A list of 50 candidates applied and interviewed for the position ,but in the end, it was just wait and hope.

Eastern Kentucky has hired current University of Louisville assistant head football coach and offensive line coach Danny Hope as its 12th head football coach.

“We are really exicted about bringing in Danny because we wanted to name a coach by Dec. 1,” Eastern Kentucky Sports Information Director Karl Park said.

Hope is still the assistant head football coach and offensive line coach at the University of Louisville. Hope is still currently helping the Cardinals prepare for the GMAC Bowl on Dec. 18 in Mobile, Ala. versus Marshall.

“He has really been pulling double-duty,” Park said.

Hope has worked as an assistant for certain coaches like Howard Schellenburger (Louisville 1985-1994), Joe Tiller (Wyoming 1996 and Purdue 1997-2001) and John L. Smith (Louisville 2002).

“I’ve worked for three really good head coaches, so my point of view comes from three different places,” Hope said.

While at Wyoming and Purdue, thier offense achieved a Top 20 offensive ranking four consecutive years.

Hope will bring a form of Joe Tiller’s offensive style that tended to use more of an aerial attack.

“We will throw the ball with a wide-open and spread offense style,” Hope said. “Don’t get me wrong, I love to run the ball, but we will throw it more.”

Hope also comes to a prestigous program with one of the best recruiting reputations in the country. ESPN’s Tom Lemming rated Hope one of the nation’s top recruiters twice (1993, 2000). Hope has several ties and is known for landing prospects in Kentucky, Indiana, Mississippi, Dallas, Chicago and Miami.

Hope signed Atlanta Falcons conerback Ray Buchanon while a assistant coach at Louisville.

“They have had some great players here but I think I bring different type of resources to the table,” Hope said.

According to Park, Eastern Kentucky defensive coordinator Jim Tanaera was one of the finalists but will be asked to return and lead the Ohio Valley Conference number-one rated defense.

“There will be a transition period but without a doubt, we expect to win,” Hope said.

Former 39-year-head coach Roy Kidd was pleased at the selection of Hope as his replacement for several reasons.

“He told us that he would be happy if it was somebody on his staff or a former player,” Park said.

Kidd will still stay on at Eastern Kentucky in a fund raising capacity.

Hope has made two bold statements after being named head coach.

“We will win big at EKU,” Hope said. “EKU would be a great place to stay for a long time.”