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Earlier, it was reported that Ohio State DC Greg Schiano was a major candidate for Oregon’s head coaching job.
The Ducks have gone in a different direction, hiring USF head coach Willie Taggart instead. But one door closing means another door opens, as now the USF Bulls will need a new head coach, and according to one of the most plugged-in reporters in college football, Greg Schiano will be a candidate for that gig too.
Charlie Strong, FSU co-OC Lawrence Dawsey, Alabama OC Lane Kiffin & Ohio State DC Greg Schiano top candidates at USF, sources told @ESPN
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) December 7, 2016
On paper, this would make a lot more sense for Schiano than Oregon. Prior to coming to Columbus, Schiano was the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and was the defensive coordinator at Miami (FL). He also recruited Florida, including the Tampa Bay area, while working as the head coach of Rutgers.
He’s been exceptionally successful at Ohio State this season, helping launch a fearsome secondary that helped the Buckeyes make the College Football Playoff, despite losing many big names to the NFL last season.
Schiano won’t be the only name on this list, of course. Our friends at SBNation.com report that Lane Kiffin will be the top target.
Between Kiffin, Charlie Strong and Schiano, the Bulls will have plenty of options for a quality coach. And given their recent recruiting, it should be an attractive opportunity as well. Whoever steps in to take this job will be in a position to win now, and even compete for the G5 auto-bid to a New Year’s Six bowl.
Schiano almost certainly isn’t going to stay at Ohio State for a long time. Will he be a one and done? It’s possible.