Boise State has at least three great choices, amongst others no doubt, for their next Head Coach. Much is known about Bryan Harsin and Justin Wilcox. Both have been at Boise State as coaches and also as coordinators at BCS programs. Harsin is a first year Head Coach at Arkansas State. 
Fans from the last 13 years are not as familiar with former Boise State Head Coach Dirk Koetter. 

Koetter was a finalist for the BSU job in 1997 when Houston Nutt got the job. He came in 2nd. When Nutt bolted for Arkansas at the end of the season, Koetter was named the coach for the 1998 season. Boise State was reeling from the death of then Head Coach Pokey Allen and the tough transition to Division 1 football. Since the 1-AA finals appearance in 1994, the program had gone 14-20 when Koetter was hired as the 4th coach in 3 seasons (Tom Mason was an interim coach during Allen’s illness). The program needed stability and an identity again. Koetter provided that and turned things around quickly.

Here is a snap shot look at what Koetter could offer as the next Head Coach in four areas:

Experience
Off Co-ord at BCS schools Missouri, Boston College and Oregon from 1989-1997.  Head College Football coach at Boise St. and Arizona St. from 1998-2006. NFL Offensive co-ord 2007-present. Under contract through 2014 with Atlanta Falcons. 2 conference championships at Boise State, none at Arizona State. Was over shadowed by USC and Pete Carroll during same years at ASU.

Recruiting
Koetter hit similar areas as BSU and ASU head man. California, Northwest and Texas. Recruited well for Boise State when he was Head Coach. Hasn’t gotten hands dirty in recruiting since 2006.  Last recruiting contacts were for Pac 12 program with extensive California, Arizona and some Texas signings. Has put at least 18 former players in the NFL.

Staff
Has deepest rolodex of contacts of the three, including many former Boise State and Arizona State players and assistant coaches he coached or hired. Offers proven track record for staff members to believe in and plenty of references for them to check, including a call to Coach Pete. May recruit a staff of experienced coaches who want to stay at Boise State longer term.

Intangibles
Has complete knowledge of how Coach Pete ran the Boise State football program. Offers the current players, future recruits and fans a boost because he would be willing to leave the NFL for Boise State. Instant respect as Head Coach because of pedigree. Familiar with Big money boosters and isn’t interested in job hopping out of Boise at age of 55. Has assembled staffs and run high level programs on short notice. Is a good counter to Coach Pete’s style, i.e. can be biting and direct, holding everyone around him accountable and is tough on the media. Has a philosophy on how to run a program.