Cal Coaching Search: Bob Diaco, Sonny Dykes, Darrell Hazell, Pat Narduzzi Updates

Welcome to Day 13 of the Cal coaching watch. At this point it's unclear who our favorites are, or if there are any favorites at all. We have candidates, and some interviews, and are all starting to get heartburn covering all of this.

Here we go.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco has apparently been interviewed by Cal.

Just confirmed Bob Diaco interviewed w/ #Cal officials this weekend. He's one of the final nine candidates... ($) goo.gl/u2AgY

— Cal Rivals (@CalRivals) December 3, 2012

However, there is also heavy buzz that Diaco is under consideration by Boston College.

That leaves Boston College and Purdue, both places that should take a long look at Diaco. With Diaco’s roots in the Northeast, he’s got a great grasp of the area and has had success recruiting the East Coast for the Irish. While the Eagles’ role in the ACC isn’t necessarily the strongest, and Boston College’s facilities aren’t up-to-snuff when compared to the rest of college football’s elite, it’s certainly a great first head coaching job, and the academic and spiritual aspects are a great fit for Diaco.

Diaco is a finalist for the Broyles Award, given to the top assistant coach in the country.

Here is CGB's profile on Diaco.

Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Dykes

Oh, side note. La Tech AD also said Sonny Dykes is waiting to hear back from Cal. No word yet. Tough weekend in Ruston.

— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) December 3, 2012

Dykes's Louisiana Tech team declined a bowl invitation despite going 9-3. The reports seem to indicate Louisiana Tech didn't want to play a bowl game back in their home city of Shreveport against rivals ULM.

I'm heartbroken for our 31 seniors that have given so much for Louisiana Tech. They deserve to finish their careers in a bowl game.

— Sonny Dykes (@SonnyDykes) December 3, 2012

Dykes was reportedly the first confirmed interview for the Cal coaching job. He was a candidate at N.C. State before they hired Dave Doeren, and reportedly turned down a position at Kentucky.

Kent State head coach Darrell Hazell & Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi

We've already talked about Hazell a little bit here, but Narduzzi? Sure wasn't expecting this guy to pop up.

Diaco might listen, but will he take an offer if one is made?. According to sources in the MAC and at Notre Dame, California athletic director Sandy Barbour who is looking for a coach to replace Jeff Tedford, flew to Chicago over the weekend and met with not only Diaco, but Hazzell and Narduzzi as well.

Narduzzi was the defensive coordinator at Miami in 2003, the D.C. at Cincinnati from 2004-06, and then the D.C. at Michigan State from 2007 onwards. Despite Michigan State's less-than-stellar record, their defenses have improved year-by-year. They gave up only about 4.3 yards per play (5th in the country in 2011, 4th in the country in 2012) and were around 10th in scoring defense each year.

Boise State head coach Chris Petersen

If you want to keep hope alive.

I'm told LaTech's Sonny Dykes is a finalist for the Cal job, but the Bears are still trying to entice Boise State's Chris Petersen for job.

— kbohls (@kbohls) December 3, 2012

Hope is a dangerous thing.