Guy Holliday can learn from Bronco Mendenhall's experience

How does one look at a job in which you know you were not the first choice? When the first choice accepted and then revoked his decision to take the position you now hold?

New Brigham Young University wide receivers coach Guy Holliday finds himself in this awkward scenario after former Cougar Aaron Roderick decided to stay at the University of Utah.

Studies have shown that being an employer's second choice can negatively affect employee performance. So, what is Holliday to do? Leaning on the experience of Bronco Mendenhall is a good place to start.

Mendenhall understands the plight of Coach Holliday. Upon Gary Crowton's dismissal in 2004, Mendenhall, then the defensive coordinator, interviewed for the head coaching position, as did Utah's then-defensive coordinator Kyle Whittingham.

Whittingham accepted and then declined the offer to become BYU's next head coach, leaving Mendenhall, the second choice, as the heir apparent. Mendenhall has spoken of this situation and how it made him even more desirous to prove himself worthy of the job.

Sure, the circumstances are little different, as I am not aware that Holliday interviewed contemporaneously with Roderick. It seems that Holliday was chosen in a second coaching search subsequent Roderick's decision to stay at Utah. The basic idea remains the same, however, as Holliday will need to use the situation as motivation to strive for excellence.

Everything happens for a reason, and Guy Holliday's journey to BYU may very well be one of those blessings in disguise. I know BYU fans are excited for the unique nature and set of talents that Coach Holliday brings to Provo. My guess is that his performance will overshadow the circumstances that led him to the job in the first place. Just like Coach Mendenhall.