San Jose State coaching search: Who might be the Spartans next new head coach?

Ron Caragher did not produce a winning season despite taking over a Spartans team that was fresh off one of the most successful years in school history. Caragher went 19-30 in four years.

Athletic director Gene Bleymaier recently announced that a search for a new head coach will begin immediately. It turns out that this statement was accurate. After all, Bleymaier was under extreme pressure to find a coach that will elevate the program's standing in the West division of the Mountain West.

The Spartans entered the 2016 season with feelings of optimism due to a veteran offensive line and experienced quarterback Kenny Potter, but the defense was ineffective in the long run, which was a continuous problem. San Jose State found ways to lose.

Let's rewind a minute to a silver lining when San Jose State ended the season with a 16-14 win over the Bulldogs to defend the Valley Trophy. The Spartans finished with a 4-8 record and was 3-5 in conference play.

According to Sports Illustrated's Peter Thamel, San Jose State has reached out to former Fresno State coach Pat Hill.

Hill served as the Bulldogs' head coach from 1997 until his dismissal following the 2011 season. The 64-year-old led Fresno State to a record of 112-80, 11 bowl games and a share of the 1999 Western Athletic Conference title.

Hill's name comes as a surprise for most Mountain West fans. First off, he was fired after 15 seasons at Fresno State. Second, he has agreed to become the Atlanta Falcons' offensive line coach, but left the position after the 2013 season. Last but not least, if hired, he will become the Spartans' fourth head coach in a nine-year span.

Coaching is a big responsibility. Hill has a great passion for the game of football. He has tons of experience as a head coach. Coming into the 2005 season, Hill collected a 64-38 win-loss record, the most by any non-Bowl Championship conference team.

Hill had a 40-41 record in his final 81 games, beginning with a 50-42 loss to then-No. 1 University of Southern California in 2005.

Hill has had his ups and downs, so it will be interesting to see how this turns out. I wish him the best of luck in landing a new coaching job.