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With Rich Rodriguez out at Arizona, two former SEC coaches could be in play to replace him
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Could the king of cliches be heading to the desert? What about the owner of the Swagcopter?
Both Butch Jones and Kevin Sumlin are two names be mentioned as possible candidates to land the unexpected opening at Arizona.
If you missed the news late Tuesday evening, Rich Rodriguez is out in Tucson following allegations of sexual harassment by a former Arizona athletic department employee. It’s important to note these allegations against Rodriguez have not been proven and following an investigation by the school, the claims against Rodriguez “could not be substantiated based on the evidence and witnesses available to it,” according to a statement issued by the school.
Be that as it may, Arizona has moved on from Rodriguez and is now in the market to add a head football coach. After missing the head coaching carousel season, Arizona is the only FBS school currently looking for a head coach.
MLive writer Aaron McMann threw former Tennessee coach Butch Jones as a ‘name to keep an eye on’ as Jones has a connection to current Arizona AD Dave Heeke. What also should be mentioned is the fact that Jones comes from the Rodriguez coaching tree. Jones was Rich Rod’s receiver coach at West Virginia from 2005-2006.
One name to keep an eye on as possible replacement at Arizona: Butch Jones. Arizona AD Dave Heeke hired him at Central Michigan, where Jones coached from 2007-09.
— Aaron McMann | MLive.com (@AaronMcMann) January 3, 2018
Sumlin, on the other hand, is also be mentioned as a possible candidate for the job by Yahoo Sports! writer Jordan Schultz. The former Texas A&M coach was rumored to be involved at the opening at Arizona State that ultimately went to Herm Edwards. If he was passed up for that opportunity, he might be even more motivated to take the Arizona job if offered the position.
I would be stunned if #Arizona does not hire Kevin Sumlin. Gifted offensive coach who groomed Manziel. Khalil Tate may be a better version.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 3, 2018
Bruce Feldman of Sports Illustrated also threw out Sumlin’s name as one to watch for the opening:
Another name to keep in mind for #Arizona is Kevin Sumlin. I would expect Zona to reach out to him. Also Sumlin a few connections there esp DC Marcel Yates (his old assistant) who has brought in some much-needed size and athleticism there on defense.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 3, 2018
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
