NCAA Football: And The Coaching Carousel Begins..

By: Tyler Ward

For most teams, the NCAA football regular season ended over the weekend and for some of those schools, new coaches will be at the helm at the start of the 2012 season.

There have been some big names that have been let go, but it is almost a certainty that most if not all will be head coaches next year, whether it be in the NCAA's top-tier or in one of the league's subdivisions. The only question that remains is, where are they going to coach?

Let's take a look at the coaches that have been let go thus far:

- Rick Neuheisel, UCLA
- Houston Nutt, Ole Miss
- Joe Paterno, Penn State
- Turner Gill, Kansas
- Dennis Erikson, Arizona State
- Larry Porter, Memphis
- Ron Zook, Illinois
- Rob Ianello, Akron
- Howard Schnellenberger, FAU
- Neil Callaway, UAB
- Paul Wulff, Washington State (Practically gone, but no decision yet)

There's also a few more rumors around the NCAA that more coaches will be let go, such as Randy Edsall (Maryland), Mike Sherman (Texas A&M), Dave Clawson (Bowling Green), Derek Dooley (Tennessee), Dan Mullen (Mississippi State), Steve Fairchild (Colorado State), Kevin Wilson (Indiana), and possibly a few more.

Earlier today, Ohio State named Urban Meyer as their new head coach, replacing Luke Fickell who took over for for Jim Tressel on an interim basis after he was let go before the season.

Former Arizona head coach Mike Stoops has been rumored to become Ohio State's defensive coordinator, but it is unclear at this point.

There have been rumors circulating that former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach is the lead candidate to replace Turner Gill at Kansas. Leach has been considered to be one of the best offensive coaches over the last decade, as he tutored former No. 1 NFL draft pick Tim Couch at Kentucky and turned Oklahoma quarterback Josh Heupel into an NFL draft pick, although it was short-lived.

He was particularly known for his high-powered offenses and aerial assaults at Texas Tech, led by quarterbacks such as Kliff Kingsbury, B.J. Symons, Sonny Cumbie, Cody Hodges, and Graham Harrell.

Leach led the Red Raiders to an 11-win campaign in 2008, and also led them to nine-win seasons in 2002, 2005, and 2007. If he were to be hired by Kansas, there is no doubt that he will try to turn them into one of the NCAA's high-powered offenses.

It is also suspected that Washington State will chase Leach if they do let go of Paul Wulff, who is thought to be fired within the next few days.

With Rick Neuheisel being relieved of his duties at UCLA, there will be another coaching change. At the school, many hirings have been former players, current assistant coaches, or people with ties to the program. They have released a short list that consists of current Boise State head coach Chris Peterson, Houston's Kevin Sumlin and Cincinnati's Butch Jones.

Over the last few seasons, Peterson has been highly-touted as the mastermind behind Boise State's BCS-busting reign in the NCAA. When the UCLA job opened up four years ago, the Bruins staff coveted Peterson but couldn't get a deal done. Now they have an opportunity to get him again and there are rumors going around that he will accept the offer, if given to him.

Kevin Sumlin, Houston's current leading man, has turned the program around drastically since arriving in 2008. The school is currently 12-0, one of the NCAA's two undefeated teams (LSU). In his four seasons, he has led the Cougars to records of 8-5, 10-4, 5-7 and 12-0, respectively.

They are currently undefeated with majority thanks going to quarterback and Heisman candidate Case Keenum. Keenum recently broke the NCAA's all-time passing yards mark during the season thanks to their scary offense.

Larry Porter, who was let go at Memphis, went 3-21 in two seasons, including a 1-15 record within the conference. It is not known if the former Tigers player and leading man will be a head coach elsewhere, but for now, he remains without a job.

It is exceedingly doubtful that Memphis will lure a big-time coach to the school, with the biggest name perhaps being Southern Mississippi's Larry Fedora.

It has also been released that Memphis has made a short list of head coaches, including former Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden, North Alabama's Terry Bowden, former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach, Texas defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, Arkansas State's Hugh Freeze, Louisiana-Lafayette's Mark Hudspeth, Arkansas assistant coach John L. Smith and former Ole Miss and Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt.

