Steve Spurrier To Coach Miami Hurricanes?

CSTV.com and ESPN.com are reporting the ol’ Ballcoach might bail South Carolina in favor of The U. Steve Spurrier could be heading to Coral Gables.

How much truth is there to this rumor? Who the hell knows.

We DO know that Miami fell to 5-6 yesterday, losing their fourth game in the row for the first time since early 1997. The Canes haven’t lose five straight since a late season collapse in 1977, but should end that 29-year drought Thanksgiving Day when Boston College visits.

Spurrier is 13-10 in two seasons at South Carolina and Clemson is on deck. Spurrier was mum on the subject at today’s press conference, but that was expected as the Gamecocks’ biggest rival is on deck.

ESPN’s Joe Schad has reported that Larry Coker will be fired after Miami’s Thursday night match up against Boston College, where the Canes will most likely fall to 5-7 and will not be bowl eligible for the first time since 1997.

Schad has also reported that Coker has not officially been informed he will not be retained, but that “influential members of the university community” have begun contacting reps for possible replacements, looking to make a “splashy” hire.

A source close to Spurrier has stated that the coach would be willing to hear Miami out due to a love for the state of Florida and the fact that Miami is a premier program in the National Championship picture at the beginning of every season.

The only thing more shocking than the mention of Spurrier, were comments made in regards to Donna Shalala. ESPN reported that Shalala had hoped Coker would win the final two games of this season, so she could lobby to bring him back.

Shalala is either attempting to be politically correct (it seemed fait accompli that Miami would lose to Virginia and Boston College after falling to 5-5 last week at Maryland) or she truly doesn’t “get” The U’s football culture. Regardless, she has no leg to stand on should Miami wrap up 6-6 or 5-7. “Influential” trustees and boosters are riled up and are identifying replacements.

Spurrier would definitely be a “splashy” hire for Miami – a program who’s bread and butter has always been finding “up and coming” coaches. The Canes have never brought in a legendary coach. On the contrary, past coaches have created their legacies at The U.

After six seasons with the vanilla Coker a top the program, Spurrier might be that shot in the arm the Canes need. Especially on offense, where Miami is at an all time low in the modern era.

Greg Schiano and Barry Alvarez are two other names still being mentioned. Rutgers was whooped by Cincinnati, ending their Cinderella season – while Alvarez presses on as AD at Wisconsin. Schiano will look to renegotiate with RU at season’s end, but should the Miami job open, it could pique his interest. Alvarez seems happy at Wisconsin but recently stated “never say never” in regards to a return to coaching, especially with old chum Shalala at Miami and the fact South Florida would allow him to recruit talent he was unable to bring to Wisconsin.

Five days until the next Canes game and six days until the Coker era will come to an end. Stay tuned. MUCH more to come in the next few weeks.

.:Canes305:.

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