It was the hire heard 'round the Valley: Chris Petersen accepts head coaching position at Washington. Many Treasure Valley residents woke to swirling rumors and countless tweets and ESPN ScoreCenter alerts, but many couldn't grasp that Boise State's beloved coach would finally leave The Blue. As the morning went on, it quickly became apparent that the tweets and alerts were true, as UW Athletics posted a statement to their Twitter account welcoming Chris Petersen as their new head coach. I was going to make this about how Washington was able to land one of the hottest head coaches in the country, but that's a question that no one knows the answer to except the Petersen family. On behalf of the Boise State students, almuni, and fans, all the best to Coach Pete and family as they embark on this new chapter in their lives and thank you for everything you did for Boise State University and the state of Idaho.
We live in a world where information is immediate and are engulfed in a "what's next" society. With that, I ask the question: what IS next for the Boise State football program? Obviously Boise State is in search of a head coach. Okay, so who's on the list? It's been mere hours since the news broke but let's throw some names out into the universe and let them simmer.
Bob Gregory, current Boise State Assistant/linebackers - Boise State has a history of hiring within the program, so why not start with the obvious: the assistant coach. Gregory has played a key role in the dominat Boise State defense since his return to Boise State in 2010. Since his return, the Broncos defense has been ranked in the top-20 in total defense. The only problem being Boise State hasn't had a defense-minded head coach in quite some time.
Pete Kwiatkowski, current defensive coordinator - Coach K is the mind behind that dominant Boise State defense. He's spent four years as defensive coordinator, but has been a member of the Boise State coaching staff for 16. He's a member of the Boise State Athletic Hall of Fame and was an All-American linebacker at Boise State. Who knows the program better than Coach K? Cause for concern? Defense-minded. But how fun would it be to have a coach with a name no one in the country can pronounce?
Robert Prin---lol just kidding Chris Strausser, current associate head coach/offensive line coach/run game coordinator - Strausser has been at Boise State for 12 years, but in two separate stints. Boise State's run game has been dominant during his entire tenture with the Broncos. Not to mention that local media are reporting that Strausser is a candidate for interim head coach. Strausser certainly has the experience and seems to be a quiet fore-runner for the position.
Gary Kubiak, unemployed - Just kidding. Wouldn't be surprised to see him not coach again with his health problems. But that's a different post. Okay, focus.
Brent Pease, unemployed (former Boise State offensive coordinator, former Florida offensive coordinator) - Pease held a couple different positions during his time with Boise State from 2006-2011. He coached the great Kellen Moore. What more do you want from this guy? Great offensive mind and recently out of a job. Worth a call.
I was going to go in-depth with all the guys on my list but then I got too bored and realized how ridiculous this is to make a list this early. Here are the other names: Bryan Harsin, Dirk Koetter, Doug Nussmeier, Kellen Moore (WOULDN'T THAT BE GREAT!).
Let us know who you think will be on the list and who you think should be on the list. Hit us up on Twitter: @jbcsports.
