This is the last post on replacements for JT. II have not heard anything more about the YSU president situation. I don't know if that means anything or not. It could be a matter of the coach being flattered but not interested. It could also mean he is seriously considering it and just wants to shut the thing down until he mulls it over some more. Either way the issue is going to die down, whether permanently or just for now. One last thing I want to throw out there.

I mentioned a number of candidates for the job. The mail I have received about the issue has been ver focused, yes, I see the candidates. Pick one. I think my answer may surprise you.

I really like Butch Davis. Love his style of play. Attack, attack, attack. He gets great athletes as he is one of the top 5 recruiters in the country, and turns them loose. Pro-set offense. I have come around to the spreads and the read options and whatnot but I am going to choose the pro-set without hesitation if allowed to make the decision. My choice would not be Butch Davis. I would stand and applaud if he did get the job but I doubt he is on the list. Miko mentioned Ohio roots. He does have a connection to Ohio and it is a bad one. Most Buckeye fans are Browns fans too. Butch left a bad taste in the mouth when he left.

This would be a decision between Urban Meyer and Brian Kelly. Meyers credentials I need not lay them out. You are all aware of them. Kellys resume is not so well known. Look at what Kelly has done. He has won 2 national championships. Central Michigan had won more than 3 games only once in the previous 4 years before Kelly arrived. They had a winning record in his 2nd year and advanced to the Motor City Bowl in his third year, winning 9 games. You want a quarterback coach? His quarterback that year was not even a high school quarterback. 162-57 overall. His 2001 Grand Valley State team set a D-2 record by averaging 58 points per game. He is such a great recruiter that for the first time ever Cincinnati is causing the Buckeyes problems with instate recruits.

Kelly wins the battle because we can do this right now. Offer him the OC job with a commitment to name him the head coach when JT retires. We are seeing other schools do this to hang onto outstanding assistants. Pay him well enough to make money a non-issue is his decision. He was born in Everett, Mass but has been in this part of the country since 1991, first in Michigan and now in Cincinnati. I think that is enough time to set down roots and get a feel for midwest sensibilities. I don't know if he would accept this. He is a hot commodity and I doubt Cincinnati can keep him. The thing is, schools that would be on par with Ohio State are pretty set right now. Ohio State is one of the crown jewels of college football. Name the 10 programs that define the game? How many are looking for a new head coach? He might be more open to this idea than you think.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites

Comments (31)

A-friggen-men!!
written by JarheadBuck, October 27, 2009

Kelly wins the battle because we can do this right now. Offer him the OC job with a commitment to name him the head coach when JT retires. We are seeing other schools do this to hang onto outstanding assistants. Pay him well enough to make money a non-issue is his decision.

A-friggin-men!!
Hire him as OC, give him COMPLETE control of the offense and offensive staff, pay him $2.5mil (twice his current contract and top 15 among all HC) and give him the title "HC in waiting" with a deal like Jimbo Fisher got at FSU. That gives Tress a nice buffer to bow out gracefully sometime in next 5 years (whether that means retire or take some admin role).

• 
• -1
• 
• 

...
written by TI, October 27, 2009

Notre Dame has him in their sites.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by RipsManifesto, October 27, 2009

My only concern is that when I think of the "HC in waiting" situations I don't see happy transitions. Bellotti to Kelly featured at least one really bad season. Look at Purdue's transition last year. Look at FSU now. It seems like when you designate someone with that title you officially get two HCs, effectively giving you none in reality. The system lacks cohesion. A pyramid can't have two apexes.

Moreover it depends on when Tressel actually wants to leave. I can't see Kelly signing on for an open-ended duration, and I'm unsure Tressel would accept a hardline retirement date if he doesn't already have one in mind.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by RipsManifesto, October 27, 2009

Notre Dame has him in their sites.

The fans might, but I'm not sure ND won't win just enough this year for the AD to keep Weis around another year or two, and by then Kelly will probably be gone.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by osurage, October 27, 2009

If this came to fruition I might actually shart!!

What would the college football world do?

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by dumbme, October 27, 2009

If you ever go down the path of a HC in waiting, you better have a departure date in stone with the current HC or you get a Bobby Bowden situation.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by RokBuk, October 27, 2009

A-friggin-ditto! Love Kelly. Love the idea.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Razrback16, October 27, 2009

I have also been liking the Brian Kelly idea more and more over the past 1-2 months.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Eltoasto, October 27, 2009

Kelly is a stud, but he's not going to go someplace to be a head coach in waiting. I think he goes to ND after this season unless Weis makes a BCS bowl and wins it. ND is going to want him to leave some assistants behind and pick up some national level recruiters, so the issue will be if he can budge on that. Cincy hasn't made the deadline for the improvements in Kelly's contract (due to a president change), so there wouldn't even be a buyout.

