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Kiffin, Leach Emerge As Early Candidates To Replace Nutt

Last updated Tuesday, November 27, 2007 10:15 PM CST
in Razorback Central

By Alex Abrams
THE MORNING NEWS

FAYETTEVILLE -- Two head coaches known for their high-powered offenses have emerged as potential candidates to replace Houston Nutt, who was criticized during his tenure at Arkansas for being too conservative with his playcalling.

A source familiar with the situation said Tuesday that Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin could be a good fit for the Razorbacks. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Kiffin has wanted to coach at the college level.

Kiffin is in his first season with the Raiders, but there is talk that he might be unhappy with the situation. Oakland is 3-8 this season, and the team has had quarterback issues despite using its first overall pick last April to draft former LSU signal-caller JaMarcus Russell.

Kiffin is no stranger to Arkansas. His father, Monte Kiffin, served as a defensive coordinator on Lou Holtz' staff from 1977-79.

In addition, Kiffin was the offensive coordinator at the University of Southern California when the Trojans routed the Hogs 70-17 in 2005 and then 50-14 in Reynolds Razorback Stadium a year ago.

Kiffin, whose job security with the Raiders has been questioned as recently as last week, signed a three-year contract with Oakland in January.

Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, known for his record-breaking, pass-friendly offense, has also been mentioned as a possible candidate to replace Nutt.

Leach, a former Kentucky assistant coach, has also been rumored to be interested in taking over at UCLA if coach Karl Dorrell is fired.

Incoming Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long, who will officially assume control when Frank Broyles retires at the end of the year, is handling the national search to find Nutt's replacement.

But Long has remained quiet since Nutt announced Monday night that he was resigning after 10 seasons at Arkansas because the intense scrutiny from fans was taking a toll on his family.

Nutt reportedly agreed to a contract late Monday night to be Ole Miss' new coach, and he will be introduced at a news conference today in Oxford, Miss.

Long, meanwhile, attended Nutt's farewell news conference, but he was not made available to the media. He didn't speak with reporters Tuesday, either.

Though his last day on the job is not until Dec. 31, Broyles said he will not have a part in looking for Arkansas' next coach.

"I don't think that I will be asked. I don't think that I'll be included in anything," Broyles said Tuesday. "I think that's the proper way to do it."

Broyles declined to comment when asked if he would like to be involved in the search to find Nutt's replacement.

Jim Lindsey, a high-profile member of Arkansas' Board of Trustees, said Tuesday that he also won't be involved in the coaching search. In the past, Lindsey has had a say in other Arkansas athletic issues.

"I'm going to sit back, and if I'm asked at the highest level, I'll give my opinion," Linsey said. "I'm not just going to talk about it (with Long)."

Prep Sports


Reader Comments (52 comment(s))


The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsibility of their authors. The Morning News does not review comments before their publication, nor do we guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by our comment policy. If you see a comment that violates our policy, please notify the web editor.

hogzfan wrote on Nov 27, 2007 9:11 PM:

" How about Terry Bowden? 47-16-1 with Auburn and national coach of the year with an undefeated team in 1993, his first year at Auburn. I heard he was finished with radio and returning to the sidelines. I'm not sure if that is true, but I think he would be a great fit for Razorback, SEC football. Go Hogs!!! "

dswoods wrote on Nov 27, 2007 9:17 PM:

" One correction. Monte Kiffin was defensive coordinator on Lou Holtz' staff, not Frank Broyles. So, that should help Lane Kiffin's chances. It seems John White & Jeff Long are determined to avoid anyone with ties to Frank Broyles. "

giants911 wrote on Nov 27, 2007 9:35 PM:

" Remember this name: Chris Pederson - Boise ST "

NYHOGFAN13 wrote on Nov 27, 2007 9:50 PM:

" "giants911" not. maybe you should just go to bed. "

uajesusfreak99 wrote on Nov 27, 2007 10:05 PM:

" Do whatever it takes to get Kiffin now! This is a homerun hire, people, just like Pete Carrol at USC! "

Django wrote on Nov 27, 2007 10:13 PM:

