The coach occupies a very critical position in the team. How he deals with the players and strategizes the plays can make or break the team. The search for one can be a grueling task and it does not end there ? it is just the beginning of another difficult phase. The selection process may vary from one team to another and the basis for such may also differ.



The search for the head coach of San Diego State University has been shrouded by secrecy at first but some information has come out in the open. A newspaper report named three probable finalists for the vacancy and the final choice has yet to be made. The first of the three options is Mike Martz who is at present the offensive coordinator of San Francisco 49ers.

Mike Martz was a surprising choice having stayed with the National football League for years and has also served as head coach for the St. Louis Rams for some time and with the Detroit Lions also. He has also worked with collegiate teams but started his coaching career with a high school team. He served in various capacities as offensive coordinator, quarterback and wide receiver coach with schools such as San Diego Mesa, San Jose State, Sta Ana College, Fresno University, Arizona University, Fresno State University and University of the Pacific. With his colorful coaching career and offensive plays, he is being thought of as somebody who can be instrumental in reviving and raising the San Diego State University Aztec's plight out of the doldrums.

The next candidate is Dennis Franchione who formerly worked with Texas A & M Aggies. His coaching career started with Miller High School then on to other secondary schools. He also was connected with TCU, University of New Mexico, and University of Alabama amongst others. He was embroiled though in a newsletter controversy.

The last prospect is De Wayne Walker who is with UCLA as defensive coordinator. Walker has also served with New England Patriots, USC, New York Giants and Washington Redskin.

San Diego State made a surprising move with their options because of the stature of these coaches since its football program is not an income generating machinery. It is said though that they are being subsidized.

On other hand, University of Nevada Las Vegas extended the contract of its football coach, Mike Sanford, for another three years. That would make him stay at the University until 2012. The season started with his team' lackluster performance but then their game eventually shaped up and garnered several wins. One factor which may have worked in his favor is the excellent group of recruits that they were able to muster for the next years.

Mike Sanford is the University of Nevada Las Vegas' ninth head coach. With him on the helm, the UNLV Rebels were able to achieve some of their monumental triumphs over University of Arizona which according to him was also his career high.