Air Force football coach Troy Calhoun cited concern about institutional resolve to develop a plan that could help take the football program where he wants it to go as a reason for not making a defining statement about his future.
Asked if he could follow the lead of Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly, who ended speculation of his plans by saying he was happy with the development of his program and was staying, Calhoun wasn’t as direct.
“The way I’m working right now, your attitude and the way you work on a daily basis sends the strongest message,” said Calhoun, who was on a recruiting assignment. “Hands down, the most obvious thing is what you’re doing.”
When pressed, Calhoun added: “We have to decide as an institution if there’s a dedication in terms of being competitive and that we’re willing to allocate to staff members, not just football coaches.”
Calhoun, an Air Force graduate, has a 17-8 record in his two seasons as coach, and the Falcons are likely to play in the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas, for the second year in a row.
“If you’re proactive and aggressive, it gives you a chance to be competitive on a consistent basis,” Calhoun said. “We have to make sure we have a plan with the kind of energy to follow through over the long haul and give us a chance to be competitive.”
Athletic director Hans Mueh believes the academy’s leadership is working on a plan that will address Calhoun’s concerns. Before the football season ended, Mueh said he would meet with Calhoun to discuss details, including compensation for his assistant coaches. However, the two have not met.
“I’m very interested in keeping this coaching staff together,” Mueh said. “We hope to break ground on an indoor practice facility this summer. All I can do is try to convince him we’re moving forward. I think Troy and I have a great working relationship. I have no reason to think he’s going anywhere else.”
