12/11
UNLV -- Marcus Arroyo (Oregon OC) is the lead horse in the running for this mediocre, at best, position. Aranda had discussions with UNLV officials, but it's looking like he may not be the one. Rumors are that UNLV wanted him, but Aranda turned them down. Could be the amount of $$$$. Could be that Aranda will wait for a (much) better opportunity than UNLV.
Colorado State -- Butch Jones is getting the most buzz, but Kevin Wilson (aOSU OC) is getting a hard look. Another rumor floating around is that Urban Meyer is acting as a consultant for Colorado State in their coaching search. Jeff Choate (Montana St.) is rumored to be in the mix, along with Steve Addazzio (BC fired), Tony Alford (aOSU asst HC and CSU alum), and Aranda (good luck getting him...). At least one realistic Rams fan opines that CSU is being too picky:
Opinion: Colorado State struggling to find football coach who meets AD's stated criteria
Lamar -- the Cardinals are looking at a number of folks, including
Tim Beck, and Scotty Walden (So. Miss WR and co-OC). KC Keeler (Sam Houston St.) may also get a look. Some Cardinal alums were even talking Briles as a possibility (yes, that Briles).
It's not completely out of the question that they end up settling for a relatively unknown college assistant, or even go to the high school ranks--who knows. It's a tough sell to bring in a big name to Lamar.
Auburn -- hired Chad Morris (fired from Arkansas) as their new OC, as reported above.
New Mexico -- some names being thrown around the Lobo rumor mill include Danny Gonzales (Ariz. St. DC), Troy Reffett (North Texas DC), Rhett Lashlee (SMU OC), Sonny Cumbie (TCU OC), Marvin Lewis (Ariz. St. "special advisor" whatever that position means
), and David Bailiff (aTm Commerce).