" Really,anybody but the same old tired assortment of good ol' boys.Kiffin may fit that bill.Did anybody notice that the season isn't over yet and that some other coaches may become available soon? It could happen.Are you listening UA administration? "

UA KappaSig 06 wrote on Nov 27, 2007 11:24 PM:

" The progression of guys we need to go after is simple. Start with Butch Davis, although he won't leave. Then move on to Tuberville if you have $6 million for a buyout and $2.8 million a year for his salary. If not, you take a shot at Lane Kiffin or Bo Pelini. And finally, if none of those come through, you go after your dark horses like Paul Johnson, Terry Bowden, or what you deem as the best coordinator in America other than Pelini. Whatever we do, we must find someone who understands the area and can recruit against the likes of Texas, LSU, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Auburn, and Alabama. And we never, ever pick up the phone and call Mike Leach, no matter what! "

HogFanInTenn wrote on Nov 28, 2007 12:52 AM:

" Malzahn won't be coming back to Fayetteville? Oh woe is me. Pity. "

AKRazorback wrote on Nov 28, 2007 2:16 AM:

" I don't know who is the best choice, but I'm not sure Kiffin is it. I'm fairly certain Leach isn't the one. We need a coach that can recruit, treats his players well, and has passion to win. My biggest problem with Nutt was he didn't seem to have the passion. He had no problem disucssing the poor play-calling after a game, but he didn't seem to do anything about it during the game. Personally, I think after the game is too late. "

Westcoast Hawg wrote on Nov 28, 2007 3:10 AM:

" Why not go after PETE CARROLL, NORM CHOW, JIMMY JOHNSON WHO HAS BEEN A TOPIC OF CONVERSATION. "

Westcoast Hawg wrote on Nov 28, 2007 3:12 AM:

" ARKANSAS DEFINITELY NEEDS A BIB NAME COACH! "

Westcoast Hawg wrote on Nov 28, 2007 3:14 AM:

" ARKANSAS DEFINITELY NEEDS A BIG NAME COACH! "

MizzouHawg wrote on Nov 28, 2007 5:07 AM:

" We might see what the real problem was this season with the next bowl game. When you can't absolutely stop anyone, and keep getting beat over the top, that risky Defense doesn't seem to be a perfect fit...?I blame the defense coordinator, never seen so many long scores on a defense before..........by the way Gus is making enough money, that commute ain't no biggie.lol Please don't bring that disruption back. "

MizzouHawg wrote on Nov 28, 2007 5:10 AM:

" They sure never mention Mitch on the website or in the papers?............for being the next big thing to write a book out of high school, you'd think you' be hearing more bout him? Good riddance to the distractions.......! "

MizzouHawg wrote on Nov 28, 2007 5:12 AM:

" Indy, all coaches have to have a tough skin. If he can't handle the heat on this deal, maybe he's better off at the smaller school. It ain't high school no more. "

Hoggish1 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 7:44 AM:

" Now listen up UA brass: The clock is ticking. You don't have much time to pull the trigger on the right coach-the best fit for Arkansas. Don't fail like you have for the past 10 years! "

nyhogfan13 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 8:16 AM:

" "mizzouhog" If you will simply read info on the Trojans you will find out that most people out there in the know have already annointed Mustain as next years starter. You would also see the quotes from pete saying that kid can make all the throws as well as anyone I have ever coached. You would also know that the majority of usc alumni including a lot of big name former players are clamoring for MM to take the field next year and many have said if he were eligible he would have taken over starting duties this year. "

nyhogfan13 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 8:19 AM:

" "bighog6" You are right Lane Kiffin isn't a big name coach...lol He was hired at like age 31 to coach an awful NFL team. One I might add that has turned a garbage team into a very competitive team that has been in almost every game this year...............Cutcliffe "

LRHog wrote on Nov 28, 2007 8:21 AM:

" I've read just the opposite about MM on the blogs so is it ok to type the things I've heard? Like the above guy did...lets see if it is. He doesnt go to class. He is last in depth. He tried to take a number that wasnt his. They hate his mom. He blogs this page daily. "

southern hog wrote on Nov 28, 2007 8:34 AM:

