FIU Not Attracting Big Coaching Names

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Florida International University athletic director Pete Garcia put himself into a corner when he fired head football coach Mario Cristobal. With Butch Davis off the table, the options for Garcia are looking slim as he seeks to placate an angry fan base.

According to CBS4 news partner the Miami Herald, FIU is likely to turn its attention towards Florida State offensive coordinator James Coley. The Miami-native is just 39-years-old and graduated from Miami High.

That said Coley is the offensive coordinator under Jimbo Fisher and working at arguably one of the best programs in the country. Unless he's trying to become a head coach, leaving for the dysfunction at FIU wouldn't be a good move for the future and he may be better suited waiting for a better opportunity.

The Herald also reported University of North Texas offensive coordinator Mike Canales is interested in the job at FIU. The UNT coach worked two different stints at the University of South Florida, according to the Herald.

Garcia wants to have a new coach in place by the first week of January.

As for Cristobal, his name hasn't popped up with any major jobs around the country yet, but he will probably get some calls for coordinator positions. He said earlier this week that he will be coaching next season.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Miami Herald contributed to this report.)