DISCLAIMER: A lot of this is my opinion, aside from the actual quotes from Koenning, of course.
The former Clemson defensive coordinator was watching the SEC Championship when I reached him. Did he watch the ACC Championship? “No, it would have pissed me off,” he said.
I dove right in, asking him if things had progressed with Kansas State and where things stood. He said he felt it would be best if he kept all of those conversations and thoughts between he and his wife because these were delicate situations. Interpret that as you will.
He said he expected the staff to be completed by next week mostly because recruiting is in such a pivotal period.
Here’s my theory: In 2004, Greg Peterson was the co-offensive coordinators and also in charge of the wide receivers. Del Miller was the offensive coordinator. A year later, Peterson was just the wide receivers coach and Miller was again the OC. With Chris Cosh’s official appointment this morning as the co-defensive coordinator – and assistant head coach – some fans were likely dismayed that K-State might have lost out on Koenning. I don’t think that’s the case – not yet, anyway. I think Bill Snyder reached out to Cosh, a man he respects but a coordinator Maryland fans couldn’t wait to see leave.
I think Koenning is still the DC next year, and it will be his defense K-State uses. But how long the Wildcats can retain the former Clemson assistant will be worth following.
Anyway, he said he hoped I respected his decision to sidestep my decisions, and I said I did. We chit-chatted for a little, but then he abruptly said he had to get off the phone – there was another call he had to take. It was a recruit, checking in with an (temporarily) out of work defensive coordinator at 5 p.m. on a Saturday.