Nick KrugThe Journal-World’s Gary Bedore was surfing on his computer after deadline and posed a question to his Twitter followers. The exact wording of the question: “What the heck: OK it’s 10 p.m. Saturday. As u sip your beer, do u want Clint Bowen as next head coach or do u wanna keep looking?”
Here are fans’ Twitter replies. No mention what brand of beer they were sipping. We just put your first names in case anybody didn’t want these published.
• Chris S: Bowen now so recruiting and the process of building can continue immediately
• Brian R: I’ve avoided going on record w anyone but I’m going to go ahead and say I’m on the Bowen train now.
• Brandon D: yep. cheaper than a big name. Been here when we won, passion to get us back there. Cheers.
• Chris E: I love Bowen’s passion for KU. If we can combine that with staff that can recruit Texas and develop players then hire him.
• stj: Bowen. The guys play for him. That’s what we need and want.
• Bryan M: can’t argue hiring a coach that LOVES KU and players love him #rockchalk #kufball
• Jay K: After overthinking the last two hires and failing miserably, let’s go with Bowen.
• Chris M: Bowen. $50,000 for search committee is waste of resources.
• Crimson N Blue: Harbaugh.
• Patrick M: Keep Bowen. Enough of the bs. He seems to be a players coach who can defer a bit to other position coaches, in a good way.
• Mark N: Bowen!!
• Laura J: Keep him, no coaching search needed.
• Matt F: Keep looking. For now. Don’t shut down a search simply b/c they’ve gone a competitive 1-2.
• Kyle C: I want Bowen. And if you don’t hire Bowen, you can’t keep him on staff, nor should he stay. Would overshadow new coach
• Trevor L: I want the guy from A&M but keep Bowen on the staff
• Bryan: I want Bowen, but don’t think final decision should be made until end of season. See how some other chips fall.
• Russell J: Bowen hands down. He is the only coach in USA that actually sees KU as a destination job rather than a stepping stone.
• Austin B: Bowen earned the job. Young guy, brings energy and won’t demand too much money. #HireBowen
• Steve J: I would hire him. He is better than Weis or Gill. Give him a million dollars and a cheap buyout and see what happens.
• The J Word: I want to look around first. We didn’t fire weis based on one game. Can’t hire Bowen based on one either.
• Chris T: hire Bowen
• Anne G: I’m a “no money” gal but I like him too
• Sam: Bowen, no ifs ands or buts
• Jay Hawk: Hire Bowen now
• Mandy M: who else is in the running? Any ideas?
• Mike W: I honestly don’t know, does Bowen have any reputation one way or another as a recruiter? If not, he’ll need a great RC
• More Mike W: don’t think anyone is questioning that he can get kids to play, but can he get talent to come to KU?
• SS: there is no one who doesn’t “like” Bowen..people “liked” Gill too.. Unless you can name “big money” sources..this is a non story
• Beware Phog: how can you not love Bowen? Best the team has played since Mangino.
• Kyle B: no doubt it’s Bowen
• Brian F: Bowen is the guy. I see no one out there that would do better. The last two hires/fires does not make KU attractive job.
• Mary S: Bowen Boy. #Nobrainer.
• Sarah C: #Bowen4HeadCoach
• MattT: Theres one qualified coordinator in the game that truly views KU as a ‘dream job’ and it’s Bowen. Hire him and end the madness.
• More Sarah C: Bob Lutz did one – 69 percent favor giving Bowen the job! I agree!
• CenTex J: Would like Bowen, but gotta keep looking. Explore all opportunities.
• Matt: Jim Harbaugh with Bowen co head coach!!
• Steve: Keep looking but he has to be the front runner, have to see who is interested and interview peeps.
• Matt G: interesting. I just hope it isn’t a Romeo Crennel thing. I love him too but need to see how the rest of season plays
• AllyN: Bowen!!
• Mark S: Keep him! Best we have looked since Mangino. As the players know he LOVES KU and will work hard for KU not just collect $$$
• Gene F: Leaning toward Bowen based upon performance on field. Don’t have enough insight into his ability to field great staff n recruit
• Mark M: Yes. He’s KU to the core….
