Brady Hoke looks like the new Aztec head coach

richpjr · Dec 14, 2008

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/aztecs/20081214-9999-1s15azzfoot.html

San Diego State is expected to name Ball State head coach Brady Hoke as its new head football coach as soon as Monday, sources close to the situation said.

Hoke, 50, was one of three finalists interviewed last week, along with UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker and former Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione. Sources said that Walker didn't have the best interview and that Franchione has been notified he is not the choice.

Hoke, a former Ball State defensive player, became a hot candidate after leading the Cardinals to the most wins in school history this year with a 12-1 record.

SDSU possibly could triple his $240,000 salary. The Aztecs also likely will pay $240,000 to buy out his contract, which was to last through 2010 at Ball State.

It took Hoke five years to turn around the Ball State program. He compiled a 15-31 record in his first four seasons before going 7-6 last year and 12-1 this year, led by quarterback Nate Davis, who finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Hoke formerly recruited California as a defensive assistant at the University of Michigan. His brother, Jon, coached defensive backs and special teams at SDSU in 1987-88.

SDSU officials said they would have no comment until an announcement is made.

SDSU has been searching for a new head coach since Chuck Long was fired Nov. 22.

In addition to Hoke's buyout, SDSU's transition costs include about $1.4 million owed to Long and as much as $50,000 for using Atlanta-based search firm Parker Executive Search. Three weeks ago, SDSU President Stephen Weber said he had raised a little more than $1 million toward such transition costs.

Not sure how I feel about this one, mostly because I know nothing about the guy. But hiring a guy who took 5 seasons to get his program to a 7-6 record sure doesn't do much to get me as an Aztec alumn real fired up. I was hoping for Franchione.

Brady Hoke looks like the new Aztec head coach

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Brady Hoke looks like the new Aztec head coach

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