this is about a week old but I feel like Bakich is the best option based on this opinion
* The waiting game continues to see what Athletic Director Chris Del Conte will do with regard to the head coaching position at Texas. Officially, there is no opening at this time, as David Pierce remains the head coach. Behind the scenes though, there have been multiple conversations that have occurred to gauge interest, find out what it would take, etc.
At this time, all sources continue to advise that a change will be made. While most expected it to happen immediately once the Horns were eliminated from the season, that is not modus operandi for CDC. The revealing of the new golf coach is a great example of that. In addition, CDC has spent quite a bit of time this week in Oklahoma City as the Horns softball team looks to bring home a national title. Silence is golden and CDC has not come out and said, no, this is our guy.
I tend to believe that there will be much more movement after this weekend.
* Getting into the list of names, here are the names that have been floated and a few quick notes on each.
Jim Schlossnagle (Texas A&M) - could this one still happen? Sure, anything is possible, but based on what sources have said today, it feels like a bridge too far.
Jay Johnson (LSU) - Most will scoff at this based on his recent national title and the school he is at, but there is mutual interest. The biggest hindrance to Johnson is his pay and the amount of money it will take to pry him away from Marucci, I mean LSU.
Tony Vitello (Tennessee) - Maserati Tony was never really under consideration. CDC and Tony know each other from their days at TCU and as mentioned before, there is a personality conflict there. Reports are surfacing today that Tony is about to sign a sizable extension and you can close the book on this one becoming reality.
Brian O'Connor (Virginia) - Elite defense and pitching. On the surface, not the sexiest name, but once you look at how he runs his programs and the success he has had, you start to love what he could bring. I haven't yet had anyone say, he is out. I also haven't had anyone say that there is a huge mutual interest.
Erik Bakich (Clemson) - Young, energetic, develops, and knows how to get the most out of a program. Bakich in my opinion would be a slam dunk hire. Texas would be getting one of the premier young head coaches in the nation. His salary also makes this a very attractive option.
Skip Johnson (Oklahoma) - There are certainly boosters that would like to see it happen, I just don't get the feeling talking to folks around Texas that he would be considered.
Rob Vaughn (Alabama) - A true dark horse in the race, he has only been at Bama for a year, but he was mighty impressive at Maryland and is highly regarded in the baseball circles. If this was 3-5 years down the line, he probably gets a look, but unfortunately, probably not in contention at this juncture.