By this time next week, we should have a better handle on which direction Vanderbilt is headed on the coaching front. Until then? It’s speculation time, y’all!
The school has nearly completed its first round of interviews, which reportedly included a pool of ten or so candidates. David Williams, vice chancellor of athletics, told The Tennessean that he would like to whittle the list by more than half before continuing the process.
“What I’d prefer to do is probably take more than three to the second round, but to get this thing done, three is probably the optimal number,” said Williams.
“I can’t imagine it would be more than four. But I’ve been very pleased with the number of good people we’ve seen.”
Williams, obviously, would not reveal the coaches he’s interviewed. According to The Tennessean, though, the school has either interviewed in person or talked on the phone to the following individuals: Tulsa head coach Todd Graham, Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson, Maryland offensive coordinator James Franklin, Michigan State offensive coordinator Don Treadwell, Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Doeren and Stanford assistant Greg Roman.
The agents for Temple head coach Al Golden and Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn have been contacted, although there’s no known movement on that front. Additionally, Vandy has requested an interview with Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun.
Calhoun has already turned down overtures from Colorado and Minnesota -- as well as Vandy, reportedly -- over the last month, and his name has come up as a potential candidate for the NFL’s Denver Broncos following the firing of Josh McDaniels Monday.
