English denies ESPN report

by Mike Rutherford on Dec 29, 2007 5:57 PM EST in News

One piece of slightly bad news in a day otherwise loaded with good news (Padgett!). Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English is denying Joe Schad's report that he has accepted the DC position at U of L.

Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English denied a report today that he has accepted the same job for the University of Louisville football team. But he said there is mutual interest about the position.

ESPN's Joe Schad reported that English would take over as U of L's defensive coordinator, replacing the fired Mike Cassity. English was not retained by new Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez but will coach the Wolverines in the Tuesday's Capital One Bowl game against Florida.

During a previously scheduled bowl news conference in Orlando, Fla., this afternoon, English was asked about the ESPN report.

"No, that is not true," he told reporters. "I have not agreed to anything. But I am fortunate that the Louisville people are interested. And I'm going to talk about that after the football game."

U of L football spokesman Rocco Gasparro said that no official agreement had been reached and that head coach Steve Kragthorpe was still considering candidates.

This could very easily be a "I don't want to say anything until after the bowl game" situation, and I hope that's the case.

I still think it's pretty safe to go ahead and wrap your brain around the idea of having Ron English as defensive coordinator next season.

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Now that's a perfect response

now that the wk long rumor has been outed

states he's interested but deflects the fact that a memo of understanding is being fleshed out as we speak (if not the contract itself)

Ron's smooth

Jeff and Ron-- I'd like that...A lot

by frankpos on Dec 29, 2007 6:17 PM EST reply actions

And frankly TJ would then have

two potential head coaching candidates available

in-house

if case K doesn't cut it in the future

nice...

by frankpos on Dec 29, 2007 6:26 PM EST reply actions

Yeah, this sounds like it's gonna happen

I agree with frankpos. This is smooth. Heck, if we are willing to open the checkbook enough to interest English in coming here, then it's just a matter of Michigan's bowl game being played and him signing. TJ/SK are really showing that they will do what it takes in the offseason to get our mojo back.

This is a brilliant, brilliant hire also because it says UofL is willing to pay big money to get a top name from a top school to come here. If this happens (please, please, please), that's a strong statement for us to send to the media, recruits, and other schools.

by louisville lisa on Dec 29, 2007 6:42 PM EST reply actions