Here's your sports update for Thursday...
[Note: A LOT of information in this post. And a LOT of links as well. So if you're wanting further information click all the links - as they all are different. Enjoy!]
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Another fun photo from the Clemson game that I found online...
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WVU football coaching subtractions:
The widely rumored/reported Jeff Casteel to Arizona move finally came became official yesterday evening. Casteel will take over as Arizona's defensive coordinator (the same position he held at WVU) and will bring along defensive line coach Bill Kirelawich and defensive backs coach David Lockwood. No surprise really, unless you just haven't been paying attention. Here's the official release from the Arizona athletic department. And in a classy move from WVU, athletic director Oliver Luck released a thank you statement to the departing coaches.
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WVU football coaching additions:
Because of the above moves WVU's Dana Holgorsen now will move on to fill out the remaining defensive staff positions. And at least one assistant appears to already be on board (at the time I'm writing this - it may be official by the time you read it) as Oklahoma State special teams coordinator and safeties coach Joe DeForest resigned his position at Oklahoma State on Wednesday to join Holgorsen's staff at WVU. At this point, it hasn't been reported as to which position DeForest will fill at WVU. Some have speculated he will be THE defensive coordinator, others think he may be co-defensive coordinator (as well as special teams coordinator) so we'll see what his official title is at a later time. Tulsa newspaper story here.
The interesting thing here is DeForest was reportedly making around $400,000 (or so) a year at Oklahoma State so you'd assume he'll get some sort of raise at WVU. It's not out of the realm of possibilities that an assistant would make so much (especially given DeForest's recruiting ties in Houston and along the Gulf Coast) but it does make you wonder what position he will be filling given the large sum of money he'll make. Although Doc Holiday made around that same amount to essentially be WVU's lead recruiter (prior to leaving for Marshall) so maybe the co-defensive coordinator thing does make some sense (especially when you consider that DeForest has head coaching aspirations and will more than likely jump at the first head coaching job he's offered).
Some interesting info on DeForest:
- One of his primary nicknames is "Mr. Houston" for his recruiting ability in the greater Houston, Texas area (a fertile recruiting ground).
- He has coached the Ray Guy Award winner (2008) and Lou Groza Award winner (2010).
- He is heralded as a "not good but great" coach by Texas head coach Mack Brown.
- He was a "replacement" player during the 1987 NFL strike season for the New Orleans Saints.
- Worked for NASA after college.
- Was hired by Les Miles (2001) at Oklahoma State (and hadn't left until now).
With DeForest apparently in the fold, attention will now focus on whether or not long-rumored Brian Stewart will find a place on the staff as well. Stewart, most recently of the Houston Cougars (and previously the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator), would be quite the addition along with DeForest, given both of their resumes. Stewart recently left his position with the Houston Cougars to "pursue other opportunities" and it has been widely rumored he will join Holgorsen's staff. The "I coached in the NFL" angle always seemed to sway all kinds of recruits to Pitt for Dave Wannstedt so you'd think landing Stewart couldn't hurt the recruiting efforts given he's worked with multiple NFL teams and was the defensive coordinator for arguably the most popular NFL team. Stewart's University of Houston profile remains viewable, at the moment, here.
Interestingly, Chris Anderson from "Eersports" is saying up to 5 recruits have told him they've been told that Brian Stewart is the new defensive coordinator. You can read Chris' mention here. Considering I doubt WVU coaches would lie to recruits about that I'd assume this is true. And if this is true and we add this to DeForest's addition you very well may see a "co-defensive coordinator" set-up between the two. Or DeForest could become special teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator and have just gotten a pay raise. Much like Casteel, DeForest may view himself a career assistant at the school he just left. Rumor has it Casteel felt getting away from WVU could help his head coaching chances - as it would show he had success at multiple places - and so I'd imagine this could be true of DeForest as well. All just speculation, at the moment, but you get the point.
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WVU recruiting news:
RB David Smith will choose between Oklahoma and WVU on January 17th at 2pm at his high school.
WVU commit Brandon Watkins is rumored to be leaving his high school in Atlanta, again, for Greenbrier East High School in West Virginia for his senior season. Not reporting it's true, but it is getting a lot of circulation so figured I'd share it.
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Other WVU news:
Mediation ordered for WVU vs Big East. Exactly what was expected. Mediation hopefully can end this without it going to court.
Mountaineers Picked For All-Star Games. Najee Goode, Keith Tandy and Julian Miller to the East-West Shrine Game (Jan 21st - 4pm NFL Network) and Don Barclay will play for the Casino Del Sol All-Star Game (Jan 16th - 6pm Fox Sports Arizona and Fox Sports Southwest). If you're asking what about Bruce Irvin? I'd expect him to be going to the Senior Bowl. They haven't released their rosters yet. If he doesn't go there...then be upset.
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Other National Headlines:
Crosby to resume skating.
Syracuse improves to 18-0.
Kobe Bryant scores 40 in back-to-back nights.
Indianapolis Colts hire Grigson as GM.
New York Jets hire Tony Sparano as offensive coordinator.
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