HC gig again. Second, we need 2-3 years of success. Leavitt could get us that. Even if he jumps after 2-3 years Chev might be ready to step up….. We need someone now and he is available. With Leavitt as head coach now we could hold this recruiting class together, continue to dominate defensively.

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  84. Seeing Mark Helfrich’s name out there. He had CU and Oregon ties. Also friends with Frost at Corn U. Maybe an option? Even as OC?

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  86. Jim Leavitt as head coach! We need that sort of crazy here. Chef as OC. I would love Bienemy back but I am not sure he would be willing to after what happened last time. I don’t think Chev has ,the coaching connection depth to bring in quality coordinators. I think you have to consider the DC as well. Some of the success we had last year was his. But I would really look hard at Leavitt.

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  88. MT is running in to a buzz saw. Sanctions on their way, which will hurt the program going forward. There is a reason as to why Fickell and multiple other coaches turned down offers from MSU. Chasing the money is amazingly myopic. As if $2.7 million is not enough. He was building something strong at CU, to say nothing of his overall image as a head coach. Now anyone will have to wonder where his “loyalties” lie, regardless of what he says in the press. Any Big 10 coach will make a possible MSU recruit well aware of MT’s decision at CU.

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  90. Well, this stings. I can (and should) be distraught. But what will that get me?
    Or I can choose to see it as a natural and inevitable result, believe that CU is in a far better place than before he came (god I Hope most recruits stay!) and to view this is an opportunity for CU. My gut says that perhaps the best choice, especially for recruit retention) would be to move very very quickly, and that means Chev. Alternatively, of course to score a great outside option quickly.
    I have mixed feeling around bieniemy, considering what my opinions were after his last stint here. I wonder if he might be better suited in the pros than college. Ultimately, as long as most recruits stay, I’ll be fine with this inevitability (though the way it went down sucked. I blame PAC12 absolute mismanagement for this… that tucker was given an offer he couldn’t refuse was what made this happen, I do believe this was a hard decision for him but the lure of more than double the money and returning home were too much for loyalty to overcome). 😢

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  92. This late in the football year (or with spring practices almost underway, is it ‘this early in the year’?)…It’s pretty much impossible to hire anyone.

    Which means it’s basically just Chev’s job to lose right now. Hope you can hold on to what assistants you can just for continuity.

    What a dirtbag move.

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    1. Si has an article out with better timeline of the last few days leading up to Wednesday morning news. “Wow” is all I can say. Dirtbag move, snake……
      GOBUFFS

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      1. Posted under the “Pac-12 Notes” heading.
        Amazing Tucker would attend a fund-raiser as his agent is finalizing his deal with Michigan State. Amazing …

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