Rhoads gets 10 year – $20 million extension from Iowa State

Pitt moving towards Cristobal, Fickell, Chryst & others

PiTTSBURGH — Paul Rhoads who was at the top of Pitt’s wishlist, is no longer a candidate for the Pitt job. The threat of Rhoads going to Pitt made Iowa State move quickly and the school has given Rhoads a massive 10 year – $20 million extension, Kansas City star reports. The school has also announced the 10 year extension. Rhoads made $1.15 million this season. This is how the coaching business works in college football.

Meanwhile, Pitt’s search continues to heat up as the school is hopeful to hire a coach by early next week

Ohio State’s Luke Fickell has emerged as a coach that Pitt has serious interest in and Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst is interviewing for the job tomorrow and is likely to jump at the chance to come to Pitt, if he is offered the job. Pitt has also spoken to Mark Stoops and Mario Cristobal who Pitt is very high on and intrigued about, but the administration is on the fence about Cristobal as a longterm coach. The school though likes him enough where they might be prepared to take a risk. Cristobal’s recruiting ties in Florida and the Southeast really intrigues Pitt

Pitt’s interest in Fickell was first reported by Paul Zeise of the Post Gazette. Fickell is an excellent recruiter in the area and fits the young type of coach Pitt seeks. However, There has been some doubts that Fickell would take the job as being Urban Meyers defensive coordinator could lead to bigger job opportunities in the coming years