So, the head football coach has to be a card-carrying member, right? Of course, that limits the pool of candidates. What if we took a different approach. We are a unique institution with a unique mission and different (independent) approach. Let's take our football model to the next level and emulate the professional approach.

I say we hire a "General Manager" of the football program. This person will be a highly active and well respected LDS member. The GM could come from any number of experience types...business, football non-coaching, football ex-coach, football ex-player, whatever. Think big. They could concern themselves with the "Program". They can help with player ecclesiastical and honor code matters, scheduling, help with recruiting and overall program building, firesides, whatever. You don't have to pay this person the $1 million coach salary. He is largely an administrator or protector and builder of the brand. He could also focus on the increasingly business oriented aspects of college football as well. This is not in replacement of TH, but could provide tremendous leverage for TH in the football program.

Then, you pay the big bucks for the best coach you can get...any religious flavor so long as he is consistent with our overall culture (like any organization would be concerned with). He would be the Head Game Coach or some such title. He would focus 100% on coaching, building his staff and recruiting. He wouldn't be distracted by much of what makes BYU unique. He can be an 80 hour/week football coach.

This could dramatically broaden the pool of talent from which we could hire. The hybrid approach covers the ecclesiastical needs of the football program, while allowing BYU to hire a top shelf football head coach.

We have pioneered a lot in the college football ranks: the forward pass, independence (kind-of), operating under a strict honor code and missionary program, etc. Now, let's pioneer the way we staff the leadership and governance of our program.