Unlike other FCS athletic directors at Weber State, South Dakota, Columbia and Richmond - which filled vacancies recently after the prior coach was fired or retired - Barber's hiring window is much smaller since his coach was hired away.
Liberty University is replacing head coach Danny Rocco after he compiled a 47-20 record in six seasons.
Even though the starting point for the job search comes later than he'd like, Barber hasn't been caught off guard by the new responsibility, and a national search is already under way.
No setback in the 'burg. There is a lot of interest in this position. It is one of if not the highest paid head coaching positions in FCS with good financial/benefit package for the staff. It was reported today that Tony Dungy is helping with the search process. We will be ok.
I agree with SumItUp. I am seriously jazzed about this search and where we are headed as a program. I haven;t heard specific names but I have been told we have had many current & former NFL coaches inquiring about our opening in addition to former FBS head coaches. We have a great deal to offer a coach who wants to be part of a school like ours.
While it is possible that things will move quicker, it could be 2-3 weeks until the new coach is announced. Candidates should be visiting the campus this week.
Recalling all of the interest in the lowly Gardner-Webb HC slot, I suspect that Liberty, with it's unlimited athletic funds and its now established stadium and other facilities, is going to attract a very nice HC. Good luck with the search. The Runnin' Bulldogs look forward to breaking him in.
Looking back at the humble Gardner - Webb HC slot of interest, I suspect that with the infinite movement of capital and its current stadium and other facilities to establish the freedom to attract a very nice HC. Search of good luck. Runnin "bulldog looking to break him.
Truthfully, I don't know a whole lot about what's going on. Liberty athletics director Jeff Barber is generally pretty tight-lipped about coaching searches, though I understand that by Monday, a working list of candidates had materialized through Barber and his interactions with Carr Sports Associates, the firm Liberty hired to help with the search. Barber is out of town today, presumably on the search, and though I have no idea where he is, I find it interesting that a Falwell Aviation plane left this afternoon from Lynchburg and touched down moments ago in Lawrence, Kansas. That could be entirely unrelated to the search, but there is an out of work football coach living in Lawrence right now, as Turner Gill was just fired from his job at Kansas.
Why? He has 1 winning season in 6, no experience in dealing with the FCS (other than losing to NDSU), and has never had to deal with specific constraints when recruiting. I mean I know it doesn't take much to succeed in the Big South and I'm sure he will, but I don't think he'll consistently get Liberty winning in the tournament.
