More from Dizzy D in Boise...

Someone once said something like “a new day brings new opportunities,” and we just couldn’t help but think along these lines when we finally crawled out of bed around 11:15am Boise Time.

The sleep that had been enjoyed was still not enough after a brutal 20-hour travel odyssey that brought us all the way from the tropical humidity of Miami to the rugged mountains of Boise. But, so be it. As our hero Hunter S. Thompson was fond of saying, “Buy the ticket, take the ride.”

Today’s ticket is a hot one, in some circles at least. It grants us admission to the much-anticipated MPC Computers Bowl, where Your Miami Hurricanes will take on the grizzly Nevada Wolf Pack.

But before we trekked over to The Blue of Lyle Smith Field, we headed down to the lobby of The Red Lion Hotel, where we were greeted by the sight of several dozen green-clad Miami People. There they were, scattered throughout the Coffee Garden, lounging in the lobby and milling about in the hallway. As it turns out, they were members of the band, the cheerleading squad and the Sunsations. As you probably know, many of them possessed several strong characteristics, and we couldn’t help but wish we had showed up in the lobby a little bit earlier.

But oh well. What can we do? The past is the past, and today was all about the future. So after talking to a few Miami students who had braved the journey – complete with an ESPN-themed sign that read “CanEs on Smurf turf Pound Nevada” (personally, we would have preferred, “You’re With Me, Blue Leather”). We headed out for lunch, then over to The Blue, where these two proud teams were preparing to dive into this hotly anticipated matchup with all the strength they could muster.

Arriving about two hours before kickoff, we were shocked to find that the atmosphere that surrounded this game was, well, pretty much dead. Very little tailgating, at all. No strains of Rick Ross or Uncle Luke or “In The Air Tonight.” No music at all, really. Perhaps the “magnitude” of this game had something to do with that. Perhaps the distance played a role. And perhaps the fact that it was about 20 degrees and slightly windy also factored in.

Whatever it was, it wasn’t terribly impressive. Neither were our credentials, which were printed on very cheap-looking purple (?) cardboard, laminated for extra style points. And neither was the press box, which took awhile to reach and was rather limited in scale. It did possess, however, some very cozy space heaters, wireless internet access, and, best, of all, a rather stunning view of the Whatever It Is Mountain Range due north of our seat.

We couldn’t help but contrast it to the view from the Orange Bowl press box, where one can look “across the ocean over there” and take in the always evolving skyline of downtown Miami.

Street lights or ski slopes? Beaches or mountains? Palm trees or fir trees? Orange or Blue? Maybe, in the end, it’s all a matter of perspective. Or maybe we are all, when everything’s accounted for, God’s Children.

But we digress. There is a game to be played here. And very soon. Due to our Other Obligations, we are uncertain as to just how much, if any, perspective we can provide on the game.

So, if you don’t hear from us again tonight, we wish you a very Happy New Year’s. Cheers!

Dizzy D chimes in from glorious Boise...

Miami is gearing up to take on Nevada in a few hours and your friendly neighborhood blogger Canes305 couldn't make the trek to the arctic northwest. Duty called in Scottsdale, AZ and I headed to the desert instead.

While us Canes fans are still trying to wrap our arms around another lesser bowl game, blue turf and snow my writer pal and Miami native Dizzy D headed to Boise for business, pleasure and frankly, to help a brother out.

Below, Dizzy rants about his Miami to Boise journey yesterday:

Blogging From Boise: A Journey Into The Belly of The Blue

After enduring a 20-hour, six-city, four-flight trek from Miami to Boise (don't ask why, it's really not that important or interesting), our intrepid writer arrived in The Fair City of Trees at approximately 11:45 p.m. local time.

The two-hour prop plane flight from Los Angeles International Airport was not nearly as bad as expected, though the complimentary glass of merlot on said flight was every bit as awful as could be imagined.

The local weather, while indeed cold, was not the bone-jarring, snot-solidifying blast of arctic air that had been feared. Sure, it was in marked contrast to the record-setting heat and humidity of Miami on Christmas Eve, but then again, everything else about Boy-see is worlds removed from Mee-yami (though believe it or not, we did note a few rather attractive Latinas in Boise).

Upon checking into The Red Lion Hotel in Boise's "downtown", we were shocked to notice a few clusters of orange, green and white balloons, one of them even accompanied by a picture of Sebastian The Ibis. We also noted that a few of the meeting rooms were marked "University of Miami."

Could it be? Could The Mighty Men Of The U be staying here, at The Red Lion? Would this be the den they would hole up in before roaring across town to "The Blue" and mauling the overmatched, mangy Wolfpack?

Apparently, not. The U, it turned out, was staying at something called The Grove. Fans, apparently, have taken over The Red Lion. Or at least established a minor beachhead here. Perhaps this is why, we reasoned, we heard the following exchange at the hotel bar, mysteriously dubbed "Characters":

Very White Patron: "So, are you sick of all the Miami fans yet?"

Very White Bartender: "I'm sick of the players."

We think this is the conversation that took place, but then again, we were a little punch-drunk, what with the ridiculous all-day travel itinerary and the lingering sinus infection and the requisite nightcap to a rather brutal Saturday.

Also unlike Miami, everything closes in Boise at 2 a.m. Yes, even included Characters. Last call came and went, and as we made the slow amble back to our surprisingly well-appointed room, we couldn't help but smile when we saw those meeting rooms reserved for The University of Miami.

It may be dozens of degrees colder. It may be thousands of miles away. It may be infinitely smaller. But Boise, while not Miami, appears to possess, at least for a few days, a little bit of The Miami Flavor.

Take it outside, you two...

The verbal sparring between injured starting quarterback Kyle Wright and current starter Kirby Freeman continues. Come spring, this thing will be an all out war. Bank on it.

Jorge Milan of the Palm Beach Post wrote a piece today regarding both gunslingers and their desire to hold down the starting gigs come spring 2007. Wright feels the spot is his when healthy again, while Freeman plans on making his case against Nevada on Sunday, his fourth start since Wright injured his throwing hand.

Personally, I'm a fan of all this stuff. Not so much guys talking the talk and not walking the walk, but more so the fact that we'll enter spring football with something intriguing here.

I'm neither a Wright or Freeman guy. I prefer whoever will give the Canes the best chance to win and to date and I'm still waiting for someone to step up and do so. Wright has started 20+ games to Freeman's three, so you can't judge the two solely on their accolades. You have to base your opinion on the intangible and that'll come out in the next few months.

Unlike former coach Larry Coker, it seems Randy Shannon is going to open this thing wide up and may the best man win. I like that. I'm not a fan of seniority. Save that for law enforcement and folks in the airline industry. I could care less if a kid has been on campus four years or four months - put the best players on the field.

Miami's success - past and recent - has always come from the competition on the practice field. The best man winning out. The senior unable to get complacent because he knows a freshman is gunning for his job. It's a healthy and sometimes heated process.

Wright did his fair share of talking in 2006, en route to a 5-4 record as a starter. I think he has more raw, natural talent than Freeman but the prototypical kid isn't always the most successful one. Sometimes the guy who's a gamer, a winner and a playmaker has the intangibles needed to lead a team. Freeman seems to have that "gamer" quality about him.

A full on quarterback controversy entering spring will truly separate the men from the boys once and for all. If Wright has the right stuff, he'll elevate his game and the push from Freeman will make him a better all around player and teammate. But if he gets caught up in the process, talking the talk but not walking that walk, he's done. Freeman will win out.

Things will be in full force by April, but entering this weekend it's Freeman who will get his first crack at auditioning for the starting job. The MPC Computers Bowl isn't a big time game, but Freeman gets four quarters to strut his stuff and leave a lasting impressing, for better or worse.

Another large factor here is the offensive coordinator hire. Who does Shannon go with? A pro style coach (Dirk Koetter) will gravitate towards a prototypical drop-back passer like Wright whereas a coach who prefers a spread offense (Kevin Rogers) will utilize Freeman's abilities.

Miami's season finally comes to an end on New Years Eve, but something tells me the fireworks will continue over the next few months.


.:Canes305:.

The Latest...

Not too much brewing this down week between Christmas and New Years. Miami headed to Boise today, but when it's not a BCS game travel days get no TV coverage. The Canes have been a forgotten bunch since Thanksgiving weekend.

Come Sunday, it's blue turf time and an opportunity to get some good press and enter 2007 on a good note after a nightmarish 2006.

Earlier tonight Florida State mopped up UCLA, 44-27. I started watching the game not giving a damn what happened. For me, a win-win. Noles lose and go 6-7, I get to bust some friends balls. Bruins lose, I'm pulling that "state pride" and "A-C-C" card on my So Cal pals who trashed me all year when the Canes choked.

My indifference ran until just before halftime when UCLA led, 20-10. The text messages came in from the west coast contingent. "ACC sucks", "where's the defense?", etc. Right then a switch went off and I was Noles305 for the next two quarters. I dug seeing the Canes counterpart lighting up a Pac-10 team.

Miami plays Florida State and we settle it on the field, but rarely can I silence the UCLA and USC chatter. A head-to-head match up between two good conference teams is as good as we'll get, so I'll take it.

The late shift in momentum, defensive stands, kids with that bounce in their step and dare I say, "swagger" - it's a Sunshine State brand of football and seeing it whoop up on the finesse conference like the Pac-10 made for a decent evening. Here's hoping Miami does the same to Nevada on Sunday night.

Remind the nation these two recent dynasties aren't going to stay gone for long.

REGARDING THE CANES, I can finally mention the name of last week's unnamed potential offensive coordinator, Walt Harris. According to one of my guys, Harris was interested and put in a call but Randy Shannon wasn't. Nothing was pursued and I was told to sit on the name until Harris got a call back or enough time has passed, essentially eliminating his name from the search.

Dirk Koetter is still the leading candidate, but will he uproot his family after six years living just outside Tempe, AZ? There's your million dollar question. Koetter's has four kids between 7 and 13 years old. He's a west coast guy who just spent nine years as the top guy between Arizona State and Boise State. Is he willing to uproot his family and head to Miami? He still on ASU's payroll and could afford to kick back and mull it over.

I believe Shannon is targeting Koetter big time. If he gets him, that's a huge coup. It'll take a hell of a sales pitch to get him here, but it's a great way for Koetter to reestablish himself after seven topsy-turvy years with the Sun Devils. In the end, I don't think Koetter will pack up the fam and put them through a Tempe-to-Coral Gables transition. Who does that leave? We'll see.

Regarding guys leaving early, it sounds like Greg Olsen and Jon Beason are both 100% gonzo. I think the Olsen rumor's been around since his big 3rd quarter catch against Boston College, but Beason will still be a surprise to me. I'm hoping for a last second change of heart.

The Shannon factor, a new regime, the opportunity to lead the defense, etc. Give that up if you're a top fifty pick. Anything less, come back to The U. This could be the start of something special.

ON A SIDE NOTE, we have Rutgers vs. Kansas State tomorrow. What's the over/under on how many times the announcers bring up Greg Schiano and Miami? I'll say 5 separate references during the course of the game. Sadly, most won't see it as the Texas Bowl is on the NFL Network, which few households get.

A triple overtime loss in the season finale (at West Virginia) is the difference between a meaningless December 28th bowl, big BCS money and a nationally televised January 2nd showdown in Miami against Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl.

Make sure to remind your Scarlet Knight pals about that - and their 1-2 skid down the stretch - when they get high and mighty over keeping the Home Depot coach of the year around until the Penn State gig opens.

.:Canes305:.

allCanes Raises $11,000+ for Pata foundation...

allCanes launched our U FAMILY shirt a few weeks back as our way of honoring fallen Cane, Bryan Pata. We made the solemn promise that through December 24th, we'd donate $9.50 of every shirt sold to the foundation started by Jeanette Pata and the Pata family.

The 24th has passed, we tallied up the total and we're proud to let everyone know that allCanes will be donating $11,314.50 to the Pata foundation in honor of Bryan.

This wouldn't have been possible without the help of our loyal fan base. Again, you reacted positively to an original shirt design of ours and to date we've sold just under 1,200 of these tees.

Thank you for all your support. Our shirt and your effort will hopefully help ease some of the Patas' burden during these very trying times.


.:Canes305:.

Good call, Mario...

Mario Cristobal will not coach the Canes' offensive line this Sunday in Boise when the Miami takes on Nevada in the Smurf Turf Bowl.

"I would like to wish the University of Miami players and coaches the best of luck in their bowl game against Nevada,'' Cristobal said in a statement released by FIU Tuesday night.

"Unfortunately, my responsibility as coach at FIU will not allow me to make the trip. This is something that I discussed with coach [Larry Coker], and we have come to an understanding."

Two wrongs don't make a right. Coker is coaching the Canes in the 2006 season finale even though he was let go the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Last week I called for Cristobal to not coach this game, listing a litany of reasons why it's time for both sides to move on. His task list at FIU is a mile long and there's no reason for him to stick around The U for a meaningless bowl game.

Conversely, Coker will lead Miami - while new head coach Randy Shannon coaches the defense - because he doesn't have another job lined up yet.

Again, best wishes to Mario. A great call on his part to not accept Coker's invite to coach his former position players on Sunday night. Time to move on.

A holiday message from the allCanes top brass...

To Our Loyal Customers & Friends,

This has been a tough year for the University of Miami as well as all Cane Nation fans. It is true that we bleed orange and green and our hearts were broken this year way beyond football. We lost Bryan Pata and Brad Timpf. We had a barrage of negative publicity for the FIU brawl. Larry Coker, a good and decent man, was let go. That’s a lot for any program to stomach in a decade, let alone a season.

This year we did two original design t-shirts which captured Canes fans feelings; U Family which was done as a tribute to the football team earlier in the season and struck a cord in our hearts when Bryan’s life was so needlessly taken. Those of us, who love the U, are connected to the U and all of those who are a part of it they are like family. We share the victories, we suffer through the defeats and beyond wins and losses we share a part of our hearts with the University of Miami. Because of your overwhelming support, we’ve sold over 1,100 U Family shirts and are honored to contribute over $10,000 to the Pata family foundation, details to be announced shortly.

The other original design that encapsulates a clear perspective is We’re Still Miami. The back of the shirt tells of our 5 National Championships, of our 22 first round draft picks since 2000, our NCAA record 58-game home winning streak, and the fact out of 119 Division-I colleges and universities only one is known as The U. That’s who we are and that’s what makes Canes fans so special.

