SLATE: Oh, let’s just hire Jon Gruden

We’re on what seems like day 444 of K-State’s search to replace the irreplaceable Bill Snyder, and... well, we have absolutely nothing new to report since yesterday. All lips have been tightly sealed, and all options are still on the table.

Today, however, is widely expected to be The Day. The announcement could come early, it could come late. The one thing we can somewhat expect is that if the announcement doesn’t come today, the odds of North Dakota State head coach Chris Klieman being the choice get slimmer and slimmer because it indicates there’s someone else still involved in discussions.

One thing to keep an eye on: Klieman has a weekly press conference on Mondays at 2:00pm CT. If that gets cancelled but there’s been no announcement, buckle up. Also being noted by some observers: NDSU assistant Hank Jacobs apparently follows a bunch of Wildcats, Kansas high school athletes, and Bill Snyder.

You remember how “Littrell to K-State is a done deal” got started, though, don’t you?

Meanwhile, Football Scoop’s Zach Barnett is still reporting that K-State is trying to ensure that at least one assistant, if not more, are still employed by K-State after the coaching change is complete. At the same time, Barnett is still considering Klieman, Mike Norvell, and Neal Brown fully engaged candidates for the position.

Last night, Derek introduced you to Troy head coach Neal Brown and explained why it is we might be interested in him. At the Mercury, publisher Ned Seaton decried poor reporting, echoing our own thoughts regarding the “K-State wouldn’t let Seth Littrell bring his own staff” leak.

Also at the Mercury, Ryan Black reached out to a couple of folks who’ve worked with Gene Taylor in the past to get their input on how he’s going about the search.

Last night was K-State’s annual football awards banquet. Dalton Risner and Alex Barnes shared team offensive MVP honors, while the defensive award went to Trey Dishon and Duke Shelley. Brock Monty was named special teams MVP. Risner was also named the team’s outstanding offensive lineman, while the defensive front seven award went to Reggie Walker and Wyatt Hubert.

Most improved on offense were Wykeen Gill, Blaise Gammon, and Skylar Thompson; defensively those honors went to Eli Walker and Justin Hughes. Little room for argument there.

Most of the other awards are just cheerleading, but we’re always interested in the winners of the Red Raider award as scout team MVP(s). This year, the award was shared by quarterback Sam Wheeler and wideout Seth Taylor, both freshmen.

But there was more news from the banquet, as it marked the first public comments from Bill Snyder since his retirement. Kellis Robinett at the Eagle reports on the content, none of which is scandalous in the slightest.

Mack McClure spoke to Michael Bishop in a Heisman piece for the Mercury.

That’s all for today. Hang in there, and if there’s news someone will be along to report it as soon as possible.