Posted by: Josh Kendall on November 22, 2012

In his first year at Fresno State, Tim DeRuyter has the Bulldogs at 8-3 headed into Saturday's season finale against Air Force. Cue job offer speculation. DeRuyter is one of the logical candidates to replace Jeff Tedford at Cal, and he addressed that talk during at Wednesday interview.

"This time of year, they are either talking about you getting hired or getting fired. It's the national season for that," he said. "This time of year there is always those kind of things. It's a reflection of what these (players) did. These guys bought in and they won football games. I think it's a nice compliment to our team. I don't know that it makes you feel good. It's that season of the year."

DeRuyter did not discuss his intentions beyond this season, other than to say, "If (Fresno State) wants to give me a 25-year contract, I'll sign it, but I don't know if I'll get one."

The regular season finale will be an emotional one for DeRuyter, who credits his team's seniors with helping his transition.

"My first press conference was a little awkward," he said. "There were some guys on the team who clearly wanted Coach Hill and I completely understand that. I tried to defuse that by saying, 'Guys I understand.'"

DeRuyter's son is an student at the Air Force Academy, and DeRuyter still doesn't know who his son will be cheering for.

"If he wants to be on the sidelines, he'll be in red gear. If he wants to root for the Falcons, he'll be in stands. So he's got a choice to make," DeRuyter said.

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Josh Kendall is a staff writer for CoachingSearch.com and has covered the SEC for more than 15 years for papers such as the Athens Banner-Herald, Macon Telegraph, and The State. A relentless pass rusher, his flag football squad won the turnover battle last weekend for the ninth consecutive week. Follow @EyeOnCoaches on twitter and send your feedback to josh@coachingsearch.com