Here is a story from Tim Buckley of the Lafayette (La.) Daily Advertiser, one of our Gannett partners, on Louisiana football coach Mark Hudspeth, whose name has been raised as a candidate at Arizona, including by me.
Mark Hudspeth will bring the Ragin' Cajuns to Tucson for the season finale. Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE
Mark Hudspeth plans on coaching at Arizona next month.
To be very clear, however, that’s against Arizona — not for it — when the 5-1 Ragin’ Cajuns visit the Wildcats for UL’s final regular-season game Nov. 26.
On Tuesday, one day after the Wildcats fired head football coach Mike Stoops, Hudspeth deflected any and all suggestions tying him to the opening in Tucson.
The UL head coach did so after learning his name has popped up on blog posts, message boards and websites in Arizona, in part because of his ties to Wildcats athletic director Greg Byrne.
“There’s been no contact whatsoever,” said Hudspeth, who joined Mississippi State’s coaching staff as wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator when Byrne — while athletic director in Starkville at the time — hired Dan Mullen in late 2008 to coach the Bulldogs.
“There’s no interest in my part,” Hudspeth added. “I am completely happy. My family is part of this Ragin’ Cajun family.”
Hudspeth indicated nothing would change even if Byrne, who left Mississippi State for Arizona in 2010, did seek permission to contact him.
“I’m happy right here where I’m at. I’m extremely happy here,” said Hudspeth, who came to UL from Mississippi State late last year to replace Rickey Bustle. “These people have made a commitment to us and my family, so we’re tickled to death to be Ragin’ Cajuns.”