Former Oregon head coach Mike Belotti has been rumored to become the next head coach at Arizona State. After 13 years of being the Ducks' head coach, Belotti stepped down in July 2009, thus paving the way for the hiring of Chip Kelly.

It has been a fact that Belotti loves the Pac-12 and any available coaching slot within the conference will make Belotti drool. There are also vacancies at UCLA and soon-to-be Washington State, but both schools have not shown interest in the former Ducks coach.

Personally, I believe that Belotti will be the perfect coach for Arizona State and he is the type of coach that could turn around a program that has struggled mightily as of late. If Belotti does get hired, it will almost certainly be by a Pac-12 school.


The coaching carousel has just begun and I'm sure there will be more surprises down the road.

A Look Back: Tyreke Evans Grizzlies Pre-Draft Workout

By: Stephen Patterson

I will never be able to understand how Chris Wallace and Michael Heisley could have possibly blown the 2009 NBA Draft as bad as they did.

Not only did they think it would be a good idea to select Hasheem Thabeet in the lottery, who at the time had zero offensive skill (which remains unchanged to this day), they did so with the second overall pick.

Obviously, Blake Griffin was already off the board, but take a look at some of the players the Grizzlies could have landed instead of Thabeet: James Harden, Tyreke Evans, Stephen Curry, DeMar DeRozan, Brandon Jennings, Jrue Holiday, and Ty Lawson.

How could Heisley and Wallace pass on those names for Thabeet? Especially Evans.

Evans, who played his one year of college basketball at the University of Memphis, would have not only helped boost local interest in the Grizzlies, but also could have potentially put the Grizzlies over the top.

Just sit back and imagine this line-up for a moment: Evans, O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol.

Then, off the bench, Memphis still would have Mike Conley, Tony Allen, Darrell Arthur, Sam Young, etc.

Not only could that have given Memphis one of the most well-rounded starting line-ups in the Western Conference, it potentially could have made them contenders in the West.

Just watch this pre-draft workout video from when Evans worked out for Memphis prior to the draft and try to find an explanation that makes sense as to why the team took Thabeet over Evans.

I don't think I will ever be able to find a reason to justify perhaps one of the worst mistakes in the history of the Grizzlies' franchise.

Can you?





Bonus Video - Tyreke Evans buries the Grizzlies earlier this season with a 3/4 court buzzer-beater and painfully reminded everyone in Memphis that Heisley & Wallace bombed the 2009 Draft.

Former Memphis Tigers Coach Larry Finch Dies At 60

By: Tyler Ward

Larry Finch, who led the Tigers to a 1973 NCAA championship appearance, has died at the age of 60.

Memphis spokesman Lamar Chance said Finch died at Saint Francis Hospital on Saturday.

One of the best players ever at Memphis, Finch left his alma mater as the team's all-time leading scorer. He still ranks fourth on the list with 1,869 points.

His #21 jersey was also retired by Memphis.

He would go on to coach the Tigers before the 1986-87 season. He would become the Tigers' all-time leader in wins, as he would retire in 1997. When he retired, Finch had won 220 games and lost just 130.

Finch would also lead them to a Final Four appearance.

As he has gotten older, Finch had grown accustomed to health problems. He suffered a debilitating stroke in 2002 and in October 2010, he was hospitalized with a case of pneumonia.

It finally caught up to him on Saturday, but the cause of death is unknown thus far.

Gene Bartow, who coached Finch in the 1973 title game against UCLA, said in a statement, "I'm asked a lot about who was the greatest player I ever coached, and I always have the same answer: Larry Finch. Larry helped provide the roots for this city's wonderful basketball tradition, and his contributions to Memphis were immense. He will be missed."

Tigers athletics director R.C. Johnson also said of Finch, "Larry Finch was so much bigger than just a basketball player or a basketball coach. He did so much for the City of Memphis, his community and his University, that it would be hard to mention all of his achievements."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Finch family in their time of grief,
Johnson continued. "Larry Finch will live on in the memories of all Tiger fans. He will never be forgotten."

