Rick Byrd, Belmont

[seniorsooner]

I have heard from a member of Byrd's immediate family that he has been contacted by OU and Tennessee. That is not to say he is in serious discussions with either, just that he has been contacted.

 

[Dr Sleep]

I have heard from a member of Byrd's immediate family that he has been contacted by OU and Tennessee. That is not to say he is in serious discussions with either, just that he has been contacted.

Thanks.

 

[Tony]

I know they've been pretty good lately and (I think) that he's been there forever, but that's really all I know about him. Someone fill me in

 

[seniorsooner]

To be honest with you it's odd that OU has contacted him. It makes sense for Tennessee because he is a Tennessee grad. With OU I don't get it because the guy has been the head coach at Belmont since 1986. When he started there they were still NAIA. They went D-1 in 1996. He has built a solid program there but on the surface I'm not exactly overwhelmed with his resume. I would also wonder why he is looking to move now after so many years and also why is he just now drawing interest. Maybe he's not looking to move and perhaps he has spurned advances before now, I don't know. He is 57 years old.

 

[Tony]

Some googling reveals a lot of plaudits about his humanitarian work and the academic success of his players. This fits in with what I think Joe C is looking for with this hire. He wants someone absolutely squeaky clean.

 

[BanjoCharley]

"57?" he's a toddler.

 

[seniorsooner]

Bumping this because at this point he could be moving up our list by process of elimination.

 

[WTSooner]

Sure. Why not.

 

[seniorsooner]

FYI Tennessee sources report that he did interview for the Vols' job prior to C Martin being hired so it appears he is open to moving.

 

[Big Old Booger]

I heard an interview with Mitch Holthus, the PBP for the KC Chiefs and a college basketball PBP for the big 12 network. He was talking about the search firms and how popular they are now. He said if a coach doesn't work with a search firm then they won't be targeted for a possible opening. So, maybe Byrd works with a search firm, either to fill past positions on his staff or whatever, maybe even the same search firm used by OU for this job, so they contacted him because he fit the basic profile of what OU is looking for. I would imagine once the legwork is done then the candidates who want to take it further will be contacted again for an interview.