First Confirmed Candidate

[BGSUFanatic7]

Mike Bajakian (OC, Tennessee) is the first name that BG has a confirmed interest in. It has been hitting the twittersphere very hard this morning.

Not only did he have the same position as Clawson at Tennessee, but he also attended the same college, Williams (Not sure if they attended together). He was the OC at Central Michigan from 2007-2009, the Dan LeFevour years. He then followed Butch Jones to Cincinnati, and served as the OC from 2010-2012 before moving with Butch again to Tennessee. From what I've read, he runs an up-tempo, no huddle offense. This intrigues me given how potent our offense should be next year. Bajakian also was the WR's coach for the Chicago Bears from 2004-2006 and was the QB coach at Michigan from 2000-2001. He's also served as the QB coach, as most coaches do, at his various gigs as OC at Tennessee, Cincinnati and Central Michigan. Obviously has worked with some good QB's in LeFevour and Tyler Brey, this excites me about the potential and development of Matt Johnson as well.

LINKS:
Tennessee's SB Nation site: http://www.rockytoptalk.com/2013/12/10/ ... ling-green

VolNation.com thread: http://www.volnation.com/forum/tennesse ... akian.html

Coaching search's post: http://coachingsearch.com/coaching-search-ticker

[slashba33]

He seems like a viable candidate for us. I think someone who has had SOME head coaching experience would be nice or at a minimum has coached both offense and defense in their careers. With the talent that we have coming back, we need to make a solid hire and not rushing to make the quick hire.

[hammb]

Interesting candidate. Fan of the offensive philosophy.

[MarkL]

UC was fun to watch under Jones. Even in his first year when they went 4-8, the O was a blast. They had a shootout win over Rutgers that probably set half of the current game offensive records.

[OSUFALCON]

This appears to be a very good candidate. Good experience in the Midwest.

[mscarn]

Bajakian also was the WR's coach for the Chicago Bears from 2004-2006

Coaching offense under Lovie Smith is like advocating for nuclear disarmament inside North Korea. Pass.

[kdog27]

I like this guy and Durkin the most so far.

[Globetrotter]

yeah this guy seems ok. You can see an interview of him http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl ... 32301.html

[Flipper]

Bajakian also was the WR's coach for the Chicago Bears from 2004-2006

Coaching offense under Lovie Smith is like advocating for nuclear disarmament inside North Korea. Pass.

That's a really myopic view of his resume...are you Mike Elko's dad or something?

[Falcon137]

I know most of us like Clawson and are happy for him. But, this line made me chuckle from SBNation's link.

"Dave Clawson, the gift that keeps on giving."

I always forget how much, UT fans hate him.

[Warthog]

If Bajakian gets the job, seems likely that Azziani could come along as the OC and former Falcon and also UT assistant Derrick Lett takes over the WRs.

[BGSUFanatic7]

If Bajakian gets the job, seems likely that Azziani could come along as the OC and former Falcon and also UT assistant Derrick Lett takes over the WRs.

+500000.

[daspollak]

If Bajakian gets the job, seems likely that Azziani could come along as the OC and former Falcon and also UT assistant Derrick Lett takes over the WRs.

Azziani would probably get the bump to OC at UT.

[orangeandbrown]

One caveat, the items that come up on those coaching rumor websites are not necessarily "confirmed"

[Flipper]

True...sometimes guys float a rumor about a job because they want to stir the pot and work their own little agenda. I would think the real names will be out...and Bajakian and Durkin might be among them...in a couple or three days.