Because we have been so blessed for so long, when we have a 6-6 year we do not know how to respond, some fans cling to a sense of entitlement and are appalled at those in power at the U, how could they let this happen? The majority of fans support the U even though frustrated with some of the decisions that were made. As Canes fans, we deeply care, we care so much that it hurts and that is precisely what makes Canes fans so special.

As one era ends and a new one is about to begin let us not forget that the U has brought us much more joy and happiness than any of us ever had the right to expect. The truth is we are spoiled.

Hope is on the horizon; brighter days lie ahead, let us pause and give thanks for all of our blessings. God rest the souls of Bryan and Brad, Godspeed and thanks coach Larry Coker and may God bless all of the U Family. Regarding new coach Randy Shannon, we’re behind him 100%. He was a national champion as a player, as an assistant under some stellar Miami legends and has overcome tremendous adversity in his life. If anyone can mold and teach our future Canes, it’s Randy. Best of luck, Coach. You got your dream job and we have faith you’ll turn things around.

Thank you for your loyalty and support through this difficult year, we look forward to great things in 2007. Win, lose or draw we love the U and feel privileged to be a part of it. You are part of the U family and we pledge to you that we will strive to serve you better and to always appreciate your patronage and friendship.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah & Happy New Year,

The allCanes Family

P.S. Thank you for your support for the Boys and Girls Club Kids Shopping Spree; check out the faces of the kids on our blog, it will warm your heart.

Canes305 wishes everyone a Merry Canesmas...

Canes305 wants to wish everyone in Hurricane Nation a Merry Christmas. If you're reading this blog today, stop.

Turn off the computer and go hang out with your family and friends. Get smashed on egg nog. Complain about the gifts you didn't get. Thank God it's Monday, yet feels like Sunday and you're not at work. Whatever you do, don't spend the day online. I'm logging off as soon as this post is complete.

Going 6-6 this year basically ruined our college football season, but I did take the time to make note of my top five things Miami fans can be thankful for:

#5 - One more game. Yeah, I know it's the Blue Turf Bowl in Boise and that it's a lesser game for a .500 team, but it's still a game. It's a chance to watch the Canes one more time in 2006. The majority of us spend the off-season complaining about not having any football to watch. We then get 11-13 days out of 365 to watch The U suit up and take the field. That comes out to one game per month, on average.

It may be Boise and the opponent may be Nevada, but it's still the Canes and it's still a game. Root 'em in on New Years Eve... in HDTV, no less.

#4 - We're still the Canes. Yes we're down, but needs are being addresses. In 2005 Miami went 9-3 and got rocked in a bowl game. As a result, four coaches were fired. After 6-6 this year, the axe fell again. While you never want to see good people lose their jobs, it's comforting to know that mediocrity is not accepted at The U. When things aren't going as they should, the ship will get righted.

It's been a sub par couple of years, but lest not forget this is a program which won a title five years ago, had one stolen four years ago, made four straight BCS games (2000-2003), had 22 player drafted in the first round this decade and rung up a 34-game win streak a few years removed from the probation era. Opposing fans can shove it. We're still Miami and we'll be back on top soon enough, so get your cheap shots in while you can.

#3 - A lot of talent returns in 2007. Depending on if certain players bail for the NFL early or not, Miami could have somewhere around 18 starters returning next season. The Canes went 6-6 in 2006, but with some fine tuning, better game planning and a little more attitude, there's no reason this wasn't a two-loss team at worst.

Miami's defense will be loaded next year and the offense will have a whole new look once an offensive coordinator is hired in the coming weeks. Don't sleep on the '07 Canes.

#2 - Recruiting needs are being met. Miami was thin at receiver in 2006 and only landed two pass catchers last Signing Day. Entering 2007, the Canes look to have a half dozen receivers locked and loaded. This new staff is focusing its efforts on the areas where Miami has been weakest the past few seasons and they're seeing that 6-6 isn't as big of a deterrent as the haters thought.

Kids still want to be a part of The U and if anything, the sales pitch rings true; Miami is only a few players away from being a big time contender again. The recruits know that and the special ones are ready to jump on board and be "that guy".

#1 - It's a Randy Shannon thing. Fine, maybe the process of bringing on a new coach, throwing big names out there and having a consultant oversee the process left some of us mildly disappointed when Miami promoted from within and didn't land a big fish. But then the dust settled and everyone realizes what a special guy we did wind up with.

Shannon is Miami. Born and raised. Overcame tremendous adversity. Won on the field and off. Made it to the NFL. Learned from past Miami coaches. Climbed the ranks at The U and took bits and pieces from all those who were here before him. He waited patiently, turned down other opportunities and longed for the day he'd take over as the Canes next coach. That day is finally here.

The Larry Coker Era officially ends next week. Ride it out with Coker for one last game and then get tremendously excited for the Shannon Era. Randy will turn this thing around. He wasn't my first choice when this search started, but now that the smoke has cleared, I realize he was the only choice.

A strong disciplinarian who knows The U inside and out, Shannon will recruit the hell out of South Florida and will bring in kids who want to be Canes. He's already proven that with his recruiting efforts and when he lands a top notch offensive coordinator, watch it go. Miami will be back.

Give thanks today, Canes fans. We're putting 2006 to bed and the future looks extremely bright. Start getting excited. A lot is in store.

Merry Canesmas and R.I.P. James Brown, the Godfather of Soul.


.:Canes305:.

Here's another to take for what it's worth...

Again, this is just what I've heard from a few sources but when a few people in the know are telling me the same thing, I start to believe it.

From what it sounds like, James Bryant will most likely transfer from The U. I don't know if this is because he'd go from the doghouse of Larry Coker to that of Randy Shannon or if he's just that displeased with his experience in Coral Gables.

Bryant has shows glimmers of hope in a handful of games in 2006, but he's been suspended for the bowl game for violation a team rule. He came to The U as a freshman in 2004 and a linebacker phenom, as did Willie Williams, who left the program before weeks before this season kicked off.

Bryant made the switch to fullback in an effort to see the field more in 2006, but that hasn't been the case. Sort of odd that two highly recruited and touted linebackers would bail the program in a matter of months. What changed? It is a Coker thing? Is Shannon the culprit? Did these two kids have attitude issues and come to Miami expecting a starting role? Who knows. Either way, it's frustrating for all parties involved.

Here's hoping Bryant sticks around and finds a role on this team in 2007 as it seems good things are in store. Conversely, if he has been a problem child, then kudos to coach Shannon for weeding out the wrong kind of player.

It's obvious he has a game plan in mind and it revolves around getting "Miami-style" kids, which has been this program's bread and butter. Not the highly touted Rivals five-star primadonnas.

Other news of note, a.k.a. the Canes305 two-cents: I believe Greg Olsen is 100% gonzo and also feel Jon Beason will return for his senior campaign next season. Some have felt that Olsen not requesting his Draft info was a sign he'd stick around, but it's actually the opposite. In such a weak draft for tight ends, it's a safe bet Olsen knows he'll be chosen after Arizona State's Zack Miller, which has him going in the second round.

Regarding Beason, the talk is that the scouts feel he needs to return and have a strong senior campaign. Toss that in with the fact his position coach is now the new head coach at The U and I believe Beason comes back as a big time team leader and difference maker for Shannon's inaugural campaign.


.:Canes305:.

The Great Kartik talks Miami Basketball...

allCanesBlog.com is please to introduce our loyal readers to The Great Kartik, an avid Canes enthusiast from Coral Springs who also works with a blog called FloridaCollegeSports.

I've brought Kartik on board to help with all things Canes baseball and basketball related. I received an email today asking if I'm a fan of all Canes sports or just football.

Football is obviously tops, as I've covered it for the past decade, but I'm also a fan of some of the smaller sports; especially baseball.

You're talking about an old school, Ron Fraser Baseball Camp alumnus here.

The issue is trying to cover Miami baseball and Miami basketball when neither are nationally televised and there are so many game a season to keep up with.

I'm 3,000+ miles away from the action, so Kartik is going to help allCanesBlog.com stay up on all things outside of football. Check out his thoughts below:

The Great Kartik's take on the current state of Miami Basketball

The Canes horrible loss to Binghamton last Wednesday night provided an exclamation point to what has been a downer of season thus far for the young Canes. While posters at some of the other Canes fan sites have been claiming gloom and doom, hope remains for this team.

With Saturday’s rough trip to perennial powerhouse Louisville and legendary Freedom Hall looming, the Canes resolve and resilience will be tested. Coach Frank Haith is still a relatively young coach who is still learning what it takes to excel at this level. Comparing Haith to Perry Clark as is being done on some of the message boards is irresponsible and demeaning. Sure the Hurricanes have some of the worst losses in the recent history of this program in the first month of this season, but the team is young and the future could be bright one.

:THIS SEASON'S POSITIVE POINTS THUS FAR:
For starters the win over Georgia Tech is much more critical than all the losses to mid majors and small conference teams. The Yellow Jackets have a very good team this year and in Basketball, unlike Football all that really matter is winning your conference games. Since 1981, only two teams with winning ACC records have failed to make the NCAA Tournament, so in some ways the Canes are 1-0.

The play of Jack McClinton has been a pleasant surprise. Last year, Coach Haith told the media that McClinton was the best player in practice, but seemed hard to believe with Guillermo Diaz and Rob Hite on the squad. McClinton can create his own shot and has almost unlimited range. He is among the most capable back court players in the ACC.

Brian Asbury was a huge disappointment as a freshman averaging under a point a game, but he is now experiencing a breakout season averaging double figures in scoring and having the confidence to take jump shots at important times in the game.

Freshman Dwayne Collins is raw, but has shown exceptional flashes of brilliance and athleticism unmatched by any Miami frontcourt player since Tim James. Fabio Nass, a JC transfer looks like he can give some quality minutes in the paint.


:THIS SEASON'S NEGATIVE POINTS THUS FAR:
Where to start? Losses to Buffalo, Cleveland State, Northwestern and Binghamton are arguably the four worst losses suffered by ANY ACC team this season. So what accounts for the poor play?

Let’s start with senior Anthony Harris, the Canes leading returning scorer from last season. Two years ago, Harris scored 23 and had 8 assists in a huge upset win in Gainesville versus Florida. Since then however he has been inconsistent and turnover prone. Harris has the ability to pass well off the dribble and drive the lane to create lay up opportunities.

However, he seems unwilling to do either this season and has been a total train wreck. On another site’s message boards he’s being described as the “unmentionable one” and that pretty much sums up my opinion of him as well. Denis Clemente, the other point guard, is wildly inconsistent and also turnover prone.

The injury to Anthony King, the other senior starter has hurt the team as well. King is a shot blocking presence at center but Coach Haith has rightly pointed out that King doesn’t demand the ball enough from the guards so even though he’s a good post player he doesn’t get enough touches when he is healthy.

Ray Hicks appeared ready to breakout at the end of last season, but has taken a step backwards this year. Hicks isn’t aggressive enough on the offensive end and has been falling asleep on defense. The same can be said for Jimmy Graham.

The lack of proper ball movement on offense seems to be a major problem with this team. All too often as the shot clock is running down, McClinton or Asbury will be forced to go one on one in the paint or settle for a long jump shot. Players don’t move well without the ball and everyone except Asbury and McClinton drift in and out of games.

The Defense has been atrocious. Last year the Canes led the ACC in scoring defense, but this season the opposition have way too many easy perimeter shot opportunities as well as easy transition fast breaks.

:The Great Kartik's Bottom Line:
The 2006-2007 Canes are probably not going to the postseason but the team is young, and patience needs to be practiced by the faithful. Coach Haith is still learning on the job to be a head coach and all his recruits have yet to pan out.

Part of Haith’s problem with recruiting stems from the conference switch which took away much of UM’s ability to recruit blue chippers from the Northeast, which had been the source of some of the best Canes players during the Leonard Hamilton or Clark years. (Star players like John Salmons, Elton Tyler, Kevin Norris and Johnny Hemsley.)

Haith has had to rely more heavily on South Florida recruits, which isn’t enough to win consistently in the ACC. Haith also has a group of players that are not used to being go to guys.

In time, each player will grow more comfortable with their roles and the bumps of this season could prove fruitful in the upcoming years.

Stay tuned.

To coach, or not to coach?

I'm getting on my soapbox for a minute here. The Smurf Turf Bowl is just over a week away and there's some chatter here regarding Mario Cristobal and his efforts for the final game of Miami's season.

Let me be the first to officially say "adios" to this long-time Cane and let him know The U will be just fine without his services for this lesser bowl game.

It has nothing to do with not wanting Cristobal around. I wish he was still part of the staff and that Randy Shannon would've done what needed to be done to keep him with the program.

I just believe that once it's done, it's done. Cristobal accepted another job. He is no longer a Miami coach. I don't care what the contracts technically read at this point. He is taking another gig and the FIU clock started the minute he gave his press conference earlier this week.

Larry Coker has come out and requested that his former offensive line coach sticks it out for one more game, but that sentiment is coming from a man who for all intents and purposes shouldn't be coaching the Canes on New Years Eve.

That's not a knock on Coker, that's just the fact. I've tried to see the good in keeping the former Canes leader around one more game, but outside of giving the players a rallying cry, there's really no reason Coker should be sticking around. He was fired almost a month ago and now that the dust has settled and Shannon has been promoted, it's making for an uncomfortable situation in house.

There are rumors that defensive backs coach Tim Walton is the new defensive coordinator, but nothing has been made official yet, as it's still theoretically "Coker's team" through Boise. A new offensive coordinator hasn't been hired, nor have other coaches been told if they'll be retained after the new year.

After seeing the strangeness in how this Coker situation has been handled, I am hoping that Cristobal and all parties involved can logically see that his days at Miami are over... for now. I've read some message board posts stating that, "if you're not with us, you're against us" and others chastising Mario for heading to FIU. Can that crap here and now.

We're talking about a Miami kid who won two National Championships as a player and coached at The U for six seasons. That holds a little more weight than the chat room yahoos who feel post counts give them more "street cred" than a guy who spent almost 1/3 of his life inside the walls of this sacred program.

Cristobal is the new head coach of FIU. That job will springboard him to a better one, but make no mistake - this guy is U Family and Miami Football alumni to the core.

