The Husky Haul
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3 Reasons Washington Huskies WBB Hiring Coach Jody Wynn Means Melancholy

By Bret Stuter

Mar 27, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Washington Huskies forward Chantel Osahor (0) and guard Kelsey Plum (10) celebrate against the Stanford Cardinal in the finals of the Lexington regional of the women's NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Washington defeated Stanford 85-76. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Washington Huskies forward Chantel Osahor (0) and guard Kelsey Plum (10) celebrate against the Stanford Cardinal in the finals of the Lexington regional of the women's NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Washington defeated Stanford 85-76. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 27, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Washington Huskies players celebrate after the game against the Stanford Cardinal in the finals of the Lexington regional of the women’s NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Washington defeated Stanford 85-76. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Washington Huskies players celebrate after the game against the Stanford Cardinal in the finals of the Lexington regional of the women’s NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Washington defeated Stanford 85-76. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason Two: California Dreaming

In the midst of the coaching search, the University of Washington Huskies had to sort through a number of candidates. Some had vast national experience, some had solid regional success.  Jody and Derek Wynn have found success teaming up to lead an NCAA Women’s Basketball team.  The sticky point to that is?  They’ve done in in California only.

That point was raised in a recent interview with Mike Guardabascio of www.presstelegram.com, where Wynn discussed the factors considered in her decision to take the head coaching role at the University of Washington.

"“Neither Derek nor I have ever left Southern California, so that was one of the hardest parts,” Wynn said. “You look at things a little differently when you’re a mother. Our kids are at an age where they’re not in high school yet, and if we’re going to make a change now is a good time.”"

Consolation Prize Coach?

Everyone faces that first move away from the familiar to the new. On one hand, some never attempt it. On the other hand, some try it but return. Still more try and enjoy the new experience.

The problem is that Wynn was a front runner in the head coaching position for the USC Trojans as well, a position she ultimately lost out to when USC offered the position to Florida Gulf Coast’s head coach Karl Smesko.  Hours after Wynn announced accepting the position for the University of Washington Huskies, Smesko turned down USC.

Similar to Neighbors eventually leaving the program for Arkansas, the Huskies now risk taking a chance on the young Jody Wynn only to lose her to her first choice down the road. She coveted the USC position.   At some point, California Dreaming may sever the Wynns from UW.

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