Chris Petersen, Not Jim Harbaugh Should Be Michigan's Top Candidate

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Boise State is one of the most hated programs in Division 1-A college football. No matter which state you travel to or how many fans you talk to there isn’t one person who doesn’t know, or despise, Boise State.

It’s not the winning they hate and it’s not even the blue turf, though some might have that high on their list, it’s the lack of a strong schedule year in and year out.

You can talk about their Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma and you can even talk about their win over Oregon to kick off the 2009 season. But there are as many people who credit the Broncos with those wins as discredit them as overrated.

We can sit here and debate Boise State until we’re blue in the face, no pun intended, but there is one man with ties to Boise State that gets a lot of respect outside the city of Boise and the Western Athletic Conference.

Boise State’s head coach, Chris Petersen.

That name seems to come up with just about every coaching vacancy that seems to open each and every year in college football no matter where it is.

When the Florida job came open after Urban Meyer decided to step down Petersen’s name immediately hit the rumor mill. Some, myself included, were almost sure he was the number one candidate and shoe-in for the job.

That’s why we were all shocked when the Florida athletic director introduced long time Texas Longhorns defensive coordinator Will Muschamp as their new head coach.

Now, with the Florida job filled as well as the University of Miami, there’s one job that everyone is looking at and one that most believe is already filled. The University of Michigan.

Ever since head coach Rich Rodriguez made the move from West Virginia to Ann Arbor his time was already ticking away. The Wolverine fans weren’t fond of him right from the start and it didn’t take long for them to voice their opposition. The same opposition that has been heard the loudest this season.

With another disappointing season under their belt, it would almost seem like a lock that Rodriguez is about to lose his job. He even went so far as to say he would not lobby the athletic department to be able to stay.

That in itself is the biggest white flag of surrender that Rodriguez has ever sent up the flag pole. It seems like he knows his time has come to an end and he isn’t going to keep the inevitable from happening.

If the rumors are true and he is headed out the door there’s one man that most believe will be his successor, current Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh. In fact, he’s the man that seems to be the growing favorite among Wolverine fans.

But before we hand him the scepter and the keys to the Michigan kingdom, there are those of us that not only believe Harbaugh won’t be the head coach of the Wolverines but I’ll even go as far as to say he’s not the best man for the job.

Say what you want about him being an alumni of the university and a guy that has done a great job with the Stanford football program, but has he really shown the ability to handle the kind of pressure the Michigan job would come with? Stanford isn’t exactly Michigan.

Harbaugh is a coach that is capable of doing big things at the next level of college football but when we’re talking about someone that can take this team back to where it used to be, there’s only one name that needs to be mentioned.

Petersen is not your prototypical rah-rah, fire you up, kind of guy. He’s not the kind of guy that’s going to jump up and down when a big play is made.

He is an under-control, methodical, thinking two and three plays ahead kind of coach. The Wolverines don’t need to be fired up, they need to win. Now.

Before you make the argument that a coach coming from a mid-major program won’t have the same success in big-time college football, need I remind you Urban Meyer spent two seasons as the head coach of the Utah Utes before he won two national championships with the Florida Gators.

Petersen not only brings a proven track record of winning but he brings a name that most top recruits, and their families, will already be familiar with.

Where most football programs would worry about a brand new coach bringing in the right players, one would almost have to wonder if he would have to do any recruiting at all. Would the players come to him?

I have no problem with Jim Harbaugh. In fact, I’m a huge fan of his and I enjoy the kind of spirit and energy he brings to the Stanford sidelines.

But, if I’m the Michigan Wolverines and I’m looking for a guy that can take me back to the top of the Big Ten and back to a shot at the BCS National Championship, there’s only one name they need to write down.

Chris Petersen.

The Utah Utes Will Regret Waking Up Boise State

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If there's one thing Utah should have avoided it was the apparent pushing and shoving matches both teams got into during their welcome reception for the MAACO Las Vegas Bowl.

Towards the end of the reception, some of the players exchanged words and shoves and the players along with both teams had to be separated at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Utah, you're going to regret that you opened your mouth at all.

The Boise State Broncos are perhaps one of the most dangerous mid-major teams who, after a disappointing loss to a good Nevada team, might have still been doing the "feel sorry for us" attitude and hanging their heads wishing they had played that game differently. Doing that would have landed them in a BCS bowl game.

But leave it to Utah defensive end Christian Cox to wake up what was a sleeping giant. Not only did he fire his shot across the bow, but he guaranteed a win over Boise State while the team was being honored at halftime of a basketball game against Pepperdine.

