Tennessee: Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt is expected to become Tennessee head coach, barring an unexpected setback, according to ESPN’s Chris Low and Mark Schlabach.
UTEP: Kansas State offensive coordinator Dana Dimel has been named head coach at Kansas State. Dimel has been K-State’s offensive coordinator since 2009. He has previously been a head coach at Wyoming (1997-99) and Houston (2000-02), compiling a 30-39 record.
Oregon State: The school announced Zach Nyborg, associate athletic director for football operations during Gary Andersen’s tenure with the Beavers, will not be retained. Nyborg served similar roles at BYU and Wisconsin before coming to Corvallis with Andersen in 2014.
Arkansas: Chad Morris’ contract at Arkansas is a six-year deal worth $3.5 million annually. In addition, SMU director of football recruiting Mark Smith will be joining Morris with the Razorbacks, a person with direct knowledge of the matter told The Athletic’s Jason Kersey. The Dallas Morning News also reports SMU offensive line coach Dustin Fry will join the Arkansas staff. Other appointments from the SMU staff are unknown.
Florida State: As part of his six-year, $30 million contract, Willie Taggart’s buyout would be 85 percent of remaining pay if he is fired without cause, subject to mitigation, according to USA Today. If Taggart leaves, he would owe $5 million or the remaining compensation due, whichever is less.
Rice: Stanford offensive coordinator Mike Bloomgren has officially been named head coach at Rice.
Arkansas: SMU head coach Chad Morris has accepted the Arkansas head coaching job, a person with direct knowledge of the situation tells The Athletic’s Chris Vannini. ESPN’s Chris Low first reported the hiring, and The Associated Press reports Morris will have a six-year deal. SMU running backs coach Jeff Traylor will serve as interim head coach. (Update above)
Pitt: Pat Narduzzi has signed a new seven-year contract through 2024, the school announced. Narduzzi is 21-17 in three seasons, the most wins in a Pitt coach’s first three years since Jackie Sherrill from 1977-79. He also has two wins over the No. 2 team in the country, but missed a bowl at 5-7 this year after two straight 8-5 seasons.
Tennessee: Athletic director Phillip Fulmer will meet with Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt today and look to wrap up the search after meeting with Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and Georgia defensive coordinator Mel Tucker on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Chris Low.
South Carolina: The Gamecocks announced coach Will Muschamp has let go co-offensive coordinator / quarterbacks coach Kurt Roper. On an interim basis, co-offensive coordinator / wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon will coordinate the South Carolina offense and call plays. Muschamp will name a successor to Roper after the Jan. 1 Outback Bowl vs. Michigan.