SJSU football: Tomey, Hawaii, and the (long?) wait for closure
With San Jose State smack in the middle of the football recruiting season, Hawaii begins its search for an athletic director.
One would have nothing to do with the other if not for Dick Tomey, who is at once the head coach at SJSU and a candidate — imagined, rumored, potential, actual or otherwise — for the AD position at Hawaii.
Tomey coached the Warriors in the 1980s, has a home in Hawaii and is very popular in the UH athletic community.
So rampant was the speculation that Tomey issued a statement last week, which was fine and dandy with SJSU — except that Tomey did not exactly squash the speculation:
He said it would take a “very, very compelling opportunity” to leave SJSU and that “Hawaii is the only place we would consider relocating to.”
In his office Friday morning, Tomey reiterated his plans to coach the Spartans next season but did not slam the door on a (late) career change.
He declined to speculate on anything about the Hawaii job but said he had not been contacted by the Warriors.
“I have every intention of coaching this team,” he said. “I’m a football coach, and there is no lack of commitment to any university I’ve worked for in my background.”
Whether Tomey is a rumored or actual candidate matters not to SJSU’s competitors on the recruiting trail, who happily inform prospects of the possibility of Tomey’s departure.
But Tomey said the Hawaii situation has not been an issue. SJSU doesn’t have many scholarships available — it’s expected to sign only 10-15 players — and Tomey said he is close to wrapping up the class.
“I tell recruits that I have every intention of coaching this team, and they accept what I say,” he said. “My age comes up more often.”
So there’s no chance of the hawaii situation hovering over the SJSU program for weeks or months?
“I have not talked to anybody about anything — that’s what’s crazy about this whole thing. It’s crazy. There’s no basis in fact, except that I have a home there.
“I want the San Jose State fanbase to have as much excitement about the team and our growth as there is nashing of teeth over this thing (the Hawaii situation)
“I want the concern about this from our people to manifest itself in support, coming to games, contributing to the program and helping us solve the problems we have.”
Hotline prediction: UH will not even offer the job to Tomey.
Tomey has a good situation at SJSU so I doubt that he will leave for the Hawaii AD job. He probably should! He seems to want to continue coaching instead of becoming an administrator. He really hasn’t set the world on fire at State but he seems to have brought some stability to the program. I still think that SJSU needs a younger energetic go-getter head coach to really sprark the football program. Recruiting needs to get much better in order for the Spartans to gain success on a consistent basis, and have any chance to compete for a WAC Championship & a quality bowl game.
Based on Tomey’s responses, it sounds like he would not go if even offered the AD job at Hawaii.
Let’s now (based on Tomey’s replies) put this whole thing to bed, and hope others do as well moving forward.
SpartanThunder.com Staff-
Hmmmm…I say Tomey takes the AD job if offered. Home there not used (by him) for most of the year, older and coaching “may” get tougher, the AD job is easier and lower profile at almost any university than a head coach…especially of college football…
On the other hand…he may be too old for an AD job too and be smarter by sticking at SJSU until fired or retirement calls him out…and as “Hotline” predicts he won’t be offered the AD job anyway…then the question has been answered for all of us + Tomey.
SJSU fans ought to leave Tomey alone and let him move to paradise so he can enjoy his later years in a beautiful & wonderful place. Being the Hawaii AD will give Tomey the challenge he needs to stay active & productive, but at the same time not kill him! Spartan fans & supporters should not be selfish & only think of themselves and the Spartan football program when trying to persaude Tomey to stay at SJ. Tomey will live a long, relaxing, & productive life in the land of paradise, and undoubtedly bring Hawaii Athletics up to a level they can be proud of. Spartan Thunder & others should wish him well and let him go. Mahalo!
Broncoboss your name should be Jackass. First, your post reveals your fear of Tomey building a WAC/West Coast powerhouse as football coach at SJS. Moreover, you are wrong to say the AD job anywhere is easier than being a Football coach. Your statement is equivalent to saying it is easier to be the CEO than a marketing manager. Finally, Spartan fans have unselfishly seen multiple head coaches leave for higher paying jobs. We have every right to want to keep a great leader like Tomey.
