If you read the comments, the #FIREBRONCO crowd is out in force. One oft-repeated response from the #BRONCO4EVER crowd is the question "Who would you replace him with?" This post is an attempt to fill out that list. Let's assume, for the sake of the discussion, a few things about BYU's hiring practices.
- This is meant more as a reference and less of a place to debate your favorite candidate.
- The head football coach has to be a temple-recommend holding member of the LDS Church. Since I am not any of these people's bishops, I will assume that returned missionaries' fit that requirement.
- We don't know Bronco's salary, but it is safe to assume that BYU will not (and likely cannot) pay more than about $3 million a year for a head coach.
- Don't bring up Andy Reid. We're not getting an NFL head coach off a playoff team who makes $7.5 million per year.
- Gary Crowton is dead to me. He will not be appearing anywhere on this list.
- I am sure I have forgotten people. Please mention them in the comments and I'll add them to the list.
Ken Niumatalolo - Navy Head Coach
HC Experience: Navy (2007-Present, 49-30)
Previous Coaching Experience: Hawaii, Navy, UNLV
Playing Career: QB for Hawaii (1987-1989)
Notes: No previous connection to BYU; runs the flexbone/triple option offense
Darrell Bevel - Seattle Seahawks Offensive Coordinator
HC Experience: None
Previous Coaching Experience: Iowa State, UConn, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks
Playing Career: QB for Wisconsin (1993-1995)
Notes: No previous connection to BYU
Lance Anderson - Stanford Outside Linebackers Coach
HC Experience: None
Previous Coaching Experience: Stanford, San Diego, Saint Mary's, Bucknell, Idaho State
Playing Career: Linebacker at BYU (scout team) and Idaho State (1993-1994)
Notes: None
Kyle Whittingham - Utah Head Coach
Head Coaching Experience: Utah (2005-Present, 76-39)
Previous Coaching Experience: BYU, Idaho State, Utah
Playing Career: Linebacker for BYU (1978-1981), USFL (1983-1984), Los Angeles Rams (1987)
Notes: Already turned down BYU HC job in 2005; father was BYU assistant coach (1972-1981)
Kalani Sitake - Utah Defensive Coordinator
Head Coaching Experience: None
Previous Coaching Experience: BYU, Southern Utah, Utah
Playing Career: Fullback at BYU (1994, 1997-200)
Notes: First Tongan coordinator in FBS
Robert Anae - BYU Offensive Coordinator
Head Coaching Experience: None
Previous Coaching Experience: Hawaii, BYU, Ricks College, Boise State, UNLV, Texas Tech, Arizona
Playing Career: Offensive lineman for BYU (1981-1984) and in USFL
Notes: Played on 1984 MNC team; bears a strong resemblence to a certain blue eagle
Nick Howell - BYU Defensive Coordinator
Head Coaching Experience: Ben Lomond High (2004-2006)
Previous Coaching Experience: BYU
Playing Career: Weber State?
Notes: If Bronco has a protege, Nick Howell is it
Mike Canales - North Texas Offensive Coordinator/Associate Head Coach
Head Coaching Experience: North Texas (interm, 2010, 2-3)
Previous Coaching Experience: BYU, South Florida, NC State, New York Jets, Arizona, North Texas
Playing Career: Quaterback for Utah State (1981-1983)
Notes: Was offensive coordinator at Snow College when Bronco Mendenhall was defensive coordinator; only connection to BYU came as a graduate assistant from 1985 to 1986
Possibilities Who May Be LDS
- Ed Lamb, Southern Utah Head Coach
Possibilities Who You Might Think Are LDS, But Are Not
- Gary Andersen, Wisconsin Head Coach
- Matt Wells, Utah State Head Coach