According to an article on Yahoo Sports, Cox told the Utah fans, “I promise a victory against Boise State in Las Vegas. You better be there.”

Let me take you back three years when Wyoming was on this end of the guarantee then getting that used against them in a 50-0 beat down at the hands of Utah

After that game, Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham wasn't shy about taking his own shot at Wyoming's guarantee. “You open your mouth, it’s not like it just goes by the wayside. That’s not how it works. You open your mouth, you’re accountable. You are accountable for what you say and what you do. You can’t just say things and then just sweep them away.”

I will give Cox a small pass on his momentary lapse in judgement because when you're in front of the home fans and they're cheering and whistling, you get caught up in the moment. This kind of stuff happens.

Unfortunately for Utah, Boise State isn't going to think like me and isn't going to let Cox or the rest of their team off the hook for a stupid comment.

Heck, I would give him a complete pass but when teams make guarantees I usually perk right up. Only problem in this case is Utah has looked completely pathetic since they were embarrassed by TCU, 47-7, on November 6th.

To add insult to injury, the Utes will be without starting quarterback Jordan Wynn who's out after undergoing shoulder surgery and their passing defense has apparently taken the rest of the season off. Though they've been good against the run, they gave up over 500 yards passing to San Diego State and lost to a less than poor Notre Dame team just one week after losing at home to the Horned Frogs.

With all that being known, Utah should be the last team making guarantees against anyone. Perhaps Cox didn't realize just how bad they looked down the stretch and maybe he thought they were playing Wyoming again.

Whatever his excuse was, he is going to regret opening his mouth.

Broncos' head coach Chris Petersen is not the kind of guy to run up the score but after this kind of shot and seeing as it's the last game of the season, I wouldn't put it past him to put a couple more trick plays in the bag and conveniently forget the score late in the game when he punches another one in.

And oh by the way they have a quarterback, Kellen Moore, who stood on the same Heisman trophy stage with Stanford's Andrew Luck and Auburn's Cam Newton who ended up winning the award. He's kinda good.

Not only that, but they have a defense who can make anyone look like a division two or a high school team on any given day.

If Utah gives up more than 500 yards through the air against San Diego State and quarterback Ryan Lindley, just imagine what Moore will be able to do with wide receivers like Austin Pettis.

There's no question this is not the bowl game Boise State wanted. There's no question that they still feel like they deserve to be in a BCS game. But where they are is where they are and they need to make the most of it.

There might have been a letdown in store, but not when a shot has already been called and the sleeping giant has been awoken after a nap that didn't last very long.

You know how you feel when you're woken up after not getting a lot of sleep? Yeah, that's what Boise is feeling like right now. They're angry, they're bitter and they have a huge chip on their shoulder.

This might be a blowout of epic proportions. Maybe Christian Cox should have thought about what he said before he said it.

Too late.

Chris Petersen, Bob Stoops, Will Muschamp, Florida Gators and an I'm Sorry

Ok Boise State fans, I know you want to hear it so here you go. I'm sorry. The sources I had never saw this coming and neither did anyone else. I'm not making excuses, I was wrong and that's the end of it. It happens in this business unfortunately, it comes with the territory.

That being said, a big congratulations goes out to now former Texas Longhorns' offensive coordinator, Will Muschamp who officially was named the new head coach at the University of Florida.

It is a great hire for the Gators and a guy that finally deserves his own shot. We all thought he was the heir apparent to the Texas program but it seems Muschamp was growing tired of waiting and this was the perfect opportunity for him to spread his wings and take this once in a lifetime opportunity.

As for Boise State, they are breathing easier tonight as their head coach Chris Petersen will remain in Boise as their head coach.

I know this is going to sound like a "he's backtracking" but I said this to several people earlier today.

Growing up in Fresno and watching the Fresno State and Boise State rivalry, I have a tremendous amount of respect for Chris Petersen and the job he's done at Boise State. My Bulldogs, and head coach Pat Hill, could only dream of the things he's been able to accomplish there.

A part of me was hoping that loyalty won the day and that he would remain with the Broncos. It seems that has come true.

Petersen's name will come up again and it might surface with the University of Miami. There's been at least a few tweets suggesting that the Hurricanes might be going hard after him. I'm not going to say a word about that either way because I don't know a thing about that job opening. I will give my opinion and say I hope he doesn't end up there.

Florida is one thing, Miami is quite another.

Lastly, Bob Stoops was never the guy that Florida was going to land. I believed that even though there were rumors that the Gators were in negotiations with him earlier today.

