NORMAN — Bob Stoops' connections and reports linked a few coaches to Oklahoma's new staff opening, created by offensive line coach James Patton's departure.
Here are three possible candidates to replace Patton:
BILL BEDENBAUGH
Current position: West Virginia offensive line coach
Why it could happen: Bedenbaugh's reputation as an outstanding recruiter is likely a major factor in his candidacy, which was first reported by SoonerScoop.com. He's got lots of experience in spread offenses; Bedenbaugh spent six seasons as a Mike Leach assistant at Texas Tech, and the last two on Dana Holgorsen's West Virginia staff. He also worked under Mike Stoops at Arizona for four seasons.
Why it might not happen: Bedenbaugh and Holgorsen are close; they were Iowa Wesleyan teammates in the early 1990s, and coached together on Leach's Texas Tech staff. Bedenbaugh also received a sizable raise — to a reported $300,000 a year, according to a Charleston Gazette report — within the last month.
JOHN LATINA
Current position: Duke offensive line coach
Why it could happen: Latina coached with Bob and Mike Stoops at Kansas State in the early 1990s, and Bob Stoops reportedly offered Latina the job early in his OU tenure. He's been successful at many career stops, including Notre Dame and Ole Miss.
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