The speculation that Ball State University coach Brady Hoke might be with a different team next year following the success the Cardinals experienced this season is premature, Hoke said Monday.
Former University of Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr, who retired Nov. 19 after 13 years with the Wolverines, recommended Hoke as his successor, Hoke said. Hoke, who spent eight years as an assistant coach under Carr at Michigan, said he's spoken with Wolverines' athletics director Bill Martin about the job opening, but the two sides have done nothing more than that.
"I don't know if there really is an interest right now," Hoke said. "I haven't given any thought to the Michigan job. [Martin and I] had a conversation that was not really of solid substance."
Hoke has also been mentioned for the coaching vacancy at Washington State University, a void created when former coach and Ball State alumnus Bill Doba resigned after five years with the program. Before his tenure at Michigan, Hoke spent six seasons as an assistant coach in the Pac 10 with Oregon State University, one of Washington State's conference opponents.
Both Martin and Washington State athletics director Jim Sterk declined to comment until their coaching searches had concluded. Bill Stevens, Washington State media relations director for football, said Sterk would like to conclude the program's coaching search by Jan. 1.
"They have a large list of names that they are doing their due diligence to narrow," Stevens said.
Hoke signed a five-year contract extension Sept. 19, 2006 that provides a base salary of $157,970 each year. The contract will run through Jan. 31, 2011, and is the 96th highest base salary in Division I football, according to collegesportsreport.com.
Collins praised the job Hoke has done with Ball State's football program this year, and said the two will sit down after the season to discuss his contract.
"I want to see Brady remain the head coach here," Collins said. "But also I have to be realistic. He's done his work, and he's done a great job, so he might get other opportunities elsewhere. But I'd love to see him stay here."
Both Hoke and his wife, Laura Hoke, are alumni of Ball State, and Hoke's daughter, Kelly Hoke, is scheduled to graduate from Ball State this year. Hoke was also a four-year football letterman and helped lead Ball State to a Mid-American Conference championship in 1978.
The Cardinals finished this season 7-5, their first winning record in 11 years, and will play Rutgers in the 2008 International Bowl, the first postseason game Ball State has played during that time period.
"Being a Ball State alumnus and former Ball State football player, I have a lot of pride in our program and university," Hoke said. "I like where we're headed as a program. My only thoughts right now are winning [the International Bowl] game."
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