He has a cush job at the University of Oklahoma and taking the gig at Florida was nothing more than a lateral move for him. I couldn't see him leaving Oklahoma and it turns out he isn't.

All in all, it's been a weird few days but when the dust settled the right guy was hired at Florida and I wish him nothing but the best. I really do hope he succeeds there because I know how much the Texas fans loved him and wished he were the guy to take over.

Again, to the Boise State fans, I was wrong and I'm happy to admit that. I know you want to call my credibility into question and that's fine. It's understandable coming from a fan base that doesn't want to lose their coach.

I hope that you can still talk sports with me and give me your opinion. I don't mind a good ole fashion debate from time to time.

Florida Gators In Talks With Bob Stoops?

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Update: 1:14pm CST - A source out of Boise told me that he'd be shocked to see Stoops take the Florida job and still believes Petersen to be the number one guy for the job.

Update: 12:25pm CST - I talked to Lisa Horne of Fox Sports on this news and she told me, "Stoops is always mentioned in any high-powered coaching job (ie, Notre Dame) and it never pans out. I also think Florida goes after a coach who has a winning record in bowls but isn't necessarily in a BCS conference. Like a Patterson, Petersen, Calhoun or Niumatalolo."

Update: 12:00pm CST - Talked to another source out of Houston that tells me it's Stoops' job if he wants it. But if not, Kevin Sumlin from Houston could become a factor.

Update: 11:57am CST - The source that has been on this story since Thursday night is not sold on the report from ESPN Insider and doesn't believe that Stoops would accept the job. He did admit that they could be wrong and stranger thing have happened, but they're not ready to accept that Stoops is the man.

Update: 11:50am CST - With Stoops coming in as the Florida head coach, it looks like Jacksonville University head coach Kerwin Bell will come in as the offensive coordinator.

Update: 11:46am CST - I talked to a source this morning who tole me "it will be Stoops." The terms of the deal aren't yet available but I'm told that Stoops should be the next head coach at the University of Florida.

So Boise State fans can breathe easy. For now.

According to rumors that have surfaced this morning, something I didn't expect to happen apparently could very well be happening.

The Florida Gators apparently are in talks with Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops to become their next head coach.

There's nothing official behind this yet and I'm still trying to find out from sources if they can confirm this, but it's already hit the rumor sheets that the two sides are in negotiations.

As of last night, a lot of people expected the Gators to name Boise State head coach Chris Petersen as their man by sometime next week but that was assuming Stoops turned the job down. Apparently, it seems that's not going to happen.

When it's confirmed, we'll break it down and I'll give my take on the hire.

Chris Petersen To Be Named Head Coach at Florida By Next Week?

Update: 11:03pm CST - I know I haven't posted any new updates but there really isn't anything new to report. However, knowing that Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore is going to be a Heisman finalist, Chris Petersen is going to give his quarterback center stage and not take away the spotlight from a player who deserves it at this point in his career.

There was, however, an interesting thought thrown out on Boise radio earlier this afternoon. Though Moore told Dan Patrick earlier today that he was coming back for his senior year, if Petersen were to leave Boise State, would Moore change his mind and head to the NFL? It's a thought to ponder...

More updates as I receive them tomorrow.

Update 5:14pm CST - Bianchi went on to say that he expects Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops to turn the Florida job down. He says Florida will go with a proven head coach and threw out the names Stoops and Petersen. If Stoops does turn them down, than Petersen is the guy that will more than likely land the job.

Update: 5:02pm CST - Terry Ford of KIDO Radio in Boise talked to Mike Bianchi with the Orlando Sentinel this afternoon who said Mullen would be a last option if the Gators get turned down by guys like Chris Petersen, Bob Stoops, and others.

Update: 3:08pm CST - According to ESPN Insider, the job is Chris Petersen's to have but only IF a former offer is turned down by Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops.

Update: 2:50pm CDT - Hearing buzz out of Boise that Chris Petersen is expected to be named the head coach at the University of Florida by Wednesday.

Update: 2:02pm CST - Contrary to Thirdage.com, a source I spoke to said the fourth person that is either scheduled to have an interview or has already had one is UConn head coach Randy Edsall.

Update: 1:58pm CST - Brady Ackerman of WGGG in Ocala, FL was on Barnhart & Durham of 790 The Zone in Atlanta this morning and confirmed there are four candidates who have either interviewed or had interviews scheduled with Florida.

