Boise State coach search: The Athletic releases 10 names to watch to replace Andy Avalos

Boise State fired head coach Andy Avalos and The Athletic released nine different names to watch out for the head coaching gig.

In two-plus seasons, Avalos was 22-14 and went 10-4 in 2022, winning the Frisco Bowl. However, the administration opted for a change.

Let’s dive into some of the potential candidates for Boise State, per The Athletic’s Chris Vannini.

Ryan Grubb, Washington OC

This is a hot name right now due to the Huskies’ Pac-12 and playoff push. Michael Penix Jr. could win the Heisman Trophy this season as well.

When you think of Boise State at this point, at least the heyday, there’s a lot of scoring. This could be an opportune hire, but Grubb could get Power Five attention. Something to watch for.

Kellen Moore, Los Angeles Chargers OC

Why not bring him home? Moore flamed out with the Dallas Cowboys as they opted for Mike McCarthy to add to his head coaching duties by calling the offense. Moore has shown he can call an offense but maybe his calling is college football.

He was outstanding as the Broncos quarterback back in the day. From a fanbase and home grown perspective, this would be a home run hire. It would definitely bring buzz especially if they keep Moore from fielding NFL head coaching calls, based on his offensive success with the Chargers.

Jeff Choate, Texas co-DC

Choate was an assistant from 2006-11 and followed Chris Petersen to Washington. Choate was also 28-22 at Montana State. 

He knows the area and has the Power Five experience. If Texas’ defense is any indication this year, Choate can really coach them up and it would be a nice reunion at Boise State.

Sean Lewis, Colorado OC

This one is spicy because Lewis was a very successful head coach at the Group of Five level with Kent State. Yes, the record was 24-21, but he was 18-10 in conference for the Golden Flashes.

He left for the Colorado gig under Deion Sanders, but lost his play calling duties. Red flag? Maybe, but Colorado’s sank since the beginning of the year. Lewis has a great offensive mind and could take over Boise State.

Bryan Harsin, former Boise State, Auburn HC

Now we get to have fun with the list. Can you imagine Harsin returning to where it went so well for him at one point? He went 69-19 as the head coach from 2014-20.

Yes, it was a disaster at Auburn, but he’s a Boise native and a former Broncos quarterback. Bring the man home and get Boise State back to the top of Group of Five football!

Other candidates

Brent Vigen, Montana State HC
Kirby Moore, Missouri OC
Ryan Dinwiddie, Toronto Argonauts HC
Gerald Alexander, Pittsburgh Steelers assistant DBs
Jason Eck, Idaho HC

This is expected to be a thorough search for Boise State. A program that has a tradition of winning wants to keep up in Group of Five football. This could certainly be an attractive option with the expanded playoff coming.