Scott’s uncertain future; Gilchrist’s return (updated 6:10 p.m.)

Posted Feb 12, 2010 by Scott Carter

Updated Feb 12, 2010 at 07:13 PM

A few quick-hitters right after lunch:

—I’m a little late to the party on this one, but in case you missed SportsIllustrated.com’s behind-the-scenes story from USF on National Signing Day, check out former Tampa Tribune reporter Andy Staples’ detailed account by clicking here. A good read and big-picture look at how hectic Holtz’s first couple of weeks on the job were.

—Based on a couple of Tweets from national writers yesterday, USF assistant coach Larry Scott reportedly interviewed at LSU earlier this week. I’ve been unable to reach Scott, but the position appears a strong fit for him. LSU coach Les Miles is seeking a tight ends coach/recruiting coordinator to replace Dan Yanowsky, who recently left for Memphis. Scott was retained by Holtz when former coach Jim Leavitt was fired. He is considered USF’s top recruiter and closed the deal with Miami Northwestern DT Todd Chandler, the top-rated player in USF’s 2010 class. If Scott does leave, he leaves a big void in USF’s recruiting efforts, especially in the Miami-area.

—Former USF offensive line coach Mike Simmonds has an offer to join Trent Miles’ staff at Indiana State. Miles recently lost assistant Mike Denbrock to Notre Dame when Brian Kelly took over the Irish. Simmonds and Miles played together at Indiana State in the mid-1980s, a few years after a guy named Larry Bird made the school famous. Simmonds is expected to make a decision about returning to his alma mater soon. Simmonds is one of five assistants under Leavitt let go by Holtz. So far, former offensive coordinator Mike Canales is the only one to land a job. Canales was hired as offensive coordinator at North Texas last week.

—USF men’s basketball travels to Marquette on Saturday for a key Big East game. Coach Stan Heath said he expects F Gus Gilchrist to play between 20 and 30 minutes in his first game back since early December. Gilchrist missed 15 games recovering from a severely sprained ankle suffered in practice Dec. 7. The Bulls went 8-7 without him.

—Finally, the USF softball team is scheduled to open the season this weekend if the weather cooperates. Coach Ken Eriksen is chomping at the bit to start the season. “It’s time. I think our biggest opponent right now ... for the rest of the year, is Mother Nature.’’ Eriksen said El Nino patterns show a lot of inclement weather during the Bulls’ season.