Looks like Greg Schiano isn't heading to the great northwest after all.
Despite reports that Oregon had shown interest in the Ohio State co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach for its open coaching position, the Ducks went a different direction on Wednesday.
USFs Willie Taggart will be named Oregons coach, a source told @ESPN
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) December 7, 2016
John Canzano, a columnist at The Oregonian, wrote after the Ducks fired Mark Helfrich last week that Nike overlord Phil Knight "already has his man" and it could very well have been Schiano. Knight took in Ohio State's 30-27 double overtime victory against Michigan in Columbus on Nov. 26 after all and even spoke to the Buckeyes afterward. Now, Schiano could be in line to take over for the departed Taggart.
Charlie Strong, FSU co-OC Lawrence Dawsey, Alabama OC Lane Kiffin & Ohio State DC Greg Schiano top candidates at USF, sources told @ESPN
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) December 7, 2016
But the Ducks elected to grab the guy who has helped South Florida come back to life. Taggart is 24-25 in four seasons at South Florida but led the Bulls to a 10-2 mark this season. South Florida started 1-3 last season but has gone 17-4 since. Life comes at you fast.
USF players have a team meeting at 1:30 this afternoon, per source, where Taggart will inform them he's leaving: https://t.co/OfpDvm1q7H
— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) December 7, 2016
According to FootballScoop, 17 FBS coaching jobs have come available since last week. Eight are now filled after Oregon tapped Taggart. Other institutions still looking for a new head coach include Cincinnati, Florida Atlantic, Houston, Temple among others.
Ohio State assistants are bound to get phone calls and likely already have for those open positions but one of the high profile jobs is now reportedly off the market.
Source: @McMurphyESPN
