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Wednesday, February 19

Hawkins withdraws, Beavers reportedly to hire Riley

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Associated Press


CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Boise State's Dan Hawkins withdrew his name from consideration for the head coaching vacancy at Oregon State Wednesday amid reports that New Orleans Saints assistant Mike Riley would rejoin the Beavers.


Oregon State officials would not confirm several broadcast reports Wednesday night that athletic director Bob De Carolis was finalizing a deal with Riley.


However, an announcement regarding Oregon State's new head coach was expected either Thursday or Friday.


Hawkins announced that he was staying at Boise State on the school's web site on Wednesday. The Broncos coach had been contacted twice by Oregon State officials looking to replace Dennis Erickson, who left last week to coach the NFL's San Francisco 49ers.


``Upon final analysis, I feel too positive about the direction of Boise State and our football program. The growth and progress made in every area since I have arrived here has been tremendous,'' Hawkins said.


This past season, Hawkins led the Broncos to a 12-1 record and the Western Athletic Conference title to finish No. 15 in the nation.


Hawkins was considered to be one of the front-runners for the job, as was Riley. Hawaii coach June Jones withdrew his name from consideration over the weekend.


Riley, defensive backs coach for the Saints, went 8-14 as head coach at Oregon State in 1997 and 1998 before leaving to become head coach of the San Diego Chargers.


De Carolis has not spoken publicly about the search, but told players on Tuesday he interviewed seven candidates and planned to talk to an eighth.