regarding: "To be honest, I’m surprised this is where Chizik landed -- I always assumed it would be somewhere a little more prestigious."

It may also be possible that Chizik no longer had the cachet to compete for a job such as Alabama or Miami after suffering through an '06 season in which his Texas defense allowed more passing yards than any team in the Longhorns' history.

Any time lost while waiting for Cowher to decide would easily be made up in enthusiasm if he does sign on. Cowher is the one guy that EVERYONE in the NC State universe can agree on and would raise the program's profile five-fold. The bigger problem is waiting only to find out he's not interested, and then there's $$$. Oh, to be a fly on the wall at the Wolfpack Club these days...

Stewart, I'd like to let you know that Iowa State is in the Big XII conference, just in case you hadn't heard. This is the same conference that's produced national championship teams by the name of Texas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. Now, I'm not saying anything as far as National Championships, because that'd be getting a ridiculous amount ahead of myself, but I would definitely say that Gene Chizik will lead Iowa State into Big XII title contention. Hopefully, he will do this on a consistent basis. Also, who said there's anything wrong with Ames?!

I think Chizik saw the deteriation of Colorado and Nebraska and said why not? Dantonio was an excellent hire. He will bring a measure of toughness and accountability back to Michigan State. The things being said about Alabama are things that used to be said about USC, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma pre-Carroll, pre-Weis, pre-Stoops. Funny, how hiring the right guy at one of the traditional powers turns that problem around in a hurry. Mal Moore here is a hint: give Bobby Petrino whatever it will take. Is there a more done deal than Greg Schiano to Miami? Where do USC's young co-Offensive Coordinators land? Wouldn't Sarkisian be a revelation at NC State and Lane Kiffin at Arizona State?

coming from an ISU alumni and diehard Cyclone football fan for life...It's possible that Chizik decided that a good place to start his head coaching career in Division I would be Iowa State, a program that Dan McCarney help get to a level few had ever achieved there before. After a couple years of getting his feet wet in Ames, if he takes us to a Big 12 championship game, then I say he's acheived a lot and it could set him up nicely for future lucrative jobs that may open that are worth going into (not like this year's trap schools for getting fired - Miami and Alabama). I for one figured ISU to get a second-rate coach that would drive the program right back into the Troy Davis days...now, I have hope for the Cyclones in the Big 12. Go Clones!!!

I think Chizik is over-rated. Texas' defense collapsed in the last two games and he was never able to make it as dominant as the one in Auburn's undefeated season. Auburn's defensive success was probably due to Chizik + the other coaches.

MSU just got a great coach in Dantonio. Being a resident of Cincinnati, I am sad to see him leave. First, we lost Thad Matta (former Xavier coach) to the Big 11, now we've lost another top notch coach. We in the Nati need to do something to keep these good coaches. i hope AD Thomas has someone good in mind for Dantonio's replacement. The Bearcats are on the cusp of doing some great things in the Big East; i just hope we can keep the momentum.

The media and you people need to give it a rest, rich rod isn't going anywhere, bobboy patreno isn't going anywhere and greg Schiano isn't going anywhere, they are in a good conference with good teams that can and will win the national championship soon, not to mention they all have built houses in the area where they are and all 3 of them are in their old stomping grounds...give it up. Interesting the big east is a bad conference, but everyoneeeee wants their coaches..lmao

Stewart, you're always good for a slap to the Big XII Conference. Okay, we're in a bit of a down year this season but there's still plenty of talent and decent coaching. ISU had some talent esp at the skill positions but for reason it didn't translate into wins.

Chizik can do a lot with ISU. The North division is weak and ISU can compete with Nebraska and K-State, along with a revibrant Mizzou, with a retooled defense by Chizik. Can he get the playmakers to enroll at Ames? That is the key question but if I were a HS player around those parts I would check into the school.

Hopefully though the Big XII will rework the alignments, to East-West, and make it more competitive that it is now.

As a big time Bama fan in Boston I admittedly watched from a distance, but from my perspective Mike Schula was not the"A" type personality needed t give Bama the leadership and edge it needed in the tough S.E.C. At times his body language and facial expressions gave an image of confusion and bewilderment. Maybe he is too nice a guy. Football needs a bit of nastiness at the top,especially with the expectations at Alabama. Also it seems Bama's offense became a bit bland. So,here's hoping Bama hires some one with a bit of a "growl", sorta like a BEAR! Roll Tide Roll! Its about time!