The Sidelines : Miss. State-Perkins Talks Fail

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Ray Perkins interviewed for Mississippi State’s football coaching position, but the negotiations have apparently broken off.

A sticking point reportedly was Perkins’ demand for extensive control of the football program, according to a published report in today’s Clarion-Ledger, a Jackson, Miss., newspaper.

Perkins, fired Monday as coach of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, could not be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, Houston Coach John Jenkins said he had been offered a blank check by Mississippi State Athletic Director Larry Templeton.

“There was no bargaining,” Jenkins told Houston television station KRIV. “He said, ‘Here’s a blank check, fill in the blanks. What else do you need?’ For me to leave Houston means I’m making a statement, like a marriage to Mississippi State. I’m looking at a lifetime deal.” Jenkins said that despite the offer, he hopes to remain at Houston.