Word came down recently that Air Force’s Troy Calhoun had removed his name from consideration for the coaching vacancy at Colorado. Calhoun had thought to be a prime contender to fill the position; now, according to the Denver Post, another, more familiar name may be emerging.
The Post reports that a number of ex-CU football players are putting pressure on the administration to name Eric Bieniemy as the Buffaloes’ next head coach. Bieniemy is a former CU running back and is currently a position coach with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings.
Bieniemy is one of four candidates -- all with strong ties to the university -- who are known to have interviewed for the job. The biggest issue with Bieniemy’s candidacy is the fact that he’s never been a head coach or even a coordinator at any level. Inexperience aside, Bieniemy reportedly acquitted himself very well during his interview with athletic director Mike Bohn and the seven-member search committee over the weekend.
Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain and Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin are two candidates with no direct ties to the university who are also under consideration.
The Post also reports that a new head coach could be named as early as this week.