I'm a bit concerned they might choose to go cheap, figuring they can't compete financially with a Texas or USC.

Fuente would be my choice.

I think I'm leaning toward Herman as my choice...

That said, i think for program stability it'll be Odom. That way we don't lose him, and Kul stays on as DC.
I don't know if that's good or bad, because i would assume that means the staff stays pretty much the same, and that probably means that "next rung" doesn't get reached.

They're not going to go cheap. Look at what they're paying Pinkel. Rhoades is well aware of the importance of making a good hire that keeps football in a strong place (and keeps money flowing into the AD).

I dont think the Texas job is going to be open. Strong bought himself another year with the OU win.

USCw is going to hire a different candidate than Mizzou will. Don't think they're competing for the same guy...

USCe, if that is who you meant, is a similar position as Mizzou, but the Tigers can stack up there and win a competition for a coach, if they want to.

If Mizzou ends up hiring Odom, I truly think it's because that's who Rhoades thought was the best fit for the job, not an attempt to go cheap.

It also would almost certainly mean Henson is out, because he and Odom don't get along (and the only reason Henson is still there is that he thought he had a good shot at this job when Pinkel retired).

That considered, Henson is probably out, regardless.

I still don't know why we don't go after Pat Fitzgerald...you can't convince me that guy isn't attainable and I think he'd be a slam dunk hire for any SEC team.

He's at his alma mater and has a good thing going. Would be tougher to lure him away than you think.

It's the reason many are incredibly intrigued with Barry Odom, because they put "will he look at other jobs" at the top of their list of important questions.

I think Odom is a future star. I think he needs a little more seasoning as a head coach before he's ready for a job in the SEC. But way too many Missouri fans - especially on PowerMizzou - concerned about "wandering eyes."

If blue blood teams are trying to hire away your coach, it's good thing. Because it means he is kicking ass.

Eh true, didn't really think about him coaching at his alma mater...could be tough indeed.

Herman I think is the guy...if he can recruit in the SEC, man look out...only problem is, he's bolting to Ohio St. at first chance if all goes accordingly.

That's good news, and makes my post incorrect.
Thanks.

Shouldn't we hire the Central Missouri football coach?

That's not a problem.

Missouri fans need to stop thinking of that type of thing as a problem.

If Tom Herman is successful enough at Missouri to get the Ohio State job when Meyer retires, that means:

1) He won at a high level at Missouri. At LEAST SEC East titles. And likely an SEC title and/or playoff appearance.
2) The program is in better shape than he found it.

Man, I hope Northwest Missouri State doesn't win the D2 national title this year. Tim Wolfe will force their coach on us...

Oh, wait...

Speaking of, who was Larry Smith's lead recruiter? I bet that guy doesn't let players wear jackets indoors or slouch.

Good points...I guess I'm too optimistic in that I want Mizzou to get to the point where they're considered one of those jobs.

I still want Herman regardless...he's the best fit IMO.

Matt Rhule is intriguing to me too...

That's why I hope it's Odom.

Herman may be a better coach in the near term, but you know he's gone if/when Ohio State opens up, especially if he has success at Mizzou.

Meanwhile, if Odom is legit, he could run this program for 25 years and I don't think we'd risk losing him.

I think you become a destination school by not being used as a stepping stone. The only way to truly become a next tier program would be to maintain a decade or more of stability.

Then again, Urban Meyer is only 51. If you bring Herman in and Meyer coaches for another 15 years, it seems less likely that Herman would leave for another program. Even if he does, if the Tigers get that 10-15 years of stability out of him, maybe that's enough to make us a front of the line program for future hires. Additionally, Herman's an offensive guy so maybe he's enough of a different fit in the SEC that it gives us a slight competitive advantage (rather than trying to out 'Bama Bama, as Odom would likely do).

Those are the two guys that I'd really want. Those are the clear frontrunners to me.


EDIT: It would appear you had this conversation already.

If Odom and Kul would stick around for a Herman regime, then I'd go with him. But I don't want to lose either of those two.