Moments after Steve Fairchild was fired as the Colorado St. Rams, speculation former Colorado Buffaloes head coach Gary Barnett expressed interest in the opening:
Early speculation on potential candidates to replace Fairchild revolve around CSU alums. But one big-name candidate, former Colorado coach Gary Barnett, is known to be interested, according to a source. Also known to be interested is Tony Alford, a former assistant at CSU who is now the receivers' coach at Notre Dame, according to a source close to the situation.
Barnett was a successful head coach at Colorado with a record of 49-38 and earned on Big 12 title during his tenure from 1999-2005. However, his tenure ended in a recruiting scandal that got him fired. The scandal involved potential recuits being enticed with alcohol and sex on recruiting trips. So, there are people who do not want Barnett as their head coach.
However, Mark Kislza is arguing in favor of brining in Barnett since he is a big name but Kislza also is putting down the Colorado State job by saying it's a dead-end job and up-and-coming coordinators would not even consider coaching for Colorado State. He thinks Barnett is the best they could do as for a big name since no one would want this job.
That is a bit harsh by saying that, however I get that Colorado State is not the most glamorous head coaching job, but they do have a history of winning and are in a conference that regularly sends teams to the BCS.
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