College football news: DeLoss Dodds’ exit, Paul Pasqualoni firings headline Monday
Which coaches are in the running to replace Kiffin and Pasqualoni? And which cities are looking to host the football playoff championship in 2016?
Following a report from three weeks ago, the Austin American-Statesman cited several high-ranking officials in a report that longtime Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds would step down on Tuesday. The American-Statesman reported that the move was originally planned for Monday, but that Dodds was delaying the announcement by a day in deference to the family of James Street, a legendary Texas QB who recently passed away.
Unlike three weeks ago, Texas has made no statement confirming or denying the report, and it’s not known what exactly Dodds’ and Texas’ timetable would be for a transition.
Lane Kiffin, Lane Kiffin, Lane Kiffin
Arguably the most prestigious job west of the Mississippi River is up for grabs with USC parting ways with Kiffin. While the original story broke early Sunday morning, much of the reaction started trickling in at the start of the work week.
The oddsmakers in Las Vegas set the odds for who would be the next head coach. Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio opened as the favorite at 3/1, while Boise State’s Chris Petersen and Vanderbilt’s James Franklin were right behind him at 5/1. 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman received 6/1 odds, while current USC defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast was listed at 7/1.
Franklin was asked about the USC opening a couple of times during his Monday press conference. He went around giving a direct answer, choosing to speak about Vanderbilt’s upcoming game with Missouri instead.
“My response is that I’m excited about talking about UAB, our last game, and I’m really excited about talking about Missouri this week,” Franklin said. “For once, I’d like to sit in this press conference and talk about either the game before or the game we’re playing this week. Anything outside of that is outside of our control.
Paul Pasqualoni fired at UConn
Even with the Huskies nearly knocking off Michigan a week before, UConn decided it was time to let Paul Pasqualoni go after an 0-4 start. Here was some of the immediate reaction out of Storrs.
YES. YES. LET THE HEALING BEGIN.
— TheUConnBlog (@TheUConnBlog) September 30, 2013
Coaches as possible replacements have already begun to surface, including Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi and Dave Clawson, the current head coach at Bowling Green. A full look at the possible replacements can be found here.
The new college football playoff is coming, and cities around the country are making their best pitch to host the championship. Cowboys Stadium in Arlington will host the first one in January 2015. After that, it’s up in the air.
On Monday, the College Football Playoff announced eight cities that are in the running to host the 2016 and 2017 championships.
2016: Glendale (Ariz.), Jacksonville, New Orleans and Tampa
2017: Bay Area, Jacksonville, Miami, Minneapolis, San Antonio and Tampa
The Virginia Tech Hokies are getting back their premier playmaker on defense as cornerback Antone Exum has been given the green light to return to play from famed Dr. James Andrews. Exum had been shelved with a knee injury since late January, when he tore his ACL and meniscus during a basketball game.
Gray on Exum's return: "He has to be eased in naturally, so there will be some transition." Will meet as staff to discuss it. #Hokies
— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) September 30, 2013
There’s a difference between being cleared for practice and being ready to play, much less start, of course; there’s virtually no reason to think Exum will be on the field come Saturday. But all indications are that when he’s ready to be on the field again, he’ll be starting at corner, just like before.
Always troubling when folks have to leave a Kohl’s in handcuffs. For Purdue, it was redshirt freshman wideouts B.J. Knauf and Jordan Woods, who were taken into custody from a Lafayette Kohl’s on Monday afternoon on Class D felony charges. Because apparently it’s a felony to ... shoplift a couple of tie bars?
Knauf, Woods arrested for shoplifting at Kohl's. Items allegedly stolen were two tie bars, valued at $20 each. #Purdue
— mike carmin (@carminjc) October 1, 2013
Knauf had already become a valuable part of the Purdue offense, ranking second in all-purpose yards, while Woods hadn’t seen action yet.
