IBulleve

I think this is mostly in an effort to help retain recruits and keep some sense of continuity on the staff. Kerwin is currently the leading recruiter in the AAC in terms of commits. It would essentially be a 1 year trial. If Scott likes him, great. If not, see ya.

247 just reported that the USF staff has been told not to hit the recruiting trail tomorrow (Tuesday). I'd imagine this thing gets wrapped up shortly

We have reached this point in the coaching search

More or less embarrassing than making Charlie Strong the 14th highest paid HC in college football, and having a secret contract on the side? Let MK go to work

To be fair, Harlan could've learned a thing or three from TBP

Have to imagine staff budget at the very least was discussed during their initial meetings. The way this has all went down seems like a contract wording issue Well he fired Charlie Strong, so far so good on that front

It has to be lawyer stuff at this point. Hard to imagine it's something that would "kill" the deal, but likely quite a bit of negotiating & revising

Michael Kelly is trying to schedule a home & home while he’s there

As is life in the AAC (and really any non-blue blood). Any coach that we hire has two likely outcomes - succeed and jump, or fail and be fired (I know I know...CJL). This is even the case for quite a few non-blue blood"P5" programs. Every offseason Iowa State has their guard up hoping someone wont pick off Campbell. Although he turned down the FSU job, if ND or Penn State ever opens up, they'll be looking for a HC as well. Minnesota is in the same boat (no pun intended). Heck, even Penn State had to extend James Franklin (who jumped from Vandy) to keep him away from USC/FSU. It's the nature of the beast. Regarding Scott/USF specifically, I genuinely believe Michael Kelly is our Ace in the hole. I'm not saying Kelly is going to fight off Ohio State or FSU if they come knocking, but the culture he is beginning to create and the way he is respected nationally should help us fend off the lower level P5's of the world. I say this for the same reasons I mentioned when people asked why a Clemson OC would come to USF....USF and the top half of the AAC is a tremendous destination if you want to prove yourself as a CEO in hopes of landing a TOP level P5 job. A guy like Scott easily could've landed a Vandy, Arizona, Colorado, Boston College level job. BUT, those jobs tend to be tougher and lengthier proving grounds as you're put in a disadvantage in your own conference. I understand that many think CJL could've broken this trend, and maybe he could've, I'm not sure. Right now this program needs momentum and winning seasons. If MK thinks Scott gives us the best chance to accomplish that, then you hire him and worry about his replacement when that time comes.

You better believe Scott already has a couple of guys in mind. Think that high 3 star range that couldn’t quite extend an official offer to. Also, keep an eye on Ajou Ajou out of Clearwater.

Keep an eye out for Cortez Hankton (UGA WR coach) to become the OC. He has a relationship with Scott, and hiring someone he trust to be hands on with the WR’s will be of utmost importance to Scott. I fully expect the OC to have a strong background with the WR group Edit - I’d be pretty surprised if he doesn’t keep Shaun King as well. He’s coming from Clemson, a program that prides itself on retaining coaches and building a foundation of guys who love the program.

I wouldn’t hate a QB room of - Chase Brice Jordan McCloud Tate Rodemaker Jordan Smith

I took that as Johnny was transferring.

Scott will have this thing turned around by year 2. Keep an eye on Chase Brice, real possibility he follows Scott down here.

Aka I basically have the same “sources” as a fan that takes the initiative to send an email to the media relations/communications department. Our media situation is similar to Strong, I’m sure they are good people, but they really aren’t great and their jobs

Amen. This is a home run hire. Michael Kelly got his guy, and that’s always a good thing.

If so, we can thank the BOT in 2 years when this program is turned around. Jeff Scott is the better coach for USF at the moment

Not saying you’re wrong, but found this funny

Totally get that. Don’t get me wrong, I love Leavitt and what he’s done for this program. I love the idea of him coming in and helping get the program right, and not bolting at the first P5 offer. I love the idea of boosters and the community rallying around him. Totally get that. My hesitation stems from my firm belief that the most important thing for this team, from an on field standpoint, is the correct offensive philosophy. An offensive and recruiting philosophy built around speed at the skill positions, and a dual threat QB. I’m not saying that CJL doesn’t understand this, and can’t hire an OC that can do exactly this. But IF the news breaks that CJL is hired, my #1 box will be left unchecked until he hires his staff. At least when you hire an offensive guy, you can judge the hire right away based off his scheme. Good or bad.

That’s where I’m at right now. I’m hesitant on what kind of staff he could put together. I could be wrong, but this feels like Edsall to UConn

Blackwell has been tied to the hip of Holgorsen as of late. Holgorsen’s offense is actually pretty similar to Kerwin Bells in terms of being spread, but have a pro style passing attack. If Blackwell has any type of OC title, I’d like to see King/Blackwell as Co-OC’s

That’s fine, that may very well be the case. You asked why they would come here, and that’s the pitch.

Because not all P5 jobs are created equal. They aren’t going to be hired away from Clemson to a premier program, see FSU opening this year. The quickest way to a premier P5 job is 3-4 years at a AAC program. See CWT, Tom Herman, Scott Frost, and now Mike Norvell. Could they get an offer to a Vandy, Boston College, Oregon State level program? Sure. But if your eyes are set on a premier job, going the G5 route to prove your worth as a CEO for a couple of years is the way to go.

Give me all that ego over someone coming in and running a pro style, power offense. My opinion on a CJL hire is completely contingent on his staff

Willie Taggart for OC. Let’s see how badly he wants to be here