Nebraska baseball coach Dave Van Horn’s decision to fill the Arkansas vacancy could have an effect on Kansas University’s search for a new baseball coach.

Rob Childress, Van Horn’s assistant at Nebraska, was reportedly one of the leading candidates to replace Bobby Randall who resigned in May after seven years as KU’s coach.

However, Childress on Friday was promoted to associate head coach at Nebraska, with the Huskers turning to Mike Anderson to replace Van Horn. It is believed it now would be difficult for the Jayhawks to lure Childress from NU.

Richard Konzem, chair of the Kansas search committee, said earlier this week that the field of applicants had been narrowed to around five. Konzem hoped to begin conducting personal interviews next week.

“We did some phone interviews today, and we’ll do some more on Monday  like I’ve said from Day One,” Konzem said Friday. “We’ll do some Monday after the College World Series is over, and we’ll plan to do in-persons (interviews) the middle of next week. Hopefully we’ll have somebody in place by the end of next week. I’d think after the in-persons it would move pretty quickly.”

Meanwhile, the Fresno Bee reported that Fresno City College baseball coach Ron Scott declined an offer from KU athletic director Al Bohl to apply for the Kansas job.

Scott told the Bee he turned down a request by Bohl two weeks ago. Bohl is a former Fresno State AD.

“I didn’t apply,” Scott said. “I have everything I want here  my family, friends, a job I like. I turn 49 in July. I didn’t want to start over in Kansas with a last-place team.”

Asked if another possible candidate, Central Missouri State coach Brad Hill, had withdrawn his name, Konzem said, “I’m not going to comment on any individual candidates like that.”