As a kid, I cheered Jack Pardee as a player for the Washington Redskins when he was a part of the "Over the Hill Gang". Later, when he was coaching the Chicago Bears, I got to meet him (and his team's budding young superstar, a running back named Walter Payton) when the team was using a drill hall at Great Lakes boot camp during a cold snap. And I've always had a soft spot for any team he is coaching. For that reason alone, I'm excited about this possible comeback.

For University of Houston athletic director Dave Maggard, the search goes on for a football coach to replace Art Briles. But a person with knowledge of the situation said that it has been narrowed to two candidates — former NFL and Cougars coach Jack Pardee and Notre Dame offensive coordinator Michael Haywood.

Pardee said Tuesday he had not been offered the job, and Haywood could not be reached for comment. Maggard would not comment on the situation, saying only that "there is still a lot of work to do."

Now either of these guys would be a good choice as head coach, but I personally like the choice of Pardee. And i like this coaching staff.

Pardee's projected staff would reportedly include current assistants Jason Phillips (wide receivers), Bubba McDowell (cornerbacks), Tony Fitzpatrick (defensive line) and Thurmond, with newcomers like former SMU assistant Ronnie Vinklarek (offensive line), Tomball High's Tommy Kaiser (S-backs and special teams), Arlington Bowie coach Kenny Perry (safeties) and former Cougars quarterback David Klingler (offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach).

Pardee said the staff would have a good blend of experience and youthful enthusiasm.

Not only that, but it is also a good blend of what has been a very successful coaching staff under the team's former coach and new coaches who will introduce new perspectives and talents. the presence of both continuity and change would be good for teh Cougars -- and might just propel them back tot he heights that they reached under Jack Pardee two decades ago.

Posted by: Greg at 11:01 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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