CU picks next coach

? Boise State coach Dan Hawkins was close to completing a deal that would bring him to Colorado to replace Gary Barnett.

A person familiar with the negotiations, who spoke on condition of anonymity because a deal is still pending, told the Associated Press that the school hoped to introduce Hawkins as CU’s coach Friday. The contract first must be approved by the CU Board of Regents.

“Dan Hawkins is the type of coach who represents virtually every expectation that I outlined,” CU athletic director Mike Bohn told Denver station KUSA-TV. “And if we’re fortunate enough to get this completed and have Dan Hawkins announced as our coach, then we will have been very, very successful, and we will be well on our way to restoring a sense of pride in the Golden Buffaloes.”

Bohn did not immediately return messages left on his cell phone by AP.

Hawkins, who first interviewed with CU on Saturday, canceled a recruiting trip set for this week. Asked about negotiations with Colorado on Tuesday, he told the Idaho Statesman that “the process isn’t complete.”

Hawkins is 53-9 in five seasons at Boise State. He is currently in the first year of a five-year contract extension that includes an $850,000 buyout if he leaves before the end of this season and $700,000 if he completes the season. The Broncos play Boston College on Dec. 28 in the MPC Computers Bowl.

CU came to a $3 million settlement with Barnett last week. He was forced out with a year left on his contract.

The university loaned the athletic department the money to pay Barnett. The athletic department will use revenue from the 12th game on upcoming schedules to repay the loan, and may have to pay for Hawkins’ buyout in the same manner.