AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Troy Calhoun said Tuesday his focus is strictly on coaching the Air Force Falcons.
With a combined 17-6 record in his second season with the Falcons, speculation is building that Calhoun will be a hot commodity at season’s end for school’s looking for a coach.
“I don’t mess with that stuff one iota, not when I’m working,” Calhoun said. “Every day when you get up, I have two things. One is to make sure you give your players every opportunity to be extremely competitive in their upcoming game. Two, you make sure you do everything you can to recruit better players and, more important, better officer candidates to the academy.”
Calhoun has said he’s anticipating seeing his younger players develop. However, he avoided a direct answer to the question if that meant he would remain at Air Force.
“I’m not getting into it,” Calhoun said. “I love the opportunity to work here. You treasure it, and you do it with everything you have. . . . If we give even an ounce to another direction, that impacts our opportunity to enjoy some success. It’s challenging enough here that if you’re not completely focused, it’s not fair to anybody.”
Air Force athletic director Hans Mueh is certain there will be suitors for Calhoun, but he’s also certain Calhoun will fulfill his commitment to Air Force.
Calhoun initially signed a five-year contract that could roll over each year at an agreed to increase. The original agreement called for a financial package of $650,000 a year. Mueh said he would meet with Calhoun after the season to discuss possible contract changes.
“I’d have to be living in a cave to not know he’s a hot commodity,” Mueh said. “We’re 8-2 in a rebuilding year. I know he’s a good coach. . . . I don’t have any apprehensions that we’ll be able to keep him here. You can go somewhere else for more money, but you can’t go anywhere else and have the atmosphere and goal that we have here and what he wants to do with his players.”
Injury update.
Fullback Todd Newell remained questionable for Saturday’s home game against BYU with a sprained ankle. Junior receiver Josh Cousins suffered a sprained ankle Tuesday and is indefinite.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
