Dec. 12, 2005

DENVER (AP) - Colorado's athletic director said Monday he plans to hire Gary Barnett's replacement before the team plays in the Champs Sports Bowl at the end of the month.

"I'd like the players to have the opportunity to meet him before the game," Mike Bohn said.

He declined to identify any of the candidates, although reports around the state said he recently met with former CU player Jon Embree, who is now an assistant at UCLA, and with Boise State coach Dan Hawkins.

"I would just like to say I was very appreciative of the opportunity," Embree told the Boulder Daily Camera.

Other reported candidates include Butch Davis, the former coach at University of Miami and the Cleveland Browns, Broncos assistant Tim Brewster and former CU star Dave Logan.

"It's an incredibly diverse talent pool," Bohn said. "I'm excited about the progress."

The Buffs play Clemson in the Champs Sports Bowl on Dec. 27.