Taken from a Florida board. TIFWIW. Interesting read, sorry if already posted.
I've been a Gator fan for a while but have never posted on these message boards until now. The Meyer resignation, along with my personal connection to a top UF decision-maker, has led me here. I will not go as far as to reveal the connection.
I have credible information on the search Jeremy Foley is currently conducting. I do NOT claim to know who will choose to accept the HC position here, but my sources are credible. Once again, I am posting this information here purely as a take-it-or-leave it situation. I am not here to "troll" nor do I want to be "flamed". So here it goes:
According to my source, Foley has a list of target he is in the process of calling. Contrary to what Meyer has said, he will have a VERY limited role in the coach search, if any at all. It will be Foley and Machen's to decide..
Bob Stoops - They know chances are slim, they're calling as a matter-of-procedure in case anything has changed since last time. In reality, there is 0% chance of him coming, the call is a formality.
Chris Petersen - His name is on the list, and they will gauge interest from him even though it will be a tough draw to bring him here. Two things work against us: his love for staying in the Boise area and his family situation.
Names that my connection said to write-off:
Chip Kelly - not going anywhere, he is entrenched at Oregon, this is widely-known
Jim Harbaugh - no interest in him contrary to widespread desire by Florida fan base, not sure why, my connection did not say either
Charlie Strong - Foley is looking for an offensive-minded coach, that rumor is true; plus Strong is not seen as a "top candidate"
No one associated with the NFL, that means no Tony Dungy, Pete Carroll, Bill Cowher, and Jon Gruden.
The main name in our search is Bobby Petrino. My souce said Foley will be offering him the position pending discussion regarding buy-out, salary, bonuses, expectations, etc. The job is his if he so wants it.
Now if he doesn't, our fall-back is Dan Mullen. It's been reported lately that he intends to stay at MSU. People, do not believe everything coaches tell the media. However, if the Petrino deal does not go through, we will likely have to settle for Mullen. Foley does not consider Mullen a top-caliber candidate for a couple reasons I've heard: short stint as HC and his wins this year have not been against impressive teams (ours included).So to conclude, this job is Petrino's for the taking. Things are still tricky due to issues surrounding his buyout and upcoming BCS bowl game. My source says to watch for news in the coming week and a half.