Report: UA contacts N. Iowa coach about track job
John McDonnell hasn’t even been off the coaching path for 24 hours and rumors for his successor have already started.
The Des Moines Register is reporting today that Northern Iowa head coach Chris Bucknam has been contacted by University of Arkansas officials about their now-vacant position as men’s head track and field coach.
Here’s more from Register reporter Andrew Logue:
“I have been contacted by them,” Bucknam said. “I can’t say anything right now, and I apologize for that.”
Bucknam said he did not know what timetable Arkansas has set for finding a new coach. He also said he was happy to be coaching at Northern Iowa.
“I absolutely love my job at UNI,” Bucknam said.
Bucknam has been at UNI for 25 seasons, according to the report. His Panthers team finished tied for 11th at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Saturday. Arkansas finished tied for 17th as McDonnell wrapped up his 36th and final year with 42 national championships.
UPDATE: UA sports information director Kevin Trainor got back with us earlier this afternoon and issued this statement from athletic director Jeff Long:
“As you would expect at the NCAA championships, I had the opportunity to speak with many coaches, and many coaches had the opportunity to speak with me regarding our head coaching position.”
McDonnell and at least one trackster, Nkosinza Balumbu, have endorsed assistant Dick Booth as a worthy successor, but athletic director Jeff Long has been hush on the selection process. Bucknam’s name has been the only other track coach mentioned in the media for the position.
One Response to “Report: UA contacts N. Iowa coach about track job”
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It’s not rocket surgery ! Hire someone who’s assisted beside the best track n field Coach in history. Thank you John McDonnell, and give Dick Booth the job.