Ben Gollings: Gollings has been widely considered to be a candidate. His playing career is winding down, he has experience coaching, and he is a legend in the 7's world. He also recently relocated to the United States. However, that is where the problem lies. Because he just moved out to Seattle he isn't in a rush to relocate again, especially for a job that doesn't pay a lot of money and would require a lot of administrative work. From what we understand he has taken himself out of consideration for the job.
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Waisale Serevi: He shares many of the same attributes as Gollings but has even more experience in dealing with American rugby. But he has his own business and unless he can do both there is no way he'll take the job. From what we hear he may consider it if the situation is just right but as of now it is no where near that ideal situation.
Al Caravelli: He help the Philippines qualify for the World Cup and has been sniffing around the Eagles job. Caravelli did a good job of getting the Eagles on a platform to excel. Remember, he was the head coach when the team went to the finals in Adelaide. He is also a good fundraiser. That said, he didn't always gel with everyone and he still has a proper day job. As Alex Magleby found out having the 7's program at the OTC requires a full-time (and then some) commitment.
Tony Pacheco: The Central Washington coach may be one of the more realistic choices. Like Magleby has has experience coaching the All-Americans and has put together a strong 7's team at his school. The questions surrounding Pacheco surround whether or not he is ready for international 7's. Magleby had taken his Dartmouth team to two CRC titles, Pacheco hasn't. He would likely be able to juggle the duties in San Diego but he may be a better choice to continue to coach the All-Americans or the Falcons.
Matt Hawkins: Another realistic choice and arguably the most logical. In many ways he has been a coach on the field for the Eagles over the last several years. He knows the terrain of U.S.A. Rugby and what it's like to be an international player. He also lives in San Diego and has flexibility in working for Serevi Rugby. He would be able to strike more of a balance between family and work than the other rumored candidates. However, making the jump from player to coach isn't easy. If he has someone to help him the first year it may make a potential transition easier. Our money is on Hawkins to be tabbed coach. Most of the people we've talked to seem to agree.
Mike Friday: The current Kenya coach has recently been confirmed as returning after some some speculation he would leave. Having led Kenya to a fourth place finish he is certainly a capable coach and one in the demand. Rugby in Kenya is unstable at best and while Friday may have said he's staying at Kenya if a better offer came along things could change. We've heard some rumors that he is in the mix.
We haven't heard his name in the mix but Andy Katoa probably deserves some consideration. He has been an integral part of the team over the last year and has been the man behind the scenes helping Magleby and the rest of the team. Whoever takes over the job needs to keep Katoa.