A few years after his pro career ended, Finch went into coaching at his alma mater. He became the head coach before the 1986 season, succeeding Dana Kirk.

He would lead the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament six times. Finch coached players such as Penny Hardaway, Lorenzen Wright, Elliot Perry, and David Vaughn.

To honor Finch, the Tigers named their practice facility after him in 2000.

"Coach Finch was one of the biggest influences in my life," said Elliott Perry, who played for Finch. "Playing for coach Finch at Memphis was a perfect scenario for me. He helped shape me as a basketball player, but more importantly into the person that I am today."

Current Memphis coach Josh Pastner said of Finch, "Larry Finch is one of the two most important figures in the city of Memphis' history, along with Elvis Presley. Larry surely will be missed, but his spirit will continue to be with us."

Finch was born in Memphis and attended Melrose High School. He started attending Memphis State University in 1970 and stayed there all four years.

During his final season in a blue and white uniform, Finch led the Tigers to a championship appearance against Bill Walton's UCLA Bruins.

Memphis lost the game, despite Finch scoring 29 points.

Finch was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1973, but instead signed with the Memphis Tams of the American Basketball Association.

He went into coaching after his playing career ended.

Finch will be sorely missed, as he was one of the best coaches in the school's history. He was a great person and we can do nothing, but honor his greatness.

Memphis Tigers Coach Josh Pastner Gets Five-Year Extension

By: Tyler Ward

The Tigers rewarded head basketball coach Josh Pastner with a five-year extension that will keep in Memphis until the 2015-16 season.

The university said Tuesday that the extension is worth approximately $1.7 million per season.

Pastner was hired last year to take over for John Calipari, arguably the best coach in Memphis Tigers basketball history.

Memphis, under a new regime, went 24-10 in Pastner's first season and successfully earned a berth in the annual NIT tournament.

This season, with junior Wesley Witherspoon and freshman Will Barton, the Tigers went 25-9 in the regular season, earning a spot in the NCAA championship tournament. The Tigers faced the Arizona Wildcats in the opening round of the tournament, but exited early and losing, 77-75.

With Pastner secured, the Tigers are hoping to return to their best form after being considered a top-tier team throughout the decade.

Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson says Pastner is "an outstanding coach and recruiter".

"We have everything we need to be successful and build championship-caliber teams. From a modern arena, to a great practice facility, to one of the strongest fan bases in the nation, to an outstanding recruiting area, Tiger basketball is one of the top five programs in the country and should always remain at that elite level," he said.

Highlights Of NBA MVP Candidate Derrick Rose As Memphis Tiger (Video)

By: Stephen Patterson

:

Derrick Rose has come a long way since his final, depressing moments as a Memphis Tiger. While he was still a man among boys at the college level, his game has only improved since he jumped to the NBA. Is Rose your NBA MVP this season?

Memphis Blues: Former Tiger DeAngelo Williams' College Highlights (Video)

By: Tyler Ward

DeAngelo Williams, currently of the Carolina Panthers, was a star running back for the Memphis Tigers before he went to the NFL.

Williams signified hope for Memphians, as he was practically the only bright spot for the Memphis Tigers football team.

He was a great player for the Tigers, as he went out there each and every Saturday and gave it 110 percent.

So with that being said, here are some highlights of Williams from his Memphis days:

Ex-Grizzlies Star Lorenzen Wright's Body Found

By: Tyler Ward

The Memphis Commercial Appeal has reported that a body was found near the intersection of Hacks Cross and Winchester. His body was found in a wooded area reasonably close to the intersection. Wright had been missing since July 19 and reportedly, a 911 call was placed the night of Wright's disappearance. It is thought that Wright had a large amount of cash when he was last seen and the police suspect foul play. 

Although he lives in Atlanta, Wright was visiting his ex-wife and six children in Memphis at her Collierville home. He was expected to drive back to Atlanta with his children and one of his friends. He never made it.

After not receiving a phone call from her father, Wright's eldest daughter apparently told her mother that she had not spoken to the ex-Grizzlies power forward. Wright's ex-wife, along with other family members, began to worry and filed a missing persons report last week. They suspected that he may have just left the country with no rhyme or reason, but after failed attempts to reach Wright, his family felt that he had not left, but just simply vanished without a trace.

