Mississippi’s Search Begins

Even before Tommy Tuberville had been formally introduced as Auburn’s coach Saturday, Mississippi was already searching for his replacement.

Ole Miss Athletic Director John Shafer said that he had been working unofficially “for the last few weeks” doing a search for possible candidates should Tuberville leave after four seasons.

There are already several people considered potential candidates.

Tuberville’s offensive coordinator, Noel Mazzone, is expected to interview. If he doesn’t get the job, he will join Tuberville at Auburn.

Southern Methodist Coach Mike Cavan, Tennessee offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe and Tulane Coach Tommy Bowden are also expected to be considered.

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Arizona State Coach Bruce Snyder dismissed freshman quarterback Chad Elliott “in the best interests of the game” but gave no other explanation.

The coaching staff has long been unhappy with Elliott’s attitude, but some, including Elliott’s father, said the decision was hastened by Elliott’s having told the staff he probably would transfer after the season.

“Chad felt he no longer had a future there,” Stan Elliott said.

The 6-foot-3 Elliott came to Arizona State as one of the top quarterbacks in the West out of Grant High in Sacramento.

Snyder gave Elliott the start in place of slumping Ryan Kealy against Stanford on Oct. 16. Kealy came on in the second half to rally the Sun Devils to a last-minute victory.

Elliott, 19, was criticized for leaving the field immediately after that game while the rest of the team celebrated.

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Joe Paterno gets the first Eddie Robinson Coach of Distinction Award.

The award honors Robinson, who retired as Grambling’s coach last year after winning more games than any other coach in college football history.

The other finalists were Fisher DeBerry of Air Force, Phillip Fulmer of Tennessee and Bill Snyder of Kansas State.