UM has to worry just as much about a new head coach as they do keeping Randy Shannon away from FIU. I wouldn't be surprised if Pete Garcia made a huge run at him for the vacant head coach job.

 

As for UM's opening, Schiano or Rodriguez would be the best fits you'd think.

 

I would really doubt that Rodriguez leaves West Virginia to go to a program that isn't nearly as good right now. Schiano will leave if you offer him enough though, and I'm not sure why Randy Shannon wouldn't be a candidate to be the head coach. He's done an amazing job down there, and he's just as worthy as Schiano to get the job IMO.

I hope that RS doesnt leave us... His defense is our high point year in and year out and with all the chaos of a new coach next year, having RS holding down the fort next year would be a huge benefit! Wherever RS goes, i wish him the best, and hope he brings good things for the team he goes to. If it ends up being FIU, i would have a HUGE reason to root for them!

If Shannon goes anywhere it would be to the Pros as a D.C.

 

He could do better then a FIU job on the head coach market already. (no offoense to FIU folks or FAU or anyone else).

nice guy but it had to be done.

 

go get Schiano.

let the rebuilding begin!

 

 

 

hopefully it starts with actually getting real facilities to lure people in.

 

 

this is a good point and was actually addressed by shalala today

 

Meanwhile, more changes could be coming to Miami. Shalala announced "a six-month fundraising sprint to secure commitments from our supporters/donors to finance competitive coaching contracts and build and renovate first-class facilities and programs."

 

http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/9825997

I mean, there is pretty much a clear two-step program to restore Miami back to greatness.

 

1. Upgrade the facilities to bring them on par with many of the other great programs in the country. Everytime I go to the Orange Bowl I feel that I am at a strong risk for getting tetanus.

 

2. Get Schiano. He already has very strong ties to the S.Fla High Schools, and could recruit the area very well, something that needs to be done. Additionally, he has already said he has two goals in coaching: NCAA Championship and Superbowl. The first is a real possibility at Miami, and definitely more so than at Rutgers. Also, Miami could provide for a very good stepping stone to get a job coaching in the NFL. Makes sense to hire him for both parties.

 

Also, FWIW, Shannon, while very qualified, scares me a little as a potential head coach. His defenses have been very good, but he has been here for the downfall and the poor recruiting. Maybe it wasn't his fault and the program may take off again under him, I don't know, but just makes me a little uneasy as a Canes fan.

i got this in my inbox this morning and nearly sh*t my pants.

 

From: University Communications [umcommunications@MIAMI.EDU]Sent: Fri 11/24/2006 11:34 AM

To: USERS_ALL@LISTSERV.MIAMI.EDU

Cc:

Subject: A Message from President Shalala

Attachments:

View As Web Page

If you have problems reading this, visit http://www.miami.edu/president/dialogue/di...e_11_24_06.html.

 

November 24, 2006

 

 

To the University Community:

 

It has been a difficult season for the Miami Hurricanes football program.

 

We have suffered disappointments and tragedy off and on the field.

 

We can and will do better for our student-athletes and our community.

 

We announce today that Coach Coker will no longer be our head football coach. I know that our community will join me in thanking Admin and Dianna Coker for their devotion to each and every student-athlete and for being wonderful citizens of our University and community. I want to thank our student-athletes who have worked very hard during a terribly difficult season. Coach Coker, his assistant coaches, and the team have handled this past month with class and courage.

 

x x x

 

We need a new start.

 

The University is immediately launching a search for a new coach. This is a great University, and we will recruit a great coach. We are looking for an experienced and successful coach of the highest integrity who understands and loves the Miami tradition of success and football family. He must be a great recruiter, of high character, committed to winning championships, academic success, and to the University community. We want someone who wants to be at the University of Miami, who is well organized, inspirational, and can attract a first-rate staff.

 

The successful candidate must have outstanding professional abilities and personal characteristics. Our new coach must have the leadership skills to serve as a strong example for our coaching staff and the personal qualities to be actively engaged with our community, alumni, and team supporters. Continuing excellence is our highest priority. We are prepared to pay competitive salaries and continue to build and maintain excellent facilities.

 

We will be engaging Chuck Neinas, former Commissioner of the Big Eight Conference and former Executive Director of the College Football Association, to assist us. We will consult widely with our alumni, including athletes now or formerly in the NFL, and supporters as well as our own ACC Commissioner and the Commissioners of other conferences.

 

We are well aware of the tight timelines for our recruiting and commitments. We hope our supporters will continue to have little patience for anything less than a first-class effort.

