By Bill Koch
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Jimbo Fisher, believed to be the favorite to land the job as the University of Cincinnati's head football coach, has withdrawn from consideration.

Associate athletic director Brian Teter confirmed Thursday that Fisher, the offensive coordinator at Louisiana State University, called athletic director Bob Goin late Wednesday night and told him he wasn't interested in the job.

"He was under strong consideration," Teter said of Fisher.

Fisher is the third candidate who has withdrawn from consideration, joining Utah head coach Urban Meyer and former Notre Dame head coach Bob Davie.

None of the three, Goin said earlier this week, was officially offered the job. Goin could not be reached for comment Thursday.

How this affects UC's search is unclear. Ohio State defensive coordinator Mark Dantonio is believed to still be a candidate and may now be the frontrunner. Former Nebraska coach Frank Solich also is still available, although UC appeared to have cooled on him in recent days.

Kippy Brown, wide receivers coach for the NFL Houston Texans, is also on UC's list. Goin confirmed through Teter that Brown is under consideration.

An 11-year NFL coaching veteran, Brown is in his second season with the Texans. Before arriving in Houston he was the head coach of the XFL's Memphis Maniax.

He also spent one season as the Green Bay Packers running backs coach and coached for four seasons under Jimmy Johnson with the Miami Dolphins, the final two seasons as offensive coordinator.

He has also coached at the University of Tennessee, Louisville and Memphis State.