2023 College Track & Field Open Coaching Positions Discussion

Promoting from within instead of doing a real search is pretty lazy in my opinion.

As an alum, I wish they would go all in on track and xc. When OU decides to be good at something they can be really good (gymnastics, football, SOFTBALL) but they let a lot of other sports die.

This last guy was at least having some success, weren’t they top 25 indoors and outdoors? I know they neglected XC but at least they were good at something

Dana Boone's job if she wants it

There is interesting talk on a separate thread about Karrie Baloga transferring out of Colorado.

Will Wetmore be extended next year after his contract is up in June? Does Mike Smith move to Boulder?

Odessa - Head Coach

jobs.odessa.edu

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field Coach

Link:jobs.odessa.edu/postings/10928

Dana doesn't want that gig. It's a down grade for her. Leaving Orlando for Norman OK. Trust me the two don't compare in terms of quality life. I have lived in both places

They never advertised the job, right? How did people apply, did they submit their application directly to the longtime A.D.? Or did OU contact candidates directly?

I know State universities are required to do an interview process with three candidates minimum. One way around having to do that is to interview the Chosen One plus 2 or 3 others who are clearly not in the same league.

The damage may have already been done. I've seen several of their top guys announce they're getting in the portal. To fire someone in November screams we don't care about the program.

You gotta think that with Wetmore turning 70, and with the recent bad publicity, CU will simply not renew Wetmore's contract.

Why would Mike Smith move? It's not like CU pays a ton. Mike could have taken the Oregon job.

What’s the list of coaches that would be considered at Colorado?

Totally agree with you.

Pat Henry is approaching 80 and he’s still going strong and ain’t retiring any time soon. 70 ain’t that old!

As another posted, Wetmore could continue - he is "only" 70. But to play along.....

Perhaps two groups of potential replacements - 1. Former runners/coaches within the CU program and 2. Those with CU / geographical connections.

1a. Former runners/coaches within the CU program (in no order)
Any one of the 40+ who signed the letter of support during the recent investigation.
I don't know how many of them have coaching experience beyond these. Sara Slattery does, Jenny Simpson is right there and could step in. Ritz could maybe blend a pro group and college program like others have, as could Bosshard. The Gouchers? Clint Wells as another coaching option?

1b. Not on the list but former runners who coach: Jason Drake (JD), Pete Julian

2. Colorado Connections: Either of the Seimer brothers (would Art return from TN - or his wife's work permit; or would Chris move over from Mines like Art did with CSU 10+ years ago)?
This one is out there - but what about Lance Harter? Had his start coaching in CO. He could come out of retirement; get the "ship right" in the next couple of years; and prep a successor?
Surely there are other CO connections than these, both with the program and in the state.

I'll suggest a different approach than naming potential names (previous post - and I forgot Jay Johnson, former runner and assistant if I remember correctly).

What does CU need/want in terms of recruiting and coaching approaches?

Recruiting - CU recruits itself as a university AND as a XC program (not track so much; at least the non distance events). So... you don't necessarily need a grinder recruiter, but you need either

(a) a flashy name (think Prime Time transfer central)

or (b) a person with significant credentials to win the end of the recruiting battle.

Coaching - If you go with (a) then that person needs to be surrounded by other coaches who KNOW how to coach / develop - if that person doesn't possess those skills.

If you go with (b) - that person likely has those coaching/developing credentials for a reason; and in that instance, they may want to surround themself with a flashy assistant who can attract the attention of recruits and buy into the coaching system/philosophy.

Intangibles - Associated vs not associated with previous/current CU program

One advantage in going with someone on the inside is their institutional knowledge of how things have been done. They've seen how successes come from their approach and could conceivably continue those efforts.

The investigation, however, may warrant looking OUTSIDE those currently or formerly associated with the program, to put distance between connections and the investigation.

Perhaps CU Admin would blend both approaches - someone new for a "fresh" look coupled with key positions of those continuing the tradition?

Of course, that could also work with Mark staying on (continuity) while hiring an outsider with a fresh look on the program.

Whatever direction they go, CU will have A LOT of viable options.

East Tennessee State University

Head Women's Track and Field position open.

The A.D has fired the Men's and Women's Basketball Coach, Softball Coach,Football Coach, and Volleyball Coach within 24 months none of them got 3 seasons under their belt at ETSU

Well, I guess it didn’t go well…Lol

Watts is out? He is director of both genders…

Watts is the one doing the hiring for the new coach. Not sure why it's just for women's though

Florida Gulf Coast - Head Coach