Brian Bobek To Transfer?

There are some rumors floating around the interwebs that sophomore center Brian Bobek intends to transfer from Ohio State following the spring academic quarter. There's also a rumored announcement to come, but that hasn't been given a real timeline as to when that's supposed to occur.

Bobek, a native of Inverness, Ill., played sparingly as a true freshman in 2011 as Michael Brewster’s backup. The 6'2", 275-pound Bobek was expected to take over as the starting center in 2012, but the Buckeyes are going with fourth-year junior Corey Linsley.

In addition, Bobek was passed on the depth chart by true freshman Jacoby Boren, who ended up missing the vast majority of spring following shoulder surgery. Boren was the second-team center by the end of the first week of practice, pushing Bobek to the third-team.

Bobek ended up being a four-star recruit and was by far the highest ranked offensive line recruit in OSU’s 2011 class.

There is no word yet on where Bobek might be headed.

Stay tuned for the latest on Bobek and news on Ohio State athletics

Mike Stoops Offered Ohio State Defensive Coordinator Position

Like I had predicted earlier in my coaching staff post, Mike Stoops rumors have been flying around, but here's some solid evidence that Stoops might be on his way back to the Buckeye state.

"Mike Stoops has been offered the co-defensive coordinator position at Ohio State by Urban Meyer. Stoops spent yesterday in Columbus and is currently considering the position."

The assumption is Meyer will want to make the move sooner rather than later. I think it's wise for Urban to hire the man. He has Ohio ties, and put Arizona on the map.

The report did not indicate whether Stoops will accept the job, and says that he's been offered opportunities to become a head coach at a few other undisclosed schools as well.

Then there's the option of Stoops returning to Oklahoma to coach alongside current Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables and under his brother, Bob Stoops.

Mike Stoops spent five seasons at Oklahoma before moving on to take the head coaching position at Arizona in 2004. He spent eight seasons at Arizona, appearing in three bowl games, before being fired this season after getting off to a 1-5 start.

Who's Joining Urban In Columbus?

Forming an All-Star staff?

"I'm going to try to assemble the best coaching staff in college football.  Our goal is to compete and win Big Ten championships."
 - Urban Meyer, November 28th, 2011

Even before Monday came and Urban Meyer confirmed to the college football world that he was coming back to coach Ohio State, there was a lot of speculation as to who would be coming with Meyer on the new Buckeye staff, once he was officially hired.

Now, with the hire becoming official, Urban has a lot of work to do ahead. This includes trying to actually put together an All-Star staff, recruiting in-state talent, and trying to nab some big recruiting names before National Signing day in February. 

“I was very fortunate in 2005 – I know this is a little biased – I think we put together the best group of assistant coaches maybe in college football history. I know that’s a profound statement, but the job those guys did, the recruits they brought in and the run that that team went on – with the players we brought in and the style of offense, defense and kicking game – my goal is to find that kind of group of coaches again.”

When Coach Meyer (it's going to be fun calling him that from here on out) mentions his 2005 staff, he is referring to his first year as the head coach of the Florida Gators. That staff is still regarded as arguably one of the best staffs in college football in this modern age. The question is now standing: Who will join Urban Meyer in Columbus? Let's take a look at how I think the main coordinating staff will look.

Geno’s List Part Two: Top 10 Potential Coaching Candidates

It's more and more likely he's the one

Part one of our in-depth look who could be on Gene Smith’s list of coaching candidates helped to lay out what we’re potentially looking for in a new field general and examined the backgrounds of candidates 10 through six. 10. Jon Gruden 9. Gary Patterson 8. Tim Beckman 7. Luke Fickell 6. Bo Pelini (ranking was made pre-Michigan v. Nebraska)

Just to recap, we’re evaluating the candidates based on three criteria:
1. Head coaching experience
2. Ohio ties
3. Offensive coaching background. (Although, it’s clear after watching Saturday’s Penn State game that we need help on both sides of the ball)

Let’s pick back up where we last left off and ponder whose names could appear at spots five through one.

Urban Meyer Ramblings

Meyer has some thinking to do

Back in May, when Jim Tressel left Ohio State, rumblings shook throughout Buckeye Nation as to who would follow in the Vest's place as the new head coach. Urban Meyer was a big favorite among the fans, and rumors have been swirling ever since. Things have picked up recently due to Luke Fickell coaching the Buckeyes with a 6-3 record, and to add to the drama, Penn State is under fire.

Joe Paterno may be involved, which could lead to him stepping down. Considering there were rumors about Meyer to Penn State beforehand, Nittany Lions everywhere are excited about the possibility of having a new head coach. Especially with one of the stature that Urban Meyer has with college football. Urban has now "bought" houses in Upper Arlington and all across the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Now, I have it on some good sources that Urban Meyer could be considered a lock to Ohio State. While many are saying the same thing about Penn State, there are rumblings about OSU boosters talking about the hire, and not only talking with other boosters, but OSU officials as well.