WSU wants 'dynamic leader'

OGDEN — Less than three weeks after taking over as the new Weber State athletic director, William J. Weidner is already busy.

His first item of business ? Finding a new football coach.

Weidner accepted Jerry Graybeal's resignation as head football coach Tuesday and reassigned him a position within the athletic department. Graybeal said the decision to step down was mutual and seemed inevitable.

"It's culminated over the last four years (with three losing seasons). There was no consistency and we weren't making any headway," Graybeal said. "It's about giving the team every opportunity to succeed. They need to be going in a better direction."

Weidner said he and Graybeal met on Tuesday to discuss observations and thoughts about the current state of the program.

There were concerns shared about the lack of wins, the program's stability and future progress, attendance at the games and the athletic department's donor base.

"Many loyal donors had expressed concerns about the overall program," Weidner said. "After talking about it, Jerry said maybe it was time for him to step aside."

Although the position has only been open one day, Weidner said he has fielded many calls from around the country by people giving recommendations or individuals expressing interest in the opening. Weidner said the job would be advertised nationally and a committee would be formed to find a replacement. He said there is no specific time frame on hiring someone, but said the committee would be sensitive to recruiting deadlines.

"We will look with a sense of urgency until the right person is found. We won't hire just to hire," Weidner said. "We are looking for a dynamic leader and teacher with confidence who can energize the program, the fans and the community. He must also have academic integrity. I see no reason why the Weber State football program can't be successful in competing for the Big Sky championship and a playoff berth on an annual basis."

Among those possibly considered as a replacement for Graybeal include several former Wildcats. Former WSU coach Dave Arslanian could be a candidate, along with current New Mexico Highlands coach John Fassel. Washington State assistant Robb Akey, UTEP offensive coordinator Eric Price and Miners assistant Lawrence Livingston are former players. Another possible replacement could be long-time Dixie State coach Greg Croshaw.

As for Graybeal, now a special assistant to the athletic director, the last two years have been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride.