TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama interim coach Jimmy Fuller and Louisville's Howard Schnellenberger Wednesday requested consideration in the search for a successor to departing Crimson Tide Coach Ray Perkins.
University President Joab Thomas named Fuller interim coach moments after Perkins announced his resignation to accept a job as coach and vice president of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fuller played at Alabama and was head coach at Jacksonville State.
Thomas said he had several coaching candidates in mind, but would not name them. He said a new coach would be named as soon as possible.
'We will move with dispatch,' Thomas said. 'I can't tell you more than that. We will make a nationwide search.'
Although Perkins served as coach and athletic director, Thomas said he would appoint and lead the search committee to find a candidate for each post. Thomas named Harry Knopke, his executive assistant, interim athletic director.
'Something I always wanted to do was be at the University of Alabama,' said Fuller, the top assistant under Perkins. 'I have no plans to pursue any other job at any time. I am where I want to be.'
Schnellenberger, who played under late Alabama coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant at Kentucky and was anassistant under him at Alabama, said he was 'very interested' in the job. Schnellenberger led Miami to a national championship in 1983 before resigning to become coach at Louisville, his alma mater.
Other candidates mentioned for the job include Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden and Clemson Coach Danny Ford. Texas A&M Coach Jackie Sherill said Tuesday he does not want to leave his present position and indicated he could not get out of his contract if he so desired.
Fuller said Perkins' staff would continue to recruit players, but said delays in naming a new coach would cause problems.
'The timing is not good, but I'm not sure any time is a good time,' Fuller said. 'We can only go on and do what we can do.
'I'm sure there are questions in (prospects') minds. There are questions going through my mind, too. As of today, we're employed, but we could be unemployed,' he said.
Perkins, an All-America receiver at Alabama, left his job as coach of the New York Giants to replace Bryant at his alma mater. He compiled a 32-15-1 record at Alabama, but said he became tired of the rigors of recruiting and other aspects of college coaching.
'I wasn't in college coaching 10 years ago, but I don't believe it is as fun today as it was 10 years ago and I don't think it will be as fun three or four years from now as it is today,' Perkins said.
Perkins made a reported $500,000 in salary and endorsements at Alabama and prominent alumni paid off the final $200,000 on his home mortgage last year. He would not discuss details of his contract with Tampa Bay, which was believed to be worth between $3.5 and $5 million over five years.
'It's a real good package from a financial standpoint, but that was not a major factor. It was the opportunity, the chance to win,' Perkins said in a news conference at Tuscaloosa. 'And being in pro football at this time for myself and (my wife) Carolyn is best for us.'
Perkins denied the pressure of succeeding Bryant, who retired as college football's winningest coach, affected his decision.
'It was an honor,' he said of replacing Bryant. 'A lot of the media say I was under a shadow. That's ridiculous. That was not a factor at all.'
Perkins denied for weeks he had any plans to leave Alabama after a 10-3 season that included a Sun Bowl victory over Washington, saying his chances of leaving were 'a million to one.'
After Bucs owner Hugh Culverhouse fired Coach Leeman Bennett Monday, Perkins agreed to talk to Culverhouse. He said decided to take the job after meeting with Culverhouse at Birmingham Tuesday.
'The timing factor is kind of awkward, but it couldn't be helped,' Perkins said. 'I would like to have looked my players in the eye and told them this instead of them having to watch this on TV. I apologize to them.'
Alabama national alumni president Frank Nix wished Perkins good luck, but said he expected the university to find an able replacement.
'I hate to see him leave, he's done a good job,' said Nix. 'I wish him well. I feel confident the University of Alabama will find a coach who will carry on the tradition of Alabama.'
