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PARKERSBURG — The search for West Virginia University’s next football coach not only continues, but it may continue for a while.

Although WVU appeared ready to name Florida associate head coach John ‘Doc’ Holliday at a Thursday press conference, Thursday came and went without any announcement.

Word of Holliday’s impending appointment surfaced in Wednesday’s edition of The Parkersburg News and Sentinel. Sources confirmed Holliday was going to be the next coach and likely would be announced on Thursday.

That didn’t happen and while none of the principals are saying why — they’re not saying anything — the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said that there has been such resounding public support for former Auburn coach Terry Bowden, WVU officials are re-thinking their decision.

Bowden was interviewed on Tuesday, one of three candidates who have met with WVU athletics director Ed Pastilong and other university officials since coach Rich Rodriguez announced he was taking the head coaching position at Michigan. In addition to Bowden and Holliday, Central Michigan head coach Butch Jones also has been interviewed.

Bowden conducted what started as a one-man lobbying campaign, calling West Virginia media members on his own behalf. He’s also benefited from efforts from his father, former WVU coach and current Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, who talked to Gov. Joe Manchin on behalf of his son. Terry Bowden also has received strong public support from WVU boosters, who have flooded the offices of WVU officials with phone calls expressing their support.

With no news surfacing on Thursday, it’s possible the decision won’t be made until next week. With Christmas taking place on Tuesday and most of the Mountaineer athletic officials headed to the Fiesta Bowl on Wednesday, it’s possible the announcement of the new coach even could take at the Fiesta Bowl, where most of the West Virginia media will be assembled.

With New Martinsville native Bill Stewart serving as the interim head coach for the Fiesta Bowl, and recruiting of potential players in a “dead” period, there isn’t a sense of urgency to have a new coach on board.

Manchin was in Morgantown Thursday, but said he wasn’t involved in the hiring process. Rather, he addressed the members of the Mountaineer football team, who continue to prepare for the Jan. 2 Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma.

In other developments on Thursday:

? One WVU player announced he would forego his senior season to join the National Football League draft while another said he will return to the Mountaineers in 2008.

Johnny Dingle, a fourth-year junior defensive end, could have returned to the WVU fold in 2008, but has decided not to come back and take his chances in the NFL.

The good news for WVU is that freshman sensation Noel Devine, who said he seriously considered transferring after Rodriguez announced he was leaving for Michigan, will return to Morgantown next fall. Devine is a running back and kick returner.

? The Mountaineers’ 2008 game against the University of Colorado has been moved from Saturday, Sept. 27, to Thursday, Sept. 25, to accommodate ESPN.

Yes, WVU once again will be the road team for yet another weeknight ESPN game. The Mountaineers have lost a weekday night game each of the past two seasons, to Louisville in 2006 and to South Florida in 2007.

Contact Dave Poe at dpoe@newsandsentinel.com

 

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