Apparently this got passed us here, but San Diego State head coach Brady Hoke has had meetings with the opening at Minnesota. Hoke met with Gopher Athletic Director Joel Maturi this past Tuesday in San Diego, to quietly discuss the the Minnesota opening. Both were quiet on details, but Hoke did have a team meeting where he discussed this with his team. Plus, Hoke mentioned more then one school has contacted his agent about another head coaching opening. The only other position that is open and would be a step up would be the Colorado job.
All signs are pointing to Hoke being the top choice for the job as this tweet says from Minneapolis Star-Tribune reporter Darren Wolfson:
Not breaking news... but one person in the know just emailed me to say that it's Hoke's job if he wants it. Working on more info. #Gophers
Darren Wolfson
DarrenWolfson
As he said nothing is confirmed, but he also mentioned later that this is making the round among coaches, but nothing is yet confirmed.
Hoke does have significant ties to the midwest as his prior stop was at Ball State from 2003-2008. Plus he has been a coach at Grand Valley State i 1983, Western Michigan from 1984-1986, Toledo 1987-1989 and Michigan from 1995-2002. So, he does have ties to the area to say the least.
However, it seems that the Hoke may not want this job and that would be a slap in the face if the head coach from San Diego State turns down a chance to coach in the Big 10. Just in case Minnesota is to get Hoke his buyout is $1.5 million and is lowered to $1 million after Dec. 15th.
With San Diego State on the rise and Minnesota, well being Minnesota San Diego State may be a better job for a while.
Hoke is obviously the top choice, but others who have been associated with the Minnesota job are Air Force's Troy Calhoun, Dan Mullen of MIssissippi State, Al Golden of Temple and Randy Edsall from Connecticut.