As speculated and anticipated BYU assistant Coach Chris Burgess took his talents and headed to team North. Chris was an expert recruiter and his loss leaves some big shoes to fill. This is something that Pope will have to address quickly as possible. However, BYU does have another vetting layer to process so the replacement search could take a few extra weeks. Listed below are some names that certainly make sense and may come as possible candidates. Although, Coach Pope likely will have a longer list to go through.
The first name that comes to mind is Mark Madsen. Yes, the former Laker assistant and current UVU coach. At this point, is likely a long shot. Although a rising coaching star in the making, has created a decent resume with UVU in most recently a 20 win season and even beating the cougs. Am sure that it would take a lot of coin thrown at Madsen and BYU if motivated could certainly do it.
This is huge off the radar prospect to fill Burgess's slot as an assistant. Kahil Fennell was an assistant at Louisville this past season but is currently searching for work after coach Mack left mid season. Apparently, this is a name that Pope is has as a possibility. Kahil is not a member of the LDS church and has no other known connections to BYU. Although, heading into the Big 12 would certainly help bridge the gap when it comes to racial diversity and having a non-member coach on staff. Fennell does check all the boxes with experience from the ACC. Keep an eye on him in the coming weeks.
Although, Dave Rice may not be the first on the list he does bring a wealth of experience both in coaching and from within the program as a former assistant. He does bring a lot of success as a recruiter as well and would be a rather safe hire if considered for the position.
Paul Peterson has been the head coach at nearby national HS basketball power house Wasatch Academy since 2018. He is a member of the LDS church and helps bridge the racial diversity gap heading into the Big 12. Paul may lack the coaching experience at the collegiate level but is well dialed in with recruiting locally. This may be a strong choice. However, if BYU is to continue have Wasatch as a potential feeder school there is no reason to cut that tie to bring him aboard. Having Peterson at Wasatch may help the cougs more than it would to have him on staff. He has been ridiculously successful there.
Would former BYU player Lee Cummard be interested? He may be in play to replace Jeff Judkins as BYU's womens head coach. Oft referenced option could include Payson native Barret Peery. Peery now as associate head coach in Lubbock. Would he have any ambition to come back home to the state and coach? There may be others on Pope's list and who gets the spot, only time will tell.
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