Now that the initial shock has worn off...
It's not a huge surprise
T-Will left. I know
@wardfamily posted something about Gus letting recruits know T-Will was not in it for the long haul, but I also had reasons to believe Gus thought T-Will would leave sooner rather than later. It couldn't have come as a complete shock. He was just in the mix at Auburn and nearly got the job there.
T-Will was making $600K at UCF, though that figure would have likely increased with the strong probability UCF will soon restructure contracts (Gus extension and increased assistant coach salary pool) heading into Big 12 play next season. Some have said it's all but done and waiting for an official announcement.
SEC coordinator pay typically exceeds $1M though.
The initial buzz regarding the vacant DC position has centered around promoting cornerbacks coach
Addison Williams, who has been regarded as a rising star in the coaching profession. Gus promoted him to Assistant Head Coach last summer. Things could change, but if there is an in-house promotion I wouldn't be surprised seeing things go that route. We'll see.
The defensive recruiting class has mostly been linked to Addison, Kenny Martin, Kenny Ingram and David Gibbs anyway. Except for South Florida LB transfer Antonio Grier, who pretty much made it clear T-Will was a huge part of his decision. That could be one to watch.
As I said in a post in that long thread, it's too soon to make any declarations. Transfers don't have to make a decision by next Wednesday - the only date that matters for them is whatever day they'd be enrolling in January. There is nothing binding until then.
Perhaps the most interesting thing I heard centered around
Chip Lindsey's departure. When Gus initially arrived at UCF, he stated he would pretty much always be the "OC" of sorts, run his offense and call plays. It's been said that led to some butting of heads at times between Gus and Chip Lindsey, who obviously wanted complete freedom to run his own offense.
I'm hearing Gus is now open to hiring an OC who would run the offense while Gus focuses on being the CEO of UCF Football as opposed to HC and OC. That could be an outsider or perhaps an elevated role for
Tim Harris, UCF's RB coach who has had the co-OC title. Harris was in the mix for the FIU HC job last year.
We'll see if that ultimately happens, but that would enhance the talent pool if UCF were to hire from the outside. It's difficult to hire and retain "offensive coordinators" if it's simply a figurehead title.
Today was the first day of bowl practice and I believe they'll continue through next Thursday. We haven't heard anything about media availability yet. The team leaves for the Military Bowl on Christmas Day.
RB Demarkus Bowman & #Bokey QB Timmy McClain (usf transfer) I am tooooooo excited to see these two finally strap it up for the #Knights.
