Asmussen: Best offseason coaching moves

Ask Bob what he was thinking here

There has been plenty of movement among college football coaches during the offseason. N-G beat writer Bob Asmussen ranks the hires:

1. Mike London

Virginia

No reason for the Cavaliers to be as bad as they have been. In steps London, a hit at Richmond and former Virginia assistant. He's got a reputation as a great recruiter. You'll see the Cavs in the ACC title game within four years.

2. Tommy Tuberville

Texas Tech

Here's a rare case when a talented guy steps into a program that has a long run of success. Tuberville had other opportunities. That he took this one tells you what he thinks about the chances to keep it going.

3. Turner Gill

Kansas

If you can win at Buffalo, even at a modest level, you can win anywhere. Even more important for the Jayhawks, Gill knows the Big 12 and will gain access to Texas recruits.

4. Lane Kiffin

Southern Cal

Sure, it was dastardly the way it all went down. But the bottom line for the school is it got the guy most likely to continue Pete Carroll's success.

5. Skip Holtz

South Florida

Another guy who steps into a winning program. He's the perfect person to replace hothead Jim Leavitt, with a personality that fits today's players.

6. Butch Jones

Cincinnati

Funny that the Bearcats went back to Central Michigan for their head coach. Of course, it worked well with Brian Kelly. Jones didn't let the Chips slide, and he has a chance to keep the great run going in Cincinnati.

7. Joker Phillips

Kentucky

A former Wildcats receiver and longtime assistant at the school, he also has worked at Notre Dame, South Carolina, Cincinnati and Minnesota. It's his time. Plus, what a cool name.

8. Larry Porter

Memphis

Ex-Tigers running back is a top recruiter and has learned about coaching from one of the best, LSU's Les Miles. He's a young guy (37) who will relate well to the players. Memphis will win again soon.

9. Ruffin McNeill

East Carolina

He couldn't have done better in his Alamo Bowl audition, beating Michigan State and saying all the right things before and after the game. Being a former East Carolina defensive back helps him appreciate the place.

10. Brian Kelly

Notre Dame

Was he the first choice or the fifth? It won't matter if he is able to win at a Lou Holtz level. But the pressure is on immediately and the top players in the program left early for the NFL.

And the rest

COACH SCHOOL

11. Jimbo Fisher Florida State

12. Doc Holliday Marshall

13. Bobby Hauck UNLV

14. Rob Ianello Akron

15. Willie Taggert Western Kentucky

16. Todd Berry Louisiana-Monroe

17. Dan Enos Central Michigan

18. Sonny Dykes Louisiana Tech

19. Charlie Strong Louisville

20. Jeff Quinn Buffalo

21. Mike MacIntyre San Jose State

22. Derek Dooley Tennessee

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