Contrary to negative media reports and public opinion, the Gophers football coaching search is likely more positive than is being portrayed. Also, don’t be surprised if a head coach, someone with previous college head coaching experience, is announced within two weeks.
Gophers fans have been told that several coaches who previously have been linked with the Minnesota job are not interested. Some probably are not, but Sports Headliners believes the search is progressing successfully and coach Tim Brewster’s successor could be announced by mid-December.
Don’t be too concerned that a large contract buyout will sideline the Gophers and a candidate who wants to come here. Minnesota probably can handle a buyout situation of $1 million or more needed to get a coach free from his existing contract.
Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi will make the hiring decision on the new coach with input from a few advisors. Maturi will take his recommendation to school President Bob Bruininks. It’s not known whether Eric Kaler, who will take over as president next year, will have input.
Among candidates most prominently rumored to be on the Minnesota short list, San Diego State’s Brady Hoke and Temple’s Al Golden could be front runners. Both have Big Ten Conference backgrounds and that is a welcome qualification for the job by Maturi.
Timing is always a major factor during a personnel search. South Florida’s Skip Holtz likely would have been a prime candidate a year ago before he left East Carolina. Holtz’s team beat Miami last Saturday and he has an impressive resume but he’s an improbable candidate for Minnesota having been on the South Florida job for such a short duration.
Also regarding timing, Michigan’s coaching puzzle could be in Minnesota’s favor. If the Wolverines job opens, Hoke is likely on the school’s short list because of his success at San Diego State and previous experience as associate head coach at Michigan.