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After a disappointing season that ended on a bit of a high following a 23-17 victory over Baylor, all eyes turn to the search for a new offensive coordinator. Sonny Cumbie was in Austin on Monday according to a report by Orangebloods.com’s Anwar Richardson. Cumbie is the top candidate for the job and is expected to be offered a contract in the range of 1 million dollars per year. We checked in with a high school head coach from the Fort Worth area to get his opinion on what Cumbie brings to the table.
“It solves the glaring weakness in Austin of getting and developing quarterbacksâ€, our source told us. “If (Joe) Wickline and (Jay) Norvell stay, Texas will be able to shed its image of not being able to develop offensive talent into NFL prospects. You never hear that about their defense. Plus he’s a stud on the recruiting circuit and is great with high school coachesâ€.
We also spoke to another coach in the Tarrant County area regarding Cumbie and he had this to say, “The hiring of Sonny Cumbie will significantly change the recruiting game for Texas which has been a problem for several years. Texas will begin to attract the athletes they have had in the past and put themselves back on the map.â€
We also spoke to an offensive coordinator at a Houston area high school who also serves as their program's recruiting coordinator. This coach was extremely excited at the potential of Cumbie at Texas and talked to us about what he might bring to Austin. "It gives UT a guy that knows a wide open system", he said. "He is not only a great coach but a really nice guy that is very well respected by coaches in Texas. He is one of the really great guys in the business. He has played the QB position at a high level so he brings a different type of experience with him".
We’ve heard these things in the past from other high school coaches, but this is just more confirmation of the impact Cumbie can make from two coaches in his own back yard who have great familiarity with the TCU program.
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While Texas might be in full turnover mode this week, you’d never know it from talking to recruits. Texas coaches once again hit the road this week and had several in home visits. Linebacker coach Brian Jean-Mary was in Arlington to meet with Bowie offensive lineman Tope Imade who hosted Joe Wickline just last week. Imade told us the visit was much of the same, and they just talked about how he could fit in at Texas and what to expect from his freshman year. I did ask Imade about the coaching rumors and if he had any thoughts on it, and the “Big Grizz†gave us a succinct answer. “It’s not my job to comment on changes to the coaching staffâ€. For anyone wondering, Imade is solid to Texas and is looking forward to getting the next part of his life started in Austin.
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One thing to note is that the dead period starts on the 14th of this month, so the Texas coaches will need to get their ducks in a row particularly for the early enrollee’s in the class. The obvious big target is Shane Buechele of Arlington Lamar. Buechele is committed to the Texas program and will be enrolling early, but it’s only fair you introduce him to his next coordinator before he makes that decision. Once the dead period begins, face to face meetings are not allowed, even if the recruit is on campus. They are only permitted contact through letters or phone calls to the recruit or parent. This dead period will run from December 14-January 13.
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There’s also been some talk that Cumbie would present an advantage in the recruitment of Shawn Robinson who is currently committed to TCU. I did some checking this week and while Robinson loves Cumbie and values his relationship with him, he also has a strong relationship with Gary Patterson. At this point I think Texas is also happy with the commitment of Sam Ehlinger in the 2017 class. Does that mean we won’t see Texas pursue Robinson if they get Cumbie? Not necessarily, but I wouldn’t bet on something happening there.
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From reports it looks like Texas will be replacing everyone on the offensive staff with the exception of Jeff Traylor and possibly Jay Norvell. We did some looking around to see common links through Cumbie’s coaching history to see what kind of staff he might be able to assemble.
Offensive Line – Chris Thomsen – Arizona State
Background: Thomsen played at TCU and Abilene Christian and spent most of his time coaching at the high school level in Texas before moving on to Abilene Christian. While at ACU he turned their program into a powerhouse program. He was then hired on at Texas Tech under Tommy Tubberville and served as Interim Head Coach during the transition between Tubberville and Kingsbury. Thomsen moved on to Arizona State in 2013 as offensive line coach. He’s known as a relentless recruiter as well and could really strengthen that area for the Longhorns.
Link to Cumbie: Besides the obvious overlap at Texas Tech, Thomsen is well known around the state for his work at both the high school level and Abilene Christian.
Potential Hurdles: Thomsen is expected to handle play calling duties for Arizona State in their bowl game, and could be a candidate for offensive coordinator under Mike Norvell at Memphis
Bottom line: Thomsen seems like the slam dunk candidate at this position as no other names have really been mentioned.
Offensive Line – Joe Wickline – Texas
Background: Wickline seems like he’s on the way out, but if he wanted to stay I would bet Cumbie would consider him for the job. Wickline is still one of the best teachers of the position in the nation, and his lack of recruiting prowess could be covered up by key hires at other positions.
Link to Cumbie: None, but Wickline is adept at teaching spread concepts along the line and worked with Dana Holgorsen who runs a similar offense.
Potential Hurdles: Sources close to Wickline told us he is very unhappy and did not get along at all with Shawn Watson. He would also likely be behind Thomsen in the pecking order.
Bottom line: Wickline has done a pretty solid job turning around a bad position group and finding gems along the line like Connor Williams. If he were to stay I think it could work out for him in Austin.
Running Backs – Mike Jinks – Texas Tech
Background: The former Judson Rocket and San Angelo State quarterback really became a big name when he took over at Cibolo Steele High School where he led them to a state championship. Jinks was hired as the Texas Tech running backs coach and is one of their top recruiters.
Link to Cumbie: The two overlapped and worked closely together in Lubbock.
Potential Hurdles: Jinks is well liked at Tech and was named Assistant Head Coach prior to this season. Texas will need to sell him on a potential move.
Bottom line: Jinks is a stud recruiter with a lot of clout in the state who could really help in an area where Tommie Robinson has largely failed. The running back position should be reserved for a top recruiter and Jinks along with Jeff Traylor would give Texas serious credibility with Texas high school coaches.
Running Backs/Receiver – Curtis Luper – TCU
Background: The Sherman, TX native had a playing career at Oklahoma State before moving on to coaching in 1995. He served on staffs at both the college and high school levels including the Auburn team that won a national title in 2012. He’s been at TCU since 2013 and has coached both receivers and running backs. Luper has strong ties to the state and is one of TCU’s best recruiters.
Link to Cumbie: Currently on staff at TCU and experienced in coaching multiple positions.
Potential Hurdles: Patterson might not like replacing a large number of assistants, and Luper could be in line for a co-offensive coordinator tag to keep him in Fort Worth.
Bottom line: Like Jinks, Luper would bring a lot to the table recruiting wise and could be slotted to coach receivers or backs due to his experience.
Receiver – Jay Norvell – Texas
Background: Norvell took over the Texas offense this season, and while he experienced his ups and downs, he did an admirable job with what he was given. Norvell is an experienced coach with a solid recruiting reputation.
Link to Cumbie: None, but Norvell does provide some stability in Austin with recruits and players.
Potential Hurdles: Norvell is interviewing with Arizona State to be their offensive coordinator, and could have some other opportunities. He also might not match up with what Cumbie would want from his coach.
Bottom line: Like Wickline, Norvell is one of the top coaches at his position in the nation. While he isn’t an ace recruiter, he’s certainly solid enough to deserve a spot on the staff with his coaching ability.
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