Most of us got on the stick yesterday and started speculating on who might replace Jonathan Smith as the new offensive coordinator.
Being the curious cat that I am, I got on the horn and started hitting up sources.
I also contacted former WR coach, Bush Hamdan. After the niceties and chit chat, I brought up the question of the Washington OC job — crickets. No comment.
Not a huge surprise — coaches don’t usually comment on such things if there is any teeth to a rumor. And we can’t say with any certainty that he’s even in line for a return to Seattle.
However — we checked with another source who told us that Hamdan has been contacted by Chris Petersen.
As most of you know, Petersen has been out on the road recruiting — but one thing we know about Petersen is that he is a guy who is always prepared. He has a list of guys at all times he can turn to and reference if someone on the staff decides to go elsewhere.
But what about Hamdan?
As I reported yesterday, there is a strong bond with Petersen and Hamdan — and let’s face it — Hamdan didn’t just go to the NFL because he likes the NFL more than college. He loves the college game, but getting the experience of coaching at the NFL level is huge for an aspiring young coach.
The money isn’t bad either — of course — but you can bet Petersen is ready to get out his checkbook and make a great offer to the guy he focuses in on.
As far as a timeline, we’ve heard nothing yet. There hasn’t been any immediate fallout from Smith’s departure where recruiting is concerned. I spoke to Colson Yankoff last night and, while he was bummed, he is still completely committed to Washington — as is Jacob Sirmon.
Now another reason that Hamdan could be the most viable option is that, right now, there’s some competition out there for the Mark Helfriches and Troy Taylors and Beau Baldwins.
Chip Kelly is now at UCLA, Herm Edwards was just hired by ASU, and what IF Willie Taggert decides to take another job back in his old stomping grounds?
What ties does a guy like Hamdan have to any of those coaches? Zero.
So this all purely speculation, but a lot of times, where there’s smoke — there’s fire. And we just feel that there may have been a little puff of smoke out of Georgia yesterday.
Stay tuned…
