Campus Confidential

BY MIKE ROSE

Jeremy commented in a previous post if Adam and/or I would weigh in on schools naming coaching successors.

Texas just did it, with defensive coordinator Will Muschamp designated as the head coach once Mack Brown decides to retire.

But the Longhorns are not the only program to do this. Florida State has the arrangement already in place, with offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher set to take over for Bobby Bowden. Bret Bielema was prepared to take over for Barry Alvarez at Wisconsin. Purdue's Joe Tiller is retiring after Saturday's game and associate head coach Danny Hope will take over.

What do I think?

-- It's smart. It's important to have continuity in a program. This way when the transition is officially made, it's seamless. Plus, you won't have a messy divorce. When a longtime and successful coach leaves without a replacement ready, things can definitely get a bit out of hand. The Michigan saga last year involving Les Miles and Rich Rodriguez wasn't the best situation for the Wolverines. And schools won't risk losing prized recruits because they will know who is going to be their coach, one way or another.

-- It's good business. Instead of going out and throwing a truckload of money at a coach, schools can lock into an assistant-in-waiting for a reasonable price. And in these tough economic times, a bargain is always good. Also, the powerful alumni and the many season-ticket holders will have a sense of security, knowing that a coach is in place for the future.

-- It's reality. If programs don't lock up solid assistants by naming them as successors, you risk losing them to the NFL or other schools.