Three Coaches, Three Very Different Futures

Today could be the day, the day in which three NCAA football coaches have their fate determined. Even if Florida State's Bobby Bowden, Notre Dame' Charlie Weis and Kansas' Mark Mangino are all let go, they are all heading in vastly different directions.

Bobby Bowden is the highest profile among these three. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Bowden wants to return as FSU's head coach. But this season has been anything but sunny for the 80 year old Bowden. The Seminoles finished 6-6. FSU suffered yet another embarassing loss to rival Florida. And there were times as if Bowden was unaware of his team's situation.

Some want him out and some think Bowden has earned the right to determine when he walks away. As much as the Florida State administration wanted to plan for Bowden's departure, it might be that exact reason the decision becomes complicated.

Jimbo Fisher is to be the next head coach at FSU. Long time defensive coordinator Micky Andrews is leaving. Who will pick Andrews' replacement? If you want to move on with the program, you let Fisher make that choice, and not Bowden. Let me make this clear, I am a big fan of Bobby Bowden. He is the reason I ever watched a Florida State game. But it is time.

Charlie Weis' future is already defined. The odds of him being retained by Notre Dame are slim. Very slim.

After a 45-38 loss to Stanford on Saturday night, Weis was to travel with his team (maybe for the last time) back to Sounth Bend to meet with Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick. Most feel Weis is gone. And most feel that is why QB Jimmy Clausen will be leaving. The fact the Clausen home has been sold is a major indicator. But what if Swarbrick has a change of heart and decides to let Weis have another year?

Who am I kidding! We all know Charlie's history. And we all know what his future holds. It was reported yesterday on Sunday NFL Countdown that 6 NFL teams have already contacted Weis about being an offensive coordinator. Yes, Charlie Weis will be back in the NFL.

Kansas' Mark Mangino's future may have been written more by those actions off the field as much as on. Former players have alledged that Mangino has been physically and verbally abusive. Current players have Mangino's back.

Mangino has pointed out that when Kansas hired him, the program needed discipline and he has given the Jayhawks program that...and then some. And Mangino has delivered winning seasons on top of the "discipline" he was asked to deliver.

This fact doesn't help Mangino's case. After starting out 5-0, Kansas lost its last 7 games. And the Kansas loss in the Border War on a last second field goal won't sit well either. The Jayhawks had the game and let it slip away...or they threw it away, literally.

Regardless of which side you're on, Mangino may not return to Lawrence. And if he's not there, where will he end up?

That's a big question in which there is currently no answer.

If any of these three were to keep their positions, I'd be surprised. But I'm on the record for saying I'd let any of them coach my team.

Anytime, anywhere.