The interview process for next coach for the University of Akron football program remains shrouded in mystery, but there are at least some signs that it might be ending soon.
Appearing on the athletic department’s website at gozips.com, reads the message: “The Next Zips Head Football Coach Will Be Announced Exclusively on Social Media.”
It is but the latest in a series of statements made initially on the likes of Twitter, Facebook or YouTube. In the past year, two Republican presidential candidates declared their respective candidacies via those media.
The post on the page also somewhat explains the self-imposed media blackout at the University of Akron. At the news conference during which Athletic Director Tom Wistrcill informed the media that former coach Rob Ianello had been relieved of his duties, he also declared that there would no discussion of the coaching situation until a selection had been made.
“It means the decision [and] announcement could come at any time,” a spokesman for the athletic department said.
With respect to the coaching selection process, it might mean that the Zips have their man and are just waiting for postseason football games to be played.
In recent days, speculation has centered on Paul Winters, a UA alumnus and its former offensive coordinator under coach Lee Owens.
Winters’ Wayne State Lions will finish play this weekend when they play in the Division II national championship game in Florence, Ala.
Given the fact that it’s already recruiting season, the Zips will want someone filling the position as soon as possible.
If that’s the case, it would seem to eliminate another rumored candidate, UCLA interim head coach Mike Johnson, who also played for the Zips.
There have also been rumors of a wild-card candidate in the search process.
George M. Thomas can be reached at gmthomas@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Zips blog at http://zips.ohio.com. Follow the Zips on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Zips_ABJ and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sports.abj.
