Former Kansas head coach Mark Mangino was spotted lurking on Minnesota’s sidelines before and during the Gophers’ game this past weekend, which, to be fair, is not exactly like finding a needle in a haystack.
Apparently, however, there was a good reason for Mangino’s presence during the home loss to USC. And that good reason could turn into a very bad thing for the current head coach if the report is correct.
KSTP-TV in Minneapolis by way of the Lawrence Journal-World is reporting that Mangino has been hired by Minnesota to be a consultant to coach Tim Brewster. In fairness, Minnesota officials refuted the report to the Journal-World via email.
Mangino was very successful during his nine years in Lawrence, compiling a record of 50-48 with the perpetually moribund Jayhawks; Brewster has been the opposite of successful during his three-plus years with the Gophers, lugging around a 15-26 overall mark that’s led to multiple rumors and increased speculation that his job is very much on the line this year.
Brewster signed a contract extension early this past offseason that could technically keep him at the school through the 2013 season, although the only raise the extension included is based on incentives tied to wins in a given season.
If Mangino has indeed been hired... if the Gophers continue their losing ways... the rumor, innuendo and speculation will likely grow exponentially by the time the end of the regular season rolls around. Especially when there’s a more-than-qualified, available option presumably in the building.