SORRY, MSU, KELLY SAYS HE'S STAYING AT CINCINNATI...
And I always believe what coaches say. In this case, I think Kelly's announcement is legit. He says he's committed to Cincinnati and therefore there's no reason to listen to other job offers.
He's been connected to four jobs this off-season: Tennessee, Mississippi State, Washington and Notre Dame.
Most reports say that Kelly wanted Tennessee to move more quickly during their search, but UT wasn't willing to rush the process to fit Kelly's schedule.
Mississippi State, no offense Bulldog fans, isn't a better job than Cincinnati (though it may become a better job when the new SEC tv money comes pouring in and facilities/salaries go up). Traditionally, MSU is the Vanderbilt of the SEC West.
As a friend asked me on Sunday, which West Division programs look to be the easiest to jump if you're in Starkville? The answer... none. That's not to say it can't be done, but there's just not a track record of success.
Washington has been a hot rumor, and I'm not sure what went wrong on that front, but I think Kelly's announcement has more to do with Notre Dame than anything else.
Word is that Charlie Weis will meet with Notre Dame officials next Monday. That will give Notre Dame time to gauge Urban Meyer's interest on Sunday, the day after the SEC title game.
From what I'm hearing from contacts in Chicago, if Meyer shows solid interest, Weis is out and the Irish will push hard for Meyer.
If Meyer doesn't show interest, Weis will probably get one more year in South Bend.
Kelly is probably hearing what I'm hearing... so why not pull out as though you're not interested, instead of not getting a call at all from the Irish?
At this point, it looks to me like the Bulldogs should focus on six coaches (in this order):
TCU's Gary Patterson
Louisiana Tech's Derek Dooley
Florida offensive coordinator Dan Mullen
Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong (IF he can bring in a top offensive coordinator)
Former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer
Former Clemson coach Tommy Bowden
