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The departure of LSU Tigers running backs coach/associate head coach Frank Wilson is the new head coach for the UTSA Roadrunners, which has vaulted Texas Longhorns running backs coach Tommie Robinson into contention for the same position, according to multiple reports:
Curious abt who #LSU hires to replace Frank Wilson. Texas' Tommie Robinson is a strong option. Very well-regarded & has worked w Les before.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 15, 2016
Coaching carousel news ... Frank Wilson going to UTSA could put #hookem RB coach Tommie Robinson in play at LSU, per two LSU sources.
— Jason Suchomel (@OB_JasonS) January 15, 2016
BON writer Wes Crochet believes that Wilson's departure could have a positive impact on Texas recruiting:
1) This could help #Texas land some recruits (like DCG, Smith). And 2) Texas could be looking for a new RB coach if LSU targets Robinson.
— Wes Crochet (@WesKCrochet) January 15, 2016
As for Robinson, his original two-year contract at Texas expires this month, so there have been plenty of rumors about his future in Austin, but he did manage to survive the terminations of two other offensive coaches last month when head coach Charlie Strong fired quarterbacks coach/assistant head coach for the offense Shawn Watson and offensive line coach Joe Wickline.
If Robinson does opt to take the LSU job, he'll be the final member of Strong's first offensive staff at Texas to move on. And if he does, it might not be a major blow for the Longhorns, as he's been a bit of a disappointment on the recruiting trail.
Running backs coaches are typically asked to shoulder a tremendous load as ace recruiters for many coaching staffs and Robinson hasn't been that in Austin, though he's done a commendable job as a position coach. In the long run, the Horns could use another ace recruiter on the staff to complement guys like tight ends coach Jeff Traylor, linebackers coach/recruiting coordinator Brian Jean-Mary, and defensive backs coach Chris Vaughn.
Robinson is an Alabama native and a 30-year coaching veteran who has made stops with the Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, USC Trojans, and Miami Hurricanes.