SLKDuckFanFrom77

Not that I disagree with you about the whole Lincoln Riley big fish small pond thing, but he was a fish in the BIG12. The SWC collapsed in the mid 90s and hasn’t existed since 1996.

Would it be cool to see? Sure. I just can’t see how it would benefit the Ducks. Remember this, Miami’s been a largely underachieving nationally irrelevant program for the best part of two decades. They haven’t won a conference title since 2003, only 1 division title, and have played in one NY6 bowl game over that stretch. (UO? 6, 10 division titles, and 7 NY6) games. Why give Miami the opportunity for exposure and credibility? Why give them an opportunity to showcase their facilities, and their program to (possibly) the same recruits that we’re going after? Besides, I don’t think that this would draw as much national attention as some might think. Once Lanning establishes himself in Eugene, and MC settles in at the U, people will move on. (And to the gentleman who suggested we schedule it the week before the MooU game? That’s just crazy talk…)

Coach Boles: A couple of thoughts/recent developments that might narrow down the list. Also, I think any 'wish list' has to be tempered with a good dose of reality. Just because a certain coach is available doesn't mean the Ducks would/should go after him. So, with that in mind, just some reactions to your shortlist... Kevin Steele: ESPN is reporting that he's signed to become the new DC at Tennessee, so it looks like he's no longer an option. That being said, Steele is an SEC assistant and, as such, commands SEC assistant money. Last year he was rewarded for his efforts with a 3-year extension at $2.5 million/year. Also, I don't see that a coach who was born in the South, played in the South, and has spent essentially his entire coaching career in the South would be the best fit for the Ducks. As good a coach as he may be. Will Muschamp: I live in Florida. I got to experience first hand the Coach Boom years in Gainesville, and indirectly his years at Carolina. As good as he is, I wouldn't want him anywhere close to the Ducks sideline. Temperament/Personality? He's a bomb waiting to go off; hence the nickname. I don't think he fits with the Ducks culture. I acknowledge that he's a good recruiter, and had the name, but it's one thing to convince a Florida kid to say in Florida, or a Georgia kid to cross the state line to play in Columbia; it's a whole 'nother kettle of fish to convince a kid from Apopka, FL to come to Eugene. Also, I don't think his schtick will play on the West Coast. Lastly, Muschamp just collected $13M from the 'Cocks. His kid is playing football at UGA. I think Boom is going to sit back, smell the roses, and enjoy life with his family. Jim Leonhard: Wisconsin born. Wisconsin-bred. Played for the Badgers. The only thing that gets him out of MadTown is a Power 5 Head Coach gig; I think he's a Wisconsin boy that's going to be a Badger for life. And when Paul Chryst moves on, he gets that gig. Jon Heacock: I can understand the draw to hire someone who's D just shut us down in the Fiesta Bowl, but again, I can't see where he's the right fit for Oregon. He's never had to/been able to demonstrate that he's an elite recruiter; yes, I know it's tough to get players to come to Ames, but still. And with the resurgence of USC recruiting that has to be a consideration. We need someone who is as much a recruiter as a coach, who can go straight up against the Trojans and get kids to come to Eugene, which leaves... Tosh Lupoi. IIRC, the Ducks have considered going after him in the past, but its always been a case of wrong place, wrong time. Look at his CV: former DC at Bama with a track record of outstanding defenses and sending kids to the NFL. Position wise, he's been a D-Line coach; I don't think that you can argue that our defensive line was somewhat underwhelming this year. He's a West Coast guy who played at Cal, coached in the PAC and still knows the West Coast. Which brings us to the last reason; Tosh Lupoi can flat out recruit. Period. He did it at Cal, he did it for the Huskies, and he certainly did it at 'Bama (see Taigavailoa, Tua). Yes, I know he's never called the plays for the defense before. Yes, I know that being a DC under Nick Saban may only be a plaque on a door (kind of like being an OC under Chip Kelly). But.... the lifeblood of Duck success will always be finding players to come to UO. And I think Tosh Lupoi is the guy to find those players. Oh, and it also sends a little message to SC. 'You take Donte Williams? Fine. Look who we got..." Full Disclosure: the next college (or pro for that matter) coordinator I hire will be my first, but to me this is a no brainer. In Tosh We Trust.