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The Todd at Steelers Depot is claiming a source informed him Steelers offensive line coach Sean Kugler will remain with the team for the rest of the 2012 season.
If that is the case, it wouldn't be SOP for these situations, but the case is unique. UTEP coach Mike Price (you may remember him from Alabama and strip club fame) is retiring, or possibly has already retired, meaning, he could still be around to assist with recruiting in Kugler's absence.
But, that's assuming Price is ok not only with retiring (UTEP was 3-8 this season, and hasn't been competitive since 2005), but ok with the fact the school didn't hire his son, Aaron Price, the team's offensive coordinator, or Mike Price's recommendation, defensive coordinator Andre Patterson.
On the other hand, it's not as if UTEP was bringing in the best prospects anyway. The team finished with losing records in seven consecutive seasons. Perhaps Kugler's attention isn't needed right now.
That's certainly a winning attitude.
College football is won in recruiting, not xs and os. But it isn't impossible for a coach to continue with his pro job while running out on recruiting trips whenever possible.
Former Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis was hired as Notre Dame's head coach, but didn't leave for South Bend until his 2004 season with the Patriots ended with a Super Bowl championship.
It didn't turn out well for Weis with Notre Dame, and while it's ridiculous to compare the situations of UTEP and Notre Dame, Kugler starting that far behind would be a challenge.
But kudos to the guy for sticking with his original commitment, even if it's highly likely his new employer would rather him start work immediately.