Snyder leaving USF for Texas A&M

For the third time in four seasons, the University of South Florida Bulls are looking for a defensive coordinator.

Mark Snyder, who led USF's defense on Skip Holtz's staff for two years, is leaving for the same position at Texas A&M, Holtz confirmed. The Aggies will usher in their SEC era when they host Florida on Sept. 8.

Holtz, down one key recruiter with National Signing Day looming on Feb. 1, might look to move quickly.

Possibilities? Rick Smith, USF's assistant head coach/defensive backs, has defensive coordinator experience at Kentucky, Tulane, Cincinnati and Louisiana Tech. Greg Hudson, Holtz's defensive coordinator at East Carolina from 2005-09, is the linebackers coach at Florida State.

Snyder's USF defense finished 39th overall in the Football Bowl Subdivision, allowing 351.3 yards per game. But in Big East games, it was seventh among eight teams, surrendering an average of 379 yards.

The Bulls (5-7) suffered several fourth-quarter meltdowns in 2011, giving up last-minute drives to Miami and West Virginia, which led to final-play, game-winning field goals. They also allowed a last-minute drive at Rutgers, which led to overtime and another defeat.

Florida hires Pease to lead its offense

Florida hired Boise State's Brent Pease as its offensive coordinator and will be introduced today.

Pease agreed to a five-year deal worth a little more than $500,000, on par with what other play-callers are making in the Southeastern Conference. Pease replaces Charlie Weis, who left to be the head coach at Kansas.

The Gators met with Pease last Friday, and the interview seemingly went so well that Pease cancelled an interview with Alabama. The Crimson Tide are looking to replace Jim McElwain, who took the head coaching job at Colorado State.

BAYLOR: Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Robert Griffin III will enter the NFL draft. Griffin and Stanford's Andrew Luck, the Heisman runner-up, are likely to be the first two quarterbacks selected.

NOTRE DAME: The school gave coach Brian Kelly a two-year extension that will keep him through the 2016 season.

PENN STATE: Jay Paterno, who spent 17 years as an assistant under his father, Joe Paterno, won't be retained by new coach Bill O'Brien.