In 2016, Colorado went 10-4. In the other five seasons Mike MacIntyre served as head coach of the Buffs, his teams never won more than five games.
Yesterday, MacIntyre was let go.
Looking forward, AD Rick George has said the program needs new energy. Word in the coaching community is that George is looking to bring in a coach with head coaching experience.
Over the past month as it became likely the job would open, many coaches discussed the potential that Jim Leavitt could return to CU. Many in the profession credit Leavitt's defense and his overall ability to set the tone for the staff with the success the Buffs had in 2016. Following that season, Leavitt was approached with several opportunities and headed West to serve as defensive coordinator at Oregon. Sources tell FootballScoop the relationship between Leavitt and George was damaged when he left. We aren't hearing much buzz for Leavitt to get this job this time around.
As for the guys we are hearing in the wind....
Jeff Tedford - Fresno State head coach Jeff Tedford has been outstanding since returning to Fresno for the 2017 season, piling up 19 wins thus far. Tedford, who is only 57, could make this his last big move and have another great run in the Pac-12. As head coach at Cal, Tedford's Bears won 82 games in 11 seasons including multiple 10-win seasons. CU would likely double the $1.55 million Tedford is earning Fresno. Upon further review, including his incentives earned, Tedford is making close to $2.8M per year at Fresno. CU will have to step up here as well.
Mike Norvell - The Memphis head coach is experienced in the Pac-12 after serving as Todd Graham's offensive coordinator at Arizona State from 2012-15. Norvell's offense is exciting and he's won 25 games at Memphis in three years. If Colorado could pair him with a defensive coordinator as amped up as Leavitt, well, that would be something to see. Salary wise, Norvell is making just over $2.5 million. CU was paying Mike Mac just north of $3 million, so CU likely would need to step up to attract Norvell.
Jimmy Lake - Washington defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake was one of the first guys rumored to be "a candidate" over the past month. Lake's stock has been rising over the past few years at Washington. This is his first season as defensive coordinator. At 41 and lacking head coaching experience, this would be a different hire than expected but his name has some whispers behind it.
Dana Holgorsen - Dana would bring instant name recognition and proven ability to attract Power 5 talent. For whatever reason, the idea of Dana hosting a bunch of coaches at his home in Boulder just feels like too good of a picture not to paint. Let your imagination run wild. Yeah, this seems like a good idea. Holgorsen's seven year run at West Virginia has been successful (six seasons of 7+ wins) but it also has felt a bit awkward at times. Perhaps this is the opportunity for a fresh start. Holgorsen currently makes about $3.5 million; so not only would Colorado have to step up, Dana might have to give a bit to make it work.
Matt Wells - The Utah State head coach is suddenly in the wind again as his Aggies are 10-1 this season (after averaging five wins per year for the last three seasons). Wells would love to get a shot at a Power 5 program and reportedly makes under $1 million right now so Colorado could likely invest in a quality defensive coordinator to pare with Wells (and presumably David Yost his OC the last two years) on the offensive side of the ball. More on Wells and his staff here.
Others who might become involved: Mark Helfrich (Bears OC who previously served as CU's OC a decade ago - would be hard to leave the Bears right now), Dino Babers (Syracuse head coach whose offense would score points and who's energy could not be much more different than Mac's), Brian Harsin (If you are going to leave the beauty that is Boise, Boulder would be a place to consider), Eric Bienemy (CU great who recently served as OC under Embree, now probably having the time of his life as OC of the Chiefs), Jedd Fisch (currently senior offensive assistant with the Rams; but on the look for a collegiate head job - Coached QBs or WRs or OC for UCLA, Michigan, Jaguars, The U, Seahawks, Univ of Minnesota and Broncos), Jim Mora (former UCLA, Seahawks and Falcons head coach).
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest in coaching job information.