There is a pretty wild coaching search going at Appalachian State. Last week, the Mountaineers had reportedly offered the job to Bobcats Director of Player Personnel Buzz Peterson. After thinking it over, Peterson (who was the head coach at App. St from 1996-2000), turned the job down. This move was a little surprising considering most thought Peterson wanted to return to coaching. The next target for ASU AD Charlie Cobb was The Citadel’s Ed Conroy. Conroy, the SoCon’s Coach of the Year, led the Bulldogs to a 20-13 record this past season. Seems like he’d be a great choice – the only problem is that The Citadel AD Larry Leckonby has so far refused to grant ASU permission to speak with Conroy.

http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2009/apr/11/appalachian-s…

Where does Appalachian State go next? There are two quality assistants out there that would be great choices. Former Alabama assistant James Holland is a Native of Charlotte, NC and has some big-time recruiting ties. He has served as a high major assistant at UTEP, Georgia, South Carolina, and San Diego State. He has not been a head coach, but is definitely ready. Also, Missouri assistant Melvin Watkins is reportedly in the mix. Watkins is the former head coach at UNC-Charlotte (1996-1998 – 42-20 record) and Texas A&M (1998-2004 60-112 record). He is also a guy that can get it done on the recruiting trail and has become a "hot" name since Missouri’s Elite 8 run.

I would hope that The Citadel will eventually grant ASU permission to speak with Conroy, but if not, look for Holland and Watkins to be the leaders for the Mountaineers job.