News Flash: Friedgen safe?

Speculation continues to swirl about the fate of Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen. He met with athletic director Debbie Yow on Sunday and is slated to meet with her again Monday. The Terrapin assistant coaches are on the road recruiting.

There appears to be a good chance Friedgen will be back for his 10th season in College Park even though Maryland just posted the school’s first-ever 10-loss season.

Since going 31-8 his first three seasons with an ACC title and three bowls, Friedgen has a 35-38 record with three bowls and four losing seasons over the past six years. He has a 66-46 record in nine seasons.

Mangino update

Expect some resolution to the Mark Mangino situation at Kansas by midweek – if not sooner. Mangino has been under investigation for his treatment of players, leading many to believe his job could be in jeopardy. The Jayhawks (5-7) also finished the season on a seven-game losing streak.

Akron opening

The Akron job won’t be the most high-profile post that opens, but it will be one of the most sought-after jobs. Why? Because most coaches think Akron has the top facilities in the MAC, while also sitting in fertile recruiting territory.

Among the top contenders will be Kansas associate head coach/offensive coordinator Ed Warinner, who has done a good job building one of the Big 12’s top attacks. He is a native of Strasburg, Ohio, and was an assistant at Akron in 1984. He also has extensive ties to the area, having played at Mount Union College and receiving a Master’s degree from Akron.

Others believed to be targets are Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst, South Carolina offensive line coach Eric Wolford, Pitt offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti, Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini, Arizona defensive coordinator Mark Stoops and Tennessee assistant Mitch Browning.

Cignetti has earned praise for his makeover of Pitt quarterback Bill Stull. Chryst has been involved in several searches in recent years, including at Washington State and Purdue.

Illini “O”

With Illinois offensive coordinator Mike Schultz all but out the door, expect the Illini’s search to focus on long-time college assistants Noel Mazzone and Mike Dunbar, as well as former Eastern Michigan coach Jeff Genyk. Former Illinois assistant and current Kansas offensive coordinator Ed Warinner could be another target.

More coaching news

Look for Marshall to make runs at Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Gunter Brewer and Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster. … Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain and Oregon State defensive coordinator Mark Banker may be targets for San Jose State. … Arkansas State soon could be making a coaching change, with Steve Roberts departing. … Syracuse coach Doug Marrone has let go offensive coordinator Rob Spence, receivers coach Jamie Elizondo and defensive line coach Derrick Jackson. The Orange were 4-8 in Marrone’s first season.