Update: 1:40pm CST - I had talked earlier about a fourth name that could possibly be interviewed by the University of Florida. According to a site called ThirdAge.com, Arkansas Razorbacks' head coach Bobby Petrino is the favorite to land the job.

Update: 10:53am CST - Just heard that Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore was on the Dan Patrick Show this morning and announced he would be back for his senior season. That definitely has to make Chris Petersen think twice about leaving. Or does it?

Update: 10:47am CST - Interesting article from Mike Bianchi from the Orlando Sentinel. The headling? "Dan Mullen is not the man for Florida Gators coaching job"


I know a lot of college football fans, especially those of you in Gator country, are wanting updates on Chris Petersen and the hiring process at the University of Florida.

So, I'll keep this thread open and update it throughout the day as I receive information. I'm not going to say that Petersen is the shoe-in for the job because I don't know that yet. However, I'll give you what I do know and you can draw your own conclusions or speculate however much you feel necessary.

I talked to a source out of Atlanta this morning and received some good details on what we knew last night.

From what he tells me, he has a reliable source that confirmed Petersen did in fact interview for the job but there were interviews that either are or will take place. Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin and Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen were mentioned there was a fourth interview that could take place but he didn't have the name readily available.

Also, something being reported by a radio show out of Atlanta (Wes Durham and Tony Barnhart), if Florida was to hire Kevin Sumlin, he would apparently bring with him Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen.

While Petersen's name has been linked to Florida, this source gave me even juicier information. Chris Petersen is apparently Penn State's number one guy and they're hoping he stays at Boise State for one more year so they can go after him after the 2011 season.

Again, I'll keep updating this thread with any new information I receive.

Chris Petersen: Florida Gator Fans See Him As Number One Choice

Chris Petersen seems to be the guy that Florida Gator fans want.

How do I know that? Well, to answer that question I'll have to give a shoutout to one of the better college football fan forums in the country,  Gator Country. There's a few threads up at this moment talking about the Boise State head coach as the number on guy on Florida's radar.

The reason I like this forum as much as I do is because there aren't fans throwing wild rumors and speculation out about who the next coach is going to be. However, they do make it clear how much they would love to have Petersen as their next head coach.

I don't blame them one bit.

Since I posted the rumor of Petersen headed to Florida late last night, there's been nothing new on that front. Gator Country was also all over the fact that you could attempt to track the tail number of each of the three University of Florida planes to see where they had been. Apparently that trick is used by more than just sportswriters and bloggers like myself.

Let's think this out for a moment.

There's been a lot of talk about Dan Mullen from Mississippi State, but as fast as his name comes up it seems to either be shot down or discredited. There are some that make a great point to say that Florida can have anyone they want.  This job vacancy is perhaps the biggest job in the country and one that just about any coach in Division 1 football would kill to have.

I talked a source in Boise last night and as we exchanged thoughts about why this makes too much sense for Petersen, the more we came to the same conclusion. Petersen would be silly not to take this opportunity if in fact the Gators want him as their number one choice.

Instead of writing out each thought that was put out there by both myself and this source, I'll just number them and you can put think through them as we did when we were talking about it.

1) Boise State is headed to the Mountain West who, after losing TCU, Utah, and BYU, is nothing more than the old WAC. Not really a step up and has to be frustrating to not only the school but Petersen himself.

2) All coaches want a shot at the biggest prize in college football. For Petersen, staying at Boise State only makes him a complete long shot.

3) The Florida gig would pay him more than he's making at Boise State.

4) It's the biggest job offer he's ever going to get

5) Even though he's at a mid-major school, he's built himself a solid name around the country

6) He's already proven to be a solid recruiter and his name alone, along with being at Florida, would bring some solid recruits coming to him. He wouldn't have to sell them on much.

7) This is just me assuming, but I have to believe Florida went to Boise to meet with Petersen to talk to him about the job before he came to interview. If he really is the number one candidate, this isn't a meeting they would have over the phone.

8) If Petersen wasn't the least bit interested and was more than ok staying at Boise State, he wouldn't have interviewed for the job. If in fact that part of this story is true and Petersen did in fact interview for the job.

So with all those thoughts being out there, is this already a foregone conclusion? Maybe. Maybe not. We don't know any facts at this point other than an Orlando Sentinel writer telling a Jacksonville radio host that Petersen was interviewing for the job.

I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions because until we know any facts about this story, all we really have is assumptions and speculation.

Although, I will say that I can't imagine the Gators picking a better guy than Chris Petersen and I can't imagine him turning the job down if in fact they offer it to him.