" Some of you ought to be ashamed. HDN is gone. Gus is gone. MM is gone. We are trying to hire a new coach and all you can do is rip possible names. Let me tell you, as a former coach I would be leery of this kind of stuff. Sometimes you gotta let it go. We have players on campus and recruits in the lurch here; let's drop the sarcasm and criticism and let's get behind the Hogs. We have all said that's what was important: the Program. Well, here's our chance to walk the talk. Kiffin is a winner and would be a great candidate. Leach is a offensive genius who will never win the Big 12 South at Texas Tech. He does a great job to just compete with Texas and Oklahoma. With Leach dealing with the offense and Reggie dealing with the defense, this could be one exciting program. Same for Kiffin. I'd be happy with either one but I'm going to be for the Hogs no matter what. This new guy, whoever he may be, will get my support because he will be the Head Hog and he deserves our support. If you were the guy, you'd want the same. "

wildhog1984 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 8:52 AM:

" First of all. Any of us could recruit for USC. They don't even need recruiters for that program, it recruits itself. Whoever is recruiting there now is having just as much success as Kifin did when he was OC there. Lets face it, it is just a lot harder to recruit in this area and for our razorbacks. I'm saying Kiffin is a bad candidate, but we just don't know. One thing we do know is, Leach should be the last option we take. He hasn't done anything in the Big 12 since he has been at TTech except for put up crazy offensive numbers against teams like Baylor and SMU. Look at their stats when they play good defenses in the conference....not enough to win. No legitimate DC wants to coach for a team with a spread offense like that. Your d doesnt get to hit in practice and you are on the field too much in games. "

wildhog1984 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 8:55 AM:

" Correction: I'm NOT saying Kiffin is a bad candidate, but we just dont know. "

wildhog1984 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 8:57 AM:

" Correction: I'm NOT saying Kiffin is a bad candidate, but we just dont know "

wildhog1984 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 8:59 AM:

" More on the spread offense. The spread offense can be effective if balanced somewhat with a run. Examples would be Florida, Oregon, and Boise St. Leach only has rb's so that he can through swing passes and screens to them. We will go going from one extreme (no passing game) to the other extreme (no running game) and people will still be unsatisfied "

sigpooie wrote on Nov 28, 2007 9:21 AM:

" Once again you all are talking (praying) to the wrong crowd. Say this with me three times and all your dreams will come true. "Oh please great Sexton, hear our prayer. We want a coach that will beat everyone at least once every other year. We will pay as you have seen, more than we should to win with them. So please Mr Sexton send us your best. This prayer should take care of what all of you want. "

AustinHOG wrote on Nov 28, 2007 9:37 AM:

" I like the idea of Lane Kiffin. One he was a great recruiter at USC. Two, he has a great coaching lineage and name. Three, He is Young and HUNGRY for big things. I say he would be a great hire for Arkansas. Plus he and Orgeron were buddies. He could bring him to AR aqs an assistant and further enhance our recruiting abilities. We should seriously think about this guy. "

dfwhogfan1 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 9:55 AM:

" Bighog6....hold up a second. I too thought about Cutcliffe but it has been mentioned to me that his age could be a factor so you might want to temper your thoughts on that one. Kiffen would be an outstanding hire. As Austinhog stated (stole my thunder), he is young (32), will be able to relate to the players, comes from a VERY successful background in being the OC, QB coach and recruiting coordinator all at the same time at USC and at his young age....I am telling you this guy may be the goods!!!! Recruiting will not be a problem and as one poster stated I could see him bring in Orgeron as one of his defensive coaches and he knows this area well in recruiting. Do not be surprised if some of our current coaches are possibly (or an attempt to be made) retained for their knowledge and recruiting bases. This really could be a good hire. Also, we will not get to talk to any Big Names or Big Assistant names until bowl games are played. We are already running into issues with this so if that is the direction you want to go it will be the first of the year before we speak to a lot of the good ones. AD's are just not letting us talk to them at this time. "

dfwhogfan1 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 9:59 AM:

" Cutcliffe is 53 so that is not too bad in my opinion. But just saw that he has expressed interest in the NC State job so that could be out anyway. I still think I might prefer to go a little younger. "

ms_hawg wrote on Nov 28, 2007 10:07 AM:

