Sources close to the athletic department say Johnson, whose father Bob Johnson led the program to prominence as coach from 1966-82, will at least talk with Alvarez about the job. Mark Johnson was passed over by previous athletic director Pat Richter when Eaves was chosen, but has gone on to compile a 395-74-35 record and led the women’s program to four national titles.
The other most prominent name mentioned is Don Granato, a former UW player from 1987-91 who is coaching with the USA Hockey National team Development Program. Sources say his interest in the UW job has increased.
Another possible candidate with strong UW ties is Mark Osiecki, who played for the Badgers from 1987-90 and was an assistant from 2004-10 before leaving to become head coach at Ohio State. He was fired after three seasons with the Buckeyes and has spent the past three years as an assistant coach with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.
Should Alvarez decide to go outside the UW family, speculation has focused on several head coaches of other programs. Among the names frequently mentioned are Rick Bennett of Union, Nate Leaman of Providence and Mike Hastings of Minnesota State.
