I think there are unions with the power to step in and stop terminations/leaves when the result of an investigation is in doubt, but Smith's contract makes clear that he can be fired anytime.

All that's in debate now is if his firing is correctly considered "For Cause."

I would entertain Nick Toth or Kevin Carberry. Hauser would be a great choice but I assume a building cleanse is coming. Doesn’t Nowinsky still have a residence I Athens? I think all four are capable and would be welcome.

I'd hate to see an entire building cleanse of the entire staff simply because of what resulted with Smith.

The only alternative choice I'd be okay with as new HC would be South Dakota State's Dan Jackson. I'd have to think Larscheid would be on the phone with him asap because of the Jackrabbit connection.

Have we ever hired an AD with Ohio ties? Don't know about MAC, but Boeh, Hocutt, Schaus, Cromer...all outsiders. That's like 30 years worth.

My understanding is many former players - primarily Bill Hess-era alums - felt that we were finally building something bigger. Following the choice of a younger AD from a smaller program, they have expressed their displeasure, both verbally and financially.

I've heard Slade is a great guy who is very dynamic and likeable.

Heaven forbid we'd want to turn the Ohio football program into something even greater than it currently is (a very good football program).

Where's the money coming from to hire someone bigger?

- Hauser... would they ask him to coach on an interim basis for an entire season, while they await a bigger candidate pool? Can't say I'd be eager to sign on for that, though it sure beats unemployment.


- Bryant Haines, DC at Indiana - From right outside Columbus. All-MAC at Ball State. Put together a really impressive defense in Bloomington. Just named assistant of the year. A big swing, but he's available. And so are we.

- Spense, DC New Mexico - I'd kick the tires on Spense, for sure.

- TETTLETIME, WR Coach Jacksonville Jaguars - I'd bring in Tettleton as Offensive Coordinator. Maybe even see if he's ready to jump in with both feet as Head Coach. These days you gotta take a big swing and a young eager coach will fire up everyone. Also won't hurt with alumni relations.

- Dan Jackson, HC SDSU - I bet Lars wants to talk to Dan to gauge his interest. He also spent some time at NIU. (Vandy, Idaho as well)

- Mike Shananahan (not that one), OC at Indiana - Was brought up as a potential hire for Toledo. Has really done wonders with Cig at JMU and IU.

- Deland McCullough, RB Coach Las Vegas Raiders - Julie interviewed him the last cycle. Spent some time at Notre Dame. Won a ring as the RB coach with Kansas City.

- Mike Denbrock, OC Notre Dame - I believe Julie also interviewed him the last cycle. His name has been kicked around a few times regarding G5 jobs. Doesn't have one though, likely because of those beautiful golden handcuffs. A $2.1M coordinator role sounds like a dream.

Haines has just signed a new contract so he’s not available. Shanahan just signed a new deal today so he’s not available either. Truth is, almost every p-4 coordinator is making way more (1 1/2 to 4 times) what we were paying Smith. Why would they go to a G6 with as little money as we currently have?

Same reason Hartline would go to USF.

Some people, while making a lot of cash as a coordinator, are just waiting for their first offer to be the head coach somewhere. Can be seen as a strategic move, positioning them to build their own program for the very first time and potentially move up to bigger jobs in the future.

I certainly don’t think we’re high on a lot of lists, especially if you’re making $2M as a coordinator, but what we can offer is a path forward, with a historically strong G5 football program in a recruiting rich state. The hottest coordinater in the game is probably out of reach, but for others we can offer opportunity.

Hartline comparison is not exactly a good one. He’s going to make somewhere between 2.5 mil and 5 mil. That has nothing to do with our case. There’s no doubt some coaches would want to run their own show, but the pay they make to come here is not enough if it’s going to be less than 50% of what they’re making now.

While Ohio has done pretty well over the last 20 years or so, it’s hard to see how we’re going to be able to keep up, money wise, with many other G-6 schools that have more financial support. Maybe that will change, and I hope it will, but I’m sure how that would happen.