Names have surfaced as possible candidates to replace Cooper

(Columbus-AP) -- Ohio State athletics director Andy Geiger says he doesn't have a leading candidate to replace football coach John Cooper. <br><br>Cooper was fired yesterday, a day after the Buckeyes

Wednesday, January 3rd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Columbus-AP) -- Ohio State athletics director Andy Geiger says he doesn't have a leading candidate to replace football coach John Cooper.

Cooper was fired yesterday, a day after the Buckeyes were trounced by South Carolina in the Outback Bowl.

Geiger has appointed an advisory committee to help find Cooper's successor. Geiger says he has no list of candidates or clear picture of what he wants in a new coach.

But some names that have surfaced as possible candidates include: Minnesota coach Glen Mason and Pittsburgh coach Walt Harris.

Harris, however, has said he isn't looking to leave Pittsburgh.

Other possible candidates include: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, Youngstown State coach Jim Tressel, Miami University coach Terry Hoeppner and former Ohio State player Chris Spielman.