Portland State makes interim coach permanent after North Texas win
A few days after beating North Texas, Portland State has made interim coach Bruce Barnum the team's official head coach.
The FCS-level Vikings beat North Texas 66-7 for the team's second win over an FBS team in 2015. Portland State opened the season with a win over Washington State.
North Texas also fired coach Dan McCarney in the hours after the game. The loss dropped the Mean Green to 0-5.
"It is my privilege to announce that Portland State has signed Bruce Barnum to a multi-year contract," athletic director Mark Rountree said in a statement. "Coach Barnum has proven he can lead our team to compete at the highest levels, and is committed to developing student-athletes to be successful for the rest of their lives.
"The search committee recognized his strong commitment to integrity and the holistic success of students, which is why he was the unanimous choice for the job. Bruce exemplifies Portland State's identity of being fearless and determined, and I know he will have a huge impact on our campus and our community."
Barnum was the team's interim coach because he was hired when Portland State was looking for a new athletic director in 2014. Nigel Burton was fired after five years at the school and the Vikings went 21-36 in his five years. Rountree was hired in January 2015 but Barnum kept the interim tag, and his 12-month contract, entering the season.
Now Portland State is 4-1 with two of those wins being marquee (and maybe a bit unexpected) ones. The team's performance through the first five games means his hired is a deserved one.
Barnum was previously Portland State's offensive coordinator. A 27-year coaching veteran, he became the Vikings' offensive coordinator in 2010.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
