#1DieHardHawk
Well-Known Member
Probably deserves a dedicated thread.
Obviously, things move pretty fast so the list will morph over time.
Based upon some searching, I ran across quite a few coaches that appear to be ripe for promotions or a lateral move depending upon the situation. I broke it down to internal and external candidates.
Internal:
Phil Parker. Has already expressed that he's not interested in a HC position.
Jon Budmayr. He'll obviously get a look. I don't know any Hawkeye fans that seem excited about the idea, but Kirk can be loyal to a fault.
Lavar Woods. Highly respected and has the traits you look for. Budding star. Question is, is he ready and/or qualified for that jump right now?
George Barnett. Just kidding. Might be qualified as an OC at a division 1A middle school...
External:
Paul Chryst. Strong possibility here IMO. Kirk would be comfortable with him and they have similar philosophies.
Joe Moorhead, HC, Akron, and former PSU OC. Akron hasn't panned out well. Another guy whom Kirk would be comfortable with. Has prior success.
Tony Tokarz, QB coach, FSU.
Gino Guidugli, QB coach, Notre Dame.
Willy Korn, OC, Liberty.
Jim Zebrowski, QB coach, now co-OC, Kansas. Recently promoted when Andy Kotelnicki was snatched up by James Franklin.
Cortez Hankton, Passing game coordinator, LSU
Mack Leftwich, OC, Texas State.
The question will be whether Kirk is willing to get outside of his comfort zone and hire an up-and-comer, or look for an older coach with which he is very familiar. If I had to guess right now, I would say Budmayr if he stays internal, or Chryst if he looks outside. Personally, several of the young guns above would be great options IMO, but we'll miss the boat if he slow-walks the process. All of them appear to be hot candidates.
Obviously, things move pretty fast so the list will morph over time.
Based upon some searching, I ran across quite a few coaches that appear to be ripe for promotions or a lateral move depending upon the situation. I broke it down to internal and external candidates.
Internal:
Phil Parker. Has already expressed that he's not interested in a HC position.
Jon Budmayr. He'll obviously get a look. I don't know any Hawkeye fans that seem excited about the idea, but Kirk can be loyal to a fault.
Lavar Woods. Highly respected and has the traits you look for. Budding star. Question is, is he ready and/or qualified for that jump right now?
George Barnett. Just kidding. Might be qualified as an OC at a division 1A middle school...
External:
Paul Chryst. Strong possibility here IMO. Kirk would be comfortable with him and they have similar philosophies.
Joe Moorhead, HC, Akron, and former PSU OC. Akron hasn't panned out well. Another guy whom Kirk would be comfortable with. Has prior success.
Tony Tokarz, QB coach, FSU.
Gino Guidugli, QB coach, Notre Dame.
Willy Korn, OC, Liberty.
Jim Zebrowski, QB coach, now co-OC, Kansas. Recently promoted when Andy Kotelnicki was snatched up by James Franklin.
Cortez Hankton, Passing game coordinator, LSU
Mack Leftwich, OC, Texas State.
The question will be whether Kirk is willing to get outside of his comfort zone and hire an up-and-comer, or look for an older coach with which he is very familiar. If I had to guess right now, I would say Budmayr if he stays internal, or Chryst if he looks outside. Personally, several of the young guns above would be great options IMO, but we'll miss the boat if he slow-walks the process. All of them appear to be hot candidates.