That said, there's no place for him on the sidelines coaching this bowl game. When the dust settles and Cristobal realizes the mountain he's about to climb, I'm hoping logic bests emotion and he realizes he chose a different path.

Coach Coker keeps mention it's a dead period for recruiting, but Cristobal's task list has much more on it than recruiting. Coaching Miami's offensive line for a meaningless bowl game would be an irresponsible move for someone recently named head coach at another university. Sure, it's hard to say goodbye to the kids he's recruited and taught these past few seasons, but that's how this coaching game is played.

Coker has nothing lined up when 2007 kicks off, hence his desire for one last hurrah. Cristobal is in the prime of his career and has bigger fish to fry. The goodbyes have already been said. Let's keep it that way, wish him the best and let the Canes limp through the final game of the most disappointing season in three decades. 2007 is new era for Miami, FIU, Cristobal and even Coker.

Hopefully everyone realizes that this week when Miami treks west to brave that Boise cold next weekend. This is just a game. Not a nostalgia tour.

The U already made one mistake keeping a fired coach in house an extra month. Don't make yet another by keeping another departed coach around one game too long.


.:Canes305:.

It's a Kayne thing...

Welcome home Kayne.

It's only been a few days since Miami's newest receiver made it official that he's headed to The U, but the more and more I read, the more I am digging Kayne Farquharson.

This product of Homestead High took the scenic route to Coral Gables, by way of El Camino Junior College in Torrance, CA. Kayne grew up a Cane and called The U his "dream school."

Weak at the wide receiver position the past few seasons, a kid like Farquharson is a dream pick up for Miami. Forget that he's 6'2", 185 lbs., runs a 4.4 forty and is a four-star recruit according to Rivals.com.

With Kayne, it's all about the attitUde. This kid oozes orange and green.

He was interviewed in today's Miami Herald and as sick as I am of the cliche and overused term "swagger" I'll still use it every now and again. Kayne has that swagger some recent Canes have been missing. Let's summarize his thoughts expressed in today's article:

- Feels he has a little bit of Reggie Wayne and Michael Irvin in him skills-wise. Calls himself "all-purpose" as a receiver, kick returner and punt returner.

- Immediate goal; beating Florida State. From there, winning the ACC, a National Championship and being in the running for the (Fred) Belitenikoff Award for the nation's best receiver.

- Regarding opponents covering him, Farquharson stated he feels like he's in the Matrix and everyone else is in the "real world." He also knows his brash talk won't win over opposing defenses, but feels he'll be respected because he's a hard worker and a competitor.

- Feels he has a crack at being a playmaker in 2007 because in Randy Shannon's system, "the best man is going to play."

- Regarding past Canes he'd like to get in touch with regarding picking their brain and seeking guidance - Santana Moss, Sinorice Moss, Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow II. A complete contrast in regards to stories of Ryan Moore shunning the advice of past Miami greats like Lamar Thomas and The Playmaker.

- Stated that his phone will be off from now until spring ball so he can get himself ready to compete for a starting job. Said he'll bring his A-game and that he's a talker, "if you don't like talking, you're not going to stand me."

If that doesn't get the juices flowing, I don't know what will. I can't recall the last time a highly touted recruit came into Coral Gables with this much enthusiasm - not just regarding playing college ball, but with such an undying passion for the University of Miami.

Farquharson doesn't sound like a recruit - he sounds like a diehard Canes fan about to strap it up and dive headfirst into an incredible experience. He has personal and team goals. He wants to tap into the incredible resource that is the Miami Football Alumni Family and let them make him a better player.

"I've always wanted to be a Hurricane," said Farquharson. "I had to wait and wait and wait. But I believe I'm a good reason why people always say the best things come to those who wait."

And wait, he did. Some other tidbits on this new recruit:

- After playing Pee Wee league football, Farquharson put high school football on hold to be the man of the house. His mother (Carrie Pearson) worked the graveyard shift while he helped raised his two younger sisters, Charcarrie and Lashonda. At 13, Farquharson took a job at Winn Dixie to help make ends meet.

- It was a six year sacrifice for Farquharson. He graduated Homestead High with a 3.0 gpa but no college offers.

- Farquharson attended a local football camp organized by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A family friend got him a shot at El Camino in California. He saved up, convinced his mother that it was the right move and he took off for the west coast. In a two year span he developed into one of the best JC players in the country.

- Two weeks ago Farquharson led El Camino to its first California Community College championship in 35 seasons. He was named MVP after scoring a 30-yard touchdown on a reception, an 84-yard kick return and a 7-yard reverse.

- Former Miami receiver coach Curtis Johnson saw one play of Farquharson's first season before offering him a scholarship. Current coach Marquis Moseley was sold equally as fast.

Kayne is gonna be a big time Cane. Bank on it. This kid has the physical tools, but more importantly, he has his head on straight. There's no experience for life's lessons and there's something refreshing about a young kid who "gets" it.

We're living in a world where 17-year old high school phenoms are being treated like superstars. Microphones in their faces, recruiters calling the house and getting used to having their asses kissed off the field. The five-star primadonna who waltzes in, expects starting time and makes his demands - that's all too common in this day and age.

Farquharson is a stand up young man, headed to Miami to play football - not to play high school head games. This kid is just what The U needs and hopefully coach Shannon and staff can add more Canes like Kayne.


.:Canes305:.

allCanes 6th Annual Shopping Spree For Kids!

One of the most special days of the year happened last week when allCanes hosted its 6th Annual Holiday Shopping Spree For Kids in conjunction with the UM athletic department and NBC-6.

Tony Segreto, a UM graduate and longtime anchorman for NBC-6, was on hand to host along with Head Basketball Coach Frank Haith, Head Baseball Coach Jim Morris and former UM and NFL star linebacker Micheal Barrow.

Twenty five at-risk youths from the Hank Cline Unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami were treated to a special day at the allCanes on-campus store. It began with a dinner and entertainment provided by the UM Ibis, the UM Sunsations and Jenna Edwards, the reigning Miss Florida USA. Following dinner and singing of carols, the group met the celebrities and coaches inside the store and were each given $100 gift certificates to shop for presents.

"This is one of the most important days of the year for us," said allCanes General Manager Harry Rothwell. "To see these kids' faces light up when they meet the coaches and players and get to pick out gifts for themselves...well, it just warms the heart. We owe a debt of thanks to Tony (Segreto) and NBC-6, which has given us great support, and the UM coaches and athletes. It's amazing how they can always find time to participate in this event no matter how busy they are. They are great people, and we're proud to have them in our family."

The event was supported by private donations from allCanes customers and friends as well as corporate partners like Kerry Burns, owner of Miami Wings, Dan Kaplan and Chef Pedro Rosata of Roasters N Toasters and Bill Archer of The Big Cheese.

My main source said I can leak this much...

Alright, I'm sitting on a name right now regarding offensive coodinator options. It's someone who has expressed interest and is playing phone tag with Randy Shannon right now. I blogged about it yesterday when I thought I had the green light and wound up scrapping it when my source asked me to sit on the news for a few.

After some pestering this morning he told me I could write the following.

>>> Nothing will be done before the Smurf Turf Bowl regarding an offensive coordinator.

>>> He told me expect Miami to pursue someone with a pro-style philosophy, similar to what we ran 2000-2002. That would eliminate Kevin Rogers from the equation. A guy like Dirk Koetter would fit the mold, but in now way did he imply that Koetter was the guy.

>>> The name I'm sitting on is an out of work coach. If you have any ideas, feel free to comment about them below.

I wish I could say more right now, but I can't. The only reason I'm sharing what I'm sharing now is to let people know that there won't be a hire until after the New Year and until after the Larry Coker Era "officially" ends in Boise.

Coker is still in charge, for now... making it uncomfortable for Miami to make any outside coordinator hires. We've seen Mario Cristobal bail for FIU but we haven't seen anyone hired or official news regarding who's been retained. The Sun Sentinel's Omar Kelly reported that Tim Walton looks to be the new defensive coordinator and rumored that Walton has even moved into Shannon's old office. Still, there's been no official announcement.

A boneheaded move to keep Coker for the bowl game? Maybe. I blogged about it days back. Paul Dee struggled in regards to firing a friend which explains keeping Coker on board an extra month. He was thinking like a friend instead of an employer. Tough to fault him for having a heart, but at day's end it has put the program in a mild lurch. Ten more days until this uncomfortable era comes to an end.

My take? This new name (which I'll mention as soon as I'm allowed) is a valid option and I'm still hoping to hear something about Koetter. As for Rogers, based on my source it doesn't sound like his style of offense fits into Miami's game plan for next season and beyond, but we'll see.

More to come. Take your shot at naming the mystery candidate below in the "Comments" section.


.:Canes305:.

OK, so I lied... here's a rumor for you

No sooner do I say I'm not going to post rumors or rumblings I hear and then I go ahead and do this... and TOTALLY redeem myself.

Seriously, a bud in the industry shared some news with me and after some groveling, I got the green light to post it. I let him know too many other sites are beating me to the punch, so he threw me this nugget this morning and told me to run with...

... Walt Harris to Miami as offensive coordinator! OK, not really - but the name has 'officially' been mentioned and there seems to be some mutual interest. What does that mean? I don't know. Either way, it's good to know that the search extends past Kevin Rogers, the Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach. Rogers has been the only name mentioned since recently fired Arizona State head coach Dirk Koetter. DK was the hot name days after Shannon was hired, but things have cooled tremendously since. One would assume Koetter is still holding out for a head coaching gig.

Harris is another Pac-1o casualty, fired by Stanford a few weeks back. Miami faithful remember Harris' run at Pittsburgh (1997-2004), when both programs were members of the Big East conference. Harris did little with the Cardinal during his two year run in Palo Alto and is contemplating his next move.

Some feel Harris isn't really the head coaching type, even though he's held down the position just shy of a decade. His first head coaching stint was at Pacific (1989-1991) and from there it was to the New York Jets at quarterbacks coach (1992-1994). Ohio State lured him away for the same position (1995-1996) and then it was back to the head coaching ranks when the Pittsburgh gig became available.

Harris' roller coaster of a coaching career shows a guy who's found success here and there and also proves that he doesn't stand on ceremony regarding being a head coach, giving up the reigns to be an assistant and then leaping at another opportunity to be the top dog again.

The Miami job could be a good opportunity for Harris, being he knows how to develop quarterbacks and work with receivers. His passing game has been his offensive strength. As a college coach, Harris coached 14 quarterbacks who went on to NFL careers. At Pitt, he had two Fred Biletnikoff Award winning wide receivers in Antonio Bryant and Larry Fitzgerald.

During the Harris era at Ohio State, Terry Glenn pulled down the award as well and in 1993, Jets QB Boomer Esiason made it to the Pro Bowl under Harris' tutelage.

No clue if this thing can grow legs or not, but on a slow Tuesday this seemed like a good bit of information. Especially based on the source. We'll see how it plays out and if I'm right, the other sites out there better expect some serious gloating from ol' Canes305.


.:Canes305:.

Chill out, "doom & gloomers"...

I'm sorry, did I miss the memo? Is the world coming to an end today? All this talk about Larry Coker wrongly coaching the Smurf Turf Bowl, Mario Cristobal to FIU and the fact that Randy Shannon is yet to hire an offensive coordinator, you'd think Hurricane Nation had collectively lost its damned mind.

Let's rationally break things down here people. Baby Steps. Canes305 is telling you to lay down on the couch so we can discuss all your problems.

Patience is a virtue, people. One that many Miami fans are lacking right now. We all need to weather the storm. Hiring Shannon was step one in a lengthy process to right this ship. All the pissing and moaning? Give it a rest. Quit wallowing in the short term sorrow and attempt to think long term here.

>>> Christmas came early for Miami. Coker is gone. It took suffering through 6-6, but a new regime is upon us. What does anyone really care about the former coach leading his troops one last time in a meaningless bowl game? It's not going to hurt recruiting and if anything, it helps usher in the Shannon Era. Can you imagine the doom and gloom if Miami lost to Nevada on Randy's watch? 0-1 out the gate and nine months of "we hired the wrong guy" posts on message boards?

The Shannon Era officially begins on January 1st, 2007. Give Coker his due and let the kids "win one for the Clapper". In all seriousness, these kids love Coker and have backed him for years. This .500 Miami team needs all the motivation it can get regarding playing a lesser team on New Years Eve, three time zones away in the snow, no less. Let them rally around Coker and try to get a win.

This is Coker's "swan song" as he didn't know his fate Thanksgiving night during the 17-14 victory over Boston College. Post game he was bogged down with questions about his future and twelve hours later he was fired.

Coker doesn't have another gig lined up and Miami promoted from within, so leave it be. He brought the Canes their fifth championship and had a stellar run 2000-2003. He went from Nebraska to Nevada in a span of six seasons and earned a pink slip for the drop off. Let him have one last hurrah with the program he gave six years worth blood, sweat and tears to.

Those worried about this hurting recruiting, chill. Worry more about the game day fans hurling obscenities at players and their parents while spilling their overpriced beer on potential recruits.

>>> Regarding the hiring of an offensive coordinator, again, people need to chill. It seems Kevin Rogers is a top Shannon's list. Problem is that Rogers is under contract with the Minnesota Vikings and their regular season ends New Years Eve, hours before Miami takes on Nevada.

This man still has a job with an organization which pays him good money to coach. No one up there cares about Miami's timetable or fans griping on message boards. When the Vikings' season ends, Rogers will get the call.

>>> Regarding Shannon, who's been head coach for exactly TWO weeks now... again, relax. Quit hanging on the coachspeak and every word which comes out of the man's mouth. It never ceases to amaze me how fans take coaches comments to the media so seriously. Do you really think they're going to tip their hand or lay it all out there openly and honesty to a beat writer? The same sports media who praises you one day and crucifies you the next?

Here's one Randy-ism you people better get used to - his attitude and comments regarding worrying about the immediate future and what's in his control. Shannon is quick to quip that all he's focusing on right now is game planning for Nevada. Then a day later he's in Texas or other parts of Florida recruiting players in home.

Shannon isn't going to be as media friendly as Coker. Get used to it. Don't judged every word which comes out of his mouth. Pay attention to his actions. He'll land a new offensive coordinator in due time. If you don't think that's a priority, you need to have your head examined.

As for judging his actions, he's already locked down 4-5 wide receiver prospects for the 2007 signing class and is still looking at others. For a "defensive" guy, Shannon sure as hell seems to realize the current deficiencies with this program.

