Baer said he talks about Utah State frequently with former Aggie coach John Ralston — who currently serves as a special assistant for the Spartans' football program — and both believe the Aggies can be WAC contenders in a short time.

"It's a good job," Baer said. "The athletic director and the facilities are in place. I really think the Aggies can be in a bowl game before anyone expects it."

Aside from his strong credentials as an assistant coach and his deep Cache Valley roots, another thing Baer has going for him is an existing relationship with USU athletic director Scott Barnes. While Baer was the defensive coordinator at Washington, Barnes was an associate athletic director for the Huskies.

San Jose State, currently 6-5 and hoping to secure a spot in a bowl game, closes the regular season out on Friday against Fresno State.

Kent Baer

High School: Sky View High

College: Utah State 1969-72

Coaching experience:

Utah State, 1977-85

Idaho, 1986

California, 1987-91

Arizona State, 1992-94

Stanford, 1995-2001

Notre Dame, 2002-04

Washington, 2005-07

San Jose State, 2008

E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com