Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, March 29, 1990                   TAG: 9003290253
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C2   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THE RACE IS ON TO DETERMINE WHO WINDS UP WHERE

Eleven division I coaching spots are open. One was filled Wednesday when Texas A&M hired Idaho coach Kermit Davis Jr.

Davis, who signed a four-year contract, was the youngest Division I coach when he was hired at Idaho in 1988 after two successful years as a junior college coach. He led the Vandals to consecutive 25-6 records after guiding Southwest Mississippi Junior College to records of 17-9 and 22-11.

"I have a feeling of great expectation," Davis said. "I had a great opportunity at age 28 at Idaho and it took a great opportunity for me to leave Idaho."

Fifty-three jobs turned over after last season and 18 already have opened up this year, some of them already filled.

Colorado officials have interviewed Long Beach State coach Joe Harrington a second time in their ongoing search for a new head coach.

The Buffaloes are interested in Harrington because of his strong recruiting base in Southern California, an aggressive style of play and success in reviving fan interest.

Among other coaches who have been mentioned for the job are Tulane's Perry Clark, New Mexico State's Neil McCarthy, Southwest Missouri's Charlie Spoonhour, Eastern Washington's Bobby Hofman and Arkansas' Nolan Richardson, whose team is appearing in the Final Four this weekend in Denver.

One coach rumored to be on the move, Penders of Texas, decided to stay with the Longhorns on Wednesday. His new seven-year contract is worth $735,000.

"You're going to have to put up with me a little bit longer," Penders joked. "Nothing is in contract form yet, but everything is very clear."

Virginia, Florida and North Carolina State all were reportedly interested in Penders.

Another coach staying put is Don Haskins of Texas-El Paso. He said a $500,000 enticement from local boosters dissuaded him from going to Lamar.

"It'd be a difficult move for me to make," said Haskins, who has coached at UTEP for 29 years, starting when the school was called Texas Western.

Lamar fired Tony Branch earlier this month after the Cardinals went 7-21, the school's worst season ever.

"I didn't do it [talk to Lamar] because I was trying to bluff. I did it because I was hearing about a large bunch of money," Haskins said.

Lamar reportedly offered a package of about $200,000 a year. But the UTEP El Dorados, the school's booster group, countered with a $500,000 retirement annuity for Haskins to stay, boosters said.

"We just couldn't believe El Paso would let him go," said Artie Dolt, El Dorados executive director.

When a coach leaves, he must be replaced, continuing the merry-go-round. Idaho athletic director Gary Hunter must now replace Davis.

"We already have received a substantial amount of inquiry from people who might be interested," Hunter said.