Coker only signed two wide receivers in 2006. Shannon addressed this matter and doubled the efforts within his first two weeks.

>>> Mario is gonzo. Such is life. Those calling this "rock bottom" and complaining that Miami didn't up the ante enough... stop. Please. FIU will damn near quadruple Cristobal's salary and The U has no business paying a position coach more than the new offensive coordinator will make.

Losing Mario will hurt a little in the short term, but Miami is a resilient program which has dealt with much worse than losing an offensive line coach. A few recruits may look elsewhere, but as I wrote earlier, let 'em go. If Cristobal's departure send them elsewhere, they were never real Canes to begin with.

>>> Did I miss anything? Come on now people, deliver me your gripes. We'll make lemonade out of lemons here. 6-6 sucks and seeing Ohio State slug it out with Florida for a title makes it that much worse. Please chime in below in the comments section and we'll respond accordingly. Opposing fans who want to talk trash, feel free. The only caveat? You can't post under "Anonymous" around here. Man up and put your name/email with your smack-talking posts or they'll be deleted. Our board, our rules.

Remember, it's a new regime with a first year coach who's a Jimmy Johnson disciple. Shannon won a rings as a player and a coach. He knows the city, he knows the culture and he loves this program. Give the man some breathing room and let him do his job.


.:Canes305:.

Adios, Mario...

Another one bites the dust. Or should I say, another one has been poached? Mario Cristobal is headed to FIU and word is the announcement will come later in the day.

First off, congrats to Mario. After nine seasons as an assistant, a head coaching opportunity fell into his lap. Sure, it's an FIU program which went winless in 2006 and has to compete against every other Sunshine State school for recruits.

Not to mention, The U sharing the same backyard and being the City of Miami's lone traditional power with more National Championships than all other Florida schools combined.

Truth be told, no program outside FIU was going to even give Cristobal a look regarding a head coaching opportunity. Five years as a Miami assistant and a three year stint at Rutgers without even being offensive or defensive coordinator? It tells you a few things about FIU and this decision.

Months back, FIU hired Pete Garcia away from The U and made Miami's Senior Associate Athletic Director their new AD by doubling his salary and giving him control. Today they've done the same for Mario, possibly tripling his current salary and giving him his first head coaching opportunity.

This move is a double-edged sword for Cristobal. A year ago the New York Jets attempted to lure away the Miami assistant, offering him a position coaching their Tight Ends. He turned it down to stay at The U and up his stock. Cristobal is known for being a stellar recruiter and is viewed as an up and comer.

Fail at FIU and that "up and comer" moniker will be long gone. Mario has a few years to turn things around and show improvement (isn't anything an improvement after 0-12?). But failing with the Golden Panthers sends him right back to "Assistantville" with the rest of the "underlings" hoping for their shot at a top job.

The move is risky, but it's something that an up and coming coach can't turn down. The increase in pay sure as hell helps, but it's the prestige of a head coaching position which causes a guy like Cristobal to take that leap of faith here. You can't even think about failing or what the downside could be. You have to think of what good this move can do, where it can lead and what doors might open as a result.

Mario knows Miami. He knows recruiting. He's of Hispanic decent. He won two rings (1989, 1991) as an offensive lineman for the Canes. Cristobal is a winner and this hire shows you what that University of Miami lineage means. Garcia obviously thinks highly of this kid if he's willing to roll the dice and bring him aboard with no previous experience.

How badly does this hurt Miami? Depends who you ask. The doom and gloomers on the message boards already have their "the sky is falling" posts in full force. Some are calling it rock bottom while others chastise Randy Shannon, Paul Dee and Donna Shalala for not upping the ante and keeping Cristobal on board. As if there's a way to compete with a head coach's salary.

Cristobal has been recruiting for Miami these past few years, right up until this week. There are some kids on the fence who said if he's gone, they're out. We'll see. If a potential recruit doesn't want to experience four years at The U because the first year offensive line coach has bailed to the crosstown program, then these kids were never Miami material in the first place. Sad but true.

I understand the connection these kids make with the coach recruiting them, but there's a bigger picture here. Talk to Coach Shannon and ask him what he envisions. Let him sell these recruits on what he plans on building here - with or without Cristobal.

Best wishes to Mario. As much as I loathe FIU and I'm sick of their loudmouthed fans and the fact they've poached two of our guys, I still want to see Hurricanes succeed. That goes for Cristobal as well as Garcia.

And of course if it doesn't work out, we'll take you both back... at a discounted rate, of course.


.:Canes305:.

Final UWIN@allCanes.com Winners of 2006!

allCanes missed a week or so of UWIN winners this past month due to 'round the clock coverage of the coaching search and other issues related to The U.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, we're going double time here in an effort to make up for the missed week and we're rounding up. Here's our final UWIN pull of the 2006 season and today we're naming TWELVE lucky winners.

We're fresh out of gift cards from other vendors this time of the year, so we're scoring everyone below a $25 allCanes Gift Card for the holiday seasons. Cards will be mailed out this week. Today's "dirty dozen" are listed below. Congrats to them and all of you who participated in this year's UWIN contest.

We'll be back in 2007 and all of you who didn't win, your names are automatically entered in next year's drawing!

> Scott Gasiorek - Taylor, MI - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Dustin Jones - Christiansburg, VA - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> James Anderson - Davie, FL- $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Gavin Penfold - Tullahoma, TN - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Chris Golden - Monroe, VA - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Pam Reynolds - Tavernier, FL- $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Truman Tinsley - Griffin, GA - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Bill Smith - Orlando, FL - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Dave Sutton - Milford, OH - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Alexis Franklin - Miami, FL - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Scott Berrong - Bowersville, GA - $25 allCanes Gift Card
> Karen Wood - Ormond Beach, FL- $25 allCanes Gift Card

Congrats to our UWIN winners today and for those of you yet to sign up, click here to officially enter the 2006/2007 allCanes UWIN Contest.


(Note: Registering once makes you eligible for every drawing during the 2006 season. Multiple entries will be deleted.)

Tag, you're 'it' new "brawl"...

Come on now, mainstream media. Deliver like you're supposed to. This is all one big game of tag and somebody's always "it" - so get raw on New York and Denver as it's their turn.

Miami has been "it" for a few months now regarding the on-the-field brawl with FIU. The footage ran on a constant loop. Everyone trashed the Canes for being an out of control program. The media had a one-week pass to trash Miami with no repercussions. Brawl footage was their ammo and for a few weeks no one could attempt to defend The U.

Two months later, the hardwood delivered. The Knicks and Nuggets mixed it up at the Garden on Saturday night. Ten players were ejected, including Nike pitchman and media darling, Carmelo Anthony throwing blows like it was a street game gone awry.

The Miami/FIU brawl was "it" and just tagged out the Knicks/Nuggets Royal Rumble. There's your new "fight" stock footage, ESPNews. Loop it and play it relentlessly for the rest of 2006. It's finally somebody else's turn.

You trashed the ever loving hell out of the Canes for their on the field melee, started by FIU. Will you do the same with the NBA? Are you going to call out the "thuggish" behavior of Anthony, a Nike golden boy and part of the NBA Holy Trinity, featuring Dwyane Wade & LeBron James?

Miami/FIU footage was run every hour on the hour for a week. I can't wait to see the double standard when this Knicks/Nuggets fiasco fades in a few days. Will the talking heads on Around The Horn or P.T.I. call for either franchise to fold or for players to be thrown out of the league? Will the coaches be chastised and shredded? Will someone come up with a cutesy name like "Thug U" for New York and Denver? How 'bout the Thuggerbockers and Thuggets?

We all know this will get swept under the rug as ESPN and other media outlets won't want to piss off David Stern and the NBA's top brass. The University of Miami is an easy target, but the NBA is a whole different type of monster. Sunday's coverage of the day after was tame and one can only assume that by midweek, it'll be over.

Just another double standard in the world of sports, but we all know what's really going on here.


.:Canes305:.

Latest Breaking News...

>>> Fans have been discussing Larry Coker's recent comments to the media as practice for the Smurf Turf Bowl is underway. When asked if it was important for Miami to retain Mario Cristobal, Coker quipped, "Not from my standpoint it's not. I'm not here. Maybe to the players and the new head coach, but it has no effect on me."

When asked about the hiring of Randy Shannon, Coker retorted with, "Obviously they felt good about the direction we were going or they wouldn't have hired someone from my staff that I hired."

I feel for Coker, who seems to be backpedaling here. I read a comment online where someone perfectly described the situation. It was compared to getting dumped by your girl, a new guy moving in and you asking if you can still sleep on the couch.

In theory, I like that Coker gets one last hurrah in coaching the bowl game. Honestly, that's my lone reason for believing Miami will upend Nevada on New Years Eve. The kids will rally one last time around the coach they know and love. A day later the Shannon Era officially starts. It isn't fair to hand the new coach a 6-6 team and put a potential bowl loss on his shoulders. Randy has an uphill battle as it is. He doesn't deserve an 0-1 record with Coker's team.

That said, the minute Miami stayed in house with the Shannon hiring, that should've been the end for Coker. This seeming uncomfortable sitaution of having the new coach on the field in his old role, working in tandem with a guy who was fired and is in his final days? It's not professional.

There is a hiring and firing process adhered to in corporate America and keeping the canned guy on board to work with the assistant who just took his job? That's pretty much the exact opposite of how it'd go in the real world. Coker would've signed his papers, said his goodbyes, been escorted out by security and that'd have been it. I should know. LC isn't the only one around here who's been canned in his life. At least I got out with a boat load of Post-It notes and pens.

>>> Speaking of Cristobal, the FIU heat is on and it's nearing decision time. The 36-year old Miami assistant can have the keys to the Golden Panters' program if he wants it. Former Miami AD Pete Garcia has rolled out the blue and gold carpet. The hefty pay raise is there and all Cristobal has to do is give the yay or nay.

Some have criticized the current Miami OL coach for dragging out the process and that's dead wrong. Cristobal is faced with a major fork in the road here. "Head Coach" looks great on the resume and can open doors in the future, but not if he fails miserably with a program that went 0-12 in 2006.

Turn FIU around and Cristobal will prove his mettle. No other Division-I program will take a chance on an unknown like him. It's either FIU or remain at The U, do a good job and get that call in the next 2-3 years for a more prestegious position.

Cristobal has a lot to mull over here and for the media to call him "evasive" for not discussing the FIU interview on Friday, that's low brow. He's got a lot to mull over here. Give the guy some breathing room. A lesser position at a program he played for and adores, which will be a stepping stone to a better gig down the road? Or the lesser head coaching opportunity now with likely four times the salary and a hundred times the headache?

Good luck whichever way you choose, Mario. Both are a risk and both can yield great rewards.

>>> James Bryant has been suspended for the bowl game for violating team policy. Seems Bryant rents space in Coker's doghouse. Will that continue with Shannon as the head coach? Bryant rarely saw the field as a linebacker for Shannon's defense. Curious to see how this plays out being that transfer rumors have surrounded the Pennsylvania native since he first stepped foot on campus in 2004.

>>> RB Andrew Johnson wasn't at practice on Friday, fueling transfer rumors. Johnson has been buried on the depth chart since 2004 and suffered a torn ACL before the 2005 season. Tyrone Moss is gone next season, but Javarris James and Charlie Jones return. Miami is still in the running for Graig Cooper come signing day and Kylan Robinson is expected to contribute next season, making Johnson the odd man out.

>>> Kevin Rogers, quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings, looks to be the lead candidate for the vacant offensive coaching position at Miami. Word is that Shannon contacted the Vikings in regards to Rogers but nothing can be accomplished until after their final regular season game on December 31st.

The Rogers chatter has drown out any rumors regarding recently fired Arizona State coach, Dirk Koetter. There hasn't been any commentary regarding Koetter being interested in Miami. The only talk is that he and Shannon met in the offseason and have a professional relationship. Conventional wisdom says Koetter is waiting to see if any other head coaching gigs come calling before taking a demotion, but you have to believer offensive coordinator for The U has a little more presteige than a head coaching opportunity at a lesser program.

>>> Greg Olsen is still mum regarding entering the 2007 NFL Draft. He's stated in the past that he's 50/50 but did mentioned he hasn't yet requested his draft status from the NFL Advisory Committee. No new news regarding LB Jon Beason and his decision to leave early for the League. Beason sure looked jazzed in his photo with the newly appointed head coach when Shannon got the promotion.

Here's hoping the new coach lands his biggest "recruit" between now and 2007, which is getting his most productive linebacker to return for one more year.

>>> Congrats to Kareem Brown who was invited to the Senior Bowl. It'll take place January 27th, 2007 in Mobile, AL.

>>> On a side note, it's really hit me how bizarre this whole season was and it's helping me put things in perspective for 2007. I was in Miami for Labor Day weekend and waited for that opener against Florida State with baited breath.

I liked this year's schedule and felt it was tailor made for the Canes to win the ACC and make a run this year. I figured 1-2 losses as most with the likes of FAMU, Houston, FIU and Duke on board. Not to mention, Florida State and Virginia Tech heading to the Orange Bowl. If the Canes could beat the Noles on Labor Day Monday, confidence would build and this team could gain momentum.

To say the exact opposite happened is beyond an understatement. 0-1 became 1-2 weeks later after the Louisville loss, preceded by the logo stomp. Miami barely survived Houston, had a snoozer against North Carolina and got in an on the field brawl with FIU, making the 35-0 win inconsequential. Suspensions from the brawl fallout had an undermanned Miami bunch almost losing at Duke and limping into the meat of the ACC schedule.

Four straight losses ensued for the first time since 1997 and during that span, the beloved Bryan Pata was murdered. Miami limped into the finale against Boston College at 5-6 and brought an ounce of joy to this morbid season with a perfectly timed, 17-14 win on Thanksgiving night.

A week later, Miami sat home while Wake Forest and Georgia Tech slugged it out for the ACC title and hours later, an exciting upset of #2 USC opened the door for the most disgusting BCS title game scenario - Ohio State versus Florida.

Last New Years Eve, Miami fans suffered through an embarrassing 40-3 loss to LSU. Days later, four assistant coaches were fired and as the new hires were made, most of us went into 2006 stating that 2006 "couldn't get any worse." How wrong we all were and what we wouldn't have given for 9-3 and a Peach Bowl berth this year.

