ESPN Bowl Projections

<p>Southern Methodist tried to court Calhoun</p>

<p>By JAKE SCHALLER THE GAZETTE</p>

<p>Air Force coach Troy Calhoun’s performance during the Falcons’ 9-3 turnaround season has earned him several coach of the year awards and some interest from Southern Methodist University.</p>

<p>According to Air Force sports information director Troy Garnhart, SMU officials contacted the academy for permission to speak with Calhoun. Garnhart said Calhoun told the Mustangs that he was committed to the academy.</p>

<p>SMU fired Phil Bennett on Oct. 28. Navy coach Paul Johnson appears to be the top candidate. He is being courted by Georgia Tech and Duke, according to published reports.</p>

<p>Navy’s Johnson accepts job at Georgia Tech</p>

<p>By JAKE SCHALLER THE GAZETTE</p>

<p>Paul Johnson, who lifted Navy football from doormat to perennial bowl participant, accepted an offer to become the coach at Georgia Tech.</p>

<p>Johnson took over a Navy program that went 1-20 in 2000 and 2001 — the worst two-year stretch in the school’s history. After going 2-10 in his first year, Johnson led the Midshipmen to five straight bowl seasons...</p>

<p>Air Force defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter, who coached the Navy secondary from 1999 to 2001, said he would not be interested in heading back to Annapolis to take the head job nor in leaving Air Force for any other positions.</p>

<p>“People call for different things, but I’m very happy here,” DeRuyter said.</p>

<p>Johnson will not coach Navy in the Poinsettia Bowl against Utah on Dec. 20.</p>