CycloneNotables - ISU FB Coaching Search Update 11/13 AM Edition

[Jeremy]

CycloneNotables - ISU FB Coaching Search Update 11/13 AM Edition
CycloneFanatic.com
Jeremy Lind

As there have been numerous names thrown about for the top candidate to replace outgoing ISU Head Coach Dan McCarney, none have been as consistently talked about and debated by sources as much as Jim Harbaugh. While Harbaugh was the early flavor of the day, other names popped up suspiciously quickly to try and take the wind out of the sails in regard to Jim's ascension to the top of ISU Football. Were these other names put out as decoy's or does ISU really have that diverse of a list to pick from?

My latest findings suggest that Harbaugh could indeed be the top candidate but Brewster and others are talked about so much as well that it's really hard to get a solid consensus from sources. My feeling is still that it comes down to Harbaugh and Brewster and I'm feeling more and more like we could have been directed towards Brewster to take pressure and attention away from Harbaugh. From those I've talked to most recently, Brewster is a favorite of some boosters, while Harbaugh is the overall top choice from the big-time donors and from those with influence.

Obviously things are going in circles quicker than a super-suction toilet but I think this week will be very telling in regards to just who is the lead candidate. I have been told by people extremely close to the situation that ISU would be certain to get either Harbaugh or Brewster if an offer was made, it just comes down to who Jamie wants more. My feeling at this time is that Harbaugh could be the real guy and Brewster more of the decoy, aka Jeter.

From those close to the situation, I've been told that Harbaugh has been building a superb staff both currently around him as well as for the future that he would take to his next program. Is ISU going to be the lucky one that Harbaugh takes his talents, recruits and staff? Only time will tell but the time is starting to go by very quickly and ISU is the clear favorite right now.

As a side note, here is a great article about Jim Harbaugh and the overachieving success he's had at the University of San Diego.

Link to story

Update: I really think we could know something more concrete by the end of the day today or sometime tomorrow. I have been talking to sources all morning and things appear to have been moving pretty quickly the past couple of days where ISU could have some good indications from Harbaugh that it would only be a matter of an offer being made. Harbaugh has his staff picked out and has some potentially big-time recruits ready to move with him. I'm going to get on a couple more calls right now to see what else I can find out...

[9seven]

Was Sherman just another "decoy" or name throw out there by Pollard? Either way, thanks for the update!

[letsgostate]

I have my fingers and toes crossed on the Harbaugh thing. Wow, what a shot in the arm this would be for ISU football. His ability to take over a program and win with another coaches players would be a HUGE asset. He has top asst. coaches and I believe he would be a great recruiter. Pollard may have thrown me a curve when he said we all need some time before looking for someone to replace DM at the CU game.

[C.John]

Originally Posted by Jeremy

CycloneNotables - ISU FB Coaching Search

Obviously things are going in circles quicker than a super-suction toilet

Your best line yet in a post.

Now a question. How much influence do the "Big" donors actually have when it comes to the coaching search?

[cyclonedrew]

The thing that sucks about Harbough is Lloyd Carr is getting old so we might just be a 3 or 4 year stop for him before he heads to U of M.

[CyinCo]

Can someone explain why Harbaugh's team is 1-AA but non-scholarship. I've heard them say they were in the same division as Drake, which is also non-scholarship but isn't Drake Division III? UNI is 1-AA and they are scholarship team. What gives?

[BigBake]

Originally Posted by cyclonedrew

The thing that sucks about Harbough is Lloyd Carr is getting old so we might just be a 3 or 4 year stop for him before he heads to U of M.

I think Harbaugh would have to show more success before Michigan would hire him as head coach. You'd probably see them take the pick of the litter of top head coaches before going his way. Now if he comes in here and ISU goes off winning wise....that could obviously change.

[Cybone]

I think having "Captian Comeback" as our coach would be fantastic. Imagine the mentoring for our QB's. This is an exciting, but sobering time to be a Cyclone fan!

[BryceC]

This is the same concern I had with McDermott, but I just worry about him being able to recruit big 12 talent, since he hasn't had the chance to even recruit scholarship players yet.

[ppclone]

Great update. Do you have any additional info on the potentially big recruits he could bring? Know they're I-AA non-scholarship...but if he's got some kids on the line knowing he'll be somewhere bigger in the near future, that would be very interesting.

And the toilet suction comment was classic!

[9seven]

I'm not so worried about recruiting with Harbaugh. I'm not worried because his name alone should get him in the door.... Then when he gives his little talk, he can say my last team was undefeated and i plan on doing the same at ISU!

[jtdoyle1]

Originally Posted by CyinCo

Can someone explain why Harbaugh's team is 1-AA but non-scholarship. I've heard them say they were in the same division as Drake, which is also non-scholarship but isn't Drake Division III? UNI is 1-AA and they are scholarship team. What gives?

Both Drake and San Diego are in the Pioneer League in Division 1-AA non-scholarship programs. San Diego killed Drake this year. UNI is a Division 1-AA scholarship program. I'm not sure how it all works.

[bootcy]

Originally Posted by CyinCo

Can someone explain why Harbaugh's team is 1-AA but non-scholarship. I've heard them say they were in the same division as Drake, which is also non-scholarship but isn't Drake Division III? UNI is 1-AA and they are scholarship team. What gives?

Drake and San Diego are what is known as I-AA mid majors, which means, for academics their enrollment is the size of I-AA programs, however, they do not have scholarships for football and compete in the Pioneer league. Due to San Diego's success this year, they will likely compete in the I-AA playoffs, which is almost unheard of for a non-sholarship program.

[gocubs2118]

So does this mean that Jim Harbaugh is going to be a good recruiter. Lets be honest, Mac wasnt the best when it came to getting talented players. I can't remember the last time we got a big time 5 star recruit. I hope that Harbaugh can turn that around.

[cydsho]

Originally Posted by BryceC

This is the same concern I had with McDermott, but I just worry about him being able to recruit big 12 talent, since he hasn't had the chance to even recruit scholarship players yet.

Harbaugh helped a lot with recruiting at his dad's school (can't remember which Kentucky, 1-aa?) and for many years, so he's been able to spot talent. Also, the fact that he has been able to find the diamonds in rough for a non scholarship school speaks volumes to what he can do. Plus, being able to point to a long NFL career with a lot of contacts is such a huge plus. Plus Harbaugh has one big edge over Brewster, already being a head coach, albeit a smaller school.
I talked to a friend of mine in San Diego who is an ISU grad and when I brought up Harbaugh as a coach for ISU, he lit up with a lot of positive thoughts. He really built a good program with people that no one wanted. He has an athletic QB who can throw all over the field and make plays. The running game just grinds it out and they play solid defense. BTW, his current def coord is Dave Adolph. Former DC at KC (back in the early 90s when they were good) and at Cleveland with Marty Schottenhiemer (sp?). He is an old coach but I think that is the kind of proven experience someone like Harbaugh would bring to ISU.