Louisville Football Coaching Search: Tom Jurich Has Interviewed Seven Candidates

Less than three days after officially finding out that he had a vacancy to fill, Tom Jurich has interviewed seven candidates to be the next head football coach at the University of Louisville, a source with the program tells Card Chronicle.

Jurich's search process is now being described as "winding down."

So who's the front-runner at this moment? Although that exact term was never used, Jurich is "very, very interested" in Bobby Petrino, and believes that everything he's learned since leaving U of L the first time would result in a "new Bobby" coming to Louisville. He personally forgave Petrino a long time ago, but understands the concerns held by some within the fan base and at the university.

In four seasons at Louisville, Petrino led the Cardinals to an overall record of 41-9, two top 10 finishes and a victory in the 2007 Orange Bowl.

As for the other candidates, the source wouldn't confirm the names of anyone who has been formally contacted by U of L outside of Vance Bedford and Shawn Watson, but did name Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris, Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi and Stanford defensive coordinator Derek Mason as candidates for the position. It was also mentioned that Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez was never targeted by Jurich.