CycloneNotables: Coaching Search Update

Jeremy · 11-16-2006, 06:07 PM

CycloneNotables: Coaching Search Update - 11/17
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Jeremy Lind

I've been extremely busy so here is what I have in a rough-note sort of fashion. This is just from sources and not official...

1. I stick by my remarks about the timing and events regarding Harbaugh. I expect him to be announced as the new Head Coach next week unless things don't work as expected.

2. My opinion on the top four choices in order of preference by the AD are Harbaugh, Brewster, Kragthorpe and then Kelly. I really think it's Harbaugh's to say no to, which I don't think he has any intention of doing, and then it's a toss-up between Kragthorpe and Brewster with Kragthorpe possibly taking a slight lead over Brewster over the past 24-48 hours. I don't think that Kelly is that likely of a candidate, despite his great resume and coaching experience. I've also been told to leave Norvell in the "not likely but possible due to a few reasons" column.

3. I fully expect an announcement next week. If Harbaugh gets things finalized, an announcement could be very early in the week. If it's Brewster or Kragthorpe then it will probably be a little later in the week.

4. If there is a mystery candidate, we don't know anything about him yet. JP likes to make surprises and I wouldn't put it past him but I find it very unlikely with this big of a move. If he had somebody else I think we would at least be hearing something about him.

5. I am still reading through emails and making calls and will update this as the night goes on if anything changes or develops.

6. These are all speculations based on what I have heard first-hand from numerous sources but does not carry any warranty or guarantee.

JCloned · 11-16-2006, 06:14 PM

While G-Mac was a surprise given the Jeter news early, he wasn't an unknown. It was well reported that he was a possibility so I am guessing #4 a mystery candidate is unlikely. My personal preference...not a prediction...is Harbaugh #1, Kragthrope #2, Brewster # 3 (never anything but a position coach) and no to Kelly.

9seven · 11-16-2006, 06:15 PM

Thanks for the update!

JokersWild · 11-16-2006, 06:25 PM

I'd wouldn't mind any of those top 2. I really don't see Harbaugh accepting, but, what do I know. JP will get the right dude.

ISUFan22 · 11-16-2006, 06:35 PM

Kragthorpe, eh?

Earlier we heard he wasn't really in the mix.

Can you give us any details what you've heard on him - been contacted? Contacted ISU himself/through agent? Etc?

C.John · 11-16-2006, 06:51 PM

Thanks for the updates Jeremy.

edenclone · 11-16-2006, 06:54 PM

Kragthorpe doesn't have an agent.

CY ST8T · 11-16-2006, 06:58 PM

I'm not trying to be negative toward you at all Jeremy or question you. I am only stating my opinion as you profess to do. I just am wondering whose sources are reliable as some national journalists are denying that ISU has even contacted Brewster, Harbaugh or Kelly. So I am not sure if you are talking to people very close to Harbaugh that wouldn't tell Sporting News or other places or what. To me this whole search is completely under wraps and nothing else seems more than a guess.

edenclone · 11-16-2006, 07:00 PM

Jeremy does good work, but I can't get over the fact that ISU is this close to hiring someone from the Pioneer League...Harbaugh is a good candidate, but is Pollard going to hire someone like that, knowing this is the biggest hire of his career, and of the FB program...maybe ever?

Nedrick · 11-16-2006, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

Kragthorpe, eh?

Earlier we heard he wasn't really in the mix.

Surprising to me too. (Pleasantly surprised, at that.) I wonder how he came to be a candidate all of the sudden. Didn't he turn down UNC? It'd be quite the coup if we grabbed him!

Cyclone_Power · 11-16-2006, 07:11 PM

Where's that one guy who loves Kragthorpe on here?

ISUFan22 · 11-16-2006, 07:12 PM

zdoor...a co-worker.

He's crazy...but I like the Kragthorpe option if he wants to be here.

Jeremy · 11-16-2006, 07:20 PM

Couple of answers:

Kragthorpe does not have an agent as mentioned above.

Kragthorpe is moving up on the list according to sources but I am not quite sure why the interest is only now starting to surface where earlier it wasn't. I'm not sure if money is less of a worry now or what it may be.

I have talked to people very close to Harbaugh's side of the situation that may or may not be talking to other people, I don't know.

Harbaugh has been in talks with ISU and he has indeed shown a lot of interest in the job, according to several sources.

Kelly is a very sound and potentially great coach but somewhat of an unlikely candidate because the big-time donors are wanting more of a "splash" with the new coach that energizes people and recruits.

One thing a lot of people forget is that donors are ultimately the ones that decide everything. Without donors ISU can't go anywhere, so when they like a certain candidate it somewhat forces the hand of JP to some extent. Harbaugh is the guy a lot of donors have been suggesting and JP doesn't seem to give the same answers back to them with Harbaugh as he does other names. This is what I've been told anyways but I haven't personally attended those conversations;)

URBCLONE · 11-16-2006, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

zdoor...a co-worker.

He's crazy...but I like the Kragthorpe option if he wants to be here.

Zdor is crazy or Kragthorpe? If Kragthorpe do tell?

cyflyer · 11-16-2006, 08:07 PM

Harbaugh is sounding more and more like Jeter. I think he's a smoke screen. It's just a gut feeling. Everyone and their grandma from Poland was thinking Jeter and then BAM!

I think it's someone on the lists we have but it's not going to be Harbaugh for the reason given i.e. Pioneer league.