The gnashing of teeth that has accompanied Texas’ decision to name defensive coordinator Will Muschamp as the (eventual) successor to Mack Brown seems a little overblown.
Combined with Florida State’s earlier announcement that offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher will succeed Bobby Bowden if and when Bowden decides to retire, there certainly seems to be a trend developing. And really, what’s the harm?
The schools retain a sought-after assistant coach — Muschamp appears to be on the early short-list for openings current and future — and avoid being left in the lurch when their icon pulls the plug.
The coaches-in-waiting secure an inside track on one of the most coveted jobs in college football, which in the case of Florida State and Texas are probably more attractive than anything else that might come along.
For potential recruits, it offers the sense of security that there’s a pretty good chance they’ll know who’s going to coach them, even if there’s a change.
And in the worst-case scenario, if Texas decides it wants a coach who can stop Texas Tech’s offense or Florida State decides it wasn’t all that impressed with Fisher’s offensive acumen (particularly if Brown expresses interest in the job), both programs have the deep-pocketed boosters to paper over their mistake with the necessary cash.
Yes, it seems a little silly to be discussing a replacement for Brown, who’s all of 57 years old. But it’s just as silly to worry about it.
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at 829-8947 or 
