As I have always said before…FAU should not only look at other head coaches to fulfill the job!  I believe we could get a really good coordinator from a big school to take the job.  He will know what it takes to play at that level and has the challenge of making a name for themselves.  ex. could be Kirby Smart from Alabama or say someone like Jarrett Anderson from TCU (These are just examples).  Someone who has been to the top or has had the opportunity to make their way to the top.

I am sure Coach will be here for the extent of this year! This is his goal that is actually happening! he will not pass that up

I think it will just be an announcement saying that this is his last year. I'd hate to see him not coach in the new stadium.

Ted Hutton is now reporting that he'll announce he's retiring after the season.  I'm sure he's doing this now to avoid a distraction.  I'm glad he'll be able to coach in the new stadium, it wouldn't be right if he didn't.  Hopefully we start a search right away.  The sooner a replacement is in place, the better. 

fauowls44 said

Ted Hutton is now reporting that he'll announce he's retiring after the season.   I'm sure he's doing this now to avoid a distraction.  I'm glad he'll be able to coach in the new stadium, it wouldn't be right if he didn't.  Hopefully we start a search right away.  The sooner a replacement is in place, the better.

+1

Both sad and happy.

The Founder of our program is fading into the background and this is the last year we will see him on the sidelines.

However with the new stadium, I feel a new direction is probably warranted.

It will be interesting to see who they hire for sure.

owlfamily said

It will be interesting to see who they hire for sure.

I really hope they don't promote from within.

Also, does anyone else think that this announcement might be a marketing ploy?

You know, "Watch the legendary Howard Schnellenberger coach his final season ever in the House that Howard Built".

Could really boost ticket sales with that kind of angle.

Captain said

owlfamily said

It will be interesting to see who they hire for sure.

I really hope they don't promote from within.

IMHO, this is highly unlikely.

On a side note, is it to early to start a "Thank You Howard" thread?

Bittersweet to say the least……………………………………………

Captain said

I really hope they don't promote from within.

No way, at least not for the "final" position. The team has not had NEAR enough success for a existing coach to get the nod.

Depending on the announcement I could see VanV as interim coach, if HS feels he is not up to the task for health reasons.

FAU will HAVE to make a "splash" hire of some sort. Most likely a AQ school OC/DC. Think Charlie Strong type of deal to Louisville from UF. Im not ruling out Leach or Shannon, but they would have to take less money then they are used to. Its possible but unlikely IMHO.

Captain said

Also, does anyone else think that this announcement might be a marketing ploy?

You know, "Watch the legendary Howard Schnellenberger coach his final season ever in the House that Howard Built".

Could really boost ticket sales with that kind of angle.

If they are smart they will do this. Im sure its not the only reason Coach would make this announcement but im sure he would be ok with it.

Also, with the timing of this and the 1st home game being 2 months away, perhaps they are starting the search now so they can announce the new coach at the 1st home game, which is likely to be the highest attended of the year.