" Well, whoever we get, let's all support him and the TEAM! JMHO: Kiffin, good choice. Cutcliff, bad choice as a head coach. "

wildhog1984 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 10:27 AM:

" I earlier wrote a post about I was ready to give Coach Kiffin all this praise and say he is our next guy due to the fact that he is not proven as a head coach. But the more I think about it the more I like the possibility of him coming to the Hill. Bighog, you have been preaching experience which is a good point. But is that everything that we need right now? We don't HAVE to have a coach with SEC experience. Look what Urban Meyer did at Fla last year and look at the some of the experienced coaches (Bowden, Carr) struggling now that there is parity in college football. And Cutcliffe is really not a proven head coach. Houston Nutt accomplished what Cutcliffe has as a HEAD COACH. 10 wins in a season??? Maybe we need someone young that can come in here, unite the split fan base. Give every body something to get excited about. I like the possibility of Kiffin, Peterson, or Venables. Just some thoughts.... "

UA KappaSig 06 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 10:37 AM:

" West Coast Hawg, are you serious? In case you haven't noticed, this is the state of Arkansas. We're not exactly the biggest name in the SEC, and definitely not in college football. There is no way we would get any of the names you mentioned. Our best bet is to try for an up-and-comer like Kiffin and hope he's a homerun. And as far as David Cutcliffe goes...Absolutely not!!! If you want a proven winner in the SEC, go after Tuberville, he's even from Arkansas. "

hawgballer wrote on Nov 28, 2007 10:39 AM:

" Who gives a hoot about "Cutciffe".. Just accept it, Lane Kiffin will be the next head coach... "

conchicki wrote on Nov 28, 2007 10:44 AM:

" Whine! Whine! Whine! I sure hope the cry babies don't boo the new coach on the first day. I hope they wait a while. Oh yeah! They aren't going to anymore games, I sure hope they stand by their empty childish threats and stay at home. Poser's be polite and don't boo this coach. Act like adults and remember when you boo the coach, you boo those kids who are playing their hearts out for the fans. "

buzzinbugaha wrote on Nov 28, 2007 11:25 AM:

" Hey Fans- There is another former Raiders HC available. His name is Bill Callahan. Of course he will require mucho buckos with his severence pkg from NU. GPS "

Hogwild wrote on Nov 28, 2007 11:45 AM:

" Get a former Razorback. "

Hogwild wrote on Nov 28, 2007 11:51 AM:

" Get a former Razorback!!! "

hawgballer wrote on Nov 28, 2007 12:11 PM:

" Looks like "Bighog6" is Hoggin up the posters.. Why don't you give it a rest and let the others voice their opinions.. "HDN WAS A FORMER RAZORBACK!" "

CO-Hog wrote on Nov 28, 2007 12:16 PM:

" As I recall, Lou Holtz had a similar record when he coached for the Jets, yet his first year at Arkansas he was four points from winning the NC (Tx 13 Hog 9) and he beat the living daylights outta OU (31-6). Kiffin is the man for the job. His offense scored 120 on the hogs over two years. Also glad to see NYHogFan13 and Bighog6 back. "

Hogwild wrote on Nov 28, 2007 12:23 PM:

" HDN was and he did a great job. Things and people change. All the best to HDN and the Razorbacks. "

Mrs. Kitty Meow Meow wrote on Nov 28, 2007 12:25 PM:

" Most of the people I know don't care whether the new coach is from Arkansas, has Arkansas ties, or whatever. This is business. I hope the UofA takes its time to get the best man for the money. This is a big decision. And we expect big results in the upcoming seasons. "

tnew wrote on Nov 28, 2007 12:28 PM:

