ISU Completes Interviews In Dallas, TX

Jeremy · 11-17-2006, 07:15 PM

ISU Completes Interviews In Dallas, TX
CycloneFanatic.com
Jeremy Lind

ISU Athletic Director Jamie Pollard has wrapped up a round of interviews in Dallas, Texas to replace outgoing Football Head Coach Dan McCarney.

Confirmed to have interviewed for the position are Jim Harbaugh and Jay Norvell and at least two others could have interviewed either in person or over the phone, according to sources. Norvell interviewed in person Thursday night and Harbaugh Friday.

So far the list of candidates is wrapping up to include Harbaugh, Brewster, Kragthorpe and then Kelly, followed by Jay Norvell as the dark horse candidate. I stand by my reporting over the past week regarding San Diego University Head Coach Jim Harbaugh as being the man already picked for the job. Sources continue to maintain that Harbaugh is "the guy" and it only comes down to a matter of negotiations with ISU's AD.

As you will remember, I have stated that an offer would be made to Harbaugh late this week with an announcement expected early next week. All indications are that this is still holding true and the only potential hiccup could be in the negotiation phases of the talks. If things were to break-down with Harbaugh, it would then be a toss-up for the other choices as boosters and donors are evenly divided on their second choice.

Look for more news over the coming 24-48 hours.

Psyclone Brian · 11-17-2006, 07:26 PM

Thanks for the update Jeremy!

ISUAlum2002 · 11-17-2006, 07:50 PM

Interesting that Steve Kragthorpe has made an appearance on the radar. I think many of us had written him off as either unavailable or disinterested.

Nedrick · 11-17-2006, 07:50 PM

Always great to see your updates. Keep up the great work!

isu_bub · 11-17-2006, 07:51 PM

Who are likely the other two who interviewed as well?

cyfan15 · 11-17-2006, 08:05 PM

I dont get it. Why is JP wasting his time interviewing other people if Harbaugh is the guy? Seems wierd. Couldnt others take him if we arent fast enough?

Cybadboy · 11-17-2006, 08:12 PM

Here is a thought. I am not trying to bring Harbaugh's personal life into this, but isn’t it weird to anybody else that this guy is 42 and single (recently divorced). When I think of head coaches, there is always a wife standing by there side. I can’t think of many coaches in major sports at ISU that didn’t have a significant other. I don't care myself I just thought it was a little different situation. What do you think? Correct me if I am wrong.

CYKO TY · 11-17-2006, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by cyfan15

I dont get it. Why is JP wasting his time interviewing other people if Harbaugh is the guy? Seems wierd. Couldnt others take him if we arent fast enough?

Wouldn't this be the "don't count your chickes before they hatch" scenerio? Remember, you always need a Plan B.

Wesley · 11-17-2006, 08:37 PM

Sportszone 1620 confirmed that Jay Norvell interviewed today. His Dad had helped JP get his job at ISU, so he has some ties with the Norvell family.

CloneFan65 · 11-17-2006, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by cyfan15

I dont get it. Why is JP wasting his time interviewing other people if Harbaugh is the guy? Seems wierd. Couldnt others take him if we arent fast enough?

They probably don't want a repeat of the basketball coach search after Eustachy's exit. ISU let out that Lebo was their guy, so all other candidates removed their names from consideration except for one, Morgan. When things fell through with Lebo they could either start a search from scratch or settle for Morgan.

Kyle · 11-17-2006, 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by Wesley

Sportszone 1620 confirmed that Jay Norvell interviewed today. His Dad had helped JP get his job at ISU, so he has some ties with the Norvell family.

Nebraska's offense has not really impressed me that much, thus I'm not that big on Norvell.

Clone83 · 11-17-2006, 08:57 PM

Thanks for the updates, Jeremy!

I check here every day.

Wesley · 11-17-2006, 09:57 PM

To make it fair, you interview more than one person. Otherwise, the NCAA and unions and liberals and everyone else will accuse you of pre selecting. Now that may be the case. But the interviews can be pointed at to defend yourself later to the crowd. Happens all the time in big business. Barry Alvarez is helping out JP process perhaps. Sometimes a Houston Nutt situation occurs and you revert to Bill Callahan in desparation. Looks like Arkansas is pretty good with no real qb in the backfield this year so it worked out for them. The people who interview can also point out to their own teams and the nation, they were considered for HC. Heck, Wonder
Bo(y) Pelini has been bouncing around for years getting in the limelight. Since Boy Bo is from Ohio, I suspect he hopes to be OSU HC some day. Jay Norvell coached at UNI, Iowa and ISU and is well thought of. He is young and dynamic. He needs a chance to be a HC as Bill Callahan will always call the plays. Funny how the Nebraska beginning game scripted plays always results in scores and Bill C playcalling results in a meltdown several times.

Rex O Herlihan · 11-17-2006, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by Cybadboy

Here is a thought. I am not trying to bring Harbaugh's personal life into this, but isn’t it weird to anybody else that this guy is 42 and single (recently divorced). When I think of head coaches, there is always a wife standing by there side. I can’t think of many coaches in major sports at ISU that didn’t have a significant other. I don't care myself I just thought it was a little different situation. What do you think? Correct me if I am wrong.

wHAT THE F***. I must have missed the joke.

Nedrick · 11-17-2006, 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by cyfan15

I dont get it. Why is JP wasting his time interviewing other people if Harbaugh is the guy? Seems wierd. Couldnt others take him if we arent fast enough?

Here's a thought... Maybe by interviewing several candidates, JP is forcing Harbaugh's hand. ie. JP's way of keeping Harbaugh humble and hungrier for the job. Just like playing football... if the 2nd team is pushing the starters, they're more likely to work harder to keep their places.
Just my 2¢...