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ESPN.com's Pat Forde reports that some backers of UNLV have their eye on a replacement for football head coach John Robinson, who's supposed to retire at the end of the season. The object of their desire: Tulsa's Steve Kragthorpe.

If Tulsa's record doesn't improve, that interest should wane significantly. But he's young and widely respected as a very bright coach who can recruit. If Tulsa gets straightened out, I wouldn't surprised to see someone go after him. And I assume he'd have to listen. With all due respect to Tulsa, one of our current and future conference bretheren, it has to be frustrating for Kragthorpe and his staff to see the basketball arena that looks like a spaceship sitting across from a football stadium that looks like a dumpster with bleachers in it.

Other Internet tidbits: Fresno's Pat Hill to North Carolina? Dan Hawkins to Washington?

I think Hawkins would be crazy to leave what he has built on at Boise State. A step to the BCS is the first step into unrealistic expectations by any BCS/state school u, especially at Washington.

Don't know about Hill but it would be tough to be successful at North Carolina. Like Duke, they prefer BB and the competition in the ACC is getting tougher. Strong conference.

Yeah, but don't you think that Hawkins and Hill both would be presented with enormous financial reasons to consider such moves? Washington, in particular, would have to offer more than Boise State, I'd think.

It's true that in recent years Washington's head coaches have been the highest paid state employees. However, the pressure to win is enormous. The Huskies have not had a losing season in over two decades and the outrage that is brewing here this year is bubbling over (First 0-4 start since the 60s).

If UW loses to SJSU this weekend guaranteed there will be blood on the field, and it won't belong to the players. If Hawkins feels he can handle that, then more power to him. But, he has to be able to recruit the hell out of the west coast, including Seattle and Northern California, which is a tough job in itself and a lot different than recruiting the mountain time zone.

Seriously doubt he would leave Tulsa and CUSA for
UNLV and the MWC. Bad exchange.

I don't know - more TV money, better bowls (I think) .... wait - am I thinking about the WAC?

Then again, at UNLV, you're top dog in the state. That, plus a fat raise (paid in MGM Grand chips perhaps?) might make it at least worth a look.