[dropcap2]D[/dropcap2]espite four consecutive wins to end the season, Interim Head Coach Brian Wright was informed on Wednesday afternoon that he is no longer being considered for the FAU head coaching job. According to FAU Owl Access, Athletic Director Patrick Chun delivered the news to Wright directly.
Wright took over after former Head Coach Carl Pelini was fired in early November. Pelini originally left the program amid allegations of illegal drug use, but was eventually cleared of the allegations and then fired because of a failure to supervise his staff.
Under Wright, the Owls won their last four games by an average of 27.5 points and ended their season with a 6-6 record — a three game improvement from last year.
Now, the decision is purely on Chun to find a new man to head the FAU football program. Chun still has no selection in place (after a month and a half of searching), but some names have been thrown around. Ohio State Running Backs Coach Stan Drayton seems to be the favorite right now.
Columbus, Ohio radio station 610 WTVN reports that Chun met with Drayton regarding the Florida Atlantic head coaching vacancy.
Drayton served as the running backs coach and the recruiting coordinator for the University of Florida. The second year athletic director probably looks at Drayton’s ties with the state of Florida as a definite plus. Chun also worked in the Ohio State Athletic Department for 15 years before coming to FAU.
Having ties to the state of Florida could be the deciding factor in the recruiting process. The words of a man who was successful coaching in the state will resonate with potential recruits who are looking for a program within which to flourish.
Wright, by contrast, has no ties to Florida. He was born in North Carolina, raised in Ohio, and was offensive coordinator at Youngstown State and Montana State, respectively, before becoming offensive coordinator at FAU.
Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Coordinator Eddie Gran is also in the running for the FAU job. Gran is a renowned recruiter and interviewed for the job on Dec. 11, according to Sun-Sentinel reporter Dieter Kurtenbach.
According to the Sun-Sentinel, Chun said last month that he is looking to make a hire by December 16, but in a press conference on Nov. 2 he stated he wouldn’t make any comments regarding the head coach search until he chooses a new man for the job. Expect an announcement on who the next Florida Atlantic head coach will be by next week at the earliest.
Wesley Wright is the Sports Editor for the University Press. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @NotEvenWes.
