The grass isn’t always greener in the SEC.
North Carolina State offensive coordinator Matt Canada was among three finalists to replace Mike Bajakian as the Tennessee Volunteers next offensive player-caller.
ESPN’s Brett McMurphy reported that Canada pulled his name out of consideration Thursday.NC State OC Matt Canada, 1 of 3 candidates for Tennessee OC job, will remain w/NCSt, source told @ESPN
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) January 30, 2015
The reason behind Canada’s decision was simple. North Carolina State decided to extend a new contract, according to SI.com’s Pete Thamel.
Source: NC State offensive coordinator Matt Canada agrees to a 3-year contract. Interest from a major power prompted the deal.
— Pete Thamel (@SIPeteThamel) January 30, 2015
With Canada out of the conversation, the Volunteers will likely concentrate on three candidates to become their next offensive coordinator. A report surfaced earlier Thursday that UCLA’s Noel Mazzone, USC’s Clay Helton and former Michigan coordinator Mike DeBord interviewed for the position.
Scout.com’s UCLA affiliate, Bruin Report Online, reported Mazzone didn’t interview with the Volunteers, though.
If the latter report is correct then Helton and DeBord remain in consideration. Helton is the likely the favorite since DeBord hasn’t been on the sidelines for two years nor called plays since 2006.
North Carolina State, meanwhile, retains an innovative play-caller. During his two seasons with the Wolfpack, Canada’s offense averages 406.12 yards per game.