Dayton Daily News
Cooper interested in IU job
Ex-OSU football coach misses work
INDIANAPOLIS | Former Ohio State football coach John Cooper is one of three high-profile, out-of-work coaches to express interest in Indiana's vacant football coaching job.
Cooper, as well as David Cutcliffe and Frank Solich, told The Associated Press that they missed the profession and would consider returning to the sidelines, possibly in Bloomington. None of the three, however, said they had been contacted by Indiana athletic director Rick Greenspan.
Indiana spokesman Pete Rhoda said the school does not comment on any candidates.
Cooper, who went 111-43-4 in 13 seasons at Ohio State, spent this year doing television work and said he has been contacted by a prominent Indiana alumnus.
"Somebody called me from down there, and I told them that if Rick is interested, to have him call me," said Cooper, who is 67. "At my age, any job I took would have to be a perfect fit. I'd listen, though."
Cutcliffe was fired by Mississippi on Dec. 1 — the same day Greenspan fired Gerry DiNardo. Cutcliffe was 44-29 in six seasons with the Rebels. Solich went 58-19 in six seasons at Nebraska before being fired in November 2003.
Miami coach Terry Hoeppner also has been mentioned in speculation about the Indiana job. Hoeppner attended Franklin College in Indiana and was a head football coach at two Indiana high schools in the 1970s. Hoeppner signed a five-year contract extension with Miami last year after leading the RedHawks to the MAC title.
Indiana has not produced a winning season since 1994.
"I think with the right support, the right people, the right president and the right athletic director, you can win," Cooper said. "I think it takes a commitment, but I don't think you can do it in two or three years."
Cooper interested in IU job
Ex-OSU football coach misses work
INDIANAPOLIS | Former Ohio State football coach John Cooper is one of three high-profile, out-of-work coaches to express interest in Indiana's vacant football coaching job.
Cooper, as well as David Cutcliffe and Frank Solich, told The Associated Press that they missed the profession and would consider returning to the sidelines, possibly in Bloomington. None of the three, however, said they had been contacted by Indiana athletic director Rick Greenspan.
Indiana spokesman Pete Rhoda said the school does not comment on any candidates.
Cooper, who went 111-43-4 in 13 seasons at Ohio State, spent this year doing television work and said he has been contacted by a prominent Indiana alumnus.
"Somebody called me from down there, and I told them that if Rick is interested, to have him call me," said Cooper, who is 67. "At my age, any job I took would have to be a perfect fit. I'd listen, though."
Cutcliffe was fired by Mississippi on Dec. 1 — the same day Greenspan fired Gerry DiNardo. Cutcliffe was 44-29 in six seasons with the Rebels. Solich went 58-19 in six seasons at Nebraska before being fired in November 2003.
Miami coach Terry Hoeppner also has been mentioned in speculation about the Indiana job. Hoeppner attended Franklin College in Indiana and was a head football coach at two Indiana high schools in the 1970s. Hoeppner signed a five-year contract extension with Miami last year after leading the RedHawks to the MAC title.
Indiana has not produced a winning season since 1994.
"I think with the right support, the right people, the right president and the right athletic director, you can win," Cooper said. "I think it takes a commitment, but I don't think you can do it in two or three years."