Right around this time last year, speculation was swirling that Troy Calhoun was being pursued heavily for openings at Colorado and with the NFL’s Denver Broncos. Ultimately, the head coach reaffirmed his commitment to Air Force.
A year later, Calhoun’s name has been attached to yet another opening.
The Houston Chronicle reported very early Wednesday morning that Calhoun has interviewed with Texas A&M for their head-coaching vacancy on Tuesday. A&M athletic director Bill Byrne has been interviewing candidates in New York City to replace Mike Sherman, who was fired last week by the Aggies.
Interestingly, Calhoun’s former AFA defensive coordinator, Tim DeRuyter, is A&M’s coordinator and will serve as the Aggies’ interim head coach for their bowl game.
Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin have also reportedly interviewed for the position. We’ve also been told a current Pac-12 coach has expressed an interest in the vacancy, although the extent of that interest or whether an interview has taken place cannot be confirmed.
Additionally, reports have surfaced that an individual with third-party ties to A&M has approached Clemson’s Dabo Swinney.
Southern Miss’ Larry Fedora was also a candidate for the Aggies job, but accepted an offer from North Carolina Tuesday. Members of the Tar Heels football program expected that announcement yesterday, CFT’s been told, but that confirmation from UNC is now not expected until today or tomorrow.
On the A&M announcement front, the Chronicle writes that “they hope to have the process wrapped up by week’s end, and one said an announcement could come as soon as Wednesday.” Sumlin is still believed the front-runner, and is expected to be the pick to replace Sherman whenever the official decision comes down.
Unless all of this Illinois talk continues to gain traction, of course.