Gary Pinkel to Washington?
Bill Fleenor, an outspoken Washington booster, hopes Missouri fans appreciate what they have in coach Gary Pinkel. On second thought, he would rather they don’t.
With the Huskies winless after three games and support waning for fourth-year coach Tyrone Willingham, it’s a fall of discontent for the once-proud program. And should Willingham not return, supporters such as Fleenor have their sights on Pinkel.
“It would be an earthquake of excitement,” said Fleenor, a stockbroker in Walla Walla, Wash. “People would go nuts if he were our coach. He would be well-accepted.”
More so than Willingham. Since he signed a five-year deal to become Washington’s coach in December 2004, Willingham carries an 11-28 record into the home Pac-10 Conference opener against Stanford on Saturday. Pressure is building in Seattle for the Huskies to become bowl eligible for the first time during his tenure. Should University of Washington officials fire Willingham, those close to the program say Pinkel and MU offensive coordinator Dave Christensen, both with Washington ties and rising national profiles, could become attractive options.
Pinkel’s coaching career began in Washington under venerable coach Don James, whom Pinkel played for as a tight end at Kent State. In 1976, Pinkel worked as a tight ends coach before becoming a wide receivers coach at Bowling Green. In 1979, Pinkel returned to Washington and spent the next 12 seasons as a wide receivers coach (1979-83) and offensive coordinator (1984-90). During Pinkel’s time under James from 1979-90, the Huskies won 104 games, three conference championships and two Rose Bowls.
Source: Columbia Missourian
