Saturday, December 4, 2010

Let the Interviews Begin

Jeff Lockridge reports in today's Tennessean that Vanderbilt has officially begun to interview candidates to become their next football coach. According to Lockridge, David Williams will meet with at least 10 candidates in his first round of interviews. The report mentions some of the "usual suspects," including Auburn Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzahn and Virginia Tech Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster (both of whom coach today and will not be contacted until their regular season concludes), but also specifically refers to Air Force's Head Coach Troy Calhoun. Calhoun's name has previously been mentioned in connection with this opening in passing, but he has not received as much attention as he gets in this piece. Calhoun informed the University of Colorado early this week he was not interested in becoming their next coach, causing one to wonder if he's got his eye on the opening in Nashville. Last year, Calhoun, when linked to the Tennessee job after Lane Kiffin's abrupt departure, emphaticly and publicly stated he was not going to be the Volunteer next coach. So far, Vanderbilt's search process has not be mired or undercut by such statements from potential candidates.

According to Lockridge: "While Williams expects there to be a second round of interviews, he added that someone could 'jump out' to him in the first round of talks that would produce an offer." During the coaching seach, Vanderbilt assistant coaches Des Kitchings, Herb Hand and Rick Logo and assistant recruiting coordinator Norval McKenzie have been traveling all week visiting the 14 recruits who have committed to the Commodores. Of those 12 commits reached by the Tennessean, 11 described their committment to Vanderbilt as "firm" or "pretty firm."

3 comments:

AD said...

Tony Barnhardt on 104.5 this morning says that the Vandy job is below Malzhan, thinks he'll hold out for a more high-profile job.

Anonymous said...

What about Josh McDaniels????

AD said...

Tennessean names names: http://www.tennessean.com/article/20101207/SPORTS0602/12070321/Vandy+closes+in+on+football+coach+finalists

"Sources confirmed Monday the pool of candidates Vanderbilt has spoken with about the job, either in person or by phone, has grown to include: Tulsa Coach Todd Graham, Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson, Maryland offensive coordinator James Franklin, Michigan State offensive coordinator Don Treadwell and Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Doeren.

"Stanford assistant head coach/offense coordinator Greg Roman interviewed in person Friday. Vanderbilt also has met with Graham and Treadwell.
...
"Vanderbilt has contacted Air Force Coach Troy Calhoun seeking an interview, but that will be up to Calhoun.

"There has also been contact with the agents of Temple Coach Al Golden and Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn during the process, two of the high-profile candidates on Vanderbilt's wish list. No further progression has been made...."