Buckeyes are going to have a lot of options when the time comes, i just hope Tress is up front with administration so they can plan accordingly.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Zonabuck, October 27, 2009

Duane - I don't know what to make of this post. First the obvious - even if OSU is Kelly's DREAM job, why would he take an OC position and wait for the HC job? He is hot enough right now to be a top candidate for nearly any program he would aspire to lead. Why would he play second fiddle instead of staying at Cinci until the OSU HC job officially opens up?

But more importantly, why would JT stay with an up and coming elite HC taking the OC job? People are clamoring for JT's job right now and we have no coach on staff that is a viable candidate to replace him. Can you imagine if we had a coach-in-waiting? Every week where we didn't score 70, fans would be calling him out as standing in the way of progress. And can JT legitimately give up that kind of control to someone on his staff? History would indicate otherwise. People might like the idea of Kelly as an OC and HC in waiting, but it would have disaster written all over it and wouldn't be calm until JT steps down. I just don't see anyway possible that something like that could work.

• 
• +3
• 
• 

...
written by Playmea, October 28, 2009

Don't get me wrong, this would be awesome Duane. AWESOME! But ain't gonna happen.

Kelly has already uilt his name up enough to where he doesn't need that situation. Unless he's been aching to be the OSU head coach one day, another offer as a HC "now" will come along. And Kelly will say, "Hmmmm... Head Coach now or Head Coach in future but sitting as OC while taking orders from the Head Coach". It would be one thing if Kelly was still a Chippewa. So its a pipe dream.

Now, I do think he would leave Cinci to become the OSU Head Coach. But that would mean JT would already be walking out the door.

Also, we have all heard about the ambiguously racist comment he made in the past. I don't know the details. I just know that others have claimed it kept him from being offered the scUM job and potentially MSU job before Dantonio. If there is legs to that, then I highly doubt that conservative 'ol OSU will ever offer Kelly. Especially if JT is still connected to the program. Which is a very large likelihood.

• 
• +1
• 
• 

...
written by OSUProf, October 28, 2009

Am I the only one here living in the real world? Is JT still the head coach at Ohio State? Who has OFFERED him a job? So he was "nominated" by a faculty member. Has he interviewed? Is he on the short list? Duane, at this point, you're making a mountain out of a molehill. At best. Let's at least wait 'till he interviews for the job before we start hiring the next coach. If you want to get rid of JT so badly, start a "Fire JT" petition. I'm sure that you could get tens of thousands of signatures, esp if OSU either loses two of the last three or to MI. Has JT given any indication that he'd even take the job if offered? Lighten up, please!

Harry

• 
• +1
• 
• 

...
written by OSUProf, October 28, 2009

"Also, we have all heard about the ambiguously racist comment he made in the past. I don't know the details. I just know that others have claimed it kept him from being offered the scUM job and potentially MSU job before Dantonio. If there is legs to that, then I highly doubt that conservative 'ol OSU will ever offer Kelly. Especially if JT is still connected to the program. Which is a very large likelihood."

This is the first I've heard, what was the comment? Was it worse than Bob G's "eating tacos" remark? And don't you mean the liberals at OSU, not the conservatives?

BTW Duane, how old is the AD? Could JT possibly replace him?

• 
• +0
• 
• 

are you kidding me?
written by The BFG, October 28, 2009

Kelly isn't going anywhere... he won't accept a demotion to a coordinator position (I can't believe I just typed that) and he won't end up at Notre Lame (he's not even number 1 on their wish list).

Does anyone see what's going on down there? How many times does a coach get the chance to become a legend? It takes the perfect situation, and Kelly plus Cincinnati equals that situation. They'll name buildings, streets, and stadiums after the guy is finished at UC.

If there's anything you can take the bank, it's that Kelly will be at Cincinnati for a long time...

• 
• +1
• 
• 

...
written by RTMartin, October 28, 2009

This is the silliest, least grounded in reality post I have ever read. Duane, I can't believe you wasted 3 calories typing this dreck. Kelly is not becoming anyone's OC. Dude's got an ego that fills a room.

