Tag: Coaching Candidate

Could Michigan State football make a run at Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman?

Rico Beard of 97.1 suggested that MSU should make a run at Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman. It’s not that crazy of an idea. Here’s why:

While many, including us at Spartans Wire, have outlined some options for who MSU should pursue to be their next head coach, it was 97.1 The Ticket host, Spartans Illustrated contributor, and noted Michigan State media member Rico Beard who has taken the airways and social media by storm, suggesting that Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman should be the Spartans’ top choice as next head coach, as outlined by Fighting Irish Wire.

A new coaching search in East Lansing stems following a massive USA TODAY investigation, with Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller announcing to the public that the University plans to fire Mel Tucker for cause.

While on the surface, Beard’s comments felt a little outlandish, and even a bit of wishful thinking, but after digging into it, I’m here to tell Spartan Nation that I don’t think it is that crazy of an idea after all, and it actually could be very plausible.

You can find my reasoning below.

Jeff Lebby among CBS Sports top coordinators ready for a Power Five head coaching job

If he has the success that many are expecting, Jeff Lebby could be up for a Power Five head coaching job in the next several years.

The offensive success is there. Dating back to his time running the offense for NAIA’s Southeastern Fire, Jeff Lebby has put together productive units at every step since. His UCF success led to an opportunity at Ole Miss. And when Brent Venables came calling, it was too good of a chance to pass up.

But how long will he be in Norman?

The college coaching carousel seems never-ending. Before even coaching a game in the 2022 season, several prominent head coaches (looking at you, Scott Frost and Steve Sarkisian) have their spots staked out on the hot seat.

So it’s no surprise that [autotag]Jeff Lebby[/autotag] is already getting mentioned as a possible head coaching candidate in the future.

CBS Sports’ David Cobb took a look at prominent coordinators across college football, and he believes Lebby will be in line for a job soon.

Still just 38, Lebby has plenty of time to cement his place as one of the sport’s top offensive minds and land a lucrative head coaching position. He’s coming off statistically phenomenal stints as offensive coordinator at UCF and Ole Miss, having worked wonders for quarterbacks such as [autotag]Dillon Gabrie[/autotag]l and Matt Corral. Now, he is reuniting with Gabriel at Oklahoma to help launch the Venables era. Red flags over Lebby’s time at Baylor working for Art Briles during a scandalous period aren’t going to totally disappear. But as Lebby’s time working for his father-in-law fades further into the distance, his candidacy for a head coaching gig improves. – Cobb, CBS Sports

He hasn’t coached yet at Oklahoma, but the expectation is that Lebby will find the same level of success in Norman as he did with UCF and Ole Miss. If he’s able to put together some of the best offenses in college football, it shouldn’t be long before Jeff Lebby is being courted for prominent Power Five jobs.

Here’s hoping he takes a page from his current boss’ story and takes his time to find the right job. It probably won’t be 20 years, but if they could keep Lebby for a recruiting class or two, that would be huge for the Sooners as they get set to transition to the SEC.

[listicle id=53456]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.