Greener grass over the Hill?
Maybe. The Fresno State coach has been
in talks with the NFL
Justin Kase Conder / AMR
This intense stance of Fresno State coach Pat Hill has become a trademark of his coaching style. Many NFL teams have contacted Hill regarding their head coaching positions, including the Oakland Raiders. |
By Darrell Copeland
The Collegian
After nine years of coaching the Fresno State football team to national prominence, coach Pat Hill has finally decided to take interest in some NFL head coach openings.
“Because of the success we’ve had at Fresno State, I have been contacted by several NFL teams regarding their head coaching openings,” Hill said in a press release. “I’m not going to name the teams, out of respect, but only to say there is genuine interest.”
Since the press release, news reports have linked and confirmed Hill to having interviewed with the Houston Texans and St. Louis Rams, while the New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders have also shown interest.
According to athletic director Thomas Boeh, Hill has had an opportunity more than once to make the jump, but for whatever reason, this year had a little more than usual.
“He’s had these opportunities every year, it’s just that five or six of them just said ‘Hey, how about this,’” Boeh said.
With all of the interest coming at such a crucial time in recruiting for Fresno State, Hill has given all teams interested a 10-day window in which to talk with him regarding their opening.
“I have told the NFL teams I’ve spoken with that they have a 10-day window in which to interview me for their head coaching position,” Hill said. “That time frame was well thought out and will close in time for the Fresno State football program to move forward with both recruiting and team preparations for the 2006 season.”
Reports this week have quoted Hill as saying the final day of the 10-day window will end after tonight, as tomorrow is the first day back for students at school and the first day of meetings for the football team.
Boeh isn’t worried about the deadline being extended because of the character that Hill has conveyed during his time at Fresno State.
“He’s a person of character; he’s true to his word,” Boeh said.
The uncertainty of whether Hill will remain the Fresno State coach has fans around town and on message boards very nervous.
That nervousness may come with good reason, as some have pointed to the possibility that criticism of Hill for the football team’s late season collapse may have him searching for a new position.
“(Pat Hill) knows that he’s wanted here,” Boeh said. “He knows that he’s appreciated for what he’s done.”
Those critics appear to be a vocal minority, as a story done in the Fresno Bee last month reported a 90 percent approval rating for Hill, according to Boeh.
The high approval rating may be because of the impressive accomplishments by Hill in his nine years as coach.
Under Hill, the team GPA has been raised from 2.21 to 2.87, while on the field, the Bulldogs have gone to seven straight bowl games under its motto of Anybody, Anytime, Anywhere.
“I want our fans and alumni to know that I’m very happy and proud to be the head coach of the Bulldogs and that I’m looking forward to the 2006 season,” Hill said. “There is still much work that needs to be done and we have not achieved all of the goals that are available to this university and the Valley.”
Boeh has not hidden the fact that not only does he believe the fans want Hill to stay, but that the university absolutely does as well.
“It’s our desire that Pat Hill is the football coach in 2006, and he knows that,” Boeh said.
The clock is ticking.
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