It’s been 33 days since UNLV fired head coach Mike Sanford and began its search for a new sideline boss.
While that might seem like an inordinate amount of time to allow to go by without naming a new coach, the fact they were simultaneously searching for a new athletic director did play a “small” part in the process.
The search for a new coach should gain steam in rapid-fire fashion, however, as Jim Livengood was named as the Rebels’ new A.D, earlier this week. During the press conference announcing his hiring, Livengood gave a hint as to just what he will be looking for in Sanford’s replacement.
And that hint could be summed up in one word: experienced.
“In terms of where we are now, I think that is better served by someone who’s been in that seat,” Livengood said. “This will sound offensive, but I don’t mean it like this, but probably not the right place right now to try and learn about the job.”
That would seemingly rule out Arizona offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes, who’s never been a head coach at the collegiate level but has been rumored to be a candidate.
Based on Livengood’s qualifications, there appear to be two favorites — former TCU/Alabama/Texas A&M head coach Dennis Franchione and current Montana head coach Bobby Hauck.
Hauck’s school fell in the Div. 1-AA championship game, 23-21, to Villanova Friday night.
Hey C’mon. I love this site but poor journalism on your part. Hauck. His name is Bobby Hauck! And if he does go to UNLV that’s an awful move. Every coach that has gone there to “turn things around” has failed miserably. The guy has turned Montana into the one of the best programs in the decade for any level of football. Chances are he’ll go to UNLV for four years, be fired and never see another major head coaching gig again. Don’t Do It Bobby! Go Griz GO!
BTW not only did you spell it wrong. You spelled it wrong in two different ways. tisk tisk tisk.
Knowing what you are is the most important iteria. He ought to look to the NFL, find the best Special Teams Coordinator and go with. They work wit the whole team and it’s Marv Levy, Dick Vermiel,Bill Belichek,Mike Ditka, Bill Cower and now John Harbaugh got their start. I rest my case. Bobby April of the Bills is the best and he’s got 15 years of college coaching to boot at places lik USC, Ohio State and other “small” programs!!