Boulder – UCLA assistant head coach Jon Embree interviewed for the Colorado football head coaching job Sunday night, a source close to the Buffaloes’ search said Monday.
After a playing career with the Buffs in which Embree finished in the top five in receptions (80) and yards (1,116), he was hired as a full-time CU assistant in 1993 and stayed for 10 seasons. Support for Embree as Gary Barnett’s replacement has come from all angles within the CU community, including former Buffs coach Bill McCartney.
Hiring Embree, an African- American, also would please a growing contingent adamant that CU employ a black head coach. There are only four black head coaches of NCAA Division I-A teams. Kansas State hired the latest, Ron Prince, on Dec. 4.
Embree, 40, coaches tight ends at UCLA.
Meanwhile, Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said he has not been contacted by Colorado, “and I don’t expect to be. It’s a nice thing, and hopefully people are interested in you. It’s just a recognition of what we – this group of young men and coaches – have accomplished.”
Asked what he would say if CU did contact him, Bellotti said: “Probably no interest. I’m very happy here.”
Bellotti has flirted with other jobs in the past, but never pulled the trigger because of his loyalty to Oregon. In recent years, he has had interest from Ohio State, Notre Dame, Southern California and Arizona State.
Former University of Miami and Cleveland Browns coach Butch Davis is believed to be one of CU’s top targets. Athletic director Mike Bohn has said he would like to get the position filled as soon as possible. Bohn did not return a call Sunday.
Other names that continue to circulate in connection to the CU job include Boise State coach Dan Hawkins, Broncos assistant Tim Brewster and Miami defensive coordinator Randy Shannon.
O’Neal suspended
Senior offensive lineman Clint O’Neal has been suspended from the football team, CU announced Sunday. O’Neal and Buffs cross country runner Jackie Zeigle recently were cited by police for harassment and ethnic intimidation.
According to police, the pair sent a threatening e-mail to Greg Castro, also a member of the CU cross country team, through CU’s electronic “Facebook” system. Castro, of Mexican heritage, met with athletic department officials Thursday night.
O’Neal will not be allowed to play against Clemson in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 27. That, however, can be reconsidered if new information comes to light.
Zeigle, meanwhile, has left the CU track program.
Staff writer Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-820-5455 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
