Clemson talks to Locksley, report says

The Champaign News-Gazette posted the following item:

``Illinois offensive coordinator Mike Locksley interviewed for the vacant Clemson coaching position on Nov. 7 in Detroit, TigerIllustrated reported.
``Locksley could not be reached for comment. He has never hidden his desire to be a head coach. He also has said he wants to be in a competitive situation. Clemson would certainly provide that opportunity.
``Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips isn't necessarily looking for someone with head coaching experience. Others on the Clemson list include Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables, Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster and former Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin.''

My thoughts. . . Locksley's name will come up in connection with some vacancies, and he might even up taking one. But given the way Illinois' season has gone, he's not as hot a commodity as he would have been if they'd won a few more games. And he could improve his standing if Illinois bounces back next year, which it has a chance to do.
Not being the hot assistant on a hot team doesn't necessarily matter. But Locksley, who has all the makings of becoming an excellent head coach, is sharp enough that he'll wait for the right job, one where he has the best chance to be successful--and that's more likely to come in a year or two.
It's not clear how serious this Clemson deal is. If Clemson is serious, that's a pretty good place to coach. Another possibility is Syracuse, and Locksley's East Coast roots make him a good fit. But he'll want to make sure that's the right place for him before before jumping there. Syracuse has been swallowing up coaches lately.


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