Dan Hawkins to Colorado? Upgrade or Downgrade?

[Marcus Garvey]

Well according to ESPN, CU got their man:
Sources: Buffs tab Boise State's Hawkins (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2259394)

Without a doub, CU is a higher profile program in a major conference compared to Boise St. Hawkins has done great things in Boise, continuing the upward climb started by Dirk Koetter. I have no doubt he can be successful as a head coach in a BCS conference, however, I think taking the CU job is a horrible mistake.

Due to problems under Barnett, the administration has enacted riduculously strict recruiting restrictions. The program will be under the microscope for the foreseeable future with questionable support from the administration. The school already has a less than favorable rep with regards to student support for football. At least in Boise, he had the administration behind him.

In the end, I vote "DOWNGRADE." Hawkins is a great coach, but the potential for failure at CU is too high for the job to be worth taking. If he tanks here, he'll probably wind up at a Tulsa or UTEP. I like the Urban Meyer approach: Guage each offer carefully, then accept the one where success is most likely.

If he's successful though (HUGE IF), I predict he'll wind up in the Pac-10, most likely Oregon St.

[goasu984Life]

I agree with you on some points, but I also think that it comes down to what is best for him and his family. I'm sure that he will be paid handsomely for his services, so it may be the best offer that he has at this time.

In response to the restrictions that Colorado has placed on recruiting, I'm sure that with his clean record, Hawkins will get those loosened up in time. Also, I would think that coming from a BCS conference with the recent success of Colorado (a Big 12 championship and championship games played in), recruiting won't be an issue past the first year or two.

Certainly, with the coaching legacy that he brings to Colorado from Boise State (national rankings, etc.) this is a good move for both Hawkins and Colorado. You are probably right that he will use this to go to another school at some point, but for right now, it seems like a good stepping stone for the future for both Hawkins and Colorado. I vote UPGRADE.

[Tribefan]

Colorado football will be fun to watch again very soon.

[LacesOut]

Upgrade, no doubt. I would leave too if I had to look at that hideous blue football field!!

[Cocky]

Colorado football will be fun to watch again very soon.

Unless they play Georgia.

[smarterray]

Well according to ESPN, CU got their man:
Sources: Buffs tab Boise State's Hawkins (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2259394)

If he's successful though (HUGE IF), I predict he'll wind up in the Pac-10, most likely Oregon St.

If he does become OSU's coach, that would make two UC Davis alumni the head football coaches of the two major universities of Oregon. Mike Belotti coaches Oregon.