• 
• +1
• 
• 

Um, holy stuff
written by Notasdelusional, October 28, 2009

This is without question the most insanely idiotic piece of writing i've ever read. I award you no points, and may god have pity on your soul. Holy $hit, what a phucktard.

• 
• +1
• 
• 

...
written by Eltoasto, October 29, 2009

lol goodness, I guess the Bearcat fans are not happy with your blog Duane!

BFG, i wouldn't be so confident, just read between the lines in this interview:

Where do you think your facilities rank in the Big East?

"Negative. You can't even compare it to any of the teams in our league. There are no luxury boxes, so there is no revenue stream there, either. We have the smallest stadium [35,098 capacity]. From an infrastructure standpoint, the university has to decide if it wants to get it done or not."

What is your contract status?

"I have four years remaining after this year. It is like any other contract in that there are a lot of provisions in there. One of them is that they have to get some things done here from a facilities standpoint or there is no buyout or a minimal buyout in my contract. I think all the things are in place from a contractual standpoint. I just want the university to keep moving forward on developing the program."

When does the university have to have facilities done so your buyout isn't lowered?

"They have to have them in place for this fall."

So, the university missed the deadline?

"Pretty much. Look, I just wanted them to know that it is important for me that if they want to continue to move the program forward, [things must be done on facilities]. ... [Athletic director] Mike Thomas has been awesome. He is with me on this 100 percent. But we have gone through a new president, and there was an interim president; you know how that goes. But I am an impatient guy. That is my problem. We can't wait. Our new president will have these things on his table, and I'll keep doing my job and we'll see what comes up at the end of the year."

• 
• -1
• 
• 

Not so fast, my friend
written by The BFG, October 29, 2009

that interview was from months ago - he's just positioning himself better for this stuff to be completed in a timely manner. Dude's a PR genius...

how about this quote from this week:

"Maybe the question is the answer," Kelly said of his future. "It's nice to build something. It's nice to know you're not having to be compared to Darrell Royal or Bo Schembechler or John Robinson or Pete Carroll or Lou Holtz."

• 
• +1
• 
• 

...
written by Duane Long, October 29, 2009

Not so fast, my friend
written by The BFG, October 29, 2009
that interview was from months ago - he's just positioning himself better for this stuff to be completed in a timely manner. Dude's a PR genius...

how about this quote from this week:

"Maybe the question is the answer," Kelly said of his future. "It's nice to build something. It's nice to know you're not having to be compared to Darrell Royal or Bo Schembechler or John Robinson or Pete Carroll or Lou Holtz."

You guys need to get a grip. Forget about my scenario. Answer me this. Do you really think Cincinnati is the final destination for Kelly? You believe this????

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Duane Long, October 29, 2009

...
written by Eltoasto, October 29, 2009
lol goodness, I guess the Bearcat fans are not happy with your blog Duane! smilies/cheesy.gif

BFG, i wouldn't be so confident, just read between the lines in this interview:

Where do you think your facilities rank in the Big East?

"Negative. You can't even compare it to any of the teams in our league. There are no luxury boxes, so there is no revenue stream there, either. We have the smallest stadium [35,098 capacity]. From an infrastructure standpoint, the university has to decide if it wants to get it done or not."

What is your contract status?

"I have four years remaining after this year. It is like any other contract in that there are a lot of provisions in there. One of them is that they have to get some things done here from a facilities standpoint or there is no buyout or a minimal buyout in my contract. I think all the things are in place from a contractual standpoint. I just want the university to keep moving forward on developing the program."

When does the university have to have facilities done so your buyout isn't lowered?

"They have to have them in place for this fall."

So, the university missed the deadline?

"Pretty much. Look, I just wanted them to know that it is important for me that if they want to continue to move the program forward, [things must be done on facilities]. ... [Athletic director] Mike Thomas has been awesome. He is with me on this 100 percent. But we have gone through a new president, and there was an interim president; you know how that goes. But I am an impatient guy. That is my problem. We can't wait. Our new president will have these things on his table, and I'll keep doing my job and we'll see what comes up at the end of the year."

And out in force, dog. My mailbox is full of the same stuff and all I can say is I do appreciate that they sent it to me privately. I like to keep it clean around here.

I am sitting here shaking my head. They believe that PR Kelly rolled out. I always ask why they do that but the e-mails and a couple of responses here show me that it works. He is going to be on every short list there is. He is one of the rising stars. He is only 48. He is going to retire from Cincinnati??? The program has really gone up and as an Ohioan I am proud and happy about that but to say a coach of this caliber is going to stay for as long as Cincinnati wants him as coach is saying Cincinnati is an elite football program. You don't go from afterthought to elite in a few years.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by punt on second down, October 30, 2009

Im sorry but this piece of writing makes you lose almost all your credibility. I cant believe you actually think this is a possibility. Would you happen to be a 11 year old kid that has little comprehension of the real world? This used to be a blog that I went to for information, now I am highly skeptical of this site.

