BOULDER — Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn said Monday that he has not engaged in discussions with Dan Hawkins about the coach’s future. Bohn said there is “no timeline” for a decision about whether Hawkins will be retained.
Colorado (3-7, 2-4 Big 12) plays Thursday at No. 12 Oklahoma State (8-2, 5-1) in a 5:30 p.m. ESPN game. Eliminated from bowl eligibility, the Buffaloes will complete their season Nov. 27 at home against Nebraska.
“Our efforts are in creating an environment for Dan and his team to be successful,” said Bohn, perhaps suggesting that any discussions with Hawkins regarding his future could become a distraction. “They’re working hard. These are two huge, nationally televised games. And we want to give them every opportunity to be successful.”
Earlier in the day, Hawkins said during his weekly media luncheon that he is not concerned about his job security. Hawkins, 16-31 in four seasons, said he does not believe he will be coaching the final two games to save his job.
“No, Mike (Bohn) has been great. No, not at all,” Hawkins said. “I told (the media) when I first got here, you do things right. You do things how you know how to do them.
“You keep plugging along. And you do what you can do. I think Mike has an appreciation for that. I think Phil (CU chancellor Phil DiStefano) has an appreciation for that. And all the people in this department that know all the specifics, they have an appreciation for that. You can only live by virtue and virtue alone. So you stick with that and keep plugging along.”
Bohn acknowledged boosters are anxious to see if Colorado can show progress against Oklahoma State and Nebraska. The Buffs lost 17-10 on Saturday at Iowa State.
“I don’t think there is any question about it,” Bohn said. “All of us have the greatest amount of hope and unequivocal support of the kids and of Dan, for them to be successful.
“(Fan reaction to this season) has run the full gamut,” he added. “There have been highs and emotional lows. The high points are a convincing win over Wyoming (24-0), an upset of a ranked opponent at the time in Kansas (34-30) and a great come-from-behind victory over Texas A&M (35-34). The low points have been below many of the expectations that not only were built by us, but came from people across the country.”
Bohn said he receives feedback, both positive and negative, from fans after wins and losses. Apparently, Hawkins’ detractors have been more vocal than his supporters.
“When we have disappointments, certainly the level of interest from our fan base appears to be a little bit higher,” Bohn acknowledged.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