That said, 6-6 ensured a new regime and staff in 2007, so there's your silver lining.

Entering 2007, I'm hoping this fan base - all of us - can have a little more perspective regarding this program we all love and stand behind. Things will get better, so let's appreciate the ride on the way up this time. It's easy to take things for granted after four straight BCS games, two straight title game berths, one championship, a slew of first round draft picks and a 34-game win streak between 2000-2003.

Will Miami reach that level of dominance again? Who knows? No one was predicting it after the probation era, but look how that worked out. Either way, we're about to find out and this time around, let's all have a little more fun enjoying the process.

And that's one to grow on.


.:Canes305:.

Shannon & staff land McKenzie...

Randy Shannon and staff continue to deliver on the recruiting trail. On Wednesday night, Miami received and oral commitment from Bradenton Prep senior wide receiver Jermaine McKenzie.

McKenzie, a 6-foot-1, 170-pounder with 4.41-second speed, had originally committed to Alabama, but backed off that commitment when Mike Shula was fired weeks ago.

The Canes lost a few recruits when Larry Coker was fired and could lose a few more if Mario Cristobal accepts the head coaching position at FIU, so it's only fitting that The U catches a break regarding another school's firings.

McKenzie caught 17 passes for 380 yards and four touchdowns this season and has returned seven punts for touchdowns. He stated that Miami is his dream school and was sold after last night's in-home visit from receivers coach Marquis Mosely and tight end coach Joe Pannunzio.

McKenzie, supposedly has the grades and test scores to enroll at UM. He's the 11th player and fifth receiver to commit to the 2007 signing class. Leonard Hankerson (St. Thomas Aquinas) committed on Tuesday adding to an already impressive list including Daniel Adderley of South Carolina, Taurus McKinley (Glades Central) and Kayne Farquharson of El Camino (CA) Junior College. Farquharson will enroll in January 2007.

It's no mystery the Canes were weak at wide receiver. Recruiting the hell out of that position entering 2007. Shannon has clearly addressed this need and made it a priority his first week on the job. The back-to-back signings of McKenzie and Hankerson are huge and it's something the past administration failed to accomplish.

Miami's 2006 class featured wide out Sam Shields, an impact player, as well as George Robinson. The suspension of Ryan Moore, the erratic play of Lance Leggett and the injury to Darnell Jenkins put a hurting on the Canes aireal assault this past season.

The addition of five new receivers in 2007 will ensure the Canes aren't weak at that position for much longer. Shannon has also made a push to go back after Phelon Jones, a former Miami verbal from Mobile, AL who has since expressed interest in LSU. The Canes staff will also revisit Graig Cooper, another Miami verbal who is now flirting with Ohio State and Florida. Stay tuned.

Congrats to Coach Shannon and his staff. Keep up the great work!

(And bring on Dirk!)


.:Canes305:.

Hitting the recruiting trail...

It's been a week since the Randy Shannon hiring and things have been relatively quiet since the long-time assistant was promoted to head coach. Many were hoping a new offensive coordinator would be in place by now or that the "Mario Cristobal to FIU" rumors would die down, but that hasn't been the case.

After the spotlight being on Miami for the Larry Coker firing and Shannon hiring, things have slowed down and it's business as usual at The U. Coaches are out recruiting as well as game-planning for Miami's December 31st match up against Nevada in the Smurf Turf Bowl.

Some recent news and notes:

>>> Shannon was hired last Friday and soon thereafter, Miami received it's first commitment of the Randy Era. Hialeah senior defensive end Adewale Ojomo pledged to play for The U. Ojomo is the #28 defensive end in the country and chose Miami over Pittsburgh. He stated he'd become a Cane if Shannon took over and stayed true to his word.

>>> Yesterday Miami landed Leonard Hankerson of St. Thomas Aquinas in Ft. Lauderdale. Hankerson is one of the top recruits in the state of Florida and had been considering Ohio State, Michigan and Florida, along with Miami. This is a huge pick up for Shannon. The 6'2" and 185 lb. receiver committed on the spot after Shannon's in home visit.

Hankerson was a stand out in St. Thomas Aquinas' 45-42 loss to Lakeland last weekend at Dolphin Stadium.

>>> Hankerson is Miami's fourth receiver commitment along with Kayne Farquharson, Taurus McKinley and Daniel Adderley. All big pick ups considering how weak Miami has been at the wide receiver position since Andre Johnson left after the 2002 season.

>>> Shannon traveled to San Antonio, TX to meet with current QB recruit Nick Fanuzzi. His father Mike called Shannon "a good guy, aggressive and down to earth." The elder Fanuzzi feels that Nick will end up at Miami "no matter what" but mentioned they're still waiting to see who comes aboard as offensive coordinator.

Shannon also told the Fanuzzi clan that he had met with running back Graig Cooper. Cooper has pledged his allegiance to The U, but backed off that commitment after Coker was fired. He has listed Miami, Ohio State and Florida as possible destinations. Shannon claims his meeting with Cooper went well. Did he win him back over or is the door wide open? We'll see.

>>> For every commit, there will be some decommits. Miami lost cornerback commit Phelon Jones from Mobile, AL and defensive tackle Chris Perry of Texas. Message board rumors had Miami defensive line coach Clint Hurtt out in Texas talking to Perry, but nothing has surfaced since.

Miami lost two out of state guys, but landed two in state studs. Shannon talked about aggressively recruiting the state of Florida and it looks like he's doing just that.


.:Canes305:.

Do we really need to see the sequel?

Miami and FIU signed up for a rematch today. It'll take place October 6th, 2007 in the Orange Bowl and it's a lame call by the top brass on both sides. Especially Miami.

What does The U have to gain here? Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zip. These two programs should never play again, in my opinion.

Why let little man FIU and their players who suffer from "Cane envy" into our house for another game? No good comes out of that. They got their asses kicked 35-0 on the field last year and physically got smacked up as well, after instigating the brawl.

Since the fight, they poached Pete Garcia from Miami and made him their AD and they're now actively pursuing Mario Cristobal, in an effort to bring him "across the ocean".

Toss in growing rumors that FIU players might've had something to do with the shooting death of former Miami defensive lineman Bryan Pata and there's one more reason these two schools should never again meet.

Screw FI-who. Let them go build their own legacy by playing other national powers and trying to make a name for themselves. Why is Miami letting a bunch of kids not good enough to play for The U have another crack at the Canes after this season's debacle?

I understand the mindset of suiting up and giving it another go in an effort to prove these two teams can play a peaceful game of football, but the downside is too much. Look at the media this week and all articles surrounding this proposed match up.

Images and video of the two month old brawl are being shown online and on TV as if it just happened yesterday. Playing this game again just invites the media to show this crap on a constant loop come October and game week. Randy Shannon and his new staff don't deserve that.

This is a stupid call for these two teams to tussle again next year. Nothing good will come out of this. I'd rather see Miami play the likes of Florida Atlantic if they want to build another intercity rivalry. FIU had their shot and blew it.

Get lost Ned and the Golden Panthers.


.:Canes305:.

Oh, if the Hester package worked against LSU...

U think Miami could've used Devin Hester in 2006? Forget the other issues this 6-6 team had, if used correctly Hester alone could've won this squad 3-4 more games. Anyone want to argue that? I didn't think so.

Hester set an NFL record with his fifth and sixth returns for touchdowns this season. In the second quarter, a 94-yard kickoff return and in the fourth, a 96-yarder helping Chicago knock off St. Louis, 42-27. Take away Deebo and the Bears win a nailbiter or lose.

A second-round draft pick, he also has three punt return touchdowns this year. Recently he ran back a missed field goal 108 yards against the Giants. It tied the longest play in NFL history. Before tonight Hester had only returned six kickoffs this season. Tonight he housed two.

Here's a little salt in the would from the AP recap: "Hester struggled to find a position in college at Miami, but he's been a sensation with the ball in his hands on kick returns for the Bears."

Ouch. I don't know if that's an indictment on Larry Coker, Dan Werner, Don Soldinger or Randy Shannon, but the whole Miami staff missed out on the phenom which is Devin. We're not talking about a rookie making an impact here. This kid is turning the NFL on its collective ear.

Was the playbook really that hard? Why was this kid thrown back and forth between offense and defense year after year? Why wasn't he in on more reverses or toss plays, helping a stagnant offense? Why wasn't he returning kickoffs from the 2003 home opener against Florida right up through the Peach Bowl massacre?

The more of an impact Hester makes on the NFL, the more it stings that Miami blew it with this kid. He was right to bail early and I only hope he appreciated his time at The U as much as we all loved having him here.


.:Canes305:.

Rest In Peace, Brad Timpf

Former Miami basketball player Brad Timpf was shot and killed outside a restaurant in N. Miami Beach on Sunday night. He was 32-years old.

Timpf was a reserve power forward at UM in the mid-1990s. After leaving The U, Timpf attended Life University School of Chiropractic in Georgia. These past few years he had worked at The Center for Natural Health in Coconut Creek.

As if 2006 hasn't been bad enough for the Canes, this murder is the third tragic event in the past month for Miami.

Bryan Pata was murdered outside his apartment following football practice on November 7th. On November 25th, Miami basketball coach Frank Haith's nephew Sean Bell was murdered by police in New York. Two weeks later, it's Timpf.

Brad Timpf wasn't a household name regarding former Hurricane athletes, but he was one of ours. He was a loyal customer and friend of allCanes.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.

Step off, it's Randy's Time...

I'm glad I didn't write much about the Randy Shannon hiring yesterday. Had I done so, I'd have been all over the map and focused on all the wrong things.

Like the rest of this fan base, this week of courting coaches has been a whirlwind and I've been on pins and needles, hanging on every bit of late breaking news. Jumping out of bed, getting online and searching for updates before even drinking a Red Bull or brushing my grill. Time was spent deciphering rumor from truth while attempting to sell myself on whoever seemed to be the flavor of the day.

When I heard Shannon was the guy, I was en route to see Ziggy Marley in concert with friends. I pulled up the ESPN browser on my overrated Motorola Q (they really need an external antenna on those things) and I saw Miami has made one of their own the top dog. My initial reaction? OK. I can live with that. We certainly could've done worse.

I woke up Friday and found myself frustrated. Not with Shannon, but with the search process. Had I blogged yesterday, my thoughts on the actual hire would've gotten lost in my rant about the search.

The lack of official interviews. Miami not wanting to pony up the money for a big name guy. Questioning why Chuck Neinas was brought it in if the Canes were going to promote from within and not even talk to his top prospect, Mike Stoops. If this was Shannon's job to lose, why even provide the smoke-screen? Right up to the Wednesday afternoon contact with Rich Rodriguez.

A day later, none of that matters - except to the haters who want to pile on and trash Miami.

I've read every newsworthy piece of information out there and I'm yet to find a bad article on this hire or another writer criticizing the process. It's about the result and the fact the Canes promoted one of their own. Shannon is hungry, balls out and is all about football. Listen to him ramble on and on about the Miami tradition.

This guy was schooled by Jimmy Johnson. He worked under Dennis Erickson and Butch Davis, as well. This rich Hurricanes history Shannon helped build? It oozes out of every aspect of him and like Johnson, it's football first. Shannon is a "football nerd" and that'll be his greatest trait taking on this new challenge. He won't sleep until Miami is a national power again.

Miami didn't land that sexy, "big name" coach boosters and fans were clamoring for, but they gave one of their own his "dream job" and Hurricane faithful need to respect and support that. If anyone deserves a chance and the benefit of the doubt, it's Randy.

Last week I was calling for Arizona Stoops to leave his perch in Tucson and head to Coral Gables. Brother of Bob had my blessing to bring that Stoops magic to South Florida and turn this thing around.

Since Shannon's hiring, I've completely changed my tune. Stoops is as big as an unknown as Shannon. He did a pretty good job at Arizona (6-6) this season and the Stoops family name carries some weight in the game of college football, but does that make him a good fit for Miami? No one can really say.

If there's one thing we do know about Shannon, he is a good fit or The U. He's a Norland High grad. He fit as a linebacker under JJ. He was an assistant under Erickson in 1991 and stuck around Coral Gables through 1997. 1998-2000 were spent in the NFL, with the Miami Dolphins, of course. Shannon returned to The U in 2001 and took over as defensive coordinator, a position he's owned the past six seasons.

All this talk about Miami being a family and a football fraternity? The hiring of Randy Shannon only reconfirms that and we'll see that proven on the field, behind the scenes and in every facet of this program as long as he's here.

Dan Le Batard hit the nail on the head with his piece yesterday. So well, I didn't even want to attempt to follow with a blog. I wanted to let his words sink in and a day later, he's still right as rain. Shannon may lack head coaching experience, but he's not taking on this challenge alone.

Every player who's ever worn that "U" on their helmet or run out that tunnel? They've got Shannon's back. One of "their own" made it to the top.

Stoops isn't a Miami guy. He's from Youngstown, OH and played his college ball at Iowa. Greg Schiano? He coached in Coral Gables for five minutes before bolting back to the northeast. Mike Leach? Gary Patterson? Steve Kragthorpe? All good coaches, but Shannon has more Miami street cred in his pinkie finger than all the aforementioned coaches combined.

Miami was rolling the dice here no matter what. Look as this fickle fan base. Nothing would please this bunch of yahoos. A divided crew with unrealistic expectations. Shannon saw it firsthand, four years as a player and thirteen years as a Canes coach. He knew good-and-hell-well what he was getting into with this opportunity. He welcomes it with open arms while the rest of the coaching community waltzed in with unrealistic expectations and in the end, ducked and ran.

Shannon is a hard-ass. He's a disciplinarian and a no-nonsense kind of guy. In all my years watching Miami Football, I'd never seen Shannon smile or show an ounce of wit until Friday's press conference. This man was beaming up at that podium. It was the first time I'd seen this side of Shannon and it was refreshing. You could tell he's waited his whole life for this opportunity and when someone wants something that badly, they're not going to take it lightly.

For those who missed the press conference, click here to watch it. It's worth the time. Around the halfway point, Shannon talks about Miami's recruitment of Santana Moss back in the mid-nineties when the Canes were on probation. Carol City's head coach Walt Frazier told Shannon about Moss and in the end, it was one of Shannon's teammates who convinced Lloyd Moss to send his son to The U.

