Report: Peterson offered

ASU hoops job
By Steve Behr

Former Appalachian State men’s basketball coach Buzz Peterson has been offered the chance to return as head coach of the Mountaineers, according to a published report.

The Charlotte Observer reported Thursday morning that Peterson will decide on whether to take the job within “the next few days.” Peterson, 45, is the current director of player personell for the Charlotte Bobcats.

The head coach of the men’s basketball team position became open at Appalachian State when Houston Fancher was fired after taking over the helm of the Mountaineers when Buzz Peterson left to coach at Tulsa.

Peterson took the Hurricanes to an NIT championship and then accepted the head coaching position at Tennessee, where he stayed from 2001-05 before being fired.

He coached at Coastal Carolina for two seasons (2005-07) before joining the Bobcats’ front office in 2007.

Fancher, a former assistant to Peterson, guided Appalachian State to a 13-18 season in 2008-09, and had an overall record of 137-136 with the Mountaineers. His best season was 2006-07 when Appalachian State finished 25-8 and reached the NIT.

Peterson guided the Mountaineers to their second NCAA Tournament appearance in 2000, when they finished with a 23-9 record. Overall, Peterson was 79-39 with the Mountaineers in four seasons, going 47-12 in the Southern Conference. The Mountaineers won three North Division championships in his final three seasons.

Peterson took over for Tom Apke in 1996.

The Observer said that “sources” said Peterson would be offered a salary in the range of $250,000-$300,000, which is more than what football coach Jerry Moore is paid. Moore, in his 20th season at Appalachian State, earns $180,000.

Fancher was reported to make $120,000 last season.

In addition to salary, the observer reported that Peterson would receive other incentives, such as use of a house and a car.

“I just have to make up my mind and do what I want to do,” Peterson told the Observer. “I miss coaching. I miss having my own team. I miss riding the team bus. I miss eating dinner with the guys on the team.”

“As for Appalachian, I really love the place – always have,” he added.