Coaching Rumors & Speculation - Sunday AM Edition
CycloneFanatic.com
Jeremy Lind
So far we've had a new supposed leader almost every other day over the past 19 days, where does that lead us to the next couple of days? Most likely an announcement. Who will be at the announcement? Only guesses and educated speculation can say right now. I am personally expecting some solid news to break in the next 24 hours either way.
Yesterday it was confirmed that
ISU was meeting with Central Michigan Head Coach Brian Kelly in Dallas. Were there other possible candidates down South for the 24-hour long expedition? Possibly but nobody knows for sure right now. Instead of making guesses, I'll just post what I know at this point.
There are two major RUMORS right now; one has
ISU getting a formal signature from Brian Kelly, the other has President Geoffrey meeting with a couple of candidates over the course of the weekend or in the coming hours; Pelini, Price, Browning, and Patterson's names are being thrown out in addition to Kelly for this rumor. Pelini is said to be the most likely of the second bunch for numerous reasons but nobody, to my knowledge, has been able to actually confirm that. With the second rumor, the thought is that
ISU will be signing a candidate very shortly, whereas the first rumor has them already haven signed the coach. Which is it? I don't know and nobody else does at this point, maybe it's something completely different.
I personally expect a formal announcement this week, the day depends on just who it is. If Pelini, Price, Browning or Patterson are serious candidates, the restrictions on an announcement are numerous depending on the candidate. Pelini is said to have the least restrictions around any possible announcement. If Kelly has indeed signed, it's uncertain when an announcement would be since he coaches Thursday in the MAC Title Game, Friday would be the most likely.
I can tell you one thing for certain; NOBODY, not even so-called "premium" insiders or big-name reporters, knows anything right now other than the above rumors. I've talked personally (through email correspondences) to some of the state's most well known reporters and anchors and they themselves are at a loss for words on the whole situation. The above two rumors are what we're all hearing the most of today but the problem is they're just rumors without any confirmable news behind them.
Here are the only known FACTS right now:
ISU has indeed interviewed and followed-up with Brian Kelly. President Geoffrey has met with at least one candidate this weekend and could possibly have met, or will meet, with others. An announcement will be relatively soon. Pelini, Price, Browning, Patterson and Kelly are the names "supposedly" on the short list right now. The top two are said to be Kelly and Pelini but that is based mostly on the two rumors mentioned above. No evidence has been brought forward that anybody besides Geoffrey, Pollard or Harris knows anything other than rumors based partially or wholly on those above. Anything else is just speculation right now, regardless of who it's from.
There have been a lot of mistakes by a lot of people when it comes to guessing and speculating on the current coaching search. I myself have relied very heavily on sources that haven't panned out, but in the end it comes down to negotiations, contractual limitations, schedules and the like. There is not a single reporter out there right now with any evidence to suggest they know anything for certain. A lot of speculation has taken place but that's all it's been. Sit back, relax and enjoy the next 24-48 hours because that's probably all that's left in the search for
ISU's next Head Coach. Will we hear Kelly or Pelini's name announced? What about the other names supposedly on the short-list? Stay tuned...
UPDATE to add:
Both Pelini and Kelly are said to be finalists for the Michigan State job. Pelini was supposedly meeting with MSU yesterday and Kelly's name has surfaced numerous times regarding potential meetings with MSU. There is a lot of talk about a Noon deadline today for numerous contracts and offers but nothing has been confirmed along those lines. Will
ISU get the leftovers or are we only equal footing? I don't think any of us know but it sure makes for good conversation.
UPDATED to add poll.
