UPDATE: Final Coaching Search Update For Sunday

Jeremy · 11-26-2006, 09:55 PM

Final Coaching Search Update For Sunday
CycloneFanatic.com
Jeremy Lind

It's the end of the last day of the coaching search and the only thing that has been confirmed with 100% certainty so far is that Jamie Pollard has to be the best keeper of secrets that I've seen in my lifetime. A lot has come out over the past 12 hours but everything still has a gaze of fog lingering over it.

I've talked to several sources, all of whom state that Kelly has indeed agreed to the terms brought forth by Iowa State, BUT, we know Jamie Pollard and how much he likes to surprise everybody. Is it unreasonable to think he could have a mystery man under wraps? It's certainly possible but highly unlikely this late in the process. One would think that rumors would have started to come out on one side of the story if there was a person that we weren't already talking about. Pollard may be great at keeping secrets but he can't stop the leaks from the other end of the pipe, nobody can.

I disclosed earlier this afternoon that all sources and indications were pointing to Brian Kelly and I continue to hear his name. While it's not impossible that somebody else has agreed to take over the Head Coaching position, I would put the chances at anybody other than Kelly being named at slim to none. He has the qualifications, he has the experience and most importantly for figuring things out, he has been indicated at every level of the search. All of my sources have stated he has been in contact with ISU since very early in the game and I would assume from what they say that his contract with ISU will be very lucrative for him but also give ISU room for incentives and raises down the road.

My sources are saying it's Kelly, MSU and CMU sources are saying Kelly, could it be that big of an effort to keep things secret after the papers have been signed? I don't think so but anything is possible. I can't say with 100% certainty that Kelly is the guy, but everything and every source suggests that's the case, I would say it's 99% certain.

As far as leaks go; More than anything, Pollard wants reporters and sources to be scared to give out false information and therefore afraid to give out any information. If he can keep people afraid of being wrong, he can keep things from getting out. Luckily I'm not afraid of being wrong so he can't keep me quiet:)

Indications so far point to a contract in the 4-5 year range with incentives and options for future success. Supposedly ISU had figured they could afford up to $1.75 million for a new coach and it appears the were well below that. I've heard numbers around $1 million after incentives being thrown around but that could have been before bargaining started and brought it down some. Only time will tell on the details.

Here's to a great couple of weeks debating and learning about tons of coaches from all levels and backgrounds. It's been a wild ride but I for one am glad to see it ending. More importantly than anybody being right, it's time to get the fan-base back together and the recruits and players on-board with the new staff. A new day is approaching for ISU FB, regardless of if we're ready or not. Here's to making sure that we all do our part to make sure the new coach is an outstanding success. Welcome to Ames, IA and Iowa State University Brian Kelly, or whomever you may really be:)

Quick Update to add:
Another source has confirmed that Kelly accepted the offer put forth Saturday by Iowa State as we talked about earlier. MSU also made an offer apparently but it was too late from what this source says. This hasn't been confirmed so take it with a grain of salt as far as MSU offering is concerned. Kelly was thought to have that job eyed for a long time but apparently ISU either came up with a better offer or MSU just delayed too long. This according from a source close to MSU's coaching search.

Update Two:
ESPN.com is also mentioning Kelly as the new ISU Head Coach. Link

ppclone · 11-26-2006, 10:04 PM

i'm with you. the beauty of JP is he is phenomenal at keeping people guessin. but, this late in the game, it would have to be the biggest surprise in the history of surprises to pull any other rabbit out of the hat.

that said, the one rabbit that has been mentioned, but not lately (to the extent of Pelini) is Price. You gotta figure he'd just kill to be in a big conference again after being in isolation after Bama. i mean, he was on a rocket ship before the nudie bar incident.

But its gotta be Kelly.

ISUFan22 · 11-26-2006, 10:05 PM

For all we know, this may not be your final coaching search update. Could be that tomorrow gets canceled at the last minute and we do this all over again for another 2 weeks!

thunderdave · 11-26-2006, 10:05 PM

Since our search is about over, maybe we can help out all the other schools that are looking for a new coach.
The past 2 weeks have given all of us Fanatics quite a bit of knowledge about possible replacements.

amyk33 · 11-26-2006, 10:07 PM

Thank you for all the information today Jeremy! And, congrats on the site records. Saddle up for another crazy day tomorrow!

Jeremy · 11-26-2006, 10:07 PM

I got it, let's start a coaching head-hunter service. We can track flights, give bios and info, etc. It would be great, we could call it Coaching Fanatics, Inc.

thunderdave · 11-26-2006, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by Jeremy

I got it, let's start a coaching head-hunter service. We can track flights, give bios and info, etc. It would be great, we could call it Coaching Fanatics, Inc.

I think our resume would speak for itself!

ISUFan22 · 11-26-2006, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by thunderdave

Since our search is about over, maybe we can help out all the other schools that are looking for a new coach.
The past 2 weeks have given all of us Fanatics quite a bit of knowledge about possible replacements.

A new book!

Following a Coaching Search for Dummies by Cyclone Fanatic

Edited by...

Brewster
Harbaugh
Norvell
Pelini
Price
Kelly
Kragthorpe

gocubs2118 · 11-26-2006, 10:12 PM

I am also glad that it is all over but I am not really sold on Kelly yet.

rkheil · 11-26-2006, 10:14 PM

And the one darkhorse that no one has even mentioned.

Larry Coker. He has known for weeks his job was gone. Don't you think JP also knew that. There was no buyout for Lary Coker.

Long shot, but nothing would shock me now.

alaskaguy · 11-26-2006, 10:37 PM

Even the Big Red Report has reported that Brian Kelly has accepted the position. Its a done deal

cyguy_07 · 11-26-2006, 10:37 PM

MSU just named their head coach...its gotta be Kelly for ISU...as for Coker he rammed a national championship team into the ground...i dont know if i would really want him...i just want a guy that can recruit and bring excitement and wins to ISU football.

chuckd4735 · 11-26-2006, 10:42 PM

Just remember the night before the Basketball press conference we were all pretty sure Jeter was going to be announced...I think I am going to wait until I hear it.

alaskaguy · 11-26-2006, 10:46 PM

Both ESPN and scout.com are reporting that Kelly has agreed to be the next Cyclone football coach.

travman23 · 11-26-2006, 11:10 PM

I'm not sold on Kelly being the guy to take ISU to the "next level." I hope he proves us wrong but if we are not in a better bowl game by year 4 of his term my sign says "we fired McCarney for this?"