BC waits to hear from Jagodzinski

By Kevin Armstrong, SI.com

Boston College head coach Jeff Jagodzinski spoke with the New York Jets on Tuesday according to a published report, but he has not talked with his current employer since Sunday afternoon.

"I've reached out to him several times," Boston College athletic director Gene DeFilippo told SI.com when reached by phone. "But we've heard nothing back. I'm hoping to hear from him either tonight or tomorrow morning."

The interview was confirmed by a person with knowledge of the meeting who did not want to be identified because there was no announcement from the Jets or BC, according to The Associated Press. It was first was reported by the Star-Ledger of Newark.

DeFilippo did not say whether he would fire Jagodzinski, as has been reported by ESPN.com.

Jagodzinski, who has been at BC for two years after eight years as an NFL assistant, informed DeFilippo over the weekend that he would interview with the Jets. While no language banning Jagodzinski from interviewing for NFL positions exists in his contract, which still has three years remaining, DeFilippo said, "I thought we had a coach who wanted to be here for the long term. I guess I was wrong."

Added a source close to BC: "If you look someone in the eye and they agree to something, then that's more than a piece of paper to the administration."

When news first broke of Jagodzinski's interview, the 45-year-old coach phoned his assistants and provided them with "minimal" information regarding his candidacy for the job. DeFilippo met with the staff on Sunday.

"It's mind-blowing that this situation has come out," said one source close to the program. "Everything seemed just fine last week."

Jagodzinski, who was the offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers in 2006, coached Boston College to the Music City Bowl this season and has a 20-8 record in two seasons. Part of the Jets' interest is reportedly related to his work with Brett Favre, but the Boston Globe reported Tuesday night that the Seattle Seahawks may also be interested in Jagodzinski as an offensive coordinator if things fall apart with the Jets and BC.

DeFilippo plans to "have a long talk" with his coach upon his return and will not make a decision regarding his firing prior to a face-to-face meeting. Defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani and offensive coordinator Steve Logan are possible replacements if Jagodzinski is fired. Spaziani, a Joe Paterno disciple who played and coached at Penn State, would provide BC with a familiar face, having served 12 years as an assistant under Tom O'Brien and Jagodzinski. At 62, his age may be the biggest hurdle to his hiring after he was passed over for Jagodzinski two years ago. Logan, meanwhile, was the head coach at East Carolina when Jagodzinski was the offensive coordinator from 1993-96.

The coaching uncertainty comes at a crucial point in the recruiting calendar for BC. Jagodzinski's assistants were on the road on Tuesday looking to secure commitments and retain verbal commitments they currently have. Unsure of Jagodzinski's status, the assistants hoped a decisive response would be made so they could reassure potential recruits, but it looks as though their wait will drag into another day.