Alabama Coaching Forecast for Friday, 12/8

For a while the search looked like they were headed in a good direction, but things have taken a nasty turn and there's really no telling where the search goes from here. One would likely expect a Johnson, Gruden, or Grobe to show up on the radar next, but at this point the Athletic Department should probably pull back, reassess, and plan to name a coach by January.

Who's left on the coaching list?For comments on the "no change" candidates, have a look at the previous forecasts which are all linked at the top of the forecast for 12/4.

Interested Candidates...

Gene Stallings (Former Alabama Head Coach) -- Said today on Finebaum that he would be willing to spend a short time at the Capstone to try to right the ship.

Candidates claiming no interest...

No change: Steve Spurrier, Jim Leavitt, Frank Beamer, Jack Del Rio, Mike Sherman, Greg Schiano, Norm Chow, Nick Saban.

Rich Rodriguez (West Virginia) -- Declined Alabama's offer.

Jim Grobe (Wake Forest) -- The Bama Nation, at least the message board part of it, seems hugely divided on whether or not this guy is amazing or horrible. Bringing Stallings back would probably be better in any case.

Candidates being vaguely negative...

No change: Bobby Petrino, Mike Leach, Barry Alvarez.

Bobby Petrino (Louisville) -- This name should get tossed around a little more than it is right now.

Candidates keeping mum despite discussion...

No change: David Cutcliffe, Houston Nutt.

Paul Johnson (Navy) -- Will almost certainly be one of the next guys to get feelers from 'Bama. (Mere speculation)

Candidates keeping mum because they're not being discussed seriously yet...

No change: Mike Riley, Steve Kragthorpe, Bo Pelini, Bear Bryant.

Jeff Tedford (Cal) -- He probably wouldn't want to leave Cal -- my understanding is that he's got a lot of family there -- but it's worth a look.

Jimbo Fisher (LSU OC) -- Mal, if you're reading this, swallow your pride and hire this guy. Please?

Jon Gruden (Tampa Bay) -- Probably still a pipe dream, but should be considered.

Bob Stoops (Oklahoma) -- The internets have talked a lot about this guy. I'm skeptical.

Candidates whose names you might hear but should immediately disregard...

No change: Bill Cowher, Danny White, Pat Hill, Chuck Amato, Chan Gailey, Ron English, Sly Croom, Jeff Bower, George O'Leary, Brian VanGorder, Kirk Ferentz.

More names, comments, and tips welcome.