Sawyer removes name from consideration

There are no names, officially, on the list of contenders for the Spokane Chiefs coaching job. But one can already be stricken from consideration: assistant coach Kevin Sawyer.

Sawyer, a former Chiefs captain and the franchise’s all-time leader in penalty minutes, has decided not to apply for the job most recently held by Al Conroy before his firing this week.

Sawyer broke that news on sports talk radio on Thursday and Chiefs general manager Tim Speltz confirmed it on Friday. Sawyer also said that it is his preference to try and remain on with the Chiefs as an assistant.

Contacted Friday, Sawyer said, “That’s what I’d like to do (remain with the Chiefs). I don’t know what’s going to happen but that’s what I’d like. I’m going to wait it out and see what happens.”

Speltz said he’s had a discussion with Conroy’s other assistant, Rikard Gronborg, but that no final decision has been made by either party. Speltz said he anticipates having another discussion with Gronborg soon.

Both Sawyer and Gronborg’s contracts with the team run through May 31 and their fate will most likely depend on whom is hired as head coach.

Jeff Bunch