You need "It's a Canes Thing" defined? There you go. The Miami family doesn't just cover what happens on campus in Coral Gables. It's city wide. If you're on Miami's side, everybody is looking out for everybody. That's how it is in this gritty, close-knit community and Shannon knows that. He promised to "attack" the state of Florida and he will.

Bobby Bowden has the southern charm, Urban Meyer is the young, fiery guy and Schiano is the up and comer with billboards over South Florida. The worst thing for those three was the hiring of Shannon. Bring in a Leach, Kragthorpe, Stoops or Patterson and those guys aren't going to have a clue how to lockdown Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Shannon will own them because he's a Miami guy and because he understands the importance of kids like that coming to a program like Miami. They're the life's blood. The fact that he's African American? That just gives local inner city kids one more thing to connect with him on.

Look at his triumphs over tragedy. Look at the adversity he's overcome. Any kid who grew up in a troubled environment, Shannon will be able to match them story for story.

Regarding the expectations of the fan base? Shannon says, "bring it on" and he believes that expectations should be high. In his press conference he relives a story of a drunk fan chastising him for 45 minutes after 2003's comeback against West Virginia, 22-20. Shannon took the criticism, agreed with the fan that the defense was spotty and won the angry drunk over.

Shannon knows he's walking into the eye of the storm and he welcomes it. Born and raised in the county of Dade, he was truly the only candidate up for the challenge of putting Miami back on top. He's seen the good and the bad. Won a title as a coach and a player but also suffered through the probation era and some dark years for Miami Football. Shannon has seen it all.

It's a new regime for Miami Football. To those who pulled for Shannon all along, good call. For those who don't believe he's the guy, give him a chance. You owe him that. This is a real-deal a Cane as you're ever going to come across. If anyone deserves this fan base's loyalty, respect and support, it's Randy Shannon.

From player to grad assistant to assistant coach and now head coach, welcome to the top, Coach Shannon. You have my support. Let's get it done.

Beat Nevada. Hire Dirk Koetter.


.:Canes305:.

Randy's Day

allCanes.com and allCanesBlog.com extend a hearty congrats to our new, old school head coach, Randy Shannon.

Shannon was officially named Miami's head coach late last night/early this morning, depending who you ask. Either way, The U has their guy and make no mistake, Randy really is "their guy." Former linebacker, long-time assistant coach, top notch recruiter and now, head coach.

I have a lot of thoughts on this hire, the hiring process, the use of the consultant and the other coaches who were passed over but I'll break that down over the weekend. Today is a day to celebrate a long-time Cane finally landing his dream job. It's not a day to pick about Miami and how they conducted the search for a new leader. There's time for that next week.

Between the Miami Herald, Sun Sentinel, ESPN and a slew of other sites, there's a ton of news on the Shannon hire. Get your fill there and we'll break this down in a few days when things settle in and we can reflect.

For now, it's a Randy Shannon thing.

Congrats, coach.

What the hell's the story?

This is getting extremely aggravating. It's Thursday and no one really has a clue what the hell Miami is doing. Other sites, local media, national publications... everyone is lost and has been for weeks. It started almost a month ago when everyone was screaming about Steve Spurrier being next in line for the gig and the chatter hasn't stopped since.

I see no rhyme or reason here. Some online rumors talk about about a media frenzy at Hecht Athletic Center today regarding Randy Shannon and where he's at in the interview process. A handful of folks are saying it's his job to lose. Supposedly he's killed it in the interview process and has some sort of a game plan for what he'll do if given the opportunity.

The Mike Leach rumor seems all but dead. I haven't heard a word about Leach in a few days. The event in NYC is over and with Miami's top brass back at The U, I assume Leach is back in Lubbock.

Rich Rodriguez's name has been thrown around non-stop today. Seems Alabama has made him in an offer, but wait, here comes Miami... a few days and several million dollars short. What's the point of this? All this pissing and moaning about Miami's athletic department being broke, yet Dee now wants to talk to a coach who will come with a salary just shy of $3M and a hefty $2M buyout?

If Miami had any real interest in Rodriguez, why wait until Thursday? I've read stories online for days now stating that he was interested. The Canes are mum on the subject and just when it looks like RR is Bama bound, now Miami wants to talk?

That seems backward, desperate and like some sort of smoke-screen - a faux attempt to go after the "big name" guy, but they'll settle on someone else. It seems so Mickey Mouse.

According to ESPN, Miami is making their last ditch effort to bring Rodriguez to Coral Gables. RR has asked for Miami to put an offer on the table. He doesn't want this to drag out. We'll see if Miami plays ball. To me, it sounds like lip service, but the way this has all played out as of late, I wouldn't be shocked to wake up Friday and see Rodriguez as our new head coach.

No new news regarding Mike Stoops today, which I find disheartening. What was Chuck Nienas brought on for if Dee and Donna Shalala aren't seriously looking at and considering the guys he's bringing to the table? Neinas endorsed the younger Stoops, yet it seems Miami remains fixated on talking to Shannon.

What happened with Steve Kragthope and Gary Patterson? Did they say "thanks, but no thanks" or did Miami fail to even meet with them?

I responded to some message board posts yesterday, reminding our fan base to be patient. The natives were getting restless and I felt everyone needed to calm down.

24 hours later and now I'm ready to strangle someone. Why does it seem everyone else landed their guys in such a pain-free manner? Butch Davis to UNC. Mark Dantonio to Michigan State. Gene Chizik to Iowa State. Tom O'Brien to NC State. Alabama jumped all over Rodriguez with a quickness and though they entered the game the latest, I wouldn't be shocked if Stanford replaces Walt Harris in under a week.

Why has Miami backed off Leach? Why am I the only guy on the younger Stoops bandwagon? What's the point of talking to Rodriguez this late in the game? Is it really Shannon's job to lose? Did anyone else really stand a chance anyways?

Unless the Canes pull something out of their hat here, it looks like this hiring will be one based on fear and Shannon will get the gig. Fear of losing a long-time assistant with South Florida recruiting ties. Fear of passing over a minority candidate. Fear of losing other big time assistants like Mario Cristobal if Shannon flies the coup. Fear to pay a big name guy the big bucks. Fear regarding trusting Neinas and his findings.

The Miami athletic department again looks like their in disarray.

It's your move, Dee. Your track record has been spotty these past few years. This hire needs to be something special. Don't take the easy way out. Come on now. This program has wasted more money the past few years than you'll pay any candidate on the radar. Get the right guy. Miami just suffered through the Larry Coker era. Make a big time hire not based on money or seniority. Look at all the guys before you and make something special happen already.

I won't even begin to dwell on where Miami is at with a sub par hire. Why even go there now when I'll have the early part of 2007 to do nothing more than piss and moan?


.:Canes305:.

If all else fails, Mora. Sr.

I have no clue who the Canes will land as head coach, but if the interviewing process drags on another few weeks, hell, just give me Jim Mora Sr. for the comedic factor.

Not really, but I still love this meltdown from back in the day. I swear to God, had Larry Coker taken blame for a few losses like this I'd have tolerated losing a little better than I did seeing a few fist pumps, claps and headset adjustments.

It's amazing what a little honesty, self-blame and a lack of coachspeak can do to help a fan not want to smack up his head coach after a loss. If I were a Saints fan, I'd have taken Mora out for beers after this loss.

... and to all those ignorant fools trashing The U

After Miami and Greg Schiano failed to reach an agreement, this blog was infested with Rutgers roaches talking trash as if they just earned a shot at #1 Ohio State in Glendale in January.

I could care less if they want to gloat about keeping their coach, but there were some idiots who were trashing the University of Miami in regards to the Bryan Pata case. At the time CrimeStoppers had a $1,000 reward for information relating to the murder and some of these superfans (even some Canes fans) were questioning why The U wasn't doing more.

A few things.

First off, the University of Miami stepped up and paid the majority of Pata's funeral costs as their way of helping the family. They also hosted a memorial service on campus.

Yesterday it was reported that the $1,000 reward is actually a $21,000 reward. The additional money came from donations made through the university, as reported by Omar Kelly in the Sun-Sentinel.

What do you think of that, haters? Maybe you shouldn't jump to conclusions next time. Trashing the program because the CrimeStoppers reward was only at $1,000 because you didn't dig beneath the surface to see what The U was doing? None of you I traded emails with knew Miami paid for the funeral. Nor did you know about the scholarship in Pata's name or the donations the school was soliciting on Pata's behalf.

At day's end, the University of Miami more than stepped up did their part. Even before this latest info was release. The funeral and memorial were class act gestures and you can bet the majority of that $21,000 came directly from The U's efforts.

Do your homework before running your fat mouths next time.


.:Canes305:.

Leached. Arrrrgh. Rodriguez? Doubt it.

For some reason Mike Leach seems to have fallen off of Paul Dee's radar. I haven't heard much mention of his name the past day or so and now guys like Rich Rodriguez and Mike Stoops are in the fold. Did Leach really fall out of Dee's graces that quickly or was it just smoke and mirrors.

Crazy how the Internet plays into all of this. Last time Miami made a big time hire was Butch Davis in 1995. Larry Coker just fell into place in 2001, but when Davis came aboard a decade ago the Internet wasn't what it is today. There were no hourly updates nor were there forums for fans to come together and chat about anything and everything.

On CanesTime.com, their message board reports 550 visitors in the last 15 minutes. Talk about too many opinions, a load of misguided posts and information overload. Hell, in '95 the Miami Herald and Sun-Sentinel didn't even have real online presence. Out of towners needed to get newspapers mailed to them if they wanted to follow local sports.

Some of the message board posts regarding Leach? Someone said he hits the sauce too hard while others said too much was made over the initial meetings on Monday/Tuesday. Local newspapers reported Leach and Dee had and "informal" chat and with all the new names in the mix, combined with the lack of Leach talk, you have to wonder if there's any legitimacy to his candidacy.

I saw promise in this hire if Leach was teamed up with current defensive coordinator Randy Shannon. The fact Leach isn't the hot name this Thursday, leads me to believe Shannon isn't sticking around The U as second fiddle. He either lands the head coaching position at Miami or FIU. To Dee, no Shannon had to equal no Leach.

Leach, lover of all things pirate-related, will most likely isn't bringing his aereal assault to Coral Gables. We'll wait for official word, though.

Regarding Shannon, I'm glad he interviewed well, but I still believe he can't be any higher than Miami's 3rd or 4th choice. The Canes can't take another chance on a guy with no head coaching experience. Not after six years of Larry Coker.

Other news of note:

>>> FIU is waiting patiently to see what both Shannon and Mario Cristobal do. Both are in the running over there and aren't going to budge until they know what Miami's next move is. How long will Pete Garcia wait on these two Canes? I assume he'll give them as long as he needs if he's trying to build Miami: Part Deux over on 8th Street.

>>> Dee has asked West Virginia for permission to speak to Rich Rodriguez. For an athletic department which claimed to be strapped for cash, I don't get what Miami is thinking here. Rodriguez will come with a hefty price tag. $2.5-3M a year... not to mention the $2M his new suitor will have to pay the Mountaineers to break his contract.

This interview seems like a waste of time to me. If Mike Stoops is showing interest and Miami can have him for $2M or less per year and bring Mark Stoops back to The U in this package deal, it's a no brainer.

(NOTE: In the time since this was originally posted, ESPN reported that Alabama officially offered Rodriguez.)

>>> Bernie Kosar is still telling anyone who'll listen that he wants the Miami job. Bern, say it with me "quarterbacks coach." That's really your only play here. Bring that knowledge to Kyle Wright, Kirby Freeman and hopefully, Nick Fanuzzi.

More to come as the day progresses. Hang tight.


.:Canes305:.

A double shot of Stoops...

The more I'm thinking about this Mike Stoops thing, the more I am liking everything about it. A few days back I blogged about Bob Stoops, his run at Oklahoma and how Miami needs a coach in that mold.

If we can't have Bob, give me Mike. Seriously. It has to be the next best thing. I've seen what he's done at Arizona these past few years. The guy has some fire and the more I think about it, the more I think this is the only move for Miami to make.

You can make a case for or against anyone else in the mix right now. Randy Shannon? No experience, but can recruit Florida. Mike Leach? All offense, no defense, loves pirates and can recruit Texas. Steve Kragthorpe and Gary Patterson? Nice resumes, but smaller schools.

The Stoops family knows coaching. It's in the blood. Bob made the first splash as defensive coordinator at Florida, winning the 1996 National Championship. Oklahoma recruited him away in 1999 and a season later, National Champions.

Brother Mike was side by side with Bob as defensive coordinator from 1999-2003 at OU. Before that, together at Kansas State, where their careers overlapped for three years. These guys have played, lived, breathed and now, coached football for the majority of their lives.

The Stoops coaching tree at Oklahoma produced some current Division-I head coaches. Mark Mangino (Kansas), Chuck Long (San Diego State) and Leach (Texas Tech) all cut their teeth at Oklahoma.

Mike was the other on the staff to get the call, earning his brother's praise.

"I say this in a humble way," Bob said when Mike was named Arizona's coach. "There's nobody more like me than him."

The Stoops are a close-knit football family.

So is Miami.

Paul Dee, do what you have to do. This is your guy. You need proof? Look at the lineage and the resume. Mike Stoops is ready for his shot. Bob got a big program like Oklahoma. It needed some fine-tuning, but it was still OU. Mike got Arizona. A fixer-upper in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Talk about the wrong time to attempt a rise as a Pac-10 power, 2004, when Southern Cal hit back-to-back title games and Cal was a force. This Stoops didn't stand a chance in the desert. He's done all he can do there. This year, two upsets - Cal and Oregon. For a lower end Pac-10 program, this team rose up on a few occasions.

Imagine what a Stoops can do with these Canes.

That's not a knock on Leach, Kragthorpe, Schiano, Patterson, Rodriguez or Shannon. All solid, but there's something about each of them which I question. I don't know what it is, but I think the Stoops family could turn things around in Coral Gables.

Mark Stoops is defensive coordinator at Arizona. Before that, he was the Canes secondary coach from 2001-2003. This Stoops has a national championship ring. He should have two, but Ohio State jacked his other one. He knows the Miami culture. He's recruited here.

Mark, I hope you're in Mike's ear telling him about how The U is ripe for the taking. Bob better be in the other ear telling him to go balls out to get this. Which could also explain the conference calls "Stoops" and Miami have had this past week.