Stay or go, Spartan football will survive. One hopes he stays, but this is a reality of college football.
Wow Ap, I didn’t mean to hit such a nerve with anyone but I guess I pushed your button. I would suggest you get a clue before you start spouting out ignorant comments. Oh yea, we Boise State fans are scared to death of the Spartan Football Program. Tomey took a 7-5 “06″ Spartan football team & bowl participant to a 5-7 “07″ record with no chance of a bowl appearance. I’m shaking in my boots! Anyway, I wish the best for Tomey. That means Hawaii. You may not like my comments but Jackass is a little strong, dude. By the way the marketing manager does all the work and the CEO gets all the money!!! Calm down & have a good one.
Coach Tomey is the best thing to happen to Spartan football since Claude Gilbert. I hope to hell that he stays a Spartan. But in the end, he has to do what’s best for himself and his family. He doesn’t owe the fans anything in terms of declaring his intentions.
Broncoboss, Once again you have succeeded in looking like a stupid, ignorant hillbilly. We went 9-4 in 06, MORON! Come on man, you are on this board talking about getting a clue? You can’t even get your facts straight. I have said it before and I will say it again. You are a bitter old man, who is scared of SJSU’s potential, and you don’t wish anyone well. You like to get people upset and you try to hide behind the front that you are such a great guy that you always wish everyone the best. What a joke. Get lost.
RS, You’re such a bitter little pr**k. 9-4 or 7-5 what’s the difference anyway. SJSU finished about 4th or 5th in the WAC that year. I’m really not that old & I’m certainly not a stupid, ignorant hillbilly as you suggest. SJSU’s football potential is terrifying! I lose sleep every August thinking about the upcoming Spartan powerhouse. Dick Tomey is a good guy & an outstanding coach, and I do wish him well. It’s jerks like you that we can do without. Plus guys like you continue to give SJSU a joke reputation.
A Bronco fan and Spartan fan arguing over who is better is like two 5 years girls arguing over a hair brush. Sure BSU has a better program so be proud the be the toughest 5 year old girl in the WAC.
Boy, you guys are sure gettin’ it on about not much. I am not sure “anybody,” including Wazzu is afraid of San Jose State football! Whether it was 9 wins or 7 wins the point was made that SJSU may have fallen off and that is not disputable by the win-lose record.
On the other hand, it’s Tomey’s decision, not mine, Broncoboss’ or any of you Spartan fans whether he stays in San Jose as your football coach or goes to U. of Hawaii as their AD.
I don’t think anyone wishes him ill will doing either task. However, I believe strongly that it is easier to be the AD or a CEO than the head football coach or a marketing manager. And the rewards are usually better…more secured longevity in the job at hand…just pick the right folks to work for you and do the job. That’s where knowledge of character along with a proper view of past performances comes into play.
GO COUGS!!…GO BRONCOS!!
BroncoASS don’t you have anything better to do than come on here and start s***. You’re never ending Bull S*** State football banter is getting very old. And you’re cute little remarks are predictably aimed at starting s***. As much BS as you are always talking you would think you were a USC, Notre Dame, or LSU fan! Remember you are a Boise State Univ fan. Boise State!!!! Now let SJS enjoy Tomey. We know where we stand in the the football universe. You instead look in the mirror and see USC. Wake up and stop starting s***.
Jon,
You started that rumor with this column
http://www.mercextra.com/blogs/collegesports/2008/01/08/sjsu-football-would-tomey-take-the-hawaii-job/
SS,
You are right. I enjoy posting comments that stir up sh*t in many cases aimed SJSU’s way. It’s kind of fun to mess with Spartan fans/alumni. It’s so easy to rile up slow witted individuals. I’m not saying all Spartan fans are slow witted just the ones that come on this site with no clue & demonstrate their stupidity! Anyway, I’m just having fun with “ya all”. No reason to swear at me, or post hate comments. I’m really very likable! Join in & enjoy the witty and sometimes humorous banter. We can all get along and have fun sharing our thoughts, wisdom, & wit through the wonderful world of computer blogging. I guess many of the Spartan bloggers can’t handle the truth, have no sense humor, and have very short anger fuses. So with that in mind I have decided to lay-off any negatism toward SJSU, and root for them to finish 2nd in WAC next season right Boise State. I’m sure Tomey’s loyality to building a top notch football program at SJSU will keep him coaching at the school for years to come. Ah, it gets too hot in Hawaii anyway.
