Foster Interested In WVA Job

* According to published reports, University of Miami defensive coordinator Tim Walton will be fired from the position he held for one season, UM sources said Monday. UM coach Randy Shannon informed high-level university officials on Monday that he planned to fire Walton, but it was unknown on Monday if the coaches had met. Walton served as the Hurricanes' defensive backs coach for three seasons before being promoted to defensive coordinator after Shannon was named head coach last December. Under Walton, the Canes finished 53rd nationally in scoring defense (26 points per game). The Hurricanes finished the season 5-7 and did not qualify for the post-season for the first time since 1997.

* Virginia Tech's prized defensive coordinator Bud Foster is apparently interested in the head coaching vacancy at West Virginia according to his agent. While Foster wasn't available for comment, his agent, Bob Lattinville, said Monday night that his client is actively pursuing the Mountaineers' post that opened Sunday when Rich Rodriguez accepted an offer to become Michigan's new head coach. "It would be a great opportunity if they were interested in him ... I know Bud would be interested in talking to them about it," Lattinville said.

* Between two and four starters for Clemson are expected to miss the Dec. 31 Chick-fil-A Bowl against No. 22 Auburn. While school confirmation might not come until later this week, senior linebacker Tramaine Billie and senior right tackle Christian Capote have been all but ruled out by Clemson coaches as academic casualties. There remains hope for senior linebacker Nick Watkins to play, while the availability of a third starting linebacker, junior Cortney Vincent, is uncertain following a DUI charge last week. This will of course give Tommy Bowden aka "The Folder" a great excuse if he loses to Auburn.