Hiring process begins for new football coach
12/23/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Bobby Hauck, the head football coach at The University of Montana the past seven seasons (2003-2009), was introduced this afternoon as the mentor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas this afternoon.
Hauck had a record of 80-17 at his alma mater (1988), guided his team to seven Big Sky Conference (he had a 47-6 league mark) titles, seven Football Championship Subdivision playoff berths, and three trips to the FCS championship game (2004, 2008, 2009).
UM Athletic Director Jim O???Day said Coach Hauck is very deserving of his new position. O???Day also said that the process to hire a new coach is already underway.
"I am excited for Bobby, and his opportunity to be the head football coach at UNLV" O???Day said. "He has earned it and it gives him a chance to coach at a Mountain West Conference school. I wish him and his family the best ??? and know he will do an outstanding job."
"While it is always hard to transition a staff, Bobby has left a solid framework for us to begin the process to hire his replacement," O???Day said. "Certain members of his staff will definitely be considered for the head job here at The University of Montana, or may be retained by the new head coach."
"I have truly been privileged and blessed to be the head coach at Montana for the last seven years," said Hauck via email from Las Vegas. "I want to thank (UM) President (George) Dennison, (UM???s Executive Vice President) Jim Foley, and Jim O???Day for their support and comradery. I also want to tell all of the players I had the good fortune to coach how much I appreciate them as men and teammates. The future of Montana football is bright, and I???m excited about being a fan and a member of Griz Nation."
O???Day said a "Selection Review Committee" had its first meeting today (Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 23),and began the evaluation process. The committee is comprised of 10 people: UM representatives Foley, Jean Gee, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Student Services/Compliance; Dave Guffey, Associate Athletic Director for External and Media Relations; Kent Haslam, Associate Athletic Director-Development; Dr. Jim Lopach, Professor and Chairman of Political Science and UM???s Faculty Athletic Representative; O???Day; J.C. Weida, Associate Athletic Trainer, as well as three individuals from the community.
The committee will break during the Christmas holidays, and secure additional information on candidates in the interim. The Selection Review Committee will reconvene on Monday, Dec. 28th.
O???Day said that UM will name a new head coach prior to the National Football Coaches Convention, which is held in the second week of January.
