Pure speculation

Earlier this year the guys at EDSBS captured the dynamic of message board contingents. What they didn’t mention were the short-hand terms and recurring themes and gimmicks that each team board develops. For example, anytime a college coach is fired a band of TOB haters from Eagle Action run over to that school’s message board and start pimping O’Brien as a successor. The feeling is that TOB is too good to get fired from BC, so they are stuck with him until someone else hires him away. Needless to say, TOB is still at BC.

So today, when Colorado fired Gary Barnett the usual suspect pleaded their case at the CU board. Yet, this time and clearly independent of their efforts, I think TOB might end up in Boulder.

First let me make some things completely clear -- I HAVE NO INSIDE SCOOP. THIS IS ALL SPECULATION AND I KNOW THE HOUSTON NUTT TO CU RUMORS ARE OUT THERE.

With that out of the way, let me tell you why I think CU and TOB might look under each other’s respective hoods. TOB has accomplished a lot at BC, but is not headed towards that Legend, Icon status at the school. In fact, as the reaction to Boise shows, there is a large portion of the fan base that is bored with him and his results. He is comfortable at BC, but has flirted/floated his name out for other jobs in the past (Georgia Tech and Washington just last year). He and his wife are empty nesters and at 57 his window of opportunity for another big job is getting smaller and smaller. He has no formal ties to CU, but the Washington process shows he would strongly consider going out West. At CU he could make more money and recruit a different type of student athlete. TOB is an ACC guy, but I think CU’s got a easier path to success in the Big XII North than BC does in the ACC Atlantic.

Why would CU want TOB? This is a bit tougher. Athletic Directors and Presidents love the old Marine. Boosters don’t (at least that was the word out of UW and Georgia Tech). However, he has an established track record of cleaning up messes and running a clean program. That might not win titles, but it might be what CU needs after their last two coaches.

Will he end up in Boulder? A core of BC fans would love to see it. I don’t think it is likely, but I could see it happening. As I have often stated, I am torn on the guy. Maybe a change of scenery is what he and BC could both use.