I am an OU alum and attended from 1998-2001. I have a friend who is very close to Coach Heupel and the Oklahoma program. Living close to UCF I had opportunity to follow Josh from hero Sooner QB, to UCF, and I am ashamed to admit that as the season went on I found myself watching more Vol football than the Sooners. Obviously was a disappointing season for Coach Venables but I continue to support him and hope he is able to turn it around. On a positive note for this year former Vol Eric Gray made me eat some crow as he worked hard and really became a consistent difference maker.
Anyway moving on to the thread topic, I spoke with my friend today and while he had no specific knowledge regarding replacements for Alex Golesh he did offer a few names to watch
1. Joe Jon Finley - current OU TE coach and though he is viewed as the likely replacement for Jeff Lebby if/when he gets a HC opportunity he felt he would accept the job if given the OC or CO-OC title. Speaking of Lebby he didn't see him leaving as he is at his alma mater, his family has lots of ties here, and he isn't in shadow of the HC with Brent being a defense guy. He did say if he leaves it would be huge not so much losing Lebby but it would mean he had no confidence in Brent being successful
2. Jon Cooper - another Heupel disciple who was at UCF before going on to Arkansas. He is currently at Western Carolina as OL coach. Says he isa very bright great guy, but maybe a long shot because he wouldn't describe him as a plus recruiter
3. Seth Littrell - this was an interesting one, but says he and Josh are good friends and just let go as HC at North Texas. He has lots of experience and lots of connections with Texas high school coaches
He also mentioned that Josh isn't afraid to make surprise type hires or go outside his coaching tree. Two other names to watch were Jay Harbaugh at Michigan and Jason Witten. He said he doesn't know Jason but a few things he knows could make it a good match - he said obviously Witten was great ambassador for Tennessee football, his Faith/Values would very much align with Coach Heupel, he is known as a student of the game and always seeking to learn, has desire to Coach & has already done so, and his many years in Dallas and now coaching high school football in Texas he would have to have some good connections in both states from a recruiting standpoint.
He also mentioned that Joey Halzle has been with Josh for so long and the two just are great friends that it is hard to imagine he isn't at least CO-OC.
Last based on many conversations I have had with this individual I wouldn't worry about Josh to OU. He says there would have to be serious outreach and healing and there is just no indication of that bridge being rebuilt. It is tough as he is friends with both Stoops and Josh but he says that relationship has never been the same and whether pride or whatever reason Bob has never really reached out and tried to reconcile that relationship. Occasionally there have been events or things where they have seen each other or had to interact and it is cordial but all business.
Anyway it has been really neat seeing Josh succeed at Tennessee and looking forward to the Orange Bowl, hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did Jan 1 2001!
Anyway moving on to the thread topic, I spoke with my friend today and while he had no specific knowledge regarding replacements for Alex Golesh he did offer a few names to watch
1. Joe Jon Finley - current OU TE coach and though he is viewed as the likely replacement for Jeff Lebby if/when he gets a HC opportunity he felt he would accept the job if given the OC or CO-OC title. Speaking of Lebby he didn't see him leaving as he is at his alma mater, his family has lots of ties here, and he isn't in shadow of the HC with Brent being a defense guy. He did say if he leaves it would be huge not so much losing Lebby but it would mean he had no confidence in Brent being successful
2. Jon Cooper - another Heupel disciple who was at UCF before going on to Arkansas. He is currently at Western Carolina as OL coach. Says he isa very bright great guy, but maybe a long shot because he wouldn't describe him as a plus recruiter
3. Seth Littrell - this was an interesting one, but says he and Josh are good friends and just let go as HC at North Texas. He has lots of experience and lots of connections with Texas high school coaches
He also mentioned that Josh isn't afraid to make surprise type hires or go outside his coaching tree. Two other names to watch were Jay Harbaugh at Michigan and Jason Witten. He said he doesn't know Jason but a few things he knows could make it a good match - he said obviously Witten was great ambassador for Tennessee football, his Faith/Values would very much align with Coach Heupel, he is known as a student of the game and always seeking to learn, has desire to Coach & has already done so, and his many years in Dallas and now coaching high school football in Texas he would have to have some good connections in both states from a recruiting standpoint.
He also mentioned that Joey Halzle has been with Josh for so long and the two just are great friends that it is hard to imagine he isn't at least CO-OC.
Last based on many conversations I have had with this individual I wouldn't worry about Josh to OU. He says there would have to be serious outreach and healing and there is just no indication of that bridge being rebuilt. It is tough as he is friends with both Stoops and Josh but he says that relationship has never been the same and whether pride or whatever reason Bob has never really reached out and tried to reconcile that relationship. Occasionally there have been events or things where they have seen each other or had to interact and it is cordial but all business.
Anyway it has been really neat seeing Josh succeed at Tennessee and looking forward to the Orange Bowl, hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did Jan 1 2001!
