Terry Bowden looking to become next West Virginia head coach

Word on the street is that Terry Bowden would love to take over as the Mountaineers’ head football coach. He calls it his “dream job.”

That makes sense, given the fact that he grew up in Morgantown and also played his college ball there.

Apparently, other reports have listed Florida State coordinator and Terry Bowden disciple Jimbo Fisher as a candidate for the West Virginia job, and a lot of speculation also circulates around Cincinnati’s Brian Kelly. Some wild rumors are flying around that even Nick Saban has contacted West Virginia.

But, considering the circumstances, I honestly think Terry Bowden would make a great hire.

He would jump for joy if WVU offered him the job, so I’m pretty sure that he won’t demand a huge contract. There’s no buyout of any previous contract. And he’s prepared to get back in the game. His last year at Auburn may have been in 1998, but he’s still sharp and he’s totally hyped to start coaching again.

With ties to West Virginia and an enthusiasm for coaching, you’d have to expect Bowden to implement a gameplan that suits his personnel. He’s a smart guy and a great motivator. Not only that, he’s got big name recognition. And he he’s got a great track record — first coach under 40 to get to 100 wins.

I like that hire. I’m all about the local guy, the guy close to the program. Jim Tressel was that guy for Ohio State. Terry Bowden could be that guy for West Virginia.