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Report: Dan Hawkins' job safe for now

College Football, Colorado Buffaloes

Colorado will retain coach Dan Hawkins through the end of the season, The Denver Post reported Saturday.

Cody Hawkins, son of the head coach, is the only scholarship quarterback available due to injuries and, according to The Post, Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn wants to maintain the continuity at that position.

A Colorado program that has been embroiled in turmoil under Hawkins took one of its biggest hits in Saturday's 52-45 loss to Kansas. The Jayhawks scored the final 35 points of the fourth quarter to rally, dropping the Buffaloes to 19-39 in five years with Hawkins.

The Buffaloes (3-6) are 0-5 in their Big 12 farewell tour and have lost 17 straight outside Colorado.

Afterward, Hawkins walked out on his post-game interview with KOA radio, the Buffs' flagship station, when asked about not running the ball more in the fourth quarter to salt away their first road win since 2007.

Bohn released a statement after the game.

"It goes without saying that this game was extremely disappointing on many levels and obviously these developments do not meet our expectations," Bohn said. "That's not to disparage Kansas' accomplishments in any way. While we share many of the same frustrations and serious disappointment as our fans, I have confidence in this group of seniors to represent this team and the university with both pride and a competitive spirit the rest of the season.

"I am cognizant and most appreciative of our fan support of the players during this difficult season. Their loyal following will be integral to our immediate and long-term success."

According to the report, Bohn is wary of causing even more unrest by firing Dan Hawkins now.

The Post said Dan Hawkins is expected to meet with Bohn this week.

Cody Hawkins, a senior, is 919 yards away from the school's all-time passing record, held by Joel Klatt. He's also the only healthy quarterback on the roster, with starter Tyler Hansen recovering from a hard hit that hospitalized him two weeks ago.

Bohn declined comment when reached by phone by The Post.

Colorado hosts Iowa State next week, followed by Kansas State before visiting Nebraska (No. 7 BCS, No. 9 AP) to finish the season.

Bohn, Chancellor Phil DiStefano and President Bruce Benson took heavy criticism for not firing Hawkins after the Buffs finished 3-9 last season.

Hawkins also alienated alumni and former players by saying the program was "burned to the ground" when he got there even though the Buffaloes had reached the league championship game several times under former coach Gary Barnett.

After starting 3-1, the Buffs have lost five straight and will have to beat Iowa State and Kansas State at home and Nebraska on the road to avoid a fifth straight losing season.

Hawkins is making nearly $1.5 million this season in base salary and incentives, less than every coach in the Big 12 except Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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