Scout.Com Reports Hopkins Bringing Cameron Dollar Back To Washington Huskies

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 30, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Syracuse Orange interim head coach Mike Hopkins gestures from the bench against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half at the Petersen Events Center. PITT won 72-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Syracuse Orange interim head coach Mike Hopkins gestures from the bench against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half at the Petersen Events Center. PITT won 72-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Recruiting is Key

So why Dollar?  Well, the strength of Jason Hart was his recruiting in the PAC-12 and in the California region specifically.  The retention of Will Conroy is a wise move, and will help to maintain strong connections to the state of Washington.

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Still, there is a much stronger recruiting in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest with Cameron Dollar on the staff. Since he was an assistant coach for seven years under Romar, his inroads are likely viewed as the equivalent to Romar’s.  Conroy, conversely, is more in tune with the recent history of the team.

Tim The Tool Man

Finally, Tim O’Toole must now determine his next move. The University of California promoted assistant coach Wyking Jones to the head coaching role. It was a firing of California’s assistant coach Yann Hufnagle which created an opportunity for O’Toole.  O’Toole was under siege as his then head coach Johnny Dawkins was fired by Stanford. O’Toole knew a new head coach would want his guys as assistants.

Now, O’Toole faces the same “new head coach” dilemma. On one hand, does he stick it out with new head coach and hope it works out with Wyking Jones? On the other hand, does he take the initiative and accept the Washington Huskies offer to coach with Mike Hopkins?

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And so, if O’Toole does not join the staff, Hopkins will need to head back to the drawing board.  We’ll know more when contracts are signed.