" My vote is Charlie Strong. Recruits like a demon, knows Florida, an area Arkansas could recruit better. Born in Batesville, still lists as his hometown. Went to school in UCA, and got masters at another Arkansas school. Has been Coordinator at South Carolina as well as Florida. Position coach at Notre Dame. Defensive Coordinator for last years National Championship defense. I would at least pick up the phone for an interview. Lane Kiffin is kind of interesting but look at Callahan at Nebraska to realize that a pro coach going to the college ranks doesn't always equal success. As far as Leach goes, I am not a big fan of that choice. Guys that are proponents of wide open offenses tend to be excellent coordinators but questionable headcoaches. I want somebody to come in and make a push to get into the national scene on a regular timeline. Going into the middle of last season I thought we had the perfect storm happening with an Emotional leader in HDN, aggressive defensive and offensive coordinators, better skill players than ever. HDN blowing up that storm is why I wanted him out. I think we need a head coach and an offensive coordinator, two separate positions. "

wildhog1984 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 12:30 PM:

" You can't use Kiffin's W-L record at Oakland. They raiders have been horrible and this is his first year coaching for the black and silver. I dont think any coach is going to win there as long as Al Davis is around. Thats just crazy to say he wouldnt win here because of a 3-8 record there. Not to mention that Spurrier and Saban had losing records in the pros. Does that make them bad college coaches? Your argument bighog has no substance. And Cutcliffe hasnt produced a NC! He wasnt the head coach. You cant give him all the credit there! He did nothing at Ole Miss that Houston hasnt done here. If Cutcliffe were coach, we would know what we would get. About the same thing we had with Nutt. Competetive but not dominate. Dont we want to take it to the next level anyways? The future would be unknown with Kiffin, but it could be exciting. "

biggin42589 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 12:35 PM:

" mike leach wouldnt be that bad of a coach he has around a 63% winning record plus we have a high powered run game for the next year if jones and mcfadden stay. leach is a big time passing game person so that would balance out the offense. im also a very big terry bowden fan if hes up for it i think he would make an amazing coach again i mean look who his father is and look what he did with auburn back in the day, also good ole kenny hatfield would be an awesome coach, yeah he coached here once before but look at his record when he did and look what kind of offense he ran.. the wishbone look at the wildhog thats just the wishbone on steroids "

98hogalum wrote on Nov 28, 2007 12:53 PM:

" I've been hearing Kiffin's name alot. To me, it seems illogical that someone would give up an NFL head coaching position after one year to coach at a college that he has no real connection to. I think he would be a great hire, I just don't think it's very realistic. "

nb16 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 2:00 PM:

" we should get tuberville as hc and try 2 get malzahn back as oc "

Hogwild wrote on Nov 28, 2007 2:38 PM:

" Get Away from the NFL kick. Hire a young and up coming college coach that will have fire in his eye. Fayetteville is not the best SEC town to live in. So be different. "

ponderblue1950 wrote on Nov 28, 2007 2:45 PM:

" I have said more than one time the John White needs to keep his nose out of the athletic department!!! Keep is nose in the academic side of the UofA!!! Stan Heath is a good indication that the man picked the wrong coach. have any of you seen this huge mansion that John White had the university build?? A HUGE WASTE OF MONEY!!!! Why would anyone need a home of that size. The cost for this mansion would have been enough to fund scholarships for the next twenty years. Just another fine mess that White has gotten the UofA in....maybe someone should by out John White. "

S.CarolinaHog wrote on Nov 28, 2007 3:57 PM:

" well, lve heard just now that Tubs is out.......maybe young and hungry is the way to go. and l would probably keep markuson and POSSIBLY reggie if l were the incoming HC. just as long as they get rid of shibest. God bless him, he was a great receiver, but enuff is enuff. "

MizzouHawg wrote on Nov 28, 2007 4:28 PM:

" All Ive heard all day long is Bill Cower, supposedly in town all day yesterday and last nite........... "

hog wild wrote on Nov 28, 2007 8:28 PM:

" I would love Bill Cowher, but he resigned to spend more time with the family, doubt he would turn around and move to the college ranks, but recruiting would be great if he were to come...it would be a miracle "

hog wild wrote on Nov 28, 2007 8:34 PM:

" I found this on a different hog website, but don't know how true it is "Bill Cowher was in Fayetteville today, that is a fact. He was there, however, to fulfill a prior speaking engagement, not to interview as a coach. He likely did meet with Jeff Long at some point, just because the two are close, but he is not a candidate for the position." "

neutral wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:55 PM:

" yea tuberville, "


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