Potential candidates for Washington head coach job listed
Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington Huskies helmet sits during a game against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Huskies won 45-17. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Huskies are losing coach Kalen DeBoer to Alabama, meaning they will need to find a new leader ahead of their inaugural Big Ten season. Already, several names have surfaced in connection with the job.
Pete Thamel of ESPN offered up a lengthy list of coaches Washington could target to replace DeBoer. The list includes Kansas coach Lance Leipold, Arizona coach Jedd Fisch, Iowa State’s Matt Campbell, and Utah’s Kyle Whittingham. Current Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is also believed to be in the mix.
Washington will be an attractive job. Officials there — for now — won't have any college market competition. Quick list (no order): Lance Leipold, Jedd Fisch, Matt Campbell, Ryan Grubb, Barry Odom, Chris Klieman, Kyle Whittingham, Dave Clawson, Kalani Sitake.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 12, 2024
Grubb would be the most logical choice if Washington wants to emphasize continuity, though he has no head coaching experience. The Huskies may choose to aim higher, particularly since they will face no real competition with all other power conference jobs filled at the moment.
Washington can certainly afford to pay big money, as they tried to do in order to keep DeBoer. Their presence in the Big Ten and history of recent success makes it a very attractive job, and they certainly have the pull to land a pretty significant name if they want to.