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Colorado coaching search: 5 ideal candidates to replace Mike MacIntyre

By Brad Berreman

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 01: Head coach Matt Wells of the Utah State Aggies prepares to enter the field before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 1, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 01: Head coach Matt Wells of the Utah State Aggies prepares to enter the field before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 1, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /

3. Dana Holgorsen, West Virginia Head Coach

Holgorsen has had a successful run at West Virginia, with a 61-39 record a his eighth season winds down and a seventh bowl game in store with an 8-2 heading into the regular season finale against Oklahoma. But the Mountaineers have never gotten over the hump during his tenure, with no better than a tie for second in the Big 12 heading into this year.

Holgorsen brings a great offensive acumen with him, and his system is very quarterback-friendly. With Steven Montez surely set to return for his senior season, the Buffaloes have a solid jumping off point under center next season. Sophomore wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. has had a breakout season this year (79 catches for 946 yards in eight games played), and his potential would go through the roof in a high-flying offense.

The primary concern for Colorado in regard to Holgorsen would be cost. His contract at West Virginia currently goes through 2021, and is slated to pay him $3.5 to $4 million per year. His payout back to the school if he leaves for another job is pretty reasonable, falling somewhere between $1 and $3 million. But that, on top of Holgorsen’s expected salary and MacIntyre’s $10 million buyout, might be too much to take on financially.

Holgorsen’s assistant coaching roots (Texas Tech, Houston and Oklahoma State) should allow him to recruit well in Texas, and possibly bring some of that talent north. He’s a quirky personality, to be sure, but that may make him a good fit in Boulder. If Holgorsen wants to make a move, an easier path to a conference title may lead him right to Colorado.

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