11/22/23 - Sports Illustrated / Apple News
Here’s what we’re hearing from industry sources as the infamous Black Sunday looms.
Syracuse: It’s very early in the process for a Syracuse program
that opened on Sunday, and it’s a program that is near the bottom of the Power 5 in terms of desirability when you consider location, resources, and recent history.
As one coach told SI: “You need to be different there, it’s a hard place to recruit to.” It’s unclear if former co-OC Sean Lewis would return given he is one of the most promising branches from the coaching tree of former head coach Dino Babers. The same goes with former Syracuse defensive coordinator Tony White. Buzz around Lewis remains despite the fact he was surprisingly
demoted from his offensive coordinator role on Colorado's staff in early November.
One intriguing candidate flying under the radar this cycle is Jason Candle, whose Toledo Rockets have won 10 games in a row after a two-point loss to Illinois in Week 1.
One name with interest is Kentucky offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who has numerous ties in the northeast. Another northeastern name to note from the FCS ranks is Bob Chesney, whose Holy Cross Crusaders are likely to miss the FCS Playoffs this year after a steady climb since he’s been in charge—which included a 12–1 record and quarterfinal run last season. There is also Yale coach Tony Reno, whose Bulldogs have won four Ivy League titles, and two outright since he’s been there.