Some things that are happening in the "dirt" world…

• I have heard from multiple sources that Wofford assistant Shane Nichols is involved with an assistant spot at Niagara. Nichols is a Wofford grad who has spent the past two season’s Mike Young’s staff. Shane’s brother Darris, an assistant at Northern Kentucky, is involved with a job at Kent State – a decision on this one should be made this week.

• I can confirm that Austin Hansen, an assistant at South Dakota State has withdrawn his name from the search at Bemidji State. That leaves three remaining candidates: Illinois-Chicago associate head coach Al Biancalana, Central College (IA) head coach Mike Boschee, and Washington State assistant Jeff Hironaka. It sounds like a decision has been made by the committee, and the choice is now being vetted by HR. I would expect an announcement any day.

• Clemson GA Tee Butters has departed his position. He will take a job in the financial sector and get into coaching at the high school level. Butters was a manager at Clemson for four seasons before assuming the GA role prior to last season.

• I have heard that Martin Unger has become an assistant at Belmont Abbey (NC). Unger has held administrative roles at Florida State and Richmond. He has also been an assistant at Nicholls State and most recently UMKC.

• Lots of rumors coming out of Texas Southern – keep an eye on the situation there…