The Husky Haul
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Mike Hopkins “His Next Contract Will Be Head Coaching Contract”

By Bret Stuter

Dec 22, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange acting head coach Mike Hopkins reacts to a play against the Montana State Bobcats during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange acting head coach Mike Hopkins reacts to a play against the Montana State Bobcats during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 8, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach designate Mike Hopkins speaks with the press after the Colgate Raiders game at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse won 78-51. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach designate Mike Hopkins speaks with the press after the Colgate Raiders game at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse won 78-51. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason for Optimism

Hopkins is more than just a name or a warm, body. He is the long ripened product of a very successful NCAA men’s basketball program.

And he has a chip on his shoulder.

Now, moving long distances from coast to coast may not be a seamless transition. The UW Huskies may be challenged in the 2017 to break .500. The current roster of players and prospects may seek other basketball programs in the immediate future.

But Coach Hopkins is a respected name in the NCAA and in the basketball world for good reason. He is a humble man whose accomplishments are headliners. He doesn’t seek fame, merely to be the best and to bring out the best of the players around him.

While he may not have a long run of head coaching experience, there are only a handful of persons who doubt his ability to take it to the next level.  He handled the interim head coaching role with Syracuse with flying colors.

Next: University of Washington Huskies Sunday Sports Summary

In the end, the progression to an NCAA Div I head coaching position sources from two spots: a head coach from a Div II or III program who excels, or an assistant head coach from a successful Div I program.  UW has elected the second option.  I think it was a good choice.

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