Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Source: Appalachian to pursue Peterson again

Appalachian State is turning its attention back to Buzz Peterson, the former frontrunner for the vacant Mountaineers' basketball coaching position, a source familiar with the process said today.

Peterson said this morning that he preferred not to comment on the situation, but added that he had not been contacted since he withdrew from the search last week.

The source said Peterson had been strongly interested in the Appalachian position, but the logistics of the move back to Boone would be difficult for him, including disposing of his expensive Charlotte-area home in a poor real estate market.

ASU is planning to return with a sweetened offer that might include help with disposing of Peterson's home.

Peterson has been Appalachian's first choice all along. If he is interested in the new proposal, expect things to move quickly, with his hiring being finalized this week.

Peterson, currently the director of player personnel for the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats, coached the Mountaineers from 1996-2000. He produced three 20-win seasons in four years and once took ASU to the NCAA Tournament.

The Mountaineers were believed to have turned their attention to former Charlotte 49ers coach Melvin Watkins, now an associate head coach at Missouri, and current Citadel coach Ed Conroy with Peterson's withdrawal. But the school's search committee, led by athletics director Charlie Cobb, has decided to take another run at Peterson, the source said.--Stan Olson

15 comments:

Ted said...

What a terrible idea, could we be any more desperate

Anonymous said...

Ted, why is that a terrible idea. Any more suggestions on coaches? Buzz is the right candidate and he would bring us back to be the davidson of basketball.

Anonymous said...

You're sure about that? One thing that's for sure is that this whole process has been an embarrassment. It's clear that getting Buzz back was the only reason HF was let go. Problem with that is they obviously forgot to make sure they could actually get him first.

jug said...

I didn't like Fancher, but if they were going to pay him a year salary just to fire him and get another coach they should have made sure they had a coach they could hire right away. The AD hasn't made many mistakes but this is one.

Clayton Roberts said...

The man has a family. I respect his decision. I like how ASU might be able to help him get up to the Mountain where it seems he would like to be!

Unknown said...

Fancher wasn't fired, he quit.

Christopher Kroeger said...

Yeah, Fancher quit alright. How many people do you know that quit their jobs, especially in a recession, and still wind up receiving their full salary for the rest of his contract? Get a grip. He was forced to resigned.

Anonymous said...

Houston was fired...no other way to put it. He never Quit! ASU is embarrassing itself and could cause major damage to the Athletic program hiring Buzz and making financial commitments they have been unwilling to make to a three-time National Champ Football Coach and staff. Shame on the APPS!...and shame on the Board of Trustees for giving into the pressure of a few power hungry busy bodies!

Anonymous said...

Fired, quit, resigned... Spin it how you want. Fancher is out. If he quit, why is he getting paid next year?

Anonymous said...

Dang, the prom is getting near and we don't have a date. Our old heartthrob has dumped us before and strung us along with with a recent invitation... Now we are heading back... Things are getting desperate... As the stomach turns with ASU basketball...

Anonymous said...

Chris and to anyone who thinks he would quit the job. His wife just had another baby. Would you quit your job if you just had another baby ? I don't think so, he was FORCED out of Boone.

Anonymous said...

Buzz Peterson is a great coach and an even better person. I can't think of anyone better to lead the mountaineers back to the top of the socon and let ASU be more than a football dominant program. I know for a fact that he wants to come back to Boone but other influences will be stopping him (family, Jordan).

Anonymous said...

As a member of the Yosef Club I hope there not using my money to purchase his house. It ticks me off they want to give him so much money when Jerry Moore is the guy to put ASU on the map.

Anonymous said...

Excuse me sir, but I do believe Appalachian basketball could be just as good as the the football program. The reason the basketball program lacks is because people like you have put all of your time, money, and attention into the football program. Yes, Jerry Moore is amazing! But money is not an issue for Jerry, his heart will always be with Appalachian. I am excited that the university is trying really hard to get the right guy in Boone to help us build a solid basketball program. Cobb believes Buzz is the right guy, I know he will do the right thing. Do you really believe Cobb wants to waste your money??????

Anonymous said...

Charlie Cobb has gotten way too arrogant. He takes too much credit for our 3 consec. national championships and he has butchered this hire.