Broncoboss,
I ask you this…Would you be upset if Peterson left Boise for another job? I bet you would. Yes, I do know if you lost Peterson, it would not kill your program. But here at SJSU, Tomey has given us something to cheer for that we have not had in a long time. Of course we are a bit nervous about losing Tomey. I hope he stays to finish out his contract, build us up a bit and pass the torch to a younger head coach who can continue on with what he has started.
And the main reason we had a worse record this year is due to the teams we played. I, as do most here in SJ, feel we had a better team this year than last. But we played better non-conference opponents; ie ASU and KSU. Plus, I believe the WAC in general is getting better as well. We have a lot of returning starting players this next year and I am hopefull of a winning season. And of course, beating Boise…and Hawaii.
Stop picking on BroncoBoss, after all we know those lonely cold winter nights up in Idaho, he just doesn’t have a lot to do. It is winter in the land of Potatoes, and beyond kissing your cousin or your sister, polishing your guns, mailing bombs through the mail “ala uni-bomber” and holding white pride rallies they need something to be proud of and talk about. So hold true to your Blue and Orange, your one amazing year of success. Enjoy the spoils of the WAC and every time BSU scores a touchdown ensure you give your cousin a long french kiss!
Spartan Fan,
Now that’s what I’m talking about. Your post is fantastic. It shows a great deal of humor and wit. I laughed out loud while reading your comments. I may have to take back the “no sense of humor” part about Spartan fans. Wasn’t that fun & easy to fire back at me in a very humorous & clever post. I didn’t think a Spartan fan had it em to be witty, clever, & funny. Good work! Keep it up! Posting on the “lighter side” is fun. By the way every time SJSU scores a touchdown be sure to give your “boyfriend” a long french kiss & a full body rub- Don’t worry, as much as SJSU scores TD’s you won’t have that much physical contact with your boyfriend. Have a good one! I’m proud of you!
Hey, Spartan Fan, I am originally from Idaho too…although I treked across the state line to attend a “real” 4 year school in Wazzu.
You forgot to mention that we used to let “minors” drink beer and gave drivers licenses to under age children so that all the farm equipment could be operated during harvest seasons.
And our “White Pride Rallies” are not near as jubilant or colorful (as the first word implies) as Northern California’s “Gay Pride Parades” or your “Anti-American Conclaves.”
You stay happy now…ya hear!!
To TommyCoug: It really is sad that someone like Spartan Fan showed his complete ignorance & stupidity with his comments about the wonderful state of Idaho. I guess jeolousy is probably responsible for his moronic post #17. The integrity & moral attitude of all of Idaho is beyond reproach. We also don’t have a bunch of Anti-American kooks running around. We are proud Americans. Boise State University is the center-piece of the state’s athletic programs, and maintains the highest values & ethics of any school in the country.
IdahoStatesman, you bore me…really bore me…I mean hide behind your non-identity why don’t you…you would make a nice confidant to Rick Neuheisel at UCLA!
I mean…all the “positive” garbage you dumped…and you didn’t even list the most important item of all, that shows my home state of Idaho’s really true character…
And what is that, you say?…why “THE HUMANITARIAN BOWL” of course, you fake, farce supreme lowlife!
GO COUGS!!…GO PAC-10!!…GO BRONCOS AND BRONCOBOSS!!
IdahoStatesman,
Don’t take it personally. Broncoboss had it right. He put a challenge to see if anyone could have some wit and fun, so I did. Hats off to Broncoboss for recognizing the fun in the post and a good one back at me.
Either way of who we route for or laugh about / tease we both want the WAC to be successful. The Fiesta Bowl I took great pride in BSU winning that as it meant a lot to the WAC. Just like I took great pride in Hawaii for getting to the Sugar Bowl. Of course shortly after I had to hide from my friends who were watching the game and pointing and laughing at me for being from the WAC. Good thing I have a masters from an SEC school!
Wait Coug, its not called the Humanitarian Bowl anymore, right? Even the great state of Idaho sold out to some corporate marketing presence. Dang, we need a bowl in Alaska where the corporate mongers can’t find us.
I have a suggestion, Spartan Fan…why don’t “you” sponsor it?
And, if IdahoStatesman (as a play on the name of the local Boise newspaper) was serious in his comments…I give up…and here, I thought I was being funny…in my “dry wit/humorous way?” Sorry, if you and others would disagree.
See, we can all be a bunch of happy, friendly, humorous, and wiity bloggers. Boise State has one of the best football programs in the West, and I’m proud to be a loyal & supportive fan. I like to brag on my Broncos at every chance. Many SJSU fans just spout out junk that makes no sense & has 0 credibility. SJSU could have a good program if they could just figure out how! Boise State involves the crowd at home games, and makes game day a community/city event. At BSU game day is an all day fan involved fun event. If Spartan fans & management would quit spoutting out dribble & start developing what it takes to be a good program I believe SJSU could get it going. All they would have to do is spend a few home game weekends in beautiful Boise to understand what they need to do-and of course a weekend, or two in beautiful Pullman!
I forgot one thing: Learn where and how to recruit top quality football players. SJSU must be able to attract PAC 10 level athletes. The CA. JC system would be a good place to find potential program makers! 20 games played in a tough JC program & red-shirt year available sounds like a good resume for a Spartan recruit. Of course go after top high school players also. Good recruiting= good coaches!!!
Go Broncos Go Cougars Go Spartans
Now, Bb, you just gave away all our secrets to a good successful college football program…what are we to do now?
A fun packed day on the university campus during game day involving tailgaiting along with proper recruiting of high school and JC talent, plus good adequate coaching yields a successful program that produces wins. SJSU may now become the “USC” of Northern California/Silicon Valley!
GO COUGS!!…GO BRONCOS!!…GO SPARTANS!!
TommyC,
So simple isn’t it? If you recruit the right guys you’re probably going to be a good coach & a good team. One problem: I’ve seen good talent screwed up by coaching-(actually over-coaching). Sometimes a coach needs to let the players play and back off the “do it my way, or the highway” ego mentality. I’ve seen more coaches under-achieve with good talent than I’ve seen coaches with poor talent excel! Anyway, more comments astounding & insightful comments from Bb- and some people think I don’t know what I’m talking about! Ha
Go Broncos!! Go Broncos, again!! Go Cougs!! Go Spartans
I agree with MountainManny that Dick Tomey is the best coach SJSU has had since Claude Gilbert. I hope Coach Tomey is on the Spartan sidelines for the 2008 season, but would understand if he decides to go to Hawaii as their AD. One reason he may stay — assuming he is offered the job — is because his SJSU team may well be right on the verge of being pretty good.
The ‘08 schedule is more favorable than the ‘07. The only really “elite” team SJSU will play — if I am not mistaken — is Nebraska. SJSU will have San Diego State at home, plays Davis again, and goes up to Stanford to round out the non-conference schedule. BSU and Fresno both come to San Jose in 2008, and the team will actually get six home games. A lot of the players on both sides of the ball got some valuable experience in 2007, and that should make for improvement as well.
Coach Tomey will need to find some cornerbacks, and, as he has said, there is an opening for a big strong 220 pound or so running back who can knock some people over. I hope he finds one. It would be nice if the next quarterback could also run some, either on designed plays or scrambles.
Can’t wait to see what kind of recruits we get. SJSU should at the very least break even (6 - 6) in 2008, and may do as well as 9 - 3 or 10 -2. See ya all at the stadium.