Lane Kiffin Fallout

Lane Kiffin bolted in the middle of the night for University of Southern California last night. This bring back memories of 1984 when the Baltimore Colts left for Indianapolis in the middle night in moving vans. Yes, Lane Kiffin did address the media last night, but this was only for about 2 minutes and did not take any questions. Their had been no rumors about Kiffin even being in the search in regards to the USC position. This announcement came as a total shock to the college football world and especially to Volunteer students and alumni. Once the rumors started about Kiffin's departure students started to congregate outside the football complex. Eventually this turned into a mini riot with things being set on fire and people yelling "F--- You Kiffin!!!" to any car leaving the complex.

The meeting with his formal players did not go over well with them interrupting him before he could finish and some even walking out. You have to feel bad for some of his recruits from last year and any recruits that has already enrolled in UT for spring classes. They bought into the Lane Kiffin hype and believed him when he sat on their couches at their home, when he was pitching his case as to why they should come to UT. Now all these recruits are at UT and are waiting to see who will be coaching them next year. This departure has caused a shakeup in the recruiting ranking as well as UT has fallen 2 spots already.

Kiffin is reinforcing what is becoming a common trend in college football with coaches lately, which is that loyalty and giving your word does not mean to much. anymore. The days of Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno type's are over. Coaches no longer will be at schools for 30 years. Most coaches it seems like now are always looking for a bigger paycheck or maybe a shot at the NFL.

Southern California has hired Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin as their next head coach. Kiffin will be bringing his father defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron.

Todd Grantham

According to Chris Low of ESPN, Mark Richt is starting to really go after Todd Grantham, DL coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Richt is starting to realize with National Signing Day coming up he needs to get a DC in place. Richt could name Grantham the DC before the Cowboys are done with playoffs.

http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/8165/richt-zeroing-in-on-cowboys-grantham

Kirby Smart, the aftermath

Now that the whole Kirby Smart ordeal is behind us all and we know that for a fact Kirby Smart is not coming to Georgia but will remain at Alabama lets look back.

I will be the first to state that I was totally for us signing Kirby Smart and bringing him back to the Peach State. However, you have to stop and think, would the entire Bulldog Nation have been so adamant to sign to Smart as our DC if he was not a Georgia alumni. Yes, Smart did just win the Broyles Award, but he also was working under Nick Saban who is a defensive guru and had a tremendous amount of talent to work with. Smart is the name of the year and would have helped us get some recruits this year and down the road, but you also have to think if he turned the Georgia defense around in a year or two who is say that we would not lose him to another school for a head coaching position sooner than later.

Personally, I think sticking with Grantham would be a good choice. He has something to prove since he has was terminated from his last coordinator position, but let's also remember that was with the Cleveland Browns and they have stunk for about 10 years now. Grantham also might turn into a great recruiter, he already has NFL contacts and can pitch to all defensive recruits he has coached in the NFL for years and knows what it will take for these young men to make it there.

Rolando McClain

Alabama junior linebacker Rolando McClain, the anchor of the Alabama defense, declared for the NFL draft today. The leaving of McClain will surely set back the Alabama defense for next year.

Official Kirby Report

Per Nick Saban, Kirby Smart will be staying at Alabama. The press release should be out shortly.

Georgia Tech Juniors

Georgia Tech lost three juniors today, who all decided to declare for the NFL draft. RB Jonathan Dwyer, S Morgan Burnett, and DE Derrick Morgan all stated in a press conference today that they will be entering in the draft. Derrick Morgan was GT's top defensive player. Dwyer lead the Yellowjackets in rushing with 1395 yards and 14 TD's.

Florida Juniors

ESPN's Joe Schad has reported that Florida center Maurkice Pouncey will be turning pro, however his brother Mike Pouncey will be staying for his senior year. Florida has already lost juniors TE Aaron Hernandez and CB Joe Haden. It is being reported that DE Carlos Dunlap is holding a press conference today to report that he will also be turning pro.

Mike Riley staying put

Mike Riley has officially turned down University of Southern California and has agreed to a 3 year extension with Oregon State. Riley's updated contract has him as the coach of the Beavers through 2019.

Pete Carroll resigns

According to the LA Times Pete Carroll has resigned as the head coach of Southern California. Carroll will be the coach of the Seattle Seahawks, numerous reports have come out as possible replacements for Carroll. Mike Riley the head coach of Oregon State was the leading candidate, however, OSU has offered Riley a lifetime contract. This should definitely offer a changing of the PAC 10 power structure.