Schiano, Tennessee backlash continues
Tennessee athletic director John Currie defended his coaching search and vouched for the character of Greg Schiano a day after negotiations between the two parties broke down amid a public backlash.
Currie issued a statement acknowledging the Ohio State defensive coordinator had been a leading candidate for the Volunteers’ coaching vacancy without explaining why the sides parted ways.
“Among the most respected professional and college football coaches, he is widely regarded as an outstanding leader who develops tough, competitive teams and cares deeply about his student-athletes,” Currie said.
The deal fell apart after heavy criticism from fans, state lawmakers and gubernatorial candidates. Their complaints stemmed from Schiano’s background as an assistant at Penn State during Jerry Sandusky’s tenure as the Nittany Lions defensive coordinator.
It was also reported that the memorandum of understanding signed by Schiano and Currie for Schiano to be the Volunteers’ next coach was not signed by Beverly Davenport, the university’s chancellor.
Lawyers on both sides are expected to argue whether the memorandum is still a binding legal document and whether Schiano is owed compensation.
Iowa State
Coach Matt Campbell and the Cyclones have agreed to a new six-year deal worth $22.5 million, increasing Campbell’s annual compensation from $2.1 million to $3.5 million. Campbell led Iowa State to a 7-5 record and its first winning season in Big 12 play in 15 years. The second-year coach can now focus on getting the Cyclones ready for their first bowl game in five years.
Rice
Coach David Bailiff has been fired. Athletic director Joe Karlgaard announced the dismissal two days after the Owls finished the season 1-11. Bailiff was a two-time Conference USA coach of the year who went 57-80 with four bowl appearances in 11 seasons at Rice.
Ohio State
Coach Urban Meyer said quarterback J.T. Barrett is “probable” for the Big Ten championship game against Wisconsin Saturday. Barrett left last Saturday’s win against Michigan with a knee injury.