Weber State football: Disappointing year brings questions for WSU

Bovee now has a seven-month sample size of what Sears can do, although the entire situation that the interim coach inherited and was thrust into was somewhat unfair based on Smith's sudden and untimely departure after the conclusion of spring football.

"We've got a good idea of what he can do in building the program," Bovee said of Sears. "Am I confident that he can be successful? I think he can, and I feel like we're not that far removed from being competitive and being in the playoffs.

"But are we patient enough to try and build it, or do we have to make a change? In the next couple of days, we're going to determine where we're gonna go. By Monday or Tuesday, we'll determine whether we'll open it up.

"I've got a lot of boosters who really like him and say he deserves a chance," Bovee said. "But other people will say we've got to make a change based on the won-loss record. So I've got to do what's best for the program."

And what's best? Sure, they struggled through a 2-9 season, but who's to say Sears can't turn this thing around given more time?

Right now, though, he's just a real nice guy who finished almost last.

Then again, maybe it's time to cut bait, start fresh and begin the painful hiring process all over again.

Bovee and WSU officials must soon decide what to do. And it's a crucial decision, too, because the long-term fate of the Wildcats' football program is hanging in the balance.

Email: rhollis@deseretnews.com