Big Ten coordinators will be coveted

Success breeds opportunity, and several Big Ten coordinators could have opportunities to become head coaches after strong performances in 2010.

Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema confirmed that he's already receiving calls about both of his coordinators, Paul Chryst (offense) and Dave Doeren (defense). Chryst, who was in the mix for the Purdue job three years ago, has been named one of five finalists for the Broyles Award, given to the nation's top assistant. Doeren also has the makings of a strong head coach and oversaw a Wisconsin defense that ranked second in the Big Ten in takeaways (23) and third in total defense (323.5 ypg).

From the Wisconsin State Journal:

"I've been contacted already about several opportunities, especially for my two coordinators," Bielema said. "I'm not going to bury my head in the sand."

I'm also told that schools have made inquiries to Michigan State about coordinators Don Treadwell (offense) and Pat Narduzzi (defense). Treadwell, who did a masterful job overseeing the team during coach Mark Dantonio's absence, likely will be in the mix at Indiana and potentially other spots. Two years ago, Narduzzi was in the mix for the opening at Miami (Ohio), where he served as defensive coordinator in 2003.

It'll also be interesting to see if Illinois coordinators Vic Koenning (defense) and Paul Petrino (offense) receive any interest for head-coaching jobs. Both men facilitated significant improvement with the Illini this year.

While Chryst and Treadwell are the likeliest Big Ten coordinators to make the jump, a handful of others could be in the mix for top jobs. So stay tuned.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/34369/big-ten-coordinators-will-be-coveted

Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior Fred Davis Peter Mayer Nate Burleson Otto Graham