Appalachian State search has close ties

Dec 3, 2012 - 10:28 PM Boone, NC (Sports Network) - Scott Satterfield returned to Appalachian State nearly a year ago with the hope that he could become the successor to legendary football coach Jerry Moore in the future.

Shawn Elliott might be willing to do the same.

A national search is ongoing with the national FCS power after Sunday's announcement that Moore's contract will not be renewed after 24 seasons. The focus could center on coaches with ASU ties.

Satterfield, named the interim head coach on Sunday, returned to the program after the 2011 season as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. He's in his second stint with the Mountaineers after spending 11 seasons there from 1998-2008. He left for assistant positions at Toledo (2009) and Florida International (2010-11) before his return.

Elliott, the University of South Carolina's co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, is considered another leading candidate for the position. He is in his third season with the Gamecocks under Steve Spurrier. Previously, the ASU alum had coached for 13 years under Moore, including the three straight FCS (then Division I-AA) national championships seasons from 2005-07.

Appalachian State finished 8-4 in Moore's final season, sharing the Southern Conference title before bowing out in the second round of the FCS playoffs this past Saturday.