| 13 December 2010
After everything seemed set for Dana Holgorsen and his sweet, sweet offense to come to Pitt, Paul Zeise reports that the Oklahoma State offensive coordinator is no longer in the running for the Pitt job. It really seemed like it was going to happen, but shit happens. Either the circumstances changed or the information was wrong. Zeise is a good reporter, so I'm going to assume some circumstance changed.
One changed circumstance - although not likely the circumstance that caused the Pitt-Holgorsen split - is West Virginia's interest, despite not having an opening:
Sources confirmed today that a high-ranking official from West Virginia's athletic department has been in contact with Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen about the head coaching position at West Virginia, even as there is no vacancy.
A source confirmed it is probable Stewart will be fired if West Virginia does not win that bowl game, and could happen regardless of the outcome. A win in the bowl game would give the Mountaineers a 10-win season.
The source also confirmed that West Virginia offensive coordinator Jeff Mullen's situation plays into the mix, as Mullen is a finalist for the head coach job at Kent State. If Mullen were to get the Kent State job, the source said the succession plan would be for Holgorsen to work under Stewart for one season as the offensive coordinator with the understanding that Stewart would retire after the 2011 season, making way for Holgorsen to become head coach.
The source indicated Stewart, whose contract runs through the 2013 season, is vehemently against such a plan and would resign before having Holgorsen work as a "coach in waiting" beneath him.
So where does this leave Pitt? Your guess is as good as mine, especially with Temple's Al Golden off to Miami. Zeise suggests San Diego State's Brady Hoke and Miami-Ohio's Michael Haywood, and then goes on to doubt their viability. The internet suggestions go from the obvious (Frank Cignetti) to the intriguing (Virginia Tech's Bud Foster) to the ludicris (ex-Syracuse HC Paul Pasqualoni).
Put me down as someone who wouldn't be disappointed to see Tom Bradley get a shot - or at least an interview.
The search goes on....
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