Former Kent State head coach Darrell Hazell was one of the hottest names on the coaching market after guiding the Kent State Golden Flashes to an 11-2 record and a No. 25 ranking in the final BCS Standings. He appeared to be on his way to Purdue earlier this afternoon, then Bret Bielema announced he would be leaving Wisconsin to be the next head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. Then this happened around 7:00 p.m. CT:
About Hazell to Purdue - I can only report what I'm told WHEN I'm told. Obviously, another situation has grabbed Hazell's attention #wiscy
— Brendan Murphy (@BMurphySports) December 5, 2012
Bruce Feldman of CBS Sports countered Murphy's report about 40 minutes later, citing his own source:
Purdue is hiring Darrell Hazell as its new coach, a source tells CBS.
— Bruce Feldman (@BFeldmanCBS) December 5, 2012
But the damage has been done. Until something is officially announced, chalk up Hazell among the growing list of candidates Wisconsin could be pursuing. We will certainly keep you posted on any further developments.