The past months have seen a lively game of musical chairs in the NCAA and NFL. Though the hottest action hasn't concerned Miami teams much, the effects are being felt here.
The Dolphins fired defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni last week, and it seems like they're hoping to replace him with some Miracle-Groh.
Al Groh has spent a good portion of his football career sucking the teat of Bill Parcells, serving under Big Tuna for 13 years on various staffs. So it's not a big surprise that after being handed the pink slip at his gig at the University of Virginia, he's in the mix. Fans of the other pig-skin tenants in Dolphin Stadium might remember Groh was responsible for the 48-0 blowout during UM's last game in the Orange Bowl. Of course, that team can't complain too much about unceremonious blowouts, but if Groh gets the job, he might consider steering clear of the stadium on Saturdays.
Oh, fun fact: Shortly after 9/11, Groh, concerned about the Cavaliers' airplane safety, quipped, "I'm not saying this to make light of it by any means, but I'm not planning on having Arabs in the traveling party, so therefore I think probably that the threat of our being hijacked is pretty remote." So he should fit in well in multicultural South Florida.
While Groh is the frontrunner for the job, the Fins are also looking at the Steelers' Paul Butler. He has a long history with Fins star Joey Porter, and HC Tony Sparano has spoken highly of him in the past.
Meanwhile, despite reports that Hurricanes offensive coordinator Mark Whipple was being considered for the recently vacated head coaching spot at USF, ESPN now reports the Bulls this afternoon will introduce Skip Holtz in the position. Phew, Mr. Whipple remains another day.
Considering Holtz is son of former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz, who helmed the program during the heyday of the Convicts-Catholic rivalry, it should add a little more drama to the burgeoning USF-UM rivalry.
