The University of Montana is set to name an interim head football coach soon in the wake of firing Robin Pflugrad on Thursday, but the search for a permanent coach will certainly draw plenty of interest. While there are no names yet connected with the job, the New York Times' Pete Thamel and CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd are throwing out an interesting name that is familiar to Colorado Buffaloes fans:

Can't think of a better fit for the Montana job than Dan Hawkins. He knows that area and has won big.

— Pete Thamel(@PeteThamelNYT) March 30, 2012

If Montana wants to emerge from its current situation, it needs to hire Dan Hawkins. Would be a perfect fit.

— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) March 30, 2012

Hawkins certainly knows the Rocky Mountains region with his (abysmal) time with Colorado and his (successful) stint with the Boise St. Broncos. If he does emerge as a candidate for the job and if he does get it, Hawkins could certainly rebuild his credibility as a coach with a few years at the FCS level and then use that as a springboard back to an FBS school.

This is certainly something to keep an eye on.

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