From a source Tuesday afternoon, here's the latest on the Gophers' search for a head coach:

• The research phase seems to be complete. They have a good idea on who is willing to take the job. Athletic director Joel Maturi has made some trips recently. My source was told that he has focused a ton of attention on Air Force (Troy Calhoun), San Diego State (Brady Hoke), and Temple (Al Golden). Presumably, Maturi hopped on an airplane for one reason: to talk to some/all of these candidates. The source wasn't sure how many others are in the mix. But clearly those three very much are.

• Maturi also has researched the "deep south", the source said. He wasn't quite sure what that meant. My own speculation makes me think of Southern Mississippi's Larry Fedora.

• Houston's Kevin Sumlin is spending more time thinking about the opening in Boulder. His interest in the Gophers, or lack-there-of, is telling. Also, the Parker Search Firm hasn't been in contact with Sumlin/his representative for some time. This all could be a part of the "game." However, this source said he would not bet on Sumlin landing here.

• It's becoming extremely likely that the "U" will hire a current head coach.

gorocks99;572883 wrote:http://1500espn.com/sportswire/Gophers_football_a_new_phase_in_the_coaching_search112310

Minnesota: We have just been told that Brady Hoke, Paul Chryst, Troy Calhoun, and Randy Edsall have all informed Minnesota AD Joel Maturi that they are not interested in the head coaching job at Minnesota.

thedynasty1998;580666 wrote:Haven't read this entire thread, but has the coach at Minnesota Duluth been mentioned? I believe they are a D2 powerhouse, and he's obviously an in-state guy so he knows the HS coaches in the area and can recruit.

I know they won the NC a few years ago and are ranked #1 in the country right now.

gorocks99;580705 wrote:Hasn't been mentioned here, but he has been brought up on other sites I frequent. Overwhelming response is "no" as a coach moving from D-II to BCS conference is virtually unheard of. I would not be thrilled with the hire.

Side note, talk seems to be heating up; I expect we'll know who the next coach is within 72 hours.

thedynasty1998;580710 wrote:Normally I would agree with you about the jump, but this is Minnesota. We are not talking about a team that is going to win a National Championship. They need someone who knows the state and has credibility within.

I know for every Tressel there are many others who don't succeed, but making the jump from D2 really isn't different than 1AA. And we are talking about Ohio State. One of the top 5 jobs in the country. If it was good enough for Ohio State, it would certainly be acceptable for Minnesota.

gyea36;580744 wrote:I'd really want someone to focus on an exciting style of football...ie the spread. I know winning helps excitement, but it seems like MN needs some electricity and quickly. I would still be all about Leach or someone like him. Create some buzz.

mucalum49;583325 wrote:Tom Dienhart tweeted that Randy Shannon could be a "Tubby Smith type" hire. Also, Former BC and current Omaha UFL coach Jeff Jagodzinski is another candidate to watch.

"It's like buying real estate - you want a situation where it's undervalued so you can turn it into something," said the 49-year-old Leach, who went 84-43 and never had a losing season in his decade in Lubbock. "That's a program that's under-utilized, that has a lot of advantages but is just lying dormant. . . . I would enjoy the challenge."

"The most important positions are offensive linemen and defensive linemen. You can walk to the grocery store up there (in Minnesota) and find guys who could be good ones," Leach said. "And nobody in the Big Ten utilizes the skill positions like we do. The fans would rally around it, would get excited about the program. That's what I bring to the table."

gorocks99;584728 wrote:Mike Leach really wants the job: http://www.kentucky.com/2010/12/01/1549045/mike-leach-interested-in-minnesota.html

gorocks99;584748 wrote:Quite a large segment of Gopher fans want him as the next coach. I'm on the fence but would be behind him 100% if he's the guy.