UNM FANS DEBATE FUTURE

Hire Brian Urlacher as Lobo head coach

WATCHING THE sparsely attended Lobo game (recently), it is apparent change is needed. The time is ripe. (University of New Mexico President) Garnett Stokes and (Athletic Director) Eddie Nuñez must begin immediately to work with lawmakers to hire the only person living to resurrect Lobo football. That man is Brian Urlacher. It won’t be cheap or easy, but here are three reasons why.

If successful, announcing his hiring would reap unheard-of early season tickets sales and spark immediate interest in the program. Twenty-five thousand season tickets sold prior to next season’s opener isn’t overly optimistic.

If he can be convinced to take the job, he would have time to start recruiting a staff that might include coach (Bob) Davie, if Urlacher would be interested.

Brian Urlacher is a Lobo from Lovington and an NFL Hall of Famer who would recruit any New Mexico player who demonstrates ability to play Division I football, and out-of-state recruits might think they would benefit by his mentorship.

Don’t know if he’s interested in moving back home, but if he is, I can’t think of a better scenario for Lobo football.

UNM should extend a contract offer to Brian Urlacher equal to, or more than, any coach in the Mountain West Conference. The state of (the) program hangs in the balance.

Go Lobos!

Editor’s note: Gates graduated from UNM in 1990.

JOURNAL FILE Above, UNM football coach Bob Davie takes questions from the media just days before the start of the 2018 football season and the Lobos’ opening game. At left, Davie walks the sidelines just before the end of the Nov. 16 game against Boise State at DreamStyle Stadium. Boise State won 45-14.