On this Turkey Day, at least one coach has something to be very, very thankful for as his butt’s been lifted off a smoldering hot seat.
For now.
According to a press release just issued by the school, and after much speculation surrounding his hold on the job, Dan Hawkins will return as Colorado’s head coach in 2010.
It was expected that Hawkins’ fate would be decided after a meeting with athletic director Mike Bohn next week; however, according to the release, and “[w]ith questions about Hawkins’ future mounting from CU supporters, the media and the public related to CU’s 3-8 record this season, Bohn wanted to end speculation and reiterate what he has maintained all along: that Hawkins is and will remain CU’s coach.”
“Dan is our coach,” Bohn said in a statement. “We continue to have candid, constructive discussions with each other, with campus leadership and with related constituents to review all aspects of the football program. We recognize the importance of continuity to reach our desired competitive results. We have made progress on many fronts, but fully realize the importance of improvement and growth of the program in all areas.”
CU-Boulder Chancellor Dr. Philip DiStefano agreed and confirmed he supports Bohn’s decision.
“I want all CU fans, supporters, and members of the University community to know that I support Athletic Director Mike Bohn’s decision to honor coach Hawkins’ contract and believe this decision is in the best interests of the University of Colorado at Boulder,” DiStefano said in his own statement.
DiStefano and Bohn informed the team after Thursday morning’s walkthrough practice of their coach’s status. Now, with Hawkins safe for at least another year, Bohn called on the supporters of the program to rally around the embattled coach and give him their full support.
“During this challenging time, it is essential for our collective fan base to stay with the program,” Bohn said. “We all play a role in building the program on different levels. History has proven that our program is at its best we channel collective passion, competitiveness, and hard work in the same direction.”
Hawkins has the benefit of a great asst coach. since he left for Colorado,he hasn’t done anything. The real genius at Boise St was Chris Peterson. They were great both before and after he became head coach, It was proven even before that at TCU with Dennis Francione.He left and was a bust where Gary Patterson has made them even more successful.I can even point that out at my favorite school,Oklahoma. Bob Stoops has lost numerous coaches that were on staff his first 2 years that have gone on to be head coaches.I can think of at least 4 off the top of my head and I think there are actually 5. Stoops has never been as good as his 2000 team.I am not complaining because if we go through two 4 + loss seasons every 10 years and 10+ win seasons all the others , I will never complain. I will even take 4 more title games with ONLY one win and be very happy.If you look back at head coaches who bombed at their next big stop, I bet most of the time there is an assistant that stayed behind that took over that had good success.
Had the benefit of a great asst coach as well….. sorry to much turkey to properly proofread.