Michigan QB Mallett leaves program, considering Tennessee, others

By LARRY LAGE, AP Sports Writer

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Michigan quarterback Ryan Mallett and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow at the Capital One Bowl

Michigan quarterback Ryan Mallett, left, and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow sign autographs for Tawanya Green, 12, of Orlando, during the Day for Kids event as part of the activities for the Capital One Bowl football game in Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jan 9, 2008 at 2:07 PM EST

Story Updated: Jan 9, 2008 at 2:07 PM EST

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Ryan Mallett has left the Michigan football program, and the quarterback might be reunited with his offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, his father said Wednesday.

"He's on his way home," Jim Mallett told The Associated Press. "We don't know where he's going to go yet, but we need to do something quick. We're going to visit three, four or five schools."

The former Texas Class 4A offensive player of the year may end up at Tennessee, which is considering hiring former Michigan offensive coordinator Mike DeBord and quarterbacks coach Scott Loeffler.

"If they're hired, that would be a real good possibility," Jim Mallett said. "Ryan really clicked with both coach DeBord and coach Loeffler during the last couple months of the season and during bowl practices, I've never seen Ryan throw the ball or read defenses as well as he did."

Mallett said his son also will consider transferring to Texas A&M, Arkansas and UCLA among other schools. After sitting out next season, he will have three years of eligibility.

"Several schools have called and we're still open-minded about any program that runs a pro-style offense," he said. "He's going to enroll this semester, so we've got to get moving."

Mallett played in 11 games as a freshman, filling in for Chad Henne when he was injured. He was 61-of-141 for 892 yards with seven TDs and five interceptions.

He enrolled at Michigan a year ago, leaving high school a semseter early. The 6-foot-7, 252-pound quarterback threw for more than 2,500 yards and 27 scores as a senior at Texarkana High School, where he was a three-year starter.

As soon as Lloyd Carr retired and Rich Rodriguez was hired, Mallett's days seemed to be numbered because of Rodriguez' spread offense that has featured mobile quarterbacks.

"It just wasn't a fit and yet, it was a hard decision," Jim Mallett said. "When he came home for Christmas, he told me and my wife that he really was falling in love with being at Michigan.

"Ryan wants to thank coach Carr, his staff and all the players for helping him have a great experience the past year."

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