After an 11-year run as head coach at Rice, on Monday the university officially announced David Bailiff is no longer their head coach. Bailiff had some excellent years at the small, private university located in Houston, but in the end it was time for a change and both sides knew it.
Looking ahead, we are told administrators are looking for a fresh image to take charge of the program. Someone who will respect the academics of the institution; but who perhaps can implement a slightly different style for the football team.
Thus far, the chatter within the profession has been centered around up and coming coordinators.
Joseph Duarte, who covers local college football for the Houston Chronicle, mentioned UCF offensive coordinator Troy Walters as a name to watch for the position.
Sources have told us both Stanford coordinators (Mike Bloomgren and Lance Anderson) have a good shot at the job. We are also told LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada is seeking an interview.
Bruce Feldman tweeted both Stanford coordinators and South Carolina offensive coordinator (and former Owl) Kurt Roper as potential candidates as well.
One name mentioned within coaching circles who several feel could thrive there is Northwestern running backs coach Matt MacPherson. MacPherson recruits and is well known in Texas and the high schools that Rice recruits. A finalist last year for the Western Michigan job, many believe he could be the first guy to step up from Pat Fitzgerald's staff to accept a head coaching position.
At Rice, Bailiff made between $750,000 and $905,000 each of the past five seasons.
As more becomes clear we'll keep you posted. As always, for the latest in coaching job information head to The Scoop.
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Bruce Feldman tweets James Madison head coach Mike Houston could come into play for the position. JMU faces Stony Brook in the round of 16 in the FCS Playoffs.
Further, source tells FootballScoop Matt Canada no longer plans to interview for this one.