 

We intend to continue to make good on the promises we have made to our newest recruits and their families. We have long-standing ties to high schools, coaches, locally and nationally, and we will fulfill their expectations.

 

I also recognize that our assistant coaches have worked very hard and that many have young families. Although most of their contracts end in December, we will continue to pay them their full salaries until June 1st.

 

Since my arrival at UM, I have promised that we will strive for excellence in everything we do. It has been evident this season that we have not progressed. It is time for us to reclaim our championship tradition.

 

I have directed Vice President for Advancement and Communication Sergio M. Gonzalez to begin a six-month fundraising sprint to secure commitments from our supporters/donors to finance competitive coaching contracts and build and renovate first-class facilities and programs for our first-class coaches and student athletes.

 

Our primary responsibility is to our student-athletes. We believe they deserve the best coaching in the country. We believe and have demonstrated at Miami that it is possible to have the finest program, play by the rules, and have high graduation rates.

 

Finally, I want to make it clear that no celebration is in order today.

 

This was not an easy decision. We made it for our University and our community.

 

They have high expectations of us, and we don?t intend to let them down.

 

 

Office of the President

P.O. Box 248006 Coral Gables, Florida 33124-4600

305-284-5155 Fax 305-284-3768

No matter who we get as a coach I want this kid

 

 

Hankerson Had Change of Plans Premium Story

 

 

By Mike Bakas

 

Posted Nov 24, 2006

 

Leonard Hankerson is one of the top wide receiver prospects in the entire state of Florida this year and the St. Thomas Aquinas standout talked about the latest.

 

"We're coming off a big win over Atlantic," Hankerson said. "Everyone came ready to play. I scored twice and now I have 11 for the season."

 

The talented receiver, who now has 25 touchdown receptions in the last two seasons, was scheduled to take a visit with teammate Major Wright to Ohio State this past weekend.

 

"I didn't end up going," he said. "I still gotta re-take the SAT. Right now, I don't have any visits set up. I'll probably take that one later."

 

The talented receiver, 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, had previously listed Miami and Ohio State at the top of his list. Is that still the case?

 

"Yeah, it's still those two but you can also add South Carolina and UCLA in there," he said. "That's my top four right now and the ones I'd like to visit. Miami and Ohio State are still out in front."

 

Hankerson was asked for his thoughts on some of the college games lately.

 

"I really haven't been watching any of them," he said. "I know Ohio State's doing pretty good. Miami's having a tough time and I know they need help at receiver."

 

 

http://miami.scout.com/2/594188.html

Man, Coker is such a class act. He's a really great guy, but unfortunately his program fell off a little more and more as his recruiting classes came in, and this had to be done.

 

If I was Miami I would throw everything at Schiano. If not, get Shannon. Both have ties to recruiting in So. Fla. and both are pretty good coaches.

Lets see how much money the raise to upgrade everything.

 

Anyone think we get Barry Alvarez?

Just because a coach says he isn't leaving doesn't mean he isn't leaving. It's something he has to say either way, at least until some kind of offer is on the table. Butch promised he wasn't leaving The U, and then two days later he was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns (good gig). I was told that Schiano is making about 800K. Miami can blow that kind of money out of the water.

Just because a coach says he isn't leaving doesn't mean he isn't leaving. It's something he has to say either way, at least until some kind of offer is on the table. Butch promised he wasn't leaving The U, and then two days later he was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns (good gig). I was told that Schiano is making about 800K. Miami can blow that kind of money out of the water.

 

Very true. Any coach who is currently under contract and in season, isnt going to come out and say he is interested in another job. He will say he isnt interested or no comment, until on offer is made. It will be intersting to see how much miami will dish out to a coach...

today's sentinel mentioned jeff fisher, as did lebatard in the herald

 

it's probably a pipe dream and no guarantee he'll leave the titans....but he would be an incredible hire

Lets see how much money the raise to upgrade everything.

 

Anyone think we get Barry Alvarez?

 

I didn't realize it before, but UM prez Donna Shalala was also president at U of Wisconsin when Alvarez was coaching there.

:mischief2

Lets see how much money the raise to upgrade everything.

 

Anyone think we get Barry Alvarez?

 

I didn't realize it before, but UM prez Donna Shalala was also president at U of Wisconsin when Alvarez was coaching there.

:mischief2

yea, thats the major connection

today's sentinel mentioned jeff fisher, as did lebatard in the herald

 

it's probably a pipe dream and no guarantee he'll leave the titans....but he would be an incredible hire

 

He would be a great hire. Cheer against the titans the rest of the way and maybe he will get fired.