Rapid Fire: UNLV, Iowa, Clemson, UTEP Notes

“Rapid Fire” at Football Rumor Mill focuses on multiple coaches around the country who are in serious jeopardy. The latest edition centers on no less than four jobs…

UNLV

The case against Sanford: Sanford is constantly talking about turning the corner, but will he be the one to get them across it?Sanford is in the final season of his four-year contract. He signed on to coach the Rebels after leading the Utah Utes to a Fiesta Bowl victory as offensive coordinator in 2004. The Rebels’ head coach that season, John Robinson, resigned halfway through the season and his team finished 2-9 setting the trend for Sanford… In four years as head coach, his record speaks for itself: nine wins and 34 losses. Of those nine wins, only one has come against a team that has finished (or has to this point in the 2008 season) a winning record. – The Rebel Yell

Iowa

Kirk Ferentz, Iowa: Off-field problems the last two years haven’t helped Ferentz’s case, but the team has been playing better, and it faces a key stretch of games that will dictate the administration’s course with its $3 million-a-year coach. The five wins this fall aren’t too impressive, though Iowa should get a sixth at home against struggling Purdue. Still, the Hawkeyes might have to win two of these three remaining games — at Illinois and Minnesota, home against Penn State — for Ferentz to keep his job. – Sporting News

Clemson

Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster has been contacted about filling the coaching vacancy at Clemson, sources close to the search said. Foster, 49, is one of several candidates believed to be under consideration to replace Tommy Bowden, who stepped down Oct. 13. Others include Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, former Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin, TCU coach Gary Patterson, Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson and Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables. Clemson likely will talk to coordinators who are candidates before the season ends and wait until after the season to speak with sitting head coaches. – Rivals.com

UTEP

Mike Price, UTEP: The 0-3 start made things very shaky in El Paso. Winning three of four since has helped, and while the Miners won’t win the C-USA West (Tulsa will), Price can strengthen his case in games against state and conference rivals Rice, SMU and Houston. Win two of those three, and he’s safe. – Sporting News