Hardcore Husky Podcast: Will Petersen replace Jonathan Smith?

Good podcast, guys. Lots of great discussion, thanks for taking the time.

The most pertinent part I took away from it was when Derek told the story of Don James hiring then HC Keith Gilbertson away from Idaho in '89. That hire catapulted the program to its greatest success, leading to three consecutive Rose Bowls (Winning the '91 and '92 RBs; Gilberston was not UW OC for the '93 RB loss), and a National Championship. Years later, Neu hired Gilby in '99 as OC and UW won the 2001 RB. He was not a successful HC, but he won three RBs as UW OC. Not many coaches can say that.

Chip Kelly to 0regon is another example of a program-changing OC hire, but maybe even more extreme: Belotti hired him away, program took a giant leap, he ended up with Belotti's job, and we all know the rest.

Where I'm going with this is these are prime examples that certain hires can change the trajectory of a program. If Petersen wants to right this ship quickly, he may need to pull a similar move, although I do not see him doing so. Time will tell.