• 
• +1
• 
• 

hahahahahaha
written by gohard85, October 30, 2009

Probably one of the stupidest things I've ever read. Brian Kelly will probably leave Cincy within the next couple of years but you need to get yourself checked out if you really believe Kelly would go be an OC for a guy that he can coach and recruit circles around.

• 
• +1
• 
• 

Really?
written by dusty, October 30, 2009

I am a UC season ticket holder and huge UC fan. While I like to think that BK will stay in town for a long run, the harsh reality is that he probably will leave within the next three years. But come on, he is not taking a job as an offensive coordinator anywhere. He wouldn't even take an OC job from an NFL team, let alone a college team, no matter how much tradition your school has. If you honestly believe that BK would accept this opportunity (I know it's just a pipe dream that you're throwing out there) then you live in a fantasy world.

• 
• +1
• 
• 

Your arrogance is dumbfounding
written by Deron, October 30, 2009

You Buckeye fans arrogance is only topped by your ignorance. Brian Kelly will have his pick of head coaching jobs in the country and you honestly think so highly of your underacheiving program that you think he would take the OC job? I haven't laughed this had in a long time.

That's if he even leaves Cincinnati wher he's building a program for the long haul.

I can hear it now. Brian Kelly tells Georgia (or Notre Dame or Texas A&M) no thanks on a head coaching job becasue THE Ohio State Buckeyes want me to be their offensive coordinator.

Time to get over yourselves Buckeye fans. (He actually said last year that programs like Ohio State aren't what interests him)

• 
• +0
• 
• 

Urban Meyer?
written by Pitt83, October 30, 2009

Duane and any Buckeye Fans that agree with him on the part about Urban leaving UF .... You are out of your nutty buckeye mind if you think Urban "The Legend" Meyer would, even for a minute, consider leaving Florida for OSU. Check your over-inflated egos and concept of reality and get back to me. Hate to break it to you, but being the Head Buckeye is not the best football job in America.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

Mr
written by Stray, October 30, 2009

I wish you guys the best of luck and hope you find your guy for OC, but I can assure you, Brian Kelly will not leave Cincy to become OSU's OC. That just won't happen...or an OC anywhere for that matter.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Duane Long, October 30, 2009

Mr
written by Stray, October 30, 2009
I wish you guys the best of luck and hope you find your guy for OC, but I can assure you, Brian Kelly will not leave Cincy to become OSU's OC. That just won't happen...or an OC anywhere for that matter.

A calm rational person who disagrees. Now I can respond.

I was surprised, and amused, by the response from Bearcat fans. You may be right. In fact, I think the odds are you are right. I said I would OFFER this deal. I didn't say he would accept. I would go behind the scenes and see if he would be interested in such a deal. If he would be interested I would absolutely do this deal.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Bearcat, October 30, 2009

You are an absolute idiot. Kelly would never ever be demoted. You must not have any clue about him and his strong personality. That would be like telling a CFO of a company to go some where else and work for someone in charge at will. You are an absolute moron and I became dumber by reading this. Brian Kelly has the best team in the state right now. Yes this is Cincinnati's state now and will be for a long time coming. Get used it. I love how everyone is turning their backs on a guy who a year ago was the 2nd coming of God. You OSU fans need to get a life.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by BoKnows, October 30, 2009

This "article" (and I use that term loosely) is the reason there needs to be a sobriety test prior to pushing the submit button. Urban? Kelly as OC? My 12 year old would put together a more thought provoking piece based in reality.

Don't know who is more foolish. Duane for even suggesting it or the idoits who think its a great idea.

OSU fans are worth the price of admission. Complete lunatics.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by jramirez, October 31, 2009

you are an absolute idiot if you think brian kelly is going to leave cincinnati to become oc at ohio state. just shows the arrogance of buckeye fan

• 
• +0
• 
• 

Why
written by Benji9239, October 31, 2009

Why would he go to the secong best program in Ohio to become an OC? Doesn't make sense. Our buckeyes are turning into a washed up program. They are almost irrelevant now and it doesn't look good with Pryor as our QB for the next 2+ years. Its going to get worse before it gets better.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

Add Comment