The search to replace Joe O’Brien at Idaho State is in full swing. After speaking with a few people close to the situation, here are some of the names that I’ve been able to piece together….

Deane Martin – Current Interim Head Coach at Idaho State. Has a legit shot to have the interim tag removed. Ripped off four wins in a row before a loss on Monday to Montana. According to my source, AD Jeff Tingey has been impressed by how the team has responded to Martin.

Bobby Steinburg – Assistant Coach Kent State. I can confirm that he has been contacted about the position. Has been at Kent State for the past four seasons. Was the head coach at Motlow CC before that where he turned the program around in two seasons (28-5 in his second season). Has earned his stripes recruiting. May hold out for something bigger though.

Bill Hawkins – Head Coach Madison (ID) HS. Not sure about making the jump from HS to a DI head spot, but he is very respected around the area. According to sources, he would be able to generate a ton of money in donations to the program and get the locals interested in the Bengals again.

Jeff Hironaka – Assistant Coach Washington State. Spent three seasons as an assistant at Idaho State in the late 1980’s. Is in his third season at WSU and was the head coach at Seattle Pacific before that. In seven seasons at SPU, he compiled a 134-67 record.

Louis Wilson – Head Coach Adams State. Another former ISU assistant. His team is currently 16-4 (went 20-9 last season, his first at Adams State). Was the associate head coach at Cal State-Northridge before taking the helm at ASU.

Bill Evans – Assistant Coach Montana. Was the head coach at Southern Utah for 16 seasons (209-223). A veteran who knows Big Sky conference well after spending the past four seasons at Montana.