Rapid Fire: SDSU, UTEP, K-State, Idaho, Syracuse 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 five jobs…

San Diego State

There always is a market for experienced coaches to move into jobs that formerly were occupied by a young, unproven coach who failed to get the job done. Should a job like, say, San Diego State open, it wouldn’t be a shock to see former Minnesota coach Glen Mason, former Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione and Florida defensive line coach Dan McCarney – a former Iowa State coach – enter the picture. Kevin Gilbride could be a wild card. He has done a standout job as offensive coordinator for the New York Giants, helping the team win the Super Bowl last season and forge a 21-8 record since taking over the offense. – Rivals.com

Kansas State
Word is Kansas State’s Ron Prince likely will return in 2009 despite his team’s struggles. Why? K-State president Jon Wefald is leaving at the end of this academic year and would rather have his successor make the call on Prince. Still, speculation is swirling about Prince. Names being mentioned are Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables and South Florida coach Jim Leavitt. Both coached at K-State under Bill Snyder. – Rivals.com

UTEP

If a change is made at UTEP, don’t be shocked if Chicago Bears special teams coach Dave Toub – a UTEP alumnus – becomes a target. Toub coached at Missouri under Bob Stull, who now is the A.D. at UTEP. – Rivals.com

Idaho

Word is Idaho could be contemplating a coaching change. Bob Simmons, the former Oklahoma State coach who now is tight ends/special teams coach at Washington, may be a guy on the radar - along with Houston co-offensive coordinator Jason Phillips. – Rivals.com

Syracuse

Since news broke that Syracuse has hired a search firm even though coach Greg Robinson hasn’t been fired, there has been a tight lid on the early front-runners. Some names are flying around. Notre Dame wide receivers coach Rob Ianello, Connecticut coach Randy Edsall, Buffalo coach Turner Gill, Florida offensive line coach Steve Adazzio and Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Morninwheg look like early leaders. Don’t be shocked if Massachusetts coach Mark Whipple enters the picture. Two assistants who make sense are Oregon offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and Illinois offensive coordinator Mike Locksley. Both are offensive-minded guys with plenty of recruiting ties along the Eastern Seaboard. – Rivals.com