Former Vikings and Arizona head coach Denny Green still doesn’t have an NFL job but his protégés are numerous. Among them is Tony Dungy who is likely to announce his retirement from Indianapolis any day. The former Gopher quarterback and Vikings assistant appears on course to devote more time to family and causes to help others.
If Dungy retires, you wonder about the future of 70-year-old offensive coordinator Tom Moore. The former Gophers assistant coach has been working for Dungy since Dungy joined the Colts in 2002.
Jack Del Rio was counted as a potential head coaching casualty before the season in Jacksonville but he led the Jags to an 11-5 record and wildcard position in the playoffs. Former Vikings coach Mike Tice is an assistant head coach for the Jaguars who scored the fourth most points in the AFC last season.
A Denny Green alum who could be looking for work before the next president takes the oath of office is Ty Willingham. A Green assistant from 1992-1994, Willingham is 11-25 after three seasons as the University of Washington head coach.
Before his career is over, you wonder if former Vikings assistant Monte Kiffin, another Green alum, might work for his son Lane, the former Bloomington Jefferson graduate and head coach of the Oakland Raiders. Monte, 68, is defensive coordinator for Tampa Bay.
Don’t give up yet on Nolan Brewster, coach Tim Brewster’s son, accepting a scholarship to play for his dad at Minnesota. Recruiting expert Tom Lemming rates Nolan, verbally committed to Texas, among the top 25 prep football players in the nation.
Sporting News lists Wayzata’s James Laurinaitis among five favorites to win the Heisman Trophy next season. The Ohio State junior linebacker won’t opt early for the NFL, instead returning to the Buckeyes who could make the national title game for the fourth time in seven years.
Attention college football fanatics: the Buckeyes are at Southern California on September 13 in a game almost certain to have mega impact on the BCS standings. Stubhub.com lists a ticket price range of $379 to $9,999.
Marian Gaborik has played in 42 of the Minnesota Wild’s 47 games. He played in only 48 games last season because of a groin injury.