There's certainly some nice names floating around our job, some realistic, some not. But part of the reason is that Minnesota is the only job open right now. That will soon not be the case. Colorado will open as soon as this week. Michigan, Maryland, Washington State and possibly Penn State will follow. While we are not competing with Michigan or Penn State (for the most part) their hire may create an opening somewhere we would compete with. Bottom-line is that we will soon go from the only fish in the pond to a small fish in a full pond.
Of the currently unemployed coaches, Mike Bellotti is by far the best fit, IMO. With regards to Bellotti specifically, he's already been linked to Washington State, which employs his former boss as AD and Colorado. Both would enable him to stay in the Pac 10. However, if we were to move aggressively now, we could probably sign him up before those jobs have a chance.
I understand this would mean passing up the opportunity to take a run at guys like Richt, Sumlin, etc. But personally, I'd rather jump on a highly qualified candidate while we have the chance, then roll the dice on getting someone better after the season. The only issue I see is the PR issue of not being able to interview enough candidates, specifically minorities, etc. But they may or may not have already interviewed Trestman, they can find 1-2 others (Frazier?) to make sure nothing appears improper. Further, I doubt they sincerely interviewed anyone else when they hired Tubby, so there is precedent.
Of the currently unemployed coaches, Mike Bellotti is by far the best fit, IMO. With regards to Bellotti specifically, he's already been linked to Washington State, which employs his former boss as AD and Colorado. Both would enable him to stay in the Pac 10. However, if we were to move aggressively now, we could probably sign him up before those jobs have a chance.
I understand this would mean passing up the opportunity to take a run at guys like Richt, Sumlin, etc. But personally, I'd rather jump on a highly qualified candidate while we have the chance, then roll the dice on getting someone better after the season. The only issue I see is the PR issue of not being able to interview enough candidates, specifically minorities, etc. But they may or may not have already interviewed Trestman, they can find 1-2 others (Frazier?) to make sure nothing appears improper. Further, I doubt they sincerely interviewed anyone else when they hired Tubby, so there is precedent.
