From Today's Sporting News

[ponyinNC]

SMU

We have our first opening. And, I will say this: There is a lot of interest, as the post comes up often in my conversations with coaches and agents.

I would expect SMU to go after a proven coach after Phil Bennett failed to deliver in his first run as a head man. Ask yourself this: Can SMU afford to turn over the program to an unproven coach? I say "no." Guys whom I think should get looks are Gary Barnett, Mason and Bowden.

Still, don't be shocked to see Alabama offensive coordinator Major Applewhite mentioned as a candidate.

There is no reason why SMU can't be successful. But the program hasn't been to a bowl since coming back from the death penalty in 1989. The folks I talk to love the facilities and money at SMU. Plus, it sits in a good recruiting base.

For what it's worth, A.D. Steve Orsini came to SMU from Central Florida and also had stints at Georgia Tech and Navy. And Orsini, who will use a search firm, is a Notre Dame grad.

[expony18]

APPLEWHITE APPLEWHITE APPLEWHITE

[PonyFan]

I'd have a hard time supporting an Opie Taylor clone who played in a puke-stained uniform for Mack.

Unless he won a bunch of games, of course.

But I can't, in good conscience, say he's my top choice. Not sure who is .... Bowden, Gill, Christiansen - all seem far more appealing than Opie (and certainly more than Franochio).

[OR-See-Nee]

I never understood his helmet, either. Always looked like it was a couple of sizes too big.

[MrMustang1965]

I never understood his helmet, either. Always looked like it was a couple of sizes too big.

[PonyFanBCLA]

I dont really care who the caoch is as long as he is a winner.
Major fits that role.

25-2 in HS & 22-8 at TU in six years as a starting QB, 7-6 as OC at Rice, 6-2 as OC at Bama.

Hard to argue with him not being a winner everywhere he goes. Plus he could open up doors to often underlooked recruiting grounds of Louisiana.

Sure he's young and hasnt been a head coach but he's learning from one of the best right now and Saban wouldn't have taken him if he didnt believe in him.

[Vitale]

I never understood his helmet, either. Always looked like it was a couple of sizes too big.

Interesting. I always thought his head was a couple of sizes too small.

[BrianTinBigD]

At this point, if Mephistopheles decided to coach and could win year in and year out, I would gladly support him. Just as long as he is not an Aggie.

[MrMustang1965]

At this point, if Mephistopheles decided to coach and could win year in and year out, I would gladly support him. Just as long as he is not an Aggie.

At least Mephisto wears the right color!

[westexSMU]

Applewhite does not have chance at this job. Great potential but young and no head coaching experience. SMU is talking big money and is attracting big name former head coaches. Applewhite would no question be a better recruiter than what we have had, but can he put together a staff with his limited experience that he could Manage ? Who really knows ?........To big of a gamble and we have certainly gambled before.... Big Money talks and our checks will cash...So stay positive.

[thefamousguy]

APPLEWHITE APPLEWHITE APPLEWHITE

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO PLEASE GOD NO!

[thefamousguy]

I dont really care who the caoch is as long as he is a winner.
Major fits that role.

25-2 in HS & 22-8 at TU in six years as a starting QB, 7-6 as OC at Rice, 6-2 as OC at Bama.

Hard to argue with him not being a winner everywhere he goes. Plus he could open up doors to often underlooked recruiting grounds of Louisiana.

Sure he's young and hasnt been a head coach but he's learning from one of the best right now and Saban wouldn't have taken him if he didnt believe in him.

HOW MANY GAMES HAS HE WON AS A DIVISION 1 HEAD FOOTBALL COACH?

IF THE ANSWER IS "0".

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO! DO YOU PEOPLE EVER LEARN? IT'S LIKE YOU WANT ANOTHER 6 YEARS OF FAILED HEAD COACHING EXPERIMENTS.

WE NEED SOMEONE WITH EXPERIENCE!