Texas A&M
The Texas A&M search seemed to be centered around Kevin Sumlin, Larry Fedora, Kirby Smart, Troy Calhoun, and Charlie Strong. Larry Fedora appears to be on the verge of accepting the North Carolina post even though you would think Fedora’s dream job would be in his hometown (College Station, TX). Kevin Sumlin appeared to be a given for this job before Houston lost to Southern Miss Saturday in the Conference USA championship game. Most reports have Texas A&M interviewing these two candidates today in New York City. Kirby Smart is an interesting candidate who has little ties to the state of Texas. Smart is one of the best young coordinators in the game and has worked under the best in the business (Nick Saban) for seven years now. Saban has already endorsed Smart to be a “great head coach” once given the opportunity. There are reports that he was also interviewed in New York City. Troy Calhoun (HC Air Force) is also linked to receiving an interview for the position. Calhoun is taking his Air Force football team to its fifth straight bowl game in five years as their head coach. He actually was on his way to accept the Tennessee job before (reportedly) Tennessee powerful alum stepped in and vetoed the hire. Calhoun can coach, no question, but doesn’t appear to have the experience criteria that A&M is looking for. Charlie Strong (former GA at Texas A&M), in my opinion, is a much underrated prospect that should’ve been given a more serious look at Ole Miss. Strong is one of the best recruiters in the country and he has quickly turned around a stagnant Louisville program and will most likely be a favorite to win the Big East next year. Strong has the SEC ties that A&M is looking for (SEC experience), but doesn’t have any ties to the state of Texas. Make no mistake about it; Strong would develop the necessary recruiting ties needed in both the southeast and in Texas if he were to land this job. There have been conflicting reports whether Strong will even interview for this job and may just be waiting on an offer without interviewing, thus lowering his chances of receiving this job. Fedora fits the description that A&M is supposedly looking for the best; however, it doesn’t appear he will be going home to College Station. Look for A&M to get aggressive with Sumlin, throw a curveball and hire Calhoun, take a risk and hire Smart, or go for the mixture of Smart and Sumlin and hire Strong.
After the quick hire of Sherman a couple of years back the Aggies have taken there time with this one. Sumlin was definitely the early favorite, until the loss to S. Miss. The Aggs need to do there due diligence now, this is a big hire, especially considering how rough the next couple years will be in the SEC. It wouldn't surprise me if they kick the tires on Peterson, but this is a long shot. Strong and Smart are both good candidates, but I don't think the Aggs are going to win going full SEC (Def and run game). Hiring Sumlin keeps the wide open passing game and the 3-4 defense they have now. Sumlin will probably be the choice, but it would be interesting to see what Strong would do with this team.
ReplyDeleteI think Aggie fans would be extremely happy with how Strong would recruit as well. Thanks for your input!!
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