I have learned that Oklahoma defensive ends coach Chris Wilson is close to becoming an assistant coach for Dan Mullen at Mississippi State. This is no great surprise, as there have been reports today that he had been offered a job by Mullen, possibly to serve as co-coordinator with Manny Diaz, who was hired today to replace departed defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Carl Torbush.

Co-coordinator or not, Wilson would coach the defensive line. David Turner held that job before leaving for Kentucky earlier this week. Wilson has spent the past five seasons at Oklahoma. The Sooners recorded 38 sacks this past season, fourth in the Big 12 Conference. They had 42 in 2008 (second) and 32 in 2007 (first).

Wilson’s other stops:

• Colorado, 2000-04, defensive line

• Army, Jan. 2000-May 2000, defensive line

• Illinois State, 1998-99, defensive line

• Indiana State, 1997, linebackers/recruiting coordinator

• Northwestern Oklahoma A&M, 1996, defensive coordinator/defensive line

• Northern Illinois, 1995, linebackers

• Indiana State, 1994, linebackers

• Indiana State, 1993, graduate assistant

Wilson has coached in seven bowl games.

Diaz will coach linebackers for MSU, which he also coached at Middle Tennessee State the past two seasons.