STILLWATER — Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Larry Fedora interviewed for the Southern Mississippi vacancy on Tuesday and could be one of the top candidates for the position, according to sources.
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Flight records show a Beechcraft King Air plane left Hattiesburg, Miss., at 6:24 a.m., on Tuesday, landed in Enid at 8:31 a.m., flew to Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City and landed in Hattiesburg around 5:15 p.m.
"I have no comment on that situation,” Fedora said Tuesday night. "My main concern is getting this football team ready to play Indiana in the bowl game.”
Southern Miss athletic director Richard Giannini reportedly has interviewed at least 10 candidates for the vacancy created last week when long-time USM coach Jeff Bower was forced to resign after 17 seasons, including 14 consecutive winning seasons.
Giannini has indicated he would prefer to hire a young, energetic coach who would install an exciting offense. That's a perfect description of Fedora, who has been OSU's offensive coordinator the past three seasons after a two-year stint as Florida's offensive coordinator.
Other top candidates who reportedly have interviewed include: Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, Georgia Southern coach Chris Hatcher and South Carolina defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix, who was a linebacker at USM and was on Bower's staff for 10 years.
Fedora's spread offense has compiled some gaudy stats. OSU is ranked eighth nationally in total offense. The Cowboys are one of only two teams in the country to average 230 yards rushing and 230 yards passing. Last year, OSU was seventh nationally in scoring.
Fedora, 45, turned down an opportunity to be head coach at Rice last season. He also turned down the offensive coordinator vacancy at Alabama. He also interviewed for the Air Force job and was approached by Les Miles concerning LSU's offensive coordinator vacancy.
"Are we going to be able to hire a coach from a BCS school who has been successful,” Giannini was quoted last week, referring to an established head coach. "No. And we have to be realistic about that.
"But I think we have the necessary ingredients here at the University of Southern Mississippi to be a dominant player in Conference USA. We've been that in the past and we will be again in the future.”
Bower earned approximately $500,000 a year, including incentives. That's slightly more than the $393,000 salary Fedora receives to be OSU's offensive coordinator. Because he has a five-year guaranteed contract, Fedora can wait for the ideal head coaching job.
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Hey Big, I saw something about Applewhite might be a candidate for the HC position at Houston. You heard anything on that down your way? Not a bad idea though, maybe if we got Applewhite he could teach us how to beat his old Longhorns!
I recall many of the self proclaimed OSU fans calling for Fedora to be fired after his 1st year much like they are calling for Gundy to be fired now. I wonder if this prior treatment will impact his decision to stay or go?
I'm not a big fan of Leach, but he does seem to make the most out of the offensive talent he gets. If he could even make a small dent and take a few athletes away from USC, he could really put together some killer offenses. Being in LA/UCLA, maybe he would even wise up and hire a top-notch DC as well.
Patrick, I completely forgot the UCLA job was open. That would definitely be a better place. Arkansas, not so much. Middle of the pack XII for middle of the pack SEC, pretty much a wash. But, hey, if the money is right.....
You know, when you think about it, what would Leach's offense do with the talent pool in SoCal? At Tech, he gets thirds and fourths after OU, UT and sometimes A/M and/or OSU. With that campus in Brentwood, he could score some serious talent since he would basically be battling Carroll for the locals. And if you know anything about the LA area, Brentwood/Westwood offers a lot more to a kid than a campus near some of the worst neighborhoods in the US (south central LA).
Barry-I know it's a stretch to say the offenses are that similar, other than the fact they both spread the field. Just throwing out some food for thought. They do have similar athletes as far as a lot of receivers and smaller linemen. I'm also not saying Leach will get any other jobs, but I've just seen his name connected with the Arkansas and UCLA jobs. It's pretty well-known that he has thrown his name in the ring for a few other jobs over the years. Miami U last year the most recent I remember. But you are right, he won't get any of those other jobs as long as he doesn't field a decent defense. As far as coaches' salaries, safe to say just throwing money at the Head Coach positiion doesn't guarantee wins anyway. Just ask Alabama.
Liked the offense, hated the implementation. Too many weapons and at critical times it appeared the wrong choice was sent to the huddle (or actually line of scrimmage with everyone peeking over their shoulder. So I am kind of indifferent on if he stays or goes. Patrick, while I disagree the Tech offense and O-State's is similar, I am not sure there are any "better" jobs out there for Leach right now. He has to learn how to coach the other side of the ball first anyway. Mike, Baylor, as a private university, has the highest tuition in the Big XII with some programs running $60K/year for tuition. My nephew just graduated there and his just ran $35K/year...what a bargain. Anyway, with that kind of money, they are not as dependent on booster money so do not let the relatively low athletic department endowments fool you. They definitely have the cash to spend.
Again, I hope the best for Fedora, but here's a scary thought: What if Texas Tech hires him? I've seen Leach's name floating around concerning several openings. Think about it. Similar offense and they already have the athletes in place to run it. They could give him a look...
Bob, I don't disagree with you that $107k is a LOT of money, but in the world of head coaching it's not. If I were Fedora I would hold out for a better job. The bottom line is that even at lowly Baylor they paid their new coach $1.8 million! $500k seems a little low to make the jump and to have all that pressure. Personally salaries for coaching are way to inflated, but at the going rate $500k for Fedora would be underpaid. Just my thoughts. Plus I don't want to see him go yet! ha!
I wish the best for Fedora as well, but I'm hoping he holds out for something a little better than Southern Miss. Maybe he's just looking at it as a stepping stone because apparently, they don't appreciate winning coaches down there. They fired Bower after 14 straight winning seasons. We'll see what happens. I still think Gunter Brewer is being groomed for the OC job if/when Fedora leaves. It makes sense if we want to maintain some consistency in our offense.
Fedora, like most quality assistant coaches, will eventually want their own chance to run a program. Larry Fedora will go somewhere eventually. Hopefully, he won't go this year, but if and when he does, the OSU family wishes him well. He's been a great benefit to the program.
I'm sure Mike Gundy has a list of quality replacements ready should Fedora get the job he feels is best for him and his family.
"Bower earned approximately $500,000 a year, including incentives. That's slightly more than the $393,000 salary Fedora receives to be OSU's offensive coordinator"
I would classify $107,000.00 a year something other than "slightly more". Just pass the difference to me and I'll quit my job. What an understatement.
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You know, when you think about it, what would Leach's offense do with the talent pool in SoCal? At Tech, he gets thirds and fourths after OU, UT and sometimes A/M and/or OSU. With that campus in Brentwood, he could score some serious talent since he would basically be battling Carroll for the locals. And if you know anything about the LA area, Brentwood/Westwood offers a lot more to a kid than a campus near some of the worst neighborhoods in the US (south central LA).
I'm sure Mike Gundy has a list of quality replacements ready should Fedora get the job he feels is best for him and his family.
"Bower earned approximately $500,000 a year, including incentives. That's slightly more than the $393,000 salary Fedora receives to be OSU's offensive coordinator"
I would classify $107,000.00 a year something other than "slightly more". Just pass the difference to me and I'll quit my job. What an understatement.