BOISE, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
The first candidate for the Boise State football team’s open head coaching job has made himself officially known. It’s the guy who already has the interim tag on him.
Spencer Danielson confirmed Monday that he interviewed with Athletic Director Jeramiah Dickey and the search committee on Sunday for the position. Danielson said that with the Broncos preparing to face UNLV in the Mountain West Championship game on Sunday, they were respectful of time, but he did classify it as an interview.
“We had a great conversation yesterday, about myself and the vision for the program if that’s what they want to go with,” Danielson said. “Then I came back and led this team.”
Danielson has been the interim coach since Andy Avalos was fired on Nov. 12. Since then, he’s led the Broncos to wins over Utah State and Air Force.
While it hasn’t named any candidates yet, Boise State did say it met with multiple candidates last week before Thanksgiving and Friday’s game against Air Force. On Saturday night, the school said it conducted two more in-person interviews that day, with the committee scheduled to meet with multiple additional candidates over the ensuing 48 hours.
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One of those candidates was Danielson, who has spent the past seven seasons on Boise State’s staff and serves as the defensive coordinator.
Danielson deflected multiple follow-up questions regarding his interview, choosing to focus mainly on the game against UNLV.
“I legitimately feel called to this place, these kids and this community,” Danielson said. “But my focus from the second I was named the interim coach was 100% focused on this team and us finishing this the right way. I had communication with our players that grown men finish what they start, we’re going to do this together. So that has been my focus.”
Among the players, he seems to be the popular pick to get the full-time job. Over the last two weeks, to a man, players made available to the media have made it clear Danielson deserves the job.
It has shown in the celebrations that have ensued after Boise State’s last two wins. Following the win at Utah State, Danielson got a Gatorade shower and was given the game ball by D.J. Schramm after the game. Video from the Boise State locker room after the win against Air Force showed Danielson crowd surfing among players.
“I’ve had an absolute blast,” said Danielson. “I don’t say that just because we’ve won these games. Obliviously, that’s a big part, but being able to be around these young men and be around this staff and help lead them to continue to work their tail off to accomplish something like I believe we’re going to, it just brings me so much joy.”
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.
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