Wright was last seen around 2 A.M., leaving his ex-wife's house. No one heard from him after his departure. Police are saying the investigation is ongoing and no further details have been released to the public.

The former Memphis Tigers star was chosen seventh overall in the 1996 draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. He spent three seasons in Los Angeles before being dealt to Atlanta. In 2001, he was traded again, but to the Memphis Grizzlies on draft day for Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Jamaal Tinsley. His last season was 2008-09, when he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He has career averages of 7.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game for the Clippers, Hawks, Grizzlies, Kings, and Cavaliers.

Wright leaves behind his six children. His family has yet to give a statement on the matter and his funeral date hasn't been announced. Wright was 34.

This marks the second straight year that a sports star has been murdered in the state of Tennessee. Former Tennessee Titans Quarterback Steve McNair was murdered last July 4th.

Rest in peace, Lorenzen. You will be sorely missed in the Memphis community.

Former Grizzlie Lorenzen Wright Missing

By: Tyler Ward

As reported to the Memphis Commercial Appeal on Thursday, the sister of former Grizzlie Lorenzen Wright is missing. A missing persons report was filed in Collierville, Tennessee after his sister said that she hasn't spoken to Wright in over a week. 

Collegiatly, Wright played for his hometown Memphis Tigers; he entered the draft after his sophomore year, averaging 16 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. He is known as one of the best players in Tigers history and was a Third Team All-American in 1995-96, his sophomore season. 

Wright was drafted seventh overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1996 NBA draft. After spending three seasons in Los Angeles, he was traded to Atlanta for two future first round picks. He proceeded to spend two seasons in Atlanta, then he moved on to the Memphis Grizzlies, a team that he is primarily known for playing with. 

He played for the Grizzlies for five years, but due to free agency, he left after the 2005-06 season and went back to the Atlanta Hawks. In 2008, he was traded to Sacramento, as part of the Mike Bibby trade - he played only five games for the Kings, tallying 13 total minutes. Wright's last season, 2008-09, was spent with the Cavaliers and permanently retired after the season was over. He played 13 seasons in the NBA, averaging 7.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

Wright is also one of the most popular players in Grizzlies history, and has historically given back to the Memphis community.

Wright's last few months have been rocky, as his house was foreclosed in May, according to the Commercial Appeal. Police say they think foul play is not involved.

Police, along with Wright's family, have been trying to constantly make contact with Wright, but his whereabouts are unknown and their attempts have been unsuccessful. Wright's mother has already issued a video pleading for his return, hoping that someone knows what happened or his witness of the video, causing him to return home.

Former Pacer Shawne Williams Arrested

By: Stephen Patterson

Former NBA star and University of Memphis standout Shawne Williams was arrested after being pulled over with marijuana and a loaded weapon in his vehicle. Officers found over 17 grams of marijuana in the car and the weapon was in the possession of Williams' former U of M teammate Kareem Cooper. The officer pulled over Williams' vehicle because he wasn't wearing a seatbelt and was charged with driving on a suspended license.

Williams has been surrounded by legal troubles since his departure from the University of Memphis. Since being selected with the 17th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers, Williams has been arrested multiple times and has pretty much ruined any chance he ever had of getting back into the NBA. 

After two troubled seasons in Indiana, Williams was sent to the Dallas Mavericks in a trade. However, Mark Cuban quickly grew tired of his antics and sent him home from the team in January 2009. Although Cuban said the team was trying to help Williams through personal issues and troubled times, the franchise didn't renew his contract and he didn't play in the NBA last season.

Considering the fact that Williams has failed to live up to expectations from the moment he was drafted by the Pacers, this latest off the court issue may have ended any chances he may have had of a comeback. Too many professional sports owners are becoming more aware of their franchise images and are avoiding players that have repeatedly shown they can't stay away from legal problems. If Williams ever wants to play in the NBA again, he needs to get some serious help and change his lifestyle completely before even attempting to contact a team.