Boulder – Before he hires a permanent successor for the ousted Gary Barnett, Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn needs to designate an interim coach for the Buffs’ Dec. 27 bowl date in Orlando, Fla., against Clemson.
“I have been given the option to coach the bowl game,” Barnett said. “At this point in time I don’t want to make a decision at an emotional moment. I told Mike I don’t think I’m going to do it and probably leave it at that for right now.”
While the settlement wasn’t a “clean your office out in 10 minutes” departure, Barnett has likely coached his final game at CU.
“I think it’s pretty clear that Gary believes it’s probably best not to (coach the bowl),” Bohn said. “We’ll name one of our assistant coaches the head coach in the bowl game. Our focus is on doing everything we can to be competitive in this bowl game.
“The best thing for Gary and the program is to spend some time with (his wife) Mary and take care of Gary.”
Only offensive coordinator Shawn Watson and defensive counterpart Mike Hankwitz were in the office this week, with the rest of the staff on the road recruiting. Both declined to comment to reporters Thursday.
Brian Cabral, the assistant head coach and dean of the staff with 17 seasons through three head coaches, served as interim coach for spring ball in 2004 when Barnett was temporarily suspended from his post.
Bohn said his charge is to find a permanent coach as quickly as possible, which is essential for recruiting.
“I’m not resigned to a recruiting class below our standards,” he said.
Director of football operations and associate athletic director David Hansburg will lend a hand with the recruiting effort, Bohn said. The athletic director said he will also ask the new coach to consider current assistants for the next staff.
Staff writer Chris Dempsey contributed to this report.
