Candidate Tier #3

Category: Old(ish) Candidates

Who Is He?

Former Purdue LB, former Purdue DC, current Illinois State head coach and procurer of a magnificent mustache.

Why would he be successful at Purdue?

He knows what he's getting into- knows the strengths and weaknesses of the program and school...and could build a coaching staff with former Purdue guys (maybe like Chaney, Stublefield, Woodson?) while stabilizing the program. He's been a consistent winner (until this season's 3-4 start) at Illinois State as he's taken them to the final 8 in the FBS division nearly every season.

He put more Purdue football players into the NFL than any defensive coordinator in the history of the program, and his generation Defensive Ends are nothing short of legendary.

He has a pipeline of JuCo players that would give the program a shot in the arm.

Why could he flop at Purdue?

He's gotten 'fat' off of JuCo transfers...and JuCo athletes giveth and taketh away. Some are late bloomers, many carry baggage that would wear thin on Purdue's alum base. KSU's Schneider has had long success (twice) on the backs of JuCo transfers...so it can be successful. That being said, most coaches who rely on JuCo recruiting don't stay long in Power 5 conferences.

Would he come to Purdue?

With the Morgue out of the picture, absolutely. In a heartbeat.