Open Post | Wednesday, Feb. 24th (UPDATE 8:33 pm) By: The Brainiacs Posted on: February 24, 2016

– Defensive Line Coaching Search Wrap Up: Just a few quick things to empty out the notebook on the defensive line coaching search that ended yesterday, while we await official word from Bob Stoops & OU.

*Houston defensive line coach Oscar Giles confirmed with TFB last night he was indeed one of several coaches contacted by the Sooners during the search.

*We did speak with one DL coach from a power five conference who admitted there had been some chatter among coaching circles, founded or not, with regards to OU losing DL coaches in consecutive years. Whether that caused a potential candidate or two to pass on the OU job is something only those people could really say, but at least according to the coach we spoke with the turnover at OU was/is something other coaches are aware of.

So regardless of whether or not Calvin Thibodeaux was OU’s first choice to fill the vacancy, he should bring some much needed stability to the position. And in talking with both coaches and players, we continue to hear nothing but great things about Thibodeaux. In fact, the exact same coach mentioned above praised Thibodeaux immensely.

*One other thing that came up among the OU staff during the search was the appeal of a candidate with NFL experience, something that played a considerable factor in Diron Reynolds being hired a year ago. One source close to the OU program shared with TFB a big part of that NFL experience was Reynolds teaching ‘a lot of advanced techniques’ that helped a number of players make significant strides in their development this past season. It was something the players really connected with and something the coaches were looking to replicate with prospective candidates for the DL job.

*We also spoke with a coach at Kansas about Thibodeaux, who also had nothing but good things to say. And not in your “well of course I have nice things to say about him” type of deal either. It was truly authentic praise. He talked about the energy and fire Thibodeaux brings to work everyday, both on the field and in recruiting. He bottom lined ‘Thibs’ saying “he’s a stud” and early on in OU’s search process had told TFB, “it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he (Thibodeaux) gets a shot at it.”

*Fans and media typically talk about individual coaches and how they recruit, but really what makes for great a recruiter is the guys they have around them. You need a group of guys who work together to recruit a player. And I think beyond Thibodeaux’s youth, passion & energy, he will fit in well with the staff and only add to OU’s current recruiting momentum. – (Super K)

– Chip Viney Interview: As most of you know by now, Viney interviewed earlier this week for the CBs coaching vacancy at Michigan. There isn’t a ton to say here. I was told the interview went really well and that while Viney may may not have the experience of some other candidates, Jim Harbaugh (as most know) is big on recruiting and their interest in Viney stems from his ability both as a coach and, unsurprisingly, as a recruiter. There are believed to be three candidates up for the job at the moment: Viney, Aubrey Pleasant & one other candidate whose name we weren’t given. – (Super K)

– Maxs Tupai: The talented 2016 DE/LB prospect is expected to announce his commitment today around 4pm (CT), and he is believed to be deciding between OU, Utah & UCLA.

– Blaise Andries: The Sooners recently offered 2017 offensive tackle, Blaise Andries (Marshall, MN). I caught up with Andries briefly yesterday to see where the Sooners stand in his recruitment, as Blaise holds a number of offers from around the country. Andries said, “I’m going to sit down with my parents in a couple weeks here to try and find dates to visit some schools.” Is OU going to be one of the schools he visits? Apparently so, “Yeah, I’ll probably find a weekend to visit sometime this spring.” – (Super K)

– Nick Robinson: For those of you who haven’t noticed, 2017 TE/WR/DE, Nick Robinson (Putnam City, OK) is another in-state prospect who has seen his recruitment explode lately. He recently picked up offers from Baylor, Tennessee & Oklahoma State. Robinson made a trip to Norman a couple weeks back but did not come away with an offer. However, Robinson tells TFB he is in regular communication with Cale Gundy and that the Sooners WR coach told him the staff will be by to watch him in the spring. After which I suspect a decision will be made on whether an offer is extended. – (Super K)

– UPDATE (11:22 am): OU makes the Calvin Thibodeaux hiring official.

– UPDATE (4:13 pm): 2016 DE/LB Maxs Tupai just announced his commitment to Utah.

– UPDATE (8:33 pm): Not a done deal just yet, but it sounds as though some Michigan people believe this Brian Smith will get the DBs job. So it would appear as though OU won’t lose Viney after all (at least for now).

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