We're entering the final month of the college football season, and as such, there is plenty happening around the sport both on and off the field. We had our first surprising coach firing of the year with Florida's decision to part ways with Jim McElwain, and there are plenty of rumors to sort through regarding who they want to replace him. Furthermore, it appears that it's only a matter of time before Tennessee follows suit and fires Butch Jones - and they already have his replacement in mind. So, without further ado, here are the biggest stories you need to know from around the college football world:
Tennessee already planning to fire Jones at season's end?
Vols AD John Currie met with head coach Butch Jones early this week to discuss his immediate job status, and Jones said that "nothing has changed at all" in that regard. However, that doesn't mean he'll be in Knoxville very long.
According to Trey Wallace of TheReadOptional.com, the two sides have already negotiated a buyout and Jones' agent is gauging interest from other schools - meaning that Tennessee has already decided to fire Jones at the end of the season.
Source: Jimmy Sexton has been pursuing a landing spot for Butch Jones & floating his name for the past 4 weeks, Buyout is settled. #Vols
— Trey Wallace (@TreyW_Radio) October 31, 2017
The buyout in Jones' contract is reportedly more than $6 million.
Vols plan to pursue Jon Gruden for head coaching vacancy
In fact, it appears that Tennessee already has their preferred replacement in mind. Former Tennessee and NFL defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth tweets that he has been told the Vols are pursuing former NFL head coach and current ESPN analyst Jon Gruden.
I wouldn’t bet my bottom dollar on this but this is what I’m hearing! #VFLthruthick pic.twitter.com/UGjBzMrFEz
— Albert Haynesworth (@haynesworthiii) October 30, 2017
For what it's worth, Haynesworth isn't just spitting smoke. Gruden is also the favorite in Vegas for the job.
Jon Gruden still the favorite to be the next Tennessee HC according to BetOnline.ag pic.twitter.com/k4UHhUejkN
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) October 30, 2017
Gruden, who started his career as a grad assistant for the Vols, was wooed by Tennessee after their head coaching job opened up following the 2012 season, and it seems like he has a tinge of regret over not accepting the position. He called coaching the Vols his "dream job." If he does return to the college game, this seems to be the position he would do it for.
Scott Frost the betting favorite for the job
Florida's top two initial coaching targets following McElwain's firing were Oregon head coach Willie Taggart, who had success at USF before moving to the Ducks last offseason, and Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen, who was the offensive coordinator at Florida from 2005-2008.
However, while Taggart has taken himself out of the running and Mullen has said that he's "really happy" in Starkville, current UCF head coach Scott Frost is firmly in the mix. In fact, he as even emerged as the betting favorite for the job, surpassing Mullen.
Scott Frost has leap-frogged Dan Mullen in the odds, he's now at EVEN money to be named Florida's next head coach.
— OddsShark (@OddsShark) November 1, 2017
https://t.co/ePWGMIkQIF
Frost is in his second season with the Knights, posting a 12-7 record in his tenure, including a 7-0 mark and #15 ranking in the AP poll. The former Nebraska quarterback has also been linked to the Nebraska head job if they decide to fire Mike Riley.
Nebraska "destined" to fire Mike Riley
Speaking of the Cornhuskers, they've been quiet about head coach Mike Riley's future with the program, but Yahoo Sports' Pat Forde reports that he is "destined" to be fired.
Nice guy Mike Riley is destined to get bounced at Nebraska. Administrators there didn’t bring in Bill Moos as athletic director for the status quo, especially when it involves losses to Northern Illinois and 56-14 drubbings by Ohio State.
Nebraska fired athletic director Shawn Eichorst in September citing a lack of on-field success, and many thought that meant Riley would be shown the door as well. The Huskers are 18-15 in nearly three seasons under Riley, including a 4-4 mark (3-2 in Big Ten play) this season.
Frost is known to be their unquestioned top target, but if he takes the Florida job instead, it's unclear who they would turn to.
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