Report: Greg Schiano A Top Candidate For USF


Greg Schiano is reportedly a “top candidate” for the open USF head coaching job.


Willie Taggart is headed to Oregon, creating a new head coach opening at South Florida, and according to ESPN’s Brett McMurphy, there is already a short list of top candidates consisting of Charlie Strong, Greg Schiano and Lane Kiffin.

Even during speculation that Taggart would accept the Ducks head coaching position, these three names were floated around as potential replacements.

After taking a break from coaching in 2014 and 2015, Schiano returned to the sidelines in 2016 as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator. He was hired by Urban Meyer to replace Chris Ash, who took the Rutgers head coaching job.

Having spent two seasons as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012 and 2013, he’s familiar with the area.

Prior to his time with Tampa Bay, Schiano spent 11 seasons as Rutgers’ head coach, where he compiled a 68-67 overall record that had its highs and lows. After slow start that saw four sub-.500 seasons, Schiano found his footing in 2005 with a 7-5 record. Then in 2006 he led the team to its best record under his watch, a 11-2 campaign. He tallied a 56-33 record in his last seven seasons, and failed to win eight or more games only once, a 4-8 mark in 2010.

In his one year at the helm, Schiano improved Ohio State from No. 9 to No. 4 in total defense. The Buckeyes are giving up nearly 30 yards fewer per game this year compared to last, 281.6 vs. 311.3, respectively.

For USF, the hire would certainly be a switch in philosophy from the Taggart era, which was predicated on offense.

MORE: Ohio State vs. Clemson Prediction, Fiesta Bowl Preview