Anything news on the coaching search?

There's a lot of talk of Walsh from Portland State, but not a lot of enthusiasm. There's also talk of Akey (?), defensive coordinator at WSU 8 miles away.

The two apparent top choices, John L. Smith and Kramer from Montana State, both withdrew.

It's starting to like look 2000 (or so) when Tom Cable was hired after several candidates withdrew their names after taking a close look at the situation at UI and Moscow.

Don't feel bad. Alabama's trying to give away over a million dollars for somebody to coach their team.

I guess money's not everything.

would be a problem for hiring him.

With Stanford and FIU making hires this week, it looks like the only openings left are at Air Force, Alabama, Central Michigan, and Idaho.

Anyone know if McCarnery, Harris, or Scelfo have expressed interest in a HC position for next year? I know Mike Shula is out there too, but I don't see him having interest in any of the current openings. (Well, I guess technically he used to be interested in 'Bama, but....)

It'll be interesting to see who takes the Tide job. They've had what, something like 4 coaches in 6 years? No wonder nobody wants that pressurecooker. :microwave:

I guess the real question is this-

Can anyone win in Idaho?

I don't mean that as smack. But looking at the facilities, the budget, the fan support, and the level of competition in the WAC, is it possible at all for Idaho to win in the WAC?

Wouldn't it be ironic if they hired Chris Tormey as their coach. He won there before, and I'd love to see the Ault/Tormey showdowns. I'm sure Boise fans would have a field day with that one as well.

Walsh of Portland State would be a good hire. He has done a great deal with very few resources. He also has a habit of knocking off Division 1A teams (New Mexico, Hawai'i and Fresno). I was pulling for him to come to SJSU when we hired Fitz.
Also don't worry about Idaho's budget. It's going up fast now that they have entered the WAC. It's a long time Research 1 university and has well healed alumni who can step forward.

SpartaRick Wrote:Walsh of Portland State would be a good hire. He has done a great deal with very few resources. He also has a habit of knocking off Division 1A teams (New Mexico, Hawai'i and Fresno). I was pulling for him to come to SJSU when we hired Fitz.
Also don't worry about Idaho's budget. It's going up fast now that they have entered the WAC. It's a long time Research 1 university and has well healed alumni who can step forward.

You'll have to back that one up. The stories we read say different. They cut academic programs and campus maintenance last year due to budget constraints. They asked the state board to fund a bunch of full time fundraisers, all resident in Boise, and were turned down. And many of thier bigger alums and boosters are not at all happy with the direction taken and are not opening their wallets at the moment.

they've got a nice endowment, but have gotten into legal hot water recently borrowing from it for speculative land deals.

Evidence says if there's growth in their athletic budget, it's well concealed. I hope for their case and the WAC's that you are correct, but there's no local evidence of that.

Ever since the reporting blunder by KTVB, the UI athletic department has been very tight lipped about the coaching candidates and what is going on. Walsh looks good, Akey looks good...I hope something is announced this week.

I think Idaho can win in the WAC...they need a facilities plan, which is probably the most important thing.

I'd stay away from Shula. With all that talent that Bama has...he could only muster a 6-6 season.

I'd like to see Paul Johnson back in the WAC. But I'm hearing Navy writes him a nice big check every month.

I sure like that guy.