What's Next for Tulsa?

Oklahoma Sports's John Holcomb takes a look at candidates for the Golden Hurricane job.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:08 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Jan 10, 2011 9:56 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

TULSA, Oklahoma -- With Todd Graham heading to Pittsburgh, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane is left without a head coach less than a month left on the calendar before National Signing Day.

Tulsa athletic director Bubba Cunningham has said that the search for a new head coach will be “very quick,” but who would be on the list?

A name that initially came up when the rumors of Graham leaving first surfaced was former head coach Steve Kragthorpe. Kragthorpe’s first head coaching position was with Tulsa from 2003-2006 before taking over as the head coach for the Louisville Cardinals. Kragthorpe now lives in Tulsa with his family and his son Brad just finished his senior season at Holland Hall.

Another candidate could be within the state, Oklahoma State associate head coach and special teams coordinator Joe DeForest. The 10-year OSU coach’s name has already surfaced in another school’s coaching search; OSU was contacted earlier by his alma-mater University of Louisiana-Lafayette.

Despite already agreeing to be the offensive coordinator, Cunningham could also try to convince Chad Morris to return, but in an elevated position. Under his tutelage, Tulsa ranked fifth in the FBS in team total offense and quarterback G.J. Kinne finished fourth nationally in total offense, averaging 323.92 yards pergame.

Tulsa could also hire from within, looking to senior associate head coach Bill Blankenship. Blankenship has been with TU for four seasons, serving as the running back’s and special team’s coach in his stay. The Oklahoma native also played his college ball at Tulsa and was the starting quarterback in 1977 and 1979.

After coaching the Auburn offense to a national championship appearance, Gus Malzahn has been another hot-topic name when coaching vacancies arise. Malzahn served as the Golden Hurricane's offensive coordinator for two seasons before departing to accept the same position with Auburn.