Miami talking to Bob about Mike? Miami talking to Bob about Leach? Miami talking to Bob about Bob? That was the initial reaction courtesy of Internet rumors, but $3.4M things stand in the way of that ever happening.

If "Bob" is sold out, give me a "Mike" and throw in a "Mark" to even it out. Two Stoops for the price of one? I'll take it. And so would some current Miami assistants, I assume. All these rumors of Mario Cristobal leaving for FIU? I think those go right out the window if the right guy takes over. Mike Stoops is the right guy and brother Mark knows the lay of the land.

It almost sounds too poetic after the hellish season Miami endured.

After 6-6, this coaching hire is our bowl game. Forget Boise. That's now Larry Coker's funeral. This hire is the official turning point. The first day of a new era. It time to be optimistic after a season which was on life-support since losing at Louisville mid-September.

Swoop in and save a recruiting class. Give us something to look forward to in spring. Make 2007 exciting. That's my only expectation. After 6-6, I'm sort of numb to records and standings. I just want to see Miami competitive, confident and sporting a coaching staff with the better game plan than the other guys.

The Canes have been outcoached too many times to remember since losing the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. Miami's staff lost their mojo that night and never regained it. The assistants got the boot in 2005 and this year it's Coker and ther rest. This program needs new blood. Hell, even Coker stated that on his way out at his press conference.

Miami needs a shot of Stoops. Make it a double. Mike and Mark. Cherry pick the right guys from this current staff, hit the recruiting trail and turn this thing around.

The Canes aren't that far off. This team is a coaching staff away from being something solid.

Make it happen, Dee. Chuck Neinas just earned his check and found your guy.


.:Canes305:.

Hump-Day coaching rumors & updates...

Not too much on the coaching front the past 48 hours. On Monday, Miami and Greg Schiano decided to go separate ways and that evening Paul Dee supposedly sat down with Mike Leach and things were supposedly moving fast. Tuesday we find out, that's not the case.

What's changed? I'm not sure but I do know that two days ago a lot of folks were much more vocal than they are today. I'm still talking back and forth with my resources, but everyone seems to have hit the same dead end.

Here's what we know since the last blog:

>>> Miami has talked to Leach but it doesn't appear talks were are serious as initially reported.

>>> Miami officially talked with Randy Shannon and much like Leach, The U's top brass will continue the interview process and circle back to Leach, Shannon and others.

>>> Gary Patterson of TCU and Steve Kragthorpe of Tulsa remain on Miami's radar, but there is no conformation of them interviewing for the position yet.

>>> The 'surprise" candidate thrown into the mix today is Mike Stoops of Arizona. Rumor has it the two year leader of the Wildcats is hot on the Miami job. Stoops is in New York, but there's no confirmation that he's sat down to talk with Dee yet. Mark Stoops is Arizona's defensive coordinator and was Miami's secondary coach before following his brother to Tucson.

>>> Mario Cristobal remains high on Pete Garcia's wish list at FIU, as is Shannon. There was a rumor earlier today that Cristobal accepted the positon, but that is false. Some folks with Columbus ties mentioned that Cristobal was offered a position at FIU, but hasn't made a decision yet.

One would expect Cristobal to wait it out and see what Miami does before accepting or declining the positon with the Golden Panthers, but how long is too long? My gut feeling? Cristobal is headed to FIU... unless Miami hires the right guy. Mario definitely would've stuck around with his old boss, Schiano. Everything was wide open after that and FIU made the call.

>>> The Miami Herald reported today that Bernie Kosar was seriously throwing his hat in the ring in regards to the vacant coaching position at The U. Huh? Don't get me wrong, allCanes loves the B -man but there's no way in hell this program can gamble on a former QB great with no coaching experience. I can drive, but it doesn't mean I know how to build a car.

Kosar is a fixture at games and at practice, always taking an interest in whoever Miami's quarterbacks are. Head coach? Not yet. But I'd love to see Kosar come on as an official quarterbacks coach, with some influence on the offensive playcalling. #20 won a National Championship as a freshman against arguably the greatest college team in history, 1983 Nebraska. I want Kosar officially in charge of our QBs.

>>> Former Auburn coach Terry Bowden ripped Schiano on sports talk radio yesterday in regards to blowing it by not taking the Miami job. I spoke with a few national media friends who informed me that Penn State has informed Schiano that the gig is his when Joe Paterno indeed steps down.

Conventional wisdom would lead one to believe Paterno has anywhere from 2-5 years left before he hangs it up in Happy Valley.

If Schiano has confirmation he's the successor, the smart play is to wait it out at Rutgers. There's no reason to move his family from New Jersey to South Florida to State College in half a decade.

>>> Norm Chow officially took his name out of the running for the NC State head coaching vacancy. Chow was offensive coordinator for the Wolfpack in the Philip Rivers era, before heading to Southern Cal and lighting up their offense for a few seasons. Gut feeling is Chow ends up back in the Pac 10. Either at Stanford or Arizona State.

Lisa Love is the ASU AD with USC ties. She was criticized in 2005 for extending Dirk Koetter's contract and missing out on Chow. With Koetter gone, does she try to right last year's wrong with Chow in 2007? If Chow finally lands his first head coaching gig, look for Love to give him that crack with the Sun Devils.

>>> NC State didn't miss a beat when Chow bowed out. Word is they've snatched up Tom O'Brien, long-time coach of Boston College. This was out of left field as all signs pointed to the Wolfpack signing Navy coach Paul Johnson. Similar to the Iowa State hiring last week.

Out of nowhere, the Cyclones brought in Texas defensive coordinator Gene Chizik. In the days leading up to the hiring, many were reporting that Central Michigan's Brian Kelly was slated to land the gig.

Makes you wonder if Miami is about to pull the bait-and-switch on everyone. All this talk about Leach and/or Shannon, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if out of nowhere the Canes signed a solid, proven coach.

With the Internet what it is today, universities need to pull the ol' rope and dope on everyone as to not let the media distract them from the task at hand; inking the contract. What's Miami's next move?

>>> Rich Rodriguez to Alabama seems to be a done deal. For the Miami contingent pissing and moaning about The U not talking to Rodriguez, it's all about the money. Rodriguez showed interest, but Miami was never a viable candidate due to the $2M buyout clause. Alabama boosters can foot that bill, but not Miami.

Rodriguez will earn upwards of $2.5M a year should he sign with 'Bama, which the Canes could compete with. But the $2M the school hiring Rodriguez will have to pay to West Virginia to release him is too much for The U to swallow.

>>> Barry Alvarez mentioned yesterday that Donna Shalala did contact him regarding Miami's coaching vacancy, but he turned down the offer as he's happy as Wisconsin's AD and part of FOX's college football broadcast team this bowl season.

We'll see where Miami's coaching search winds up, but pretty scary to think Shalala was hell-bent on bringing Alvarez back into the fold. Had he showed interest, would Miami have continued interviewing candidates and using the services of consultant Chuck Neinas, or would it have been a one-man race?

More to come tomorrow. Hang in there!


.:Canes305:.

Talk about a one-two punch...

Latest reports coming out of New York are that Miami has not only met with Mike Leach, but Randy Shannon is in town and has been brought into the discussion.

The pitch is to bring in Leach as Miami's new head coach and to promote Shannon to assistant head coach, while giving him a big time pay raise.

I don't know about you, but I like this premise. Hell, who am I kidding, I love it.

Bob Stoops to Miami would still be my #1 scenario, but the money is too impossible to overcome. Stoops makes almost double what the Canes were paying Larry Coker.

This Leach/Shannon scenario is a helluva second choice and it's infinitely better than bringing Greg Schiano to Miami. While I respect what Schiano has done at Rutgers, it wasn't enough for me to warrant losing Shannon and a slew of other assistants. No way Schiano would've kept another defensive guy like Shannon - not to mention what would happen to Tim Walton, Clint Hurtt and John Palermo.

My hat's off to Paul Dee and Donna Shalala if they can find a way to lure Leach to Miami without wrecking the infrastructure of this program. Miami would get their high-powered, high-octane offense without selling out on a defense which has been a top the nation since 2000.

Keeping Shannon means the defensive coaches are safe, I assume.

Offensively, Leach would bring in his own guys while calling his own plays and acting as QB coach. That eliminates Rich Olson, Todd Berry, Marquis Mosely and Joe Pannunzio from the equation, which is fine by me. Olson's offense was putrid this season, as were quarterbacks, wide receivers and special teams - all coached buy the aforementioned guys.

The wild card is Mario Cristobal as offensive line coach. This is a guy Miami can't afford to lose. He's a top recruiter and an up and comer. Other programs have already inquired about Cristobal, but The U needs to find a way to keep one of their own on staff. Up his pay if need be. Miami can't lose Mario. Same with strength and conditioning guru, Andreu Swasey. Those two are irreplaceable right now.

Leach & Shannon are a lethal duo, but they have to be a package deal. I'm not ready for Miami to turn the keys over to a B-level new guy and a new Texas-bred staff, but I also don't want to see The U promote from within and give Shannon the job based on seniority. The duo is Miami's best case scenario.

allCanesBlog.com will follow this story throughout the day. Check back for any late-breaking news.



.:Canes305:.

Leach rumor growing some legs?

Mike Leach to Miami? We'll see. But it's definitely the latest stop in Rumorville.

Word is Paul Dee met with Leach this evening in New York. Both are in town for the National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame event. Several coaches are in attendance, so Miami is making the rounds.

Word on other sites is that things could move quickly here. One report had Leach's agent has being contacted to speed up the process.

"Leach to Miami" would also shed some light on the rumors of Miami being in contact with Bob Stoops recently. Both sides have been talking, but no one has confirmed if this is a recommendation for Leach, or is Miami talking-talking to Stoops?

Earlier I read Miami could have a new coach as early as Tuesday. The latest reports now say the meeting was informal, but that talks could heat up.

I don't know if Leach is the 3rd, 4th or 5th choice for The U, but with so many coaching vacancies out there, Miami can't sleep at the wheel. But it also can't overreact either.

Miami can't knee-jerk their way into a hire. Coker got the boot ten days ago and consultant Chuck Neinas was hired to show everyone Miami means business. This is a nationwide search. It's time to swing for the fences and get that A-list guy.

Leach is a B-list guy with an A-list offense. This job would make him or expose him.

A Monday morning meeting with Greg Schiano, turned down by lunch. A dinner meeting with Leach and talks are turning serious? That's too quick for a headhunter to take Miami's wish list, merge it with his own, contact all candidates, review information, discuss with the administration and make a decision.

College football's regular season ended two days ago. Most coaches can't discuss other offers until the post-season. Miami is officially 48 hours into the process. They can't be at a point where they're already offering the position to Leach. Can they? Is he that impressive or are Dee and Donna Shalala that desperate?

On Monday, Stanford canned Walt Harris and Louisiana Tech fired Jack Bicknell. Two more to add to the growing list of programs looking to hire new leaders in a hurry.

Miami doesn't have to be desperate. Let Neinas do his job, interview a handful of guys, mull it over and make a play in the next ten days.

Unless you have that "ace in the hole" signed, sealed and delivered.


.:Canes305:.

The calm before the storm?

ESPN reported that Greg Schiano officially turned down Miami today, deciding to take the $20M Rutgers offered and run. You go, Greg. $2M a year for 10 years is hard to turn down. Plus, you were NEVER going to see a ten year commitment out of The U. Not after one good year at Rutgers.

I've received a ton of emails from Scarlet Knight faithful attempting to break balls about Miami being "turned down" by Schiano, as if that's an indictment on The U. Please. If Schiano put these rumors to rest by lunch on Monday that tells you two things, (1) he wasn't all that interested and (2) Paul Dee didn't pursue him vigorously.

If Miami threw it all at Schiano, this thing would've taken a few days to mull over. You don't turn down a multi-million dollar deal over a hoagie. You let it sink in a bit. The way it all played out today, this meeting seemed like it was just a formality.

I've been on the phone this morning, curious to get to the bottom of things and a few different sources have reported the same name back to me, Bob Stoops.

While I have NO CLUE how Miami will compete for one of the game's highest paid coaches, there are some signs (albeit far fetched at this point) which could point to Stoops being Miami's guy.

>>> The talk has been of a "high profile" coach coming to Miami. Schiano and Steve Spurrier were mentioned early on and seemed to fit the bill. Spurrier used Miami for leverage (once a Gator...) and Schiano merely seemed logical based on ties to The U and the fact he's a an up and coming coach.

Both names were thrown out there to feed the masses the past few weeks. People devoured anything Spurrier or Schiano related, but at day's end neither had merit.

Stoops has been contacted by Miami. We know that much. What hasn't been confirmed is the purpose of the call. Is Stoops a candidate or a sounding board? He did employ Mike Leach as offensive coordinator (1999-2000) his first two seasons at Oklahoma. Was this a brain-picking session regarding Leach, or is Stoops that "big name" guy the Miami boosters wanted and have kept mum on?

I don't know if there's any merit to this Stoops talk. I'm going on a tip that Miami and the Oklahoma head coach have been in discussions since last Thursday. What that means, we'll find out soon enough.

There are $3,400,000 reasons why I don't believer Stoops would bail Oklahoma for Miami, but I'll play devil's advocate below:

>>> If this plays out, then Chuck Neinas stayed true to form and was worth every dollar. Neinas helped bring Stoops to OU years back and helped bring Urban Meyer to Florida in 2004. He knows how to work with big name coaches, top universities and every article I've read mentions how discreet he is in the process.

Because this is so under the radar, it deserves some consideration. Speculation is that "Spurrier to Miami" blew up when the media got a hold of it. If Stoops is Miami's ace in the hole, that news is being held close to the vest and these other coaching rumors are just a smoke screen.

>>> Random message board rumors have mentioned Stoops being frustrated with the booster situation at OU and the events leading to QB Rhett Bomar's dismissal. Others say Carol Stoops is over Norman and is ready for change. The Stoops own a condo in South Florida, so they obviously dig the area.

Pure speculation? Absolutely but after eight seasons in the midwest, it's not far fetched for the Stoops to be thinking change and trek back to the Sunshine State. The most dominant program in Florida awaits. Howard called it The State of Miami.

Christy Schiano supposedly didn't care for South Florida, which obviously played into her husband's decision to stick around New Jersey. Don't underestimate a wife's influence whether Coach stays or goes.

