News Flash: Casteel to lead FSU defense?

Some think Florida State already has tabbed a defensive coordinator to replace Mickey Andrews, who is retiring. The names most discussed are West Virginia defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel and ousted Memphis coach Tommy West. Casteel has a good relationship with FSU head-coach-in-waiting Jimbo Fisher.

Harbaugh to Michigan?

Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh discussed speculation on Sirius XM’s “Mad Dog Radio” that he may be a target to coach Michigan – his alma mater – if Rich Rodriguez is fired.

“Well, I love Stanford and I love the football players here and the coaches here,” Harbaugh said. “I’m not going to specifically discuss my contract but I hope to have the honor of coaching here … for a very long time.”

Stanford is close to extending Harbaugh’s contract. The parties agreed to a three-year extension a year ago that would take Harbaugh through 2014 and pay him $1.25 million annually.

The Cardinal, coming off a 55-21 win at USC, are 7-3 overall and 6-2 in the Pac-10. Stanford plays host to Cal on Saturday before finishing at home against Notre Dame.

WKU search progresses

Things may be heating up in the Western Kentucky coaching search. The two top targets are Buffalo coach Turner Gill and Florida Atlantic quarterbacks coach Jeff Brohm. Don’t expect former Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel to get involved.

Report: Shannon to be extended

A University of Miami Board of Trustees member said before last week’s game at North Carolina that the school planned to extend the contract of coach Randy Shannon beyond next season, the Miami Herald reported.

But could a poor finish scrub those plans? Miami is 7-3 overall and 4-3 in the ACC, coming off a tough 33-24 loss at North Carolina. The Hurricanes play host to Duke this weekend before playing at South Florida on Nov. 28.