>>> Miami message boards are reporting that Dee is in New York today conducting interviews at The National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame. Coaches and athletic directors from across the nation are all gathered in this centralized location. Stoops and Leach are both at the event. Dee will talk to one or both of them.

>>> After Stoops, I'm not sure what Miami is thinking outside of a current NFL guy, if they're still thinking "big name" head coaching hire. Leach continues to get press, but that's because he's the only one vocal about wanting the opportunity. As of this morning Leach stated that no one from Miami has contacted him, but who knows? His interest level alone might vault him to the #2 guy. He told a mutual friend of ours that he'd "gnaw off his arm" for a chance to coach The U.
That's exactly the kind of guy Miami needs.

>>> Randy Shannon is still a viable candidate, but I believe that's only if plans A, B and C fall through. Shannon had to be publicly named in an effort to keep other schools at arm's length. The premise of Leach's offense with Shannon's defense would be a helluva fit, but is that too many egos under one roof? Shannon will get offered a head coaching job somewhere. Miami would have to sweeten the pot to keep him around as a coordinator. More money and the Assistant Head Coach title, you'd think.

>>> More to come, but for now make note; Stoops is a viable candidate. There's enough stuff floating around out there to warrant throwing his name in the mix. Bear with me, Sooners.

It's highly unlikely Miami lands an A-list guy like this. But it's a dream scenario and Miami is at a huge turning point regarding the program's future. The Canes don't just need a hire, they need a proven entity who's not a retread.

Stoops got his first title at Florida in 1996. He knows the state and how to recruit it. Took over a national power in Oklahoma. Won a title year two. Solid teams year in and year out, he's possibly coming off of his greatest coaching feat yet.

10-2 and a BCS berth after dimissing Bomar, getting robbed of a win at Oregon and losing would-be Heisman winner, Adrian Peterson to a busted collarbone weeks back. Stoops kept his team focused and they got a hell of a consolation prize in a "down" year; a Fiesta Bowl berth against Boise State.

Stoops has the resume of an old timer.

He's only 46.

The guy's in his prime. Does he want a new challenge or is he set to stay put? We'll see.

Either way, you don't let something like this out of the bag until it's a done deal. Not with a big name, big money guy like this. "Stoops to Miami" is out of left field, but until he officially says he's not a candidate, my interest will remain piqued.

The more this is playing out, the more I believe Stoops was Miami's #1 option after firing Coker. Spurrier and Schiano were thrown in so the media would muck up the waters. This could be the calm before the storm. The Canes are pursuing the Sooners top dog. Does Dee have enough in the tank to lure Stoops back to the Sunshine State? Let's see how it all unfolds.

>>> OU folks already flooding the Inbox, let's clarify a few things. I am not reporting this as a done deal. I got a tip, I read some rumors and I'm connecting the dots from a Miami fan's perspective.

Two Miami sources mentioned Stoops to me. When I posted it on CanesTime, I got a few PMs from guys close to The U who told me the same thing. Does that give it legs? Who the hell knows.

I'm just reporting what I heard this weekend. Stoops is talking to Miami. Whether that's to recommend Leach or to test the waters for himself, we'll see.

Until then, let us Miami folk speculate.

We're bored as hell and less than thrilled about New Year's in Boise.



.:Canes305:.

Decision time, Greg...

A failed two-point conversion was the difference-maker in triple overtime. An Orange Bowl berth died on an incomplete try for two. Rutgers' Greg Schiano earned Coach of the Year honors days before Saturday's 41-39 (3OT) loss at West Virginia.

How little does that award mean after going down in gut-wrenching fashion with millions in bowl revenue on the line? Ask runner up Jim Grobe.

Wake Forest won the ACC and is Miami-bound to take on Louisville. I'll bet Grobe woke up Sunday a lot happier with and Orange Bowl berth, than a trophy from the Home Depot.

Schiano and the Scarlet Knights wrapped up the season a more-than-respectably at 10-2. The highlight - a last second, 28-25 win over #3 Louisville. After that win, Rutgers went 1-2 down the stretch, losing at Cincinnati and West Virginia.

The Miami rumors have been persistent and with Rutgers' regular season finally over, it's time for Schiano to mull it over a few days and make a decision. Recruits, a fan base and the nation await.

This has loomed for weeks now, as much as it's publicly been denied. Schiano will be en route to Miami tomorrow, the day after. Soon. It's in the works. Paul Dee made the call today.

Schiano will get Donna Shalala and Dee's best sales pitch and then it's time to choose. It's a huge fork in the road for him, personally and professionally. What will be the deciding factor?

Before we get into that, I'll say I think Schiano is Miami's best bet. Still, I'm not completely sold yet. There are some solid traits, but there might be a better fit out there. This process can't be taken lightly. Chuck Nienas better earn his consultant's fee and help The U figure it all out.

Schiano turned around a Rutgers program which could've easily been confused for Temple a few years back. Both were bottom dwellers and punching bags for the rest of the Big East. In 1999, Miami beat both the Scarlet Knights and Owls, 55-0.

Today Rutgers is 10-2. A few weeks back they peaked, knocking off #3 weeks ago. Yesterday they came within an overtime of an Orange Bowl berth. A far cry from 2-9 in Schiano's inaugural season of 2001. That's more than "progress."

Hell, it's just short of a miracle.

Schiano also proved he can recruit South Florida. He's known this neck of the woods just shy of a decade now. He also cut his teeth at The U. It was 1999-2000. The end of the probation era and the dawn of a new day. Schiano saw the difference between a four-loss season at Miami and a one-loss campaign. He knows the culture and expectations.

Does he want to take on that challenge again, running the whole show this time, or is he comfortable in Jersey?

There's your million dollar question. Schiano's career-altering "fork in the road." This move determines what kind of man he really is.

There's no right or wrong here. I wouldn't fault Schiano for staying put, though I'd respect him more if he accepted the bigger challenge. Rutgers is the seemingly easier route. He's already the Prince of Piscataway. They were thisclose to an Orange Bowl berth this year. Combine that with the love he'll get for turning down big, bad Miami for his New Jersey hometown roots.

Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi could write a dozen songs between them on the subject matter.

Schiano can make Rutgers a consistent top-20 program with random bright spots due to overachieving and good coaching. 2006 is a prime example. Signature wins here and there. Two BCS berths a decade. Competitive football played by a once laughing stock. He'd be a god among men up there.

But he'd never sniff a National Championship unless he came to Miami.

Today's golden boy could also string together a couple of four-loss seasons. 2006's Coach of the Year, when? Fans have a short memory once you've showed them you can win and then lose your mojo. Larry Coker, who?

This is a case for getting out while the getting is good. Anything less than 10-2 last year is now considered a "down year" at Rutgers. That won't bode well for a coach some speculate is waiting out the Penn State job. Schiano's star has to keep burning bright if he expects to succeed a living legend. A few three-loss seasons with the Scarlet Knights and there will be another "coach of the year" type dominating the headlines then.

How high up the coaching ladder does Schiano want to climb?

Is Rutgers a high enough peak, or is there a more appealing challenge in Coral Gables? Schiano turned 40 this year. A new decade brings new challenges. He's in his prime. This is an ideal time for a Type A, "go getter" to take a leap of faith.

If he's got that fire in the belly and sky's the limit, then Greg Schiano will be the next coach of the Miami Hurricanes.

This is not a job for the weak, but succeed here and the reward is that much sweeter. Miami was college football's punching bag in 2006. Everyone made sure to get their licks in now because they know the Canes don't stay down long. They know the right coach will come in here and right this ship and when they do, to the victor goes the spoils.

When Miami was tabbed NFL U, that wasn't just for players. Hurricane coaches get snatched up like first round draft picks. Howard. Jimmy. Dennis. Butch. All went on to big money at the next level.

During the Rutgers/West Virginia game, the commentators stated that Schiano and Butch Davis were slated to talk early this week. You don't even have to read between the lines on this one.

Schiano is asking Davis about the upside/downside to taking over the program and Davis is telling him what five years and some success at that program will do for an up and comer. Davis rebuilt Miami and Cleveland turned it into a huge NFL payday. Things crapped out, Butch still got paid and spent this season pimping himself on the NFL Network as a commentator.

Weeks ago, North Carolina ponied up some big money to bring Davis to Chapel Hill. Those opportunities happen to "Miami" guys , not Rutgers.

By week's end, Schiano will have visited The U and talked to Davis. Rutgers top brass has answered back with a 10-year/$20M extension, waiting for him when he returns. It's real life "Let's Make a Deal" and Schiano is days away from choosing doors #1 or #2.

Stay at Rutgers, lose no more than three games a year, earn a few BCS berths per decade and you're a hero.

Or, Door #2. Come to Miami and play with the big boys. The stakes are higher, but so are the rewards when you get the job done. There's been a lot of negative focus on the media cracking down on Larry Coker as of late, but ask him about 2001-2002.

During the 24-0 run, Coker was Teflon and received nothing but praise as the good guy who finished first.

Schiano needs to look no further than Urban Meyer, another up and comer facing an identical situation, this time in 2004.

Meyer's Utah Utes rolled to 12-0 and whooped Big East champs Pittsburgh, 35-7 in the Fiesta Bowl. The Urban One knew his star wasn't going to shine any brighter, so he got out while the getting was good. Utah is only going so far - which never sits well with a guy who wants to win it all. They're always ready to pounce on the next great opportunity.

Meyer accepted the Florida job weeks before the Fiesta Bowl, yet still coached his kids in the big game. His Florida team went 9-3 in 2005. Instant improvement from the back-to-back 5-loss seasons under Ron Zook, showing Florida had some talent but needed someone more skilled to run the show.

A year later, Meyer and his Gators (12-1) were voted #2 in the BCS and head to Glendale, AZ to take on #1 Ohio State for the National Championship.

Coach Schiano, here's your Urban-like moment. Miami or Rutgers. One or the other. You can't have both. You currently have a seemingly safe and secure out. Ride that wave and lay low for that Penn State dream gig, if you think that's the play.

Or you head to Miami for that "next level" kind of opportunity.

The good and the bad are all intensified down here. You want to climb the coaching ranks? Having "The U" on the resume gives you instant credibility. Hell, you already saw that first hand. After two years as Miami's defensive coordinator (1999-2000), Rutgers rolled out the scarlet carpet to bring you home.

The orange and green carpet is being rolled out now. Big time. Miami is digging deep. Schiano has supposedly been identified as their #1 and Randy Shannon is a distant #2. Dee and Shalala aren't going to hold back. Schiano will get their best pitch and then it'll be on him to make his move.

Whatever the choice, it's the "right" answer.

If Schiano has the stones to accept the Miami gig and invites the challenge, then good things are in store for The U. If he can turn around Rutgers, he can flat out make Miami a winner again.

If he stays put and takes the cushy route, then he lacks the character Miami needs out of its next coach who will clean up this current mess. Step up to the challenge of putting this program back on the map. Miami should have to sell someone on the premise. This is the most dominant program in the game these past 25 years. It always claws its way back to the top unconventionally. Just watch.

Schiano downplayed things well the past few weeks, but it's decision time. My take? The chat with Davis is a difference-maker. Schiano's old boss let's him know that while torn, Miami is too big of an opportunity to pass up.

The U is ripe for the taking. Schiano needs to speak now or forever hold his peace. Academic standards? Money? Facilities? He has a very captive audience who's been vocal he's their top choice. Don't hold back with demands that will help the program. Lay it out there. Chop that wood.

Schiano's facing a tough decision and a no-brainer all at once. Curious to see how it all plays out. Right now I'll put the "Schiano Bolts" odds at 53% entering Monday.

Watch it play out and check back Tuesday...


.:Canes305:.

"Banner Guys" relive Thanksgiving in OB...

I received an email from Rory Ellis and the Orange Revolution guys a few days after Thanksgiving and wanted to post.

The Orange Revolution was an effort to get Canes fans to wear orange to home games, starting with Virginia Tech on Homecoming. Miami played two road games the following weeks and the next home game was Thanksgiving night. In the wake of the Bryan Pata murder, fans opted for white as a way to show their respect.

Ellis and his crew again stepped up, this time raising almost $3,000 for Jeanette Pata and family. A few dollars of that donation money was put aside in an effort to create several banners honoring Pata in what would've been his final home game and run through the tunnel.

Below is a photo of the guys with one of their banners; the one which made ESPN and was taken to midfield by a handful of Miami players, as they honored Pata.

Check out Rory's email below:

Damn man, I must tell you what a night Paul, Jason, and I had Thanksgiving in that stadium. We were treated with such respect and gratitude. Everyone there - players, coaches, staff, security, fans, etc. - helped in every way they could. Getting us in early, keeping people clear ofthe signs, thanks, recognition, etc. Watching people go up to the banners through out the game to pose for pictures and pay their respects, shaking people's hands, being greeted as "the banner guys" - it made all the hard work worth it.

Just before the end of the game, we made our way back to the WEZ to take them down and give them to Bryan's brother, as had been prearranged. However, we saw Anthony Reddick leading a group of players who were making their way over to us and pointing at the banner with Bryan's picture on it. I damn near lost my composure. These guys just won a huge game and all they wanted to do was memorialize their fallen brother.

They all asked us (kindly, I might add) if they could take that banner to the field. Obviously, we gave it to them and they couldn't thank us enough. The look in their eyes and the emotion on their faces was unforgettable; they didn'tneed to say a word.

As we were giving the other four to Bryan's brother Edwin, our cellphones began to erupt. Family and friends all well aware of what we did with the banners were telling us our efforts were being shown all over the ESPN broadcast and SportsCenter, for the world to see.

Still, the most important calls were from Edwin and earlier from Bryan's mother. They truly made everything we did just that much more important. These people were grateful for the donation, but they were very proud of the way their son's memory was able to be shown to people all across the nation. Man, what an epic moment!

When we got together to pull this thing off, it started as just a simple idea. Ideas were thrown out left and right. From airplane banners to digital displays onthe Goodyear blimp. All seemed to have their limitations. Then this banner idea was put out there. It seemed so simple, yet the effect felt monumental.

I've done a few good things in my life and so have the people who helped out with the project. But this takes the cake. We're proud of what we did, we're very proud of these players and we're proud to be Miami Hurricanes.

Thank you for the mention on your blog and the pics on your MySpace page. I'll send you some more pics soon of us setting these things up. - Rory Ellis


Great job, guys. Damn